Prompt: Sleepless
Lindsay had made sure she didn't stay with Danny on the anniversary of her friends' murders. She'd wanted to…more than she could say, but he'd just come off a double shift and he was back on early and the morning and she knew if she was at his place she'd keep him up all night.
She never slept that night. She paced, she cried, she ate junk food and cursed at the late night infomercials, but she never slept. She was too afraid of the nightmares that would swamp her if she did.
Tonight was worse than usual. It was the first anniversary after the trial and part of her wanted to sleep just to see if the nightmares would still be there. The other part of her was horrified at the very idea of dreaming of that man again….now that she had a name for him.
She was so busy pacing and being scared that she didn't even realize someone was knocking. Finally, she heard Danny's voice calling for her.
"Danny," she said as she opened the door, "You'll wake up my neighbors."
"Not you though," he said, looking her up and down, "Why didn't you call me?"
She shrugged, "I didn't want to bother you."
"Well it bothered me when I woke up and suddenly remembered what today is."
"I can't sleep today, ever; I just didn't want to make you suffer with me."
He growled and pulled her close, "When are you going to get that I want to suffer with you. That's what I'm here for, man with the big broad shoulders perfect for leaning on by adorable women from Montana."
She smiled her first genuine smile all day, "I'm sorry I didn't call you, but I'm really glad you're here."
"Good," he said, "now how about we try to get some sleep?"
"I…I have nightmares."
He kissed her head, "I'll be here."
"Okay," she said, taking a deep breath, "Let's sleep."
She followed him to her bedroom and, though she was still scared of her dreams, she was happy because she didn't have to go through it alone anymore.