formerfratboy:

Flinching slightly when he felt Eames moving to hold him as his mind fought off the last remnants of the nightmare, Justin fought against his instinct and turned toward his embrace. Burrowing into his arms, he pressed his forehead against his chest, listening to the steady heartbeat. It took a few minutes, but he did eventually feel like he could breathe properly again and his heart had stopped pounding quite so dizzyingly. “I know,” he managed weakly, one hand curling around Eames’ arm. “I’m all right… just… echoes of a nightmare. They tend to last for a while. But, I’m all right. I promise.” Sighing softly, he rolled over onto his back. Exhaustion fought to drag him back into the land of dreams and nightmares, but he fought it off. He couldn’t… not for a third time in one night. Running a hand down his face, he sighed again. “I should take a shower…”

Eames hated feeling helpless, like there was nothing he could do to keep Justin safe from the demons that plagued his sleep. Holding him at night just didn’t fee like enough to him. Then again, that was all Justin could do when those rare times when he dreamed hit him. Maybe that was all either one of them could do – sit and hold the other until the moment passed. He may have felt a little bit like a failure but he was trying to do what he could to remind Justin he was safe and that he wouldn’t let anyone hurt him. “Okay,” he said, allowing him to adjust his position so he was more comfortable. Eames would have held him all night if that was what he wanted. Instead he did whatever Justin needed him to do. “As long as you’re okay. That’s what matters. Though I wish I could do something more than just hold you and remind you I won’t let anything get to you.” Eventually they would need to get some sleep. He knew that he wouldn’t be sleeping any time soon. Not that he slept much anyway. Justin, though, needed it. He had to work and would need the sleep to actually function. “You want some company? Could wash your hair or something.”