By Your Side

"Shots fired! Shots fired! Everybody get down!"

Calhoun's body acted of its own accord, taking refuge behind a large tank, the cold metal of the machine making her flinch, brushing against her skin. She took a deep breath to avoid breaking down and was glad she did; better to be caught dead than be caught with tears streaming down her cheeks. There was an inaudible sigh released from her lips and her eyes scanned the vicinity. Clear.

She had seen war before and sitting here now in full gear, gun thrust against her hip and shots booming all around, fear wrenched at her heart, it's beat steadily rising with each passing second. No time for hesitating. Her long legs pushed her off the gravel below forward, charging straight into the firefight.

The fight was scarring, emotionally, physically. A sharp, burning pain pierced her abdomen and she gasped as she saw her own blood stain the road beneath her. The impact knocked her to the ground, a hard crash against rubble. She felt herself slipping, fading in and out of consciousness and the gasps for air were void to replenish what was lost. She didn't know how long she had been laying there, a lifeless, helpless human being, but a blurry figure appeared above her. The outline of his face was dark and cold and there was no telling if he was friend or foe. She had her answer though when he lifted up a gun and crashed it against her head.

Then everything went black.

With a start her body rose up in bed. Her heart was racing and her lungs gasped for air that seemed fleeting, just like the dream. She muttered a curse under her breath and held a hand over her heart like life itself depended on it. She hated how real the dreams were, how vivid and clear every single moment lost in them took her back to all the bloodshed and loss.

She tossed the comforter off her legs, letting the cool air rush against her hot skin. The air was a welcome relief, like a chilly fall breeze in autumn. She rubbed the heel of her hands against her eyes, bringing her legs over the edge of the bed and letting her feet rest against the ground. Nights like these were the worst and the only way she would ever get any rest after having a nightmare was to see him. Felix.

He was her solace during trying times, a comforting presence that she wanted to hold onto and never let go. And on the nights when the nightmares plagued her, being next to him provided all the comfort her body desired. So she stood, wavering if only a moment, mindlessly making her way out of the cold, empty apartment she lived in and catching a cab over towards his home.

The door was familiar as the back of her hand - it's warm, golden tones almost glowing against the darkness of the night. She was thankful for the spare key he had given her. It surprised her when he suggested the idea of her having one after they had a long, personal talk one night, including details about the nightmares and fearful times of a past long gone. He fixed one up for her right away and hung it on a bracelet so she would never be without it and it dangled against her wrist coldly tonight.

She brought the key up, turning it in the keyhole and silently prayed the quiet squeaking of the door didn't wake him. The door clicked behind her and she tossed the light jacket she wore onto the floor. His house was more a home than her own apartment. Her dwelling was cold and empty, with barren walls plastered white and scarce decor. That feeling was in complete contrast to Felix's apartment. She felt at home here; like the hole created from being alone was patched up and a warmth she was unaware could even exist emanated from every corner.

His bedroom was down a hallway lined with numerous photos, memories that he mentioned frequently. Her lips curled into a smile, thinking of his elaborate storytelling behind each photo. Some happy, some sad, but each one she knew held a special place in his heart, and she couldn't help but feel they touched a small part of her heart as well. She would never admit to it, but a jealous yearning welled up inside her whenever he'd mention them. All the smiles, laughter, happiness that practically bled through the pictures made her heart ache. For so long she had desired for that, any sense of family, of love and caring.

She shouldn't think like that though; she had him and he had showered her with more love and appreciation than anyone had ever shown to her. And for that, she could never repay him.

She wasn't surprised to see the door to his room open. Her eyes fell on the bed where his figure lay, chest rising and falling in a subtle rhythm. Her feet guided her over to the bed and she gently lowered herself onto the unoccupied side to face him. Looking at him, she frowned when saw him squirm, turning over, his eyes sleepy and voice muffled.

"Mmm, Tammy? What's going on?"

She sighed. "Nightmare."

He didn't need anymore explanation. He brought an arm up and over her shoulder to pull her closer. "It's ok, don't worry." He began stroking her cheek lightly. "I'll always be by your side."

Sorry for the angst. It just came and I had to run with it. Hope you enjoyed it!

Reviews are always welcome.

Regards, SF15