I do not own Inuyasha.
A special thank you goes out to psycochick32 for taking time to edit this.
Stay
The nightmare disappeared in the night; the tentacles that had wound around her limbs evaporated.
Her heart raged in her chest. Terror held her -- a leaded weight pressing her against the hardened ground as she struggled to breathe.
The scream in her throat echoed in her mind, though the midnight air remained still.
Gasps of air surged through her lungs. Her breath, heavy in her ears, drowned the sound of shivering leaves in the distance. Stinging eyes blinked back a burning sensation; her wet cheeks confirmed that while the dream wasn't real, her tears had been.
She started when warm arms closed around her. With a shuddering breath, the fear dissipated, his comfort chasing away the lingering torment that had forced her from sleep.
Curling into his embrace, she whimpered, letting her body fall into his. His hold on her tightened as the first sob tore through her, followed by another and another as the dream resurfaced.
She'd run, but not fast enough. Tripping on her own two feet, she'd found herself pressed against the forest floor, tentacles tearing into her legs, curling around her until she couldn't move, couldn't breathe… couldn't scream.
Closing her eyes, she pressed closer to his warmth, his scent washing over her, ridding her mind of the stench that had surrounded her in sleep.
The steady beat of his heart anchored her; his words, though muffled, calmed her. Within minutes the sobbing ceased, her breath regulating until her heart beat with his and her senses knew nothing but his comfort.
As the sun began its journey into the new day sky, he moved to stand.
" Stay…"
It was a simple request. He acquiesced, settling in once more behind her. Nightmares found her regularly, but he was there to chase them away -- protecting her as he swore he always would.
But deep inside she knew there was more to it than just a sworn duty: he cared, and she loved him more for it.
I know it's been awhile, and for that I apologise. We have started our own business, and time is something I just haven't had much of these last few months. My health issues are also to blame- the last migraine started nearly four weeks ago. It hasn't let go yet, and it severely limits my ability to write.
I am half way through Deserted's next chapter which, when finished, will be longer than the last few have been. I need to thank psychochick32 for bouncing ideas back and forth with me. She has been incredibly motivating, and has offered up advice when it was needed, as well as a few *menacing glares* that have gotten the plot bunnies back in line, lol.
Thank you all for sticking with me. I haven't replied to reviews, and for that I am dearly sorry. Time and health have both been out to get me lately. But I have read and loved each one- so thank you!
I do hope you like this even though it is short. Please let me know?
I am going to post the next chapter to Deserted soon, I swear! Please don't give up on me.
Thank you again to all my wonderful reviewers. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Until next time.
Neisha