Title: "Night Terror"
Status: OneShot
Fandom: Naruto
Characters/Pairing: Naruto Uzumaki/Kakashi Hatake
Disclaimer: Copyright Masashi Kishimoto; no copyright infringement intended.
Rating: T
Genre: slash, character introspection, angst
Warnings: unbeta'ed
Summary: Sometimes, when you share a bed, you need to turn a blind eye...
Note: Based on the theme prompt "terror in the night."
Night Terror
Nightmares are a part of life.
More often than not, when Kakashi closes his eyes, he sees what he has lost, what he regrets; his failures. Even worse are the times when the past threatens to repeat itself, painting his students with empty stares and in pools of blood.
Worst of all is watching Naruto die while Kakashi rushes forward in slow-motion, never quick enough to reach him, always a second too late and knowing it; held back by shadows.
He often wakes at night, breath harsh and soaked in sweat, and if he uncoils too fast his muscles will cramp. The ceiling in Naruto's apartment has become familiar with its stain of water damage in the top right corner.
Naruto never stirs awake when Kakashi does and for that, he is grateful. He lies in the darkness and listens, each noise testament to Naruto being alive, and well within his reach.
The End
R&R