Alright here's the latest. I wanted to wrap this segment up to get going on the next stage of this beast of a fic, so here goes nothing. Thanks muchly Bookworm, and lipamo I hope you'll be okay with this. :)

Even though they were both lying back on the cot, both exhausted beyond reason, both Carrie and Brody were staring up at the ceiling, studying the cracks and watermarks and how ugly the light fixture was. He was stroking her hair, she was curled up on his chest. But sleep was escaping both of them, Brody's nightmare still haunting him and her by extension.

"You and I really need to get some sleep."

"Yeah, no shit.", Carrie scoffed.

"I'm sorry I got you spooked.", Brody sighed.

"It's alright. Jesus, I was already halfway there just being in here."

"Well what do you suggest we do? If we don't get some rest we're gonna be dead on our feet tomorrow."

Nodding, Carrie rolled over so she could see his face, smoothed his hair.
"Tell me about the nightmare. What you remember of it anyway."

"Why? That seems counterproductive.", Brody frowned as she shook her head.

"Maggie told me to do this. When I came back from Iraq and woke up screaming every night. She said it helps to talk about things. Not to just bottle it all up and let the fear get even more debilitating. Her words, not mine. And she's a doctor so..."

Shrugging, Brody sat up slightly.

"It makes sense I guess. Just half the time I don't even remember what they're about.", Brody sighed.
"I just wake up in a cold sweat and don't know the fuck why."

"You don't remember anything?"

"Not really. Just bits and pieces."

"Well, humor me. Even talking about the bits and pieces will get them more out in the open. Maybe they won't scare you so much."

"You sure you want to hear what I might remember? I don't want to go scaring you."

"It's okay. I've been through my share of shitty things too.", Carrie said softly as he nodded.

"Just close your eyes and lie back."

Eyeing her, Brody smirked.
"Are you gonna try something?"

"Lie back Marine.", Carrie ordered.

Leaning back against the pillows Brody sighed, shut his eyes.

"Okay, with the bits and pieces you remember, where do they take place?"

"It's in a cell. It's always in a fucking cell."

"Are you walking around, lying down?"

"I'm on the ground."

"Who's watching you?"

"Guards. Just, faceless guards."

"Are they saying anything?"

"Just yelling. Nothing specific. But I keep getting kicked, beaten up."

"Okay.", Carrie sighed, swallowing hard and starting to regret asking him to reflect on all this. Twining her fingers with his she kept talking.

"What else is happening?"

"The walls. They keep closing in, the room gets smaller around..."

"Around who, you?"

"No. Not just me."

"Who's there with you?"

When he squeezed her hand tighter Carrie had her answer, and knew for both their sakes she couldn't keep this line of questioning going.

"Hey, open your eyes, okay?"

Doing as asked Brody saw the guilt in her eyes and sighed, shook his head.

"I'm sorry. Jesus. This was so fucking stupid, I shouldn't have-"

"No, don't. It's okay.", Brody assured, getting a look.

"Carrie I'm serious. Look, I can count on one hand the amount of times I've told anyone about my nightmares.", he said, raising one finger.

"And you were right, Maggie was right. At least talking about them takes some of the edge off. I just wish I hadn't upset you."

"Brody, it's alright. I'm not..."

Shaking his head he sat up, took his face in her hands as she tearfully looked up, met his gaze. Leaning in til their foreheads touched he thumbed a tear off her cheek then kissed her there, dotted her whole face with kisses before reaching her lips.

Tugging his lower one between her teeth Carrie's hands went to his chest, slid the unbuttoned jacket and shirt off his shoulders.

Wanting to take his time, be the one seducing her for a change, when she made a move to tear off the hospital gown Brody stopped her, slowly helped her out of it before kissing her throat, her collarbone, all over her exposed chest.

Slyly grinning he kept going, placed a few tender kisses on and down her stomach while her hand went to his hair.

Biting her lip she fought to keep her breathing in check, flat out refusing to give Quinn or anyone else passing by her door a show.

Eventually though, when his teasing and touches got her eyes rolling, knowing she couldn't keep this up much longer Carrie took hold of his head, brought his lips back to her's and kissed him, unfastened and slid her hand down his jeans.

They made love until they were too exhausted to even think. But when the ugly overhead light went on the next morning, Carrie realized she was by herself on the cot and froze, wondered if she'd imagined everything.

Sitting up, looking around for a sign she hadn't completely lost it, her eyes landed on a note attached to the side wall.

Swinging her legs off the cot, crossing the room she tore the post-it note down, quickly read it.

"Quinn and I figured we best get out of here before anyone suspected anything. Maggie's on her way to get you and Galvez is with Farrah. We'll see you guys at the courthouse. And don't worry about Jon. If he shows his face he knows what's coming to him.

Yours, Brody.

PS.
Thanks for keeping the nightmares away last night.

Blinking back tears, Carrie smiled, went to change into her real clothes. All the while wishing she had an alternate outfit. She was dreading the thought of having to wear the same pantsuit that she'd all too likely sweated through yesterday at the courthouse.

Opening the small cupboard acting as her closet, she found a dry cleaning bag with another post-it note attached.

"Figured you could use a fresh outfit. Maggie told me Farrah picked it out when she dropped it here this morning. She's got good taste. Also there's blush and something called foundation in the suit pocket. Maggie told me to tell you that too. Personally I don't think you need it. You're beautiful enough. But I'm also a guy who doesn't know shit about things like this. Where as you probably do. I'll see you soon, love.

-Brody