I know it took awhile again... It's probably going to be like that a lot. This chapter is weak, in my opinion. Carry on reading. I just realized that I spelt Breathe wrong in the title. What a shame.
~Carroll

Darkness. Nick couldn't see anything, the silence surrounding him was deafening. He heard the maniacal laughter first, before he saw their faces, stocky bodies looming over him. He panicked, They're back, was all he could think, over and over again. The ring-leader, grinned down at Nick, his eyes slanted. They're here to do more than just leave a few scars this time, Nick's mind was screaming at him to get out of there, to run. But run where exactly? Nick didn't have time to dwell on a possible escape route when he felt hands close around his neck, scream, idiot, scream.

Nick let out an ear piercing scream and then everything vanished.

Jeff shot up at the sound of screaming, frantically trying to shake the sleep induced haze from his mind. He looked down at the thrashing boy next to him and racked his brain for what to do when someone was having a nightmare. The answer couldn't come fast enough, so he reached over and gently placed a hand on Nick's shoulder. "Nicky! Baby, wake up!"

He gave Nick's shoulder a firm, gentle shake. Nick ceased his thrashing and just laid there a moment, the only sound in the room his harsh breathing. Jeff watched as blue eyes opened, darting around the room frantically.

When Nick's eyes landed on Jeff he managed to get out a choked "They're back! Jeff they're trying to find me!" before he promptly burst into tears.

Jeff was pretty sure he felt his heart break a little at his boyfriends admission before gently pulling Nick into a sitting position and pulling him into his lap.

Nick curled into Jeff instantly, tucking his head under Jeff's chin. Jeff could feel the hot tears course down his own neck as Nick nuzzled further into his warmth.

"Nick, do you want to talk about it? It might be a good idea to-" But Jeff was cut off with a loud "No!" from Nick. Jeff lifted Nick's head gently so they were eye to eye, green meeting dazzling blue. His eyes searched Nick's own distraught ones, still brimming with tears. Jeff's iron resolve was dissolving at the look of pure distress and pleading in Nick's eyes. "Okay, Nicky. We don't have to talk about it. We could talk about something else?"

Nick looked at him with watery eyes before nodding his head slowly. "Jeff. Jeff, will you-" He paused, "Will you hold me?" He asked timidly. The smallest of smiles graced Jeff's lips as he gave a nod in reply, wrapping his arms around Nick tightly, rocking him ever so gently.

"So did you want to venture out tomorrow and try going to Warbler's practice? Of course, you can't really move with your ribs, but we can go and watched, I'll sit out with you." Jeff offered up, after sitting in silence for a few minutes.

Nick stirred in his arms, rearranging himself into a more comfortable position. "Maybe. Can I think about it?" Nick asked shyly.

"Of course you can, Nicky." Jeff replied gently.

A few more minutes of silence passed between them. Jeff placing occasional kisses on Nick's head and face.

Finally, Nick spoke up again, breaking the silence. "You'll be there the whole time? You won't leave me?"

Jeff should have noticed the clingy nature, but he didn't.

"Of course I'll stay with you." Jeff said, tightening his grip on the brunette.

"Okay. I'll go."

Next chapter, how Nick will react to the Warblers, and what they have up their sleeves that they think will "help"
Reviews are love, as always!