Ororo awoke with a start, her breathing harsh. She turned to her left and thanked the Goddess that side of the bed was empty. Another memory flashed through her mind, causing her to fall out of the bed. Gingerly, she got up off the floor, heading for the bathroom to wipe the cold sweat off her forehead. She tried to push the painful memories to the deepest parts of her mind, as she splashed some water on her face and leaned against the counter to steady herself.
She took a few deep breaths, but she was besieged by trembling. Her entire body shook, and tears rolled down her pale cheeks. The faces of her beloved parents flashed in front of her eyes, and she couldn't help the sobs that racked her. She sank to the bathroom floor, running her hands repeatedly through her hair. "Goddess," she whispered, hating the feeling of helplessness. The images continued to flash before her eyes with stunning clarity. She felt like that scared little girl once more, trapped under the lifeless body of her mother, the scent of death in the air. She began to hyperventilate, her claustrophobia triggered. She attempted to scream, but all that echoed out her mouth was a pitiful moan.
In the back of her mind, she knew she shouldn't be afraid, she wasn't trapped in an enclosed space, but that didn't dispute the fact that the images were intent on wreaking havoc on her this night.
"Dear Goddess," she cried.
"'Ro? Baby!" That deep growly voice broke through her terror, and she couldn't stop the hysterical laughter that took over her.
"Logan," she croaked, as he came to kneel in front of her and took her into his arms.
She clung to him, while he stroked her hair, letting her know that he was there. They stayed that way for a few minutes until Ororo let out a long sigh and withdrew from his embrace.
"Nightmare?" Logan asked in a low voice, already knowing the answer.
Ororo nodded. "The night my parents were killed."
Without another word, Logan scooped her up in his arms and was on his feet in one fluid motion. Ororo wrapped her arms around his neck, reveling in the security of his bulk. He laid her gently on their bed, before going to the bathroom and returning with a paper cup of water. While she drank the water, he took his clothes off before sliding into bed. He took the empty cup from her, tossing it in the trash can under his nightstand. Not a word was said as he pulled her flush against his body and kissed her shoulder blades. "Sleep darlin'," he rumbled. "I got ya."
Ororo couldn't help but smile at their reverse roles. Usually, she was the one comforting him after one of his infamous nightmares. With a whispered "I love you" she effortlessly sunk into the depths of sleep.