A/N: Pre-Strike

Buttons shot up out of bed, breathing heavily, then wincing.

He'd just gotten back from the Refuge, and was now a wreck. Though, he wouldn't tell anyone else of course. Everyone had been extremely concerned when she'd limped into the Lodge after missing for two weeks.

Snyder had gotten him good though. It was awful. Now he could see why Jack went partially mute after he got back the second time.

Buttons stood and winced. He made it to the door and went to sit on the bench outside.

The memory of the Refuge replayed and he began shaking as sweat dripped from his forehead. He put his elbows on his knees and began taking deep breaths.

"Buttons?"

He jumped and turned.

"Oh, hey Jack," he said quietly.

"Nightmares keepin' you up?" Jack asked, going to sit next to him.

Buttons didn't answer.

"You can tell me what's going on. I've been to the refuge more times than I'd like to admit," Jack said softly, staring into the night.

Buttons turned to Jack, confused. "I thought it was only twice."

Jacks scoffed. "Would you believe me if I told you it was four?"

Buttons eyes widened and his jaw dropped. "Are you serious?" he whispered.

Jack nodded softly, no longer looking at Buttons.

"This very first time was when I first got here. I was five. When I got back, Crutchie and Race had come. Our current leader at the time had also left and by the time I got back I was seven, so I took charge. The second time was right after Specs got here. He was really sick so I tried to get some medicine. Problem was, the owner thought I stole it so off to the Refuge I went. When I got back the second time, you, Romeo, and Jojo had come," Jack explained.

"I remember that. You came in all bruised and beat up. Crutchie was freaking out and Race was calling for Mush to get the first aid kit. The three of us had no idea what was going on," Buttons said with a small chuckle.

Jack chuckled softly. "Third was when I was trying to get some blankets for Romeo. You remember that one? You were only seven I think."

Buttons nodded.

"Fourth. Well, that was the worst. Snyder was tired of me escaping, so he tried to get rid of me. For good. I barely escaped and when I did and finally made it back," Jack's voice trailed.

"I remember that one clearly. You looked so bad we were sure you weren't going to make it. Crutchie was so terrified he wouldn't sleep. He got even worse when you wouldn't talk," Buttons said.

Jack nodded grimly.

The two sat in silence.

"Jack?"

"Yeah?"

"The nightmares. Do they ever stop?"

Jack smiled softly, and turned to Buttons, nudging him a bit but didn't answer.

"They slow down yes, but stop? Well, I'm not too sure. Crutchie and Race's have seemed to stop. But Buttons, if you ever need to talk to someone, or sit up with someone until you fall asleep, come get one of us. We don't mind if you wake us up. We've all woken each other up one time or another. Don't be scared to do it. It helps a lot, trust me," Jack said.

Buttons nodded.

"Ready to get back to bed?" Jack asked and Buttons nodded again, yawning sleepily.

"And Jack?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks."

A/N: Well, that turned out more angsty than I was planning. Oh well! Sorry for the unexpected hiatus everyone! Time got away from me. Please give me good and bad feedback on this and the previous chapters! If you have any prompts, characters, or anything you would like to see in the next chapter tell me in the comments! Thanks everyone!