Disclaimer: I don't own Numb3rs.
A/N: My first entry for the 25 Fluffy Fics challenge on LJ. Enjoy.
In Her Arms
The nightmares started when he first got back. He would toss and turn in whatever bed he had chosen for the night, often his car or the couch in Charlie's office. The dreams would start out pleasant enough, but as his mind continued to weave the tales they would morph into something more sinister.
Inevitably, his monsters would rouse him from his sleep, causing him to lay awake for the rest of the night, his eyes glued to whatever ceiling was available to him. He never tried to go back to sleep, he knew he would only wake up again. H edidn't have a problem with his new sleep routine, it seemed natural enough to him, but other people seemed concerned.
"You look tired," they would say. He would brush it off with a polite nod and an assurance that he felt fine. It wasn't until Megan expressed her concern that he started to consider change.
"Are you still sleeping in your car?"
"Or the office, yes."
"Are you actually sleeping?"
"Somewhat."
She stopped there, but gave him a concerned look. He tried to forget about it, stick to his routine, but instead found that he could no longer fall asleep let alone be woken by a nightmare.
One night, after lying awake in his back seat for awhile, he began to drive. He wasn't going in any particular direction, but he wasn't surprised by his destination. He didn't hesitate, but climbed out of his car and rang the buzzer for the correct apartment. There was no response except for the unlocking of the door. Larry made his way up to the apartment door, and Megan was already holding it open.
They kissed in greeting and he stepped inside.
"I saw you drive in," Megan said as she closed the door. Larry nodded and began to pace. Silence hung in the air for a few moments. Megan leaned against the wall and waited.
"May I stay here tonight?" Larry queried as he stopped pacing. Megan said nothing; she simply nodded and held out her hand. Larry took it and she pulled him into a long hug.
"You haven't been sleeping," she said. It wasn't a question, but Larry nodded his assent anyway. Megan kissed him lightly on the cheek and then led him to the bedroom.
Larry fell asleep quickly as he lay beside Megan in the bed, their arms wrapped around each other. He slept the night, with his thoughts only on the woman beside him, and as he lay in her arms no nightmares came to call.