Guardian of Dreams

Sam has a nightmare. Morpheus lives up to his name.
(takes place sometime during the upcoming BTGOG story-arc, "Teach Your Children")
Prompt from godzgirlforever on Tumblr, who wanted some Morpheus-comforting-Sam after a nightmare.

It was the whimpers that woke Morpheus. Standing, he stretched his tiny legs and looked straight to his charge. The sight at the head of the bed had him instantly moving.

Sam was curled into a ball on his side, sheets twisted around his legs. The boy's body shook from tension. Another whimper escaped his tightly pressed lips as he turned his face into the pillow.

Morpheus quickly made his way to the head of the bed. Why did Sam insist on sleeping in his old room when he knew he did better with the others close by? They would have to address the issue soon—the past week had proven difficult as Sam's sleep steadily deteriorated.

Tears blended with sweat down the boy's face, and Morpheus gently lapped them away. He nosed against the damp curls that stuck to Sam's temple. Wake up, pup. Come on, wake up. You're okay. Open your eyes for me. Come on, Sam, wake up.

His words had no effect. Morpheus considered calling one of the angels, but decided to try once more. Jumping off the bed, he shook his small form. Magic gathered around him as he shifted, gaining mass until he stood at his full-size.

Peering down at his young charge, he resumed washing away the fresh tears. He rooted at the bony shoulder with his massive snout in between licks, moving the boy onto his back. Sam, wake up, he said in a deeper rumble.

Sam's eyes flew open and he gasped. Hazel eyes, lit with fear and grace, darted around the room. Or tried to, at least—Morpheus' face took up most of his field of vision. And the familiar sight of his protector and friend brought a new round of tears.

"I-I was…" Sam stuttered, trying to catch his breath, "I was there again."

Morpheus didn't ask which "there" Sam referred to—there were too many to count. Too many memories of too many places where too many people caused too many traumas. There was time to discuss the nightmare later, when Sam felt safe enough to do so. Right now, the only thing he needed was comfort.

Shh, you are not there. You are home, in bed, and your family is just down the hall. Everyone is safe. Morpheus recited the litany of assurances he'd learned from the angels. Nightmares were routine for the fledgling. Everyone had developed their own methods for dealing with the aftermath. Words and touch seemed to work the best.

Tiny hands dug into his fur, pulling him closer. Sam buried his face into Morpheus' neck, breathing deeply. "I'm sorry I woke you up. Again," he muttered.

Morpheus huffed a sigh, blowing Sam's hair with his hot breath. This, too, was common—this wave of embarrassment that followed every night terror. His selfless boy was always more concerned about causing a disturbance for others. Silly pup. What have I told you? I may look like a dog, but…?

Sam flopped back against his pillow with a slight smile, but kept his grip on Morpheus' fur. "But you sleep like a cat," he answered obediently.

Anywhere, anytime! He licked the boy's face, and moved down to wash the sweat from his neck. It earned him a half-laugh as Sam jolted from the ticklish sensation. Are you ready to go back to sleep?

Sam's smile wavered, and his eyes darted to the desk that currently held a mountain of books from Raphael. The archangel had intended for the fledgling to read them at leisure, unaware that Sam was staying up on sleepless nights to devour them. Morpheus considered shredding the pages with his teeth if it would make the boy stop.

"I don't know," Sam pushed himself up on his elbows, "I may just—"

No, Morpheus interrupted, butting his head against the boy's chest and knocking him flat against the bed. You have only slept for two hours tonight. And you did not sleep at all last night. No more, Sam.

"But…"

Morpheus carefully stepped onto the bed, his size allowing him to do so without jumping. Sam looked up in alarm, not entirely used to the shifter's larger form. Before he could protest, the canine lowered himself onto the mattress. There wasn't much room, and Sam found himself half-buried under a sea of fur.

"Morph—" Sam tried to wriggle away, only to be thwarted by a massive paw landing across his torso.

Hush, and go to sleep. Morpheus pulled the boy closer.

Sam remained tense. "I can't!" His voice broke trying to get out the words.

Why? Morpheus dragged his tongue over the back of Sam's neck and up through the long curls. He needed to rid his boy of the sour-fear scent that made his nose twitch.

"Because," Sam whispered, "sleeping hurts. It takes me away from here, and I can't get back."

Come here, pup. He waited as Sam slowly turned toward him. Morpheus brought his head down to nuzzle against the boy's back, encouraging him to relax. He felt little fingers grip his fur again as Sam shifted closer and used the paw not curled around his waist as a pillow. I will not let you get lost. You are safe and under the protection of gods and angels. Sleep now-if your dreams take you astray, I will pull you back.

"Promise?" Sam asked, his words almost lost under the blanket of white fur.

Promise. Morpheus shifted slightly until he was certain he would not crush the new-angel child, then allowed himself to relax. His head rested on Sam's back, listening to the rapid heartbeat gradually slow with sleep.

The bedroom door opened, casting a sliver of light across the bed. He opened his eyes, squinting against the brightness. Morpheus raised his head when he heard the soft footsteps of the approaching archangel.

"Is he okay?" Gabriel whispered.

He will be.

Gabriel sighed, looking both fond and exasperated, and crouched down next to the bed. His hands smoothed over the still-developing wings, calming them with his own grace. The room smelled like a summer storm-a unique blend of the two angels' power. Morpheus liked it much better than the stink of fear.

"Must have been a bad nightmare. He undid all of Raphael's work in under two hours. I'd hoped grooming before bedtime would help."

It did, Morpheus assured as he rested his head against Sam again. He actually slept some tonight.

"Meaning he's not been sleeping other nights, right?" Gabriel muttered. "Well, we can work on that in the morning. I'll let the others know not to wake him up—let him sleep as long as possible."

Tell Dean I will sneeze on his face if I so much as hear him in the hallway.

Gabriel nodded, smirking. "Take care of our boy, Morpheus," he whispered before closing the door silently.

Always, Morpheus promised. He closed his eyes and followed Sam into sleep.