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Ishiro woke with a start. He was breathing heavily, sweat caking his body. He closed his eyes and took in some deep breaths, trying to stop the pounding in his chest.
His mind was running wild, replaying the nightmare. He really wished it was one of those times where the moment he woke up he couldn't remember anything about the dream. But why would that happen? The world seemed like it was out to get him sometimes.
Ishiro sat up, knowing sleep was just a distant memory at this point. He took in a few more breaths and then got off the bed. He went into the bathroom and splashed some cold water on his face.
As he lifted his head, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He looked a mess. His eyes were bloodshot, his hair a disaster. His clothes weren't exactly the most neat looking either. Everything about him was disheveled.
Ishiro let out a sigh. He splashed some more water on his face and then turned it off. He dried his face and then went back to his room. He stared at the bed.
Was it even worth it? Sleep wasn't going to be his friend after that. He had learned that lesson time and time again.
Ishiro walked to the door and exited his room. He quietly shut the door and walked down the hall. He came to a stop a few doors down.
Was he really doing this? It was pathetic, wasn't it? One bad dream and he... was coming here. He was an adult. He should be able to handle something like this. But yet... he wanted someone else to comfort him.
Ishiro opened the door and slipped inside. Taiya was fast asleep on his bed. Ishiro stared at him for a moment and then approached.
Did he wake him? He probably should, right? It would be rude not to if he was going to intrude like this.
But that meant facing the reason he came here. Did he really want to admit that to Taiya?
He had come too far to turn back now. He didn't want to go back to his bed.
Ishiro invited himself into the bed, forcing his way into Taiya's personal space. The movement woke the other.
Taiya let out a small grumble and then his eyes opened. He took in the sight quietly for a moment. Ishiro didn't dare look at him. He kept his face low and out of his vision.
"Casshiro?" Taiya spoke, a hand finding it's way onto Ishiro's head.
Ishiro didn't know what to do. He moved in closer, burying his face into Taiya's shirt.
"What's wrong?" Taiya asked, now combing his fingers through Ishiro's hair.
"Nightmare..." Ishiro mumbled. He had to say something. He didn't want to make Taiya too concerned.
"Nightmare." Taiya repeated. "What about?"
That was the part he hadn't wanted to disclose. It was pathetic. That this is what made him so upset. He knew logically it was stupid and yet... it had messed with him this much.
Would Taiya laugh at the obsurdity of it all?
"Casshiro. Come on." Taiya whispered.
Ishiro found a hand on his chin and suddenly he was being made to look at Taiya. Taiya was giving him a concerned look, even more so once he took in how disheveled Ishiro looked.
"What was it?" Taiya asked again. "It's clearly upset you quite a lot."
Ishiro averted his gaze and then he spoke quietly. "I... it was about... you... dying..."
He couldn't bring himself to look at Taiya. Didn't want to know how he was reacting to that. Ishiro felt ashamed to even have to admit it.
"Casshiro."
Arms pulled him into a tight hug. Ishiro didn't know what to do at first, but his arms found their way around Taiya all the same.
"It's so stupid... I'm sorry..." Ishiro mumbled.
"It's not stupid. You can't help what nightmares you have." Taiya replied.
"But I know it isn't true... so I shouldn't be this upset over it."
"It doesn't work that way, Casshiro. Your body doesn't logic out nightmares."
Ishiro didn't bother responding. This was a losing battle on his end. He just pressed himself closer to Taiya and closed his eyes. The comfort was nice...
He felt a kiss on his head. "I'm here. Try and get some more rest, okay?"
"Okay." Ishiro winced as his voice cracked.
"I'll chase away anymore bad dreams."
"Taiya..."
"Goodnight."
"...night."
They fell silent. Ishiro tried to calm himself and sleep. He was still afraid to, but he was also stuck in this position. He took in a deep breath and tried to focus on the present.
Please let him sleep peacefully... He didn't need to disturb Taiya more than he already had. Didn't want him to see him come any more undone than this.
"I've had dreams like that before too, Casshiro."
Ishiro paused at the sudden words. Should he say anything? Taiya had also been through this? That probably shouldn't be as surprising as it was to him. They did get into some dangerous situations here and there.
"Really?" Ishiro said, opening his eyes, though opting to not try and move from his position.
"Yeah. That's why I understand. It's so stupid that you react this way when you know the truth. But, that's just how it is. Nothing you can do about it." Taiya replied.
"I... okay... if you say this is... normal, I'll believe you."
"Good. Now, goodnight for real." Taiya said. "It was a long day..."
"Love you..." Ishiro whispered.
Taiya kissed his head once more. "Love you too. Sweet dreams."
Ishiro let out a small sigh. Taiya pulled him in closer, resting his head on top of Ishiro's. Ishiro closed his eyes and sunk into the embrace.
As much as sometimes he hated asking for help, it was nice. Having someone to rely on when you needed it. He'd have to do something to try and thank Taiya later.
At least sleep did come a lot nicer the second time around.