Prompt: Wake up
Startled from the nightmare, Shepard's eyes flew open. Blinking against the light of the fish tank, she fumbled around, trying to get her bearings.
She couldn't shake the memories of the vivid dream and the hand that reached out to her. She shook her head, stumbling out of bed. The tank was cool against her forehead. A warm hand caught her shoulder, and though she'd just spent the night with him, she lashed out.
"Shit, Lola," James' gruff voice caught her attention. She blinked away the fog.
"James?"
He was on the floor, just as naked as he'd been hours before. His teeth were bloody. Her fist had connected with his mouth. "Remind me not to do that again."
She didn't know if he meant sneaking up on her while she was half-asleep or sleeping in her quarters. "Don't sneak up on me again, James."
She helped him up and patched him up in the bathroom.
"Abusive," he joked when she finished and put away the emergency kit.
She glared at him.
He raised his hands. "'Sokay. I like it rough."
"James."
The lieutenant got the picture and was silent a moment, studying her.
"Ghost still under the bed?" he asked quietly. He tugged her to him, nuzzled her neck. His hands were warm on her hips.
She gave no response, only leaned into him. After a moment she answered, "Lot of ghosts."
James' arms encircled her. "Yeah," he said, lost for words. She doubted he expected her answer. "Monsters are easier to hit. Ghosts. Well, they just linger, no?"
She nodded. "Coming back to bed?" she asked after a moment.
"Planning to do more than that, Shepard."