Chapter 1: Nightmares and Daydreams

Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC.

Christie's heart was racing as panic built up within her; adrenaline pounding through her veins. Her back pressed up against Finn's, she could feel his heart racing just as fast as hers. They were tied up back to back, imprisoned on the main gear of Big Bentley, and were quickly approaching the end. Moments away from being crushed and they had no feasible means of escape. There was no way to call for help, no way to free themselves, no way to survive.

Dejected, Christie quit fighting against despair and let it crash over her like a wave. This was one mission she would not be able to walk away from; one that they would not be able to walk away from. She rested her forehead against her knees and shut her eyes, knowing this was the end.

Another minute ticked by, bringing the pair another minute closer to their demise. Struggling against the gag, Finn attempted to speak but all that came out was a jumbled gurgle. Twisting his neck, he managed to look at Christie out of the corner of his eye, sparing her a remorseful gaze. She saw this and replied with a similar look of her own. If they were going to die, at least they weren't going to do so alone.

Twisting her wrists against the restraints, she managed to manipulate her fingers so that they were able to brush against Finn's. The pads of their fingers gently touching, a tender final farewell, the two of them braced themselves as they ticked away to their death, their time having finally run out as they were crushed in the massive gear shift.

Trembling, Christie shot up in bed. She was drenched in sweat and her hair was askew from tossing and turning. Hugging herself, Christie took a deep breath to console herself before turning her gaze behind her, a small smile blossoming on her softening face.

Finn was moving closer to her, gently wrapping his arms around Christie's waist. Having done so, he pulled her into his lap and wordlessly leaned his head against her shoulder. "Bad dream?" he inquires softly as he moves a stray lock of hair out of her eyes.

Turning to fully face him, Christie shakily replies, "Yes, but it's over now. Besides, I think I have a way to distract myself from it. For a while, at least." She added the last part as an afterthought before smiling coyly and wrapping her arms around Finn's neck. Having done so, she pressed her lips against his, gently kissing him.

Smiling under her lips, Finn tightened his grip on her waist to anchor her against him before returning the kiss. After a moment he allowed her to pull back and as she did so, he asked, "Feeling better?"

With a small laugh, she replies, "Much, surprisingly. Your kissing has gotten much better."

Quirking an eyebrow, Finn points out, "I can't help that you were my first. But you know what they say, practice makes perfect."

It was Christie's turn to quirk an eyebrow. "Someone's gotten a bit more confident." With that, she leaned in for another kiss, granting Finn's request.

His hands started on her waist, perfectly fitting to the bend in Christie's waist, curving over her hip, before sliding up her back, gently tracing along the length of her spine. Christie responded by wrapping her legs loosely around his waist, her hands slipping under the hem of his soft, cotton tee shirt. A faint sigh escapes her as Finn moves his mouth from her lips to her neck, and heat rushed into her cheeks. Having noticed this, Finn gently pressed his palm to her lower back, pressing Christie closer against her. She grabbed his shoulder to steady herself, gathering his shirt into her fist. Finn's hand eventually reached the top of Christie's back and curled around her neck. But like the first kiss, this one soon ended as well. The two pulled apart, their breathing labored and satisfied smiles plastered on their faces.

"Are you ready to go back to sleep now, love?" Finn asked her, not loosening the embrace he had on her.

With an eye roll, she replies, "I'm not dreading being crushed by a massive clock anymore so there's that."

His face softening at the comment, Finn promises her, "That was just a dream and nothing more. I'll make sure nothing bad happens to you, I promise." Once he was sure Christie believed him, he adds, "Now let's get some sleep, love."

Sighing in agreement, Christie pecked him once more on the cheek before sliding out of his lap and snuggling under the blankets.

Smiling down at her, Finn was quick to lay down beside her, throwing his arm around her and holding her tightly against his frame. As her breathing slowed and sleep overtook her, Finn's grip on her waist tightened. He hated that Christie had had continuous nightmares since their encounter with Axelrod at the World Grand Prix, more specifically when they were trapped in Big Bentley. And he hated even more that there was nothing he could do to assuage her of her nightly terrors. Sure he could distract her after she was terrified into consciousness and help her fall back asleep, but that was different than him actually being able to prevent them in the first place. He wanted so badly to be the man she deserved; a man worthy of her love and affections. But if he couldn't even help her get through one night of restful sleep, then was he really worthy to be with her for the rest of their lives. He was going to make sure nothing and no one hurt Christie ever again.

Sighing, Finn decided that was out of his control and that as long as he spent every day trying to be the man Christie deserved, that would be enough. If anything came there way, they would be able to work through it together. Assured by his decision, Finn snuggled closer to Christie before closing his eyes, falling asleep.