Nightmares

Ghost wasn't sure when Gary began having nightmares about what he'd been through, it could have started in the hospital, but he doubted it. Resiliant as the kid was, he knew that it would only be a matter of time before his mind actually and fully processed what happened to him. Barely old enough to drink, this kid had endured cruelty beyond anything, yet he still found it in him to hold onto himself. How many people could Ghost say that about? Most of his men who had survived what they'd gone through in Mexico had been so disturbed, they'd either been institutionalized or were dead.

Gary had changed a bit, though. It was the lack of sleep that made the happy-go-lucky boy quiet and reserved. And the fact that the kid had fallen asleep while eating had been a big indicator. Confined to a wheel chair until he was well again, the kid needed help. He had remebered in the hospital how Gary had turned red. He needed help to shower and was too afraid to admit it. Of course, Soap had tried to soothe the young man, assuring him that even the toughest members of the 141 needed help when they were hurt or sick.

Ghost had volunteered to wheel Gary back to the barracks.

"Gary, I know you haven't been sleeping well. Talk to me."

"It's the same nightmare, Ghost."

"What happened to you there? I need to know so we can make the best plans to help you cope."

Gary sighed.

"I can't remember. I think my mind supressed the memories to protect me. I wasn't having nightmares until I was released from the hospital two weeks ago, am I going crazy?"

"No, you aren't. You were traumatized, you're mind concentrated on other things while you were in the hospital and now it needs help understanding."

"I'm so tired Ghost. But I'm too afraid to close my eyes."

Ghost stopped and knelt beside Gary.

"I know what you're going through. It will take a while before the nightmares begin to lose their power over you, before you are completely well again. No-one is rushing you to get better, so stop trying to rush yourself."

"I hate being helpless."

"We all do."

Gary tried to smile but failed.

"How do you do it?" Gary asked.

"What?"

"Be so normal after what you went through?"

"It took a long time. It wasn't easy. But the one thing you have to remember is that you aren't alone in this. Hell, everyone is here for you."

That got a real smile out of Gary. "Now, let's get you to bed."

"But I'm supposed to see the doctor about starting physical therapy."

"It won't hurt if its delayed a few hours. You need your rest." Ghost said as he went behind the wheel chair and pushed.

By the time they got to Gary's quarters, he was half-asleep. He murmured a protest when Ghost put him into bed. But ultimately lost the battle. Ghost stayed close by in case Gary had another nightmare. An hour later, Gary, who had been sleeping peacefully began thrashing.

"No…no don't!" Ghost was at his side in a heartbeat.

"Easy Gary." He said gently.

The minute he said it, he regretted it. Gary lashed out with his good hand, and Ghost found himself in his back, on the floor.

"Don't touch me!" It seemed like he was still caught in the midst of the hadn't hurt, not really, Ghost was surprised that Gary had struck out at him. He got up and tried to restrain the young sergeant. Gary cried out when his ribs were pressed against.

"Gary."

"Don't, please don't…"

Ghost felt his heart break, what had they done to him?

"Roach, come on kid, wake up." Gary whined once more before his eyes opened. "Hey, there you are." Gary let his head fall to Ghost's chest.

"I'm sorry." Gary whispered. He'd seen the bruise forming on Ghost's jaw. He went silent after that. Ghost was content to hold Gary for a little while. Gary was shaking violently, he needed to be calmed before they could talk.

"No, I am. I shouldn't have frightened you further."

Gary looked up at Ghost, and frowned.

"You didn't know. Ghost, what happened the day you came for me? I asked Archer and Toad but Archer turned green and Toad he said it was not important at the moment. The Captain was tightlipped about it too."

Ghost looked down at Gary, and smiled gently.

"Gary, that man tried to kill you. I did what was necessary to protect you."

"Oh. So he's dead?"

"None of the men who held you are breathing. They'll never hurt anyone ever again."

Gary closed his eyes.

"Good. It was no less than they deserved."

"Do you want to talk about the nightmare? It'll help."

"I don't know if I'm strong enough."

"I know you are."

Gary could tell Ghost wasn't about to drop the subject until he got the truth of out him. He took a deep breathe, held it for a bit then left it out in a rush. It hurt his aching ribs, but it wasn't going to make them worse. He opened his eyes and braced himself.