This is a *very* short TTaT pre-story, set in continuity post X-Force 30, pre Cable 20. I blame reading too many Massive-Cable-Angst comics for this. I was feeling sorry for the stubborn lug. :P If you want an extra dose of nausea, try cueing up Live's 'Dance With You' while you're reading.
TTaT: Waking
by Timesprite
There was almost no light, but he could see her well enough, laying on her stomach, face turned away from him and pale shoulders exposed. He knew he shouldn't be there--it was her room, an invasion of her privacy--but somehow just seeing her made the tightness in his chest ease a little, distanced his reasons for being awake. He sighed inwardly. He was going to have to talk to her, eventually. It had been months, and he couldn't put it off forever.
She stirred, hand sliding beneath the pillow as she rolled towards him--reaching for the gun he knew she kept there. The bedside would have been close enough for most, but not Dom. He hoped he never learned the reason why.
"Hello." Her voice was puzzled and she rubbed at her eyes blearily. "Something wrong?" Her other hand reappeared from beneath the pillow, empty.
"No I--I'll go." He shifted uncomfortably. "I shouldn't have--"
"It's okay, Nate." She made a motion to turn on the bedside lamp.
"No, don't get up. I didn't mean to wake you."
Her hand dropped back from the lamp and she sat up against the headboard. "Well, something's bothering you." She could feel an unease from him that was almost child-like, a distinct impression that, despite his words, he didn't really want to leave. "Come sit down." She patted the spot on the bed next to her, and after a moment's hesitation, he sat down, stretching his legs along the length of the bed.
"Trouble sleeping?" A mute, jerky nod was the only reply, aside from the almost pained look in his eyes. Domino felt something in her chest constrict ever so slightly at that look. She ran her hand along the span of his shoulders, feeling the tension there, caressing and massaging until she felt the knots loosen.
Her slender fingers slid along his skin, surprisingly gentle, soothing for all the destruction he knew those hands had wrought. He breathed easier as he felt the ache melt away slowly, until the shadows no longer held menace and the edgy, raw sensation faded. "Think you can get back to sleep now?" There wasn't any mockery in her voice, no pity. Only comprehension and compassion.
"Yeah." He sighed, letting the last traces of his nightmare slip away into darkness. "I--thanks."
"No problem." He could almost hear the soft smile in her voice as she settled down on the pillows, letting him wrap his arms around her waist. "Goodnight, Nate."
"Night," he murmured, eyes sliding shut to a sleep that was blissfully empty.
End