Elliot stared blankly at the white, coffered ceiling, his left arm thrown over his stomach, and his right bent behind his cold sweat-dampened neck. The nightmare that had shaken him from his sleep, and though it had occurred many minutes ago, continued to pump shivers of fright and adrenaline throughout his being, hastening his breathing and keeping open his weary, paranoid eyes. Licking his dry lips, he languidly kicked free of the comforter, and threw his bare legs over the side of the bed. He sighed, running a hand once through his dark hair, then stole a brief glance over his shoulder at the man slumbering soundly behind him. Flashing Tyson a tired half-smile, he got to his feet, and stumbled through the dimly lit bedroom toward the bathroom to cleanse his face, the chill air of his apartment dotting his naked body with goosebumps.
He returned shortly, and slid back into bed onto his side to face Rios, gently pulling the covers up over his hips. He took a deep breath, still struggling to calm his nerves. Though the nightmare was a blur, he couldn't shake the very real unease the illusory, jumbled dream had caused him. He swallowed, and tried focusing instead on Tyson, finding comfort in his company. Mustering up the needed courage, he reached out, and tenderly cupped his cheek. Elliot felt a bit silly for thinking a simple touch to be such an accomplishment considering their relationship had become sexual, but seeing the soft endearment Rios could provide Samantha had made him covetous, and desperate for his affection, something the big man didn't seem to comprehend how much Salem truly desired it.
Elliot lightly grazed his thumb over Tyson's scarred lips, studying his partner's normally stern, strong features that had softened from sleep. Feeling braver, and thirsting to be closer, he maneuvered himself across the mattress, careful not to stir the other man from his sleep, and nestled under Rios' chin, gently resting his head on the big man's bicep. He relaxed some, and breathed a contented sigh. Being this innocently close warmed his heart, and he felt the nightmare's terror begin to subside. He slowly skimmed his fingertips down Tyson's thick neck, across his collarbone, then over his bulging, sinewy shoulder, relishing in his warmth and strength. Finally, becoming more filled with loving resolve, he planted a long, soft kiss on his chest, then entwined their legs.
Tyson stirred, slightly adjusting his position as he grumbled, "Not now, Salem. Tryin' to sleep."
Elliot shifted some, ignoring the complaints, then yawned silently against his partner, burying his face in the big man's burly chest. Once again Rios moved, this time pushing his large hands against Salem, and roughly shoving him to the other side of the large mattress.
"For fuck's sake, Salem, bed's big enough for two," he groused, turning over on his other side. "I said not now."
The smaller man swallowed painfully, then he too rolled over, turning his back to his partner's. "Yeah well, sorry your fat ass takes up all the room."
Pulling the comforter up to his neck, he curled up in a tight ball, and gradually succumbed to sleep feeling numb, and praying no more nightmares would plague his dreaming mind.