Apparently my muse likes writing in this fandom. :) This may turn into a three parter. Thanks for the reviews and alerts.
Title: Enjoy the moment
author: Cindy Ryan
pairings: John/Valerie
spoilers: all
Detective Valerie Stahl hated nightmares; always would. Nothing worse than waking up in a cold sweat terrified of something you couldn't remember or didn't want to. Struggling to get her breathing and emotions under control it took Valerie longer than it should to realize she wasn't alone. For the memories of the night before to come rushing back.
"I've got you; you're safe."
John's strong arms enveloped Valerie and pulled her into an embrace. Valerie stifled a sob as she rested her head on his naked chest. Flashes of her kidnapping surfaced despite Valerie's attempts to keep it at bay. She was a cop and a good one. Despite that; despite her efforts they'd made her a victim. She hated that they made her a victim. Valerie didn't realize her body was shaking until John leaned back gently gripping her shoulders forcing her to meet his worried gaze.
"Valerie, it was just a dream. You're safe; they'll never hurt you again."John soothed his voice husky and an octave lower than normal.
"I'm sorry."Valerie whispered trying in vain to compose herself.
"Nightmares are part of the job; don't worry about it."John replied quietly.
Several long minutes later Valerie's breathing and emotions returned to normal. However she allowed herself to linger in John's embrace. For whatever reason they'd ended up together it was the best thing to come out of the past forty-eight hours. Valerie was grateful for John's friendship and for whatever else may or may not develop between them. For right now she just wanted to stay in his arms; to feel how much he cared for her. She'd seen it in his eyes during the exchange. Valerie had heard it in John's voice during the clone's phone call. She hadn't needed tonight's intimacy to confirm his feeling s for her but it was nice to know.
Valerie felt John ease back onto the pillow shifting his hold on her. She moved with him still amazed at how natural everything felt. How normal and comfortable it was to be around him. He was a good person even if John didn't believe it himself.
"What do you want for breakfast?"John asked his voice a low rumble.
"Nothing."Valerie replied with a smile.
"Not hungry?"Kennex asked and she could hear his grin.
"Fixing breakfast would require one of us to move and I don't want to."Valerie stated quietly.
"Me neither."John acknowledged.
They stayed in each other's arms for another hour before John's alarm went off rudely reminding them of the real world. Kennex slapped the offending device hitting the snooze. He turned so Valerie found herself on her back.
"We've got ten more minutes; twenty if we blame traffic."John explained with a smile.
"Sounds good to me."Valerie replied happy to take as many more minutes with John as she could.