Surviving Winter
Chapter 13
Falling Hard
Columbia breathed deeply while she drove out to the house. She was tired, and she wanted a bath and she had a ton of stuff to take into the house. At least she was full and Feli knew where she was. A frown soured her looks though as she noticed a car in her driveway, but the lights were off. Odd.
Carefully, she opened her door. "Feli-?"
"SURPRISE!" A mix of voices shouted, and Columbia's heart jumped into her throat. Feliciano, Lovino, Antonio, Ludwig, and Gilbert was standing in her living room, which was sporting a rich new Christmas tree in front of the window.
"Holy shit-!" She breathed, her heart thudded against her ribcage. "You guys scared the shit out of me-!"
"Serves you right, saucy bitch! Kesese!" Gilbert said, grinning. 'Saucy bitch' is all he ever greeted her as now. She had to admit, she didn't hate the nickname, given their relationship.
"Charming as ever, Gilbert. What are you all doing here?"
Feliciano jumped excitedly. "I wanted to do something nice for you so we worked really hard all day long and put together this surprise for you! Look, there's decorations, and ornaments, and TINSEL!" He pulled a long strand of silver tinsel from a box and threw it around her neck like a scarf.
"It was fratello's idea, but you have been pretty good to us, so I went along with it." Lovino said. He seemed a little embarrassed.
Feliciano grasped Columbia's hands. "Come on, let's decorate! I didn't know you were going to be so late but- "
"Hold on, hold on. There is an absolute ton of stuff in my car that I need to bring in - "
"Oh, I'll help you!" Feli said, already heading out the door.
"NO! Feli, no! Stay here-!" She cried, shocking the thin male.
"Huh?" He had froze, his wide, sad gaze staring at her in disappointment.
"The truck is full of presents that need wrapped. Nobody can unload it but me." Columbia stated sternly. His sad stare almost instantly lit up. She allowed a small smile to grace her looks.
"Well zen ze avesome me vould be happy to help-!"
"You're presents are in there too. Literally, I am the only person whose gonna unload that truck, got it?"
"You...bought sings for all of us?" Ludwig asked, surprised.
"Hey, saucy bitch isn't so bitchy, ja?"
"Of course I got something for everyone!" Why was she getting embarassed about it? She felt her cheeks flush. "I mean I couldn't leave anyone out, right...?"
Ludwig stood. "I'll help you unload. Ze osers can start unpackink sings for decoratink. I von't peek." The tiniest of smiles graced his face.
"Vest, I could do it, ja?"
"Nein, you vill peek. I know you."
Columbia shrugged. "Okay, let me get yours out first then..." She retreated to her truck, popping open the bed and sighing. The back of it was full. Literally full. She climbed up into the bed and spied the set of multiple boxes in a large brown paper bag. "Crap, I had Ivan carry that for me..." She sighed, grabbing it carefully and getting out of the truck. The package was heavy, but she managed it somehow. She hurried it up to her bedroom and closed the door before coming back down, pointing a finger at Gilbert. "Antonio make sure the albino bastard doesn't go upstairs, okay?"
"You got it boss." The Spaniard replied with a grin. Between her and Ludwig it only took a couple more trips to take everything to her room.
"Mein Gott, did you valk avay wis ze whole mall?" He asked, staring at the many, many bags that now filled her floor.
"Hey, you don't worry about that. Come on, out. This stuff is surprises."
"...Fery vell..." The large man complied, and they made their way downstairs where the decorating had started. Together, they put new ornaments on the tree and wrapped it in tinsel and lights. Tinsel went everywhere, she used it to decorate her entertainment set and wrapped it around columns that came down from a little half-wall that separated the living room from the entrance. A jingle bell went on the door on the inside, a wreath on the outside, and a skirt was placed under the tree.
She was just adjusting another stream of tinsel when she noticed something. "Where's Lovino?"
"He's working on something!" Feli said. "He should be done in a moment."
"Okay..." Columbia knew better than to ask questions. It was probably strange either way. Eventually though the dark haired brother did reappear, something stuffed behind his back.
"What are you hiding?" She asked upon seeing him.
He blushed. "You're not getting-a anything to open from me..." He said, and shoved a beautiful doll-like angel in front of her.
"What's...this?" She fingered the angel carefully. The body was doll like, but it had a carved wood head that was painted, stiff feathery wings stuck from the outside and a delicate halo rose upon it's head. It was wearing a gold dress that sparkled and a fluffy white robe.
"Fratello's been working on it all day!" Feli said, grasping his brother's shoulders proudly.
Lovino blushed deeper. "It was nothing!"
"Lovi, it's gorgeous." Columbia said. It really was.
"Merry Christmas." He muttered, embarrassed.
"So can I guess you vill be vanting to have a Christmas party here schometime?" Ludwig asked.
"If everyone can come. Yes, I'd like that very much."
"Christmas?" Ivan asked, blinking curiously.
"Yeah, Thanksgiving turned out so well! Plus I bought gifts...though I still have a lot to make." She thought of all the designs and ideas that were in her head. There was still quite a bit of work to do.
"Hmm. Grandfather will not be returning, I'm sure." He spoke with confidence on the fact.
That was a massive relief. "G-good. I mean were you planning on visiting the Braginskaya's or...anything?"
"Ne...even if I was. I want to come to your place."
Columbia blushed. "Really?"
"Da." He smiled. "You're very nice and good, Columbia. And...I feel calm around you. It is a strange feeling. But I like it. Very much." He extended his arms to her. "Hug?"
For such a large guy, he still acted like a kid sometimes. It was cute. "Sure." She wrapped her arms around his middle, cuddling into his chest lovingly. "...You smell like vodka."
"Vodka is delicious!" Was his reply.
She sighed, peeking out from the thick clothes to look at his living room. This mansion was so big and he was here by himself so much. "You've been drinking pretty heavily lately."
"It helps me sleep."
She looked up at him, squinting. "Your eyes are red."
His smile shrunk. "It's...sleep."
She pushed herself up to face him better, and caressed his face with her hands.
"...You always do this." The mumbling was something she grew accustomed to. She wasn't sure if he was embarrassed or just didn't know how to handle the situation.
"Shut up." She kissed him, thankful for the fact the rustic taste of blood and the swollen feeling was long gone. Instead, he tasted heavily of alcohol. Her body pressed against his, and he pulled away.
"Colum-bia - if you keep pushing, we're going to fall." He whined.
"Like I care." With a sigh, she pulled his head into her chest, caressing his hair with her fingers. "If you don't like staying here by yourself then why don't you stay with me a little more."
"I come over all the time..." He sounded confused.
"You know what I mean." Actually, maybe he didn't... "You should spend the night some." She paused. "I hope that doesn't sound too clingy..."
"N-no, you sound fine. But some nights...is better if I am alone."
"Ivan." She scolded, leaning back to glare into his eyes. "That's a lie and you know it."
His looks softened, that cloud of confusion wracking his brain. "I do not want to intrude."
She kissed his cheek, making him flush again. "You won't. It'll be nice."
He agreed to stay for the week of Christmas.
The days prior to her 'week with Ivan' were spent in her sewing room where she was working frantically. She had always liked to sew, it was almost therapeutic in a way. The only problem was she was getting distracted by her thoughts of Ivan.
Their relationship had developed so gradually it was strange. She called him her 'boyfriend' and he was more than inclined to agree, but it was still a little strange. It was like they came together so slowly and yet all at once at the same time. He had already changed, subtle little things, like the way he smiled. The first time she saw him it all seemed so empty, and now he seemed happier. Columbia herself was only vaguely aware until the odd time Katyusha had pulled her aside, grasping her shoulders and crying quietly.
"I can't tell you what an influence you've been to him. Spasibo, Columbia! He is so much brighter now."
She cursed under her breath as the machine caught, thread turning into a tangled mess under the needle and foot. An influence? She supposed that came naturally with just spending time with people. Lovino had said something similar to her once about Feli.
She sighed. Living in Nation made her feel depressed about her home life with her siblings and parents. She had always strove to set an example for the younger kids, to be a role model, to 'influence' them. What made it work here that it didn't stick in her own family?
It wasn't a regretful feeling though. Being here had done exactly what she wanted, kept her busy. She hadn't expected to run into the drama, the mind-crushing trauma she had seen and heard, but she hadn't expected to make friends either. To be with people so wholeheartedly and happily. It was strange. Normal people wouldn't have interjected the way she did into people's lives. She blamed her 'big sister training'. At least it was good for something. And she hadn't once had to think of the problems back home, save for the time she rambled half-plastered to Ivan and Feli. Other than that, the troubles here had been so prominent they have shoved every other thought from her mind. The thoughts of loneliness, the thoughts of her fiancee...just gone. She sighed happily. Yes, things were much better now.
"Coli! Ivan's here!" Feli shouted, knocking on her studio door. Columbia glanced over at the door from her sewing machine.
"Let him in! I really need to get these done - " She glanced at the growing pile of finished projects, pillows, embroidered jackets, blankets, and a few simple stuffed animals filled a whole corner of her room. Just a few more things and she would be done, she decided.
"Columbia~!" Ivan sang, opening the door to the studio. "I am here, like you wanted."
She looked up and smiled at him. "Good, I'm glad! I'm just sorry I've been so busy lately."
"Is all right. Is busy time of year." He seemed to positively glow. She glanced at his hand. It was still wrapped, but it looked much better. Hopefully it would be healed by Christmas. What had piqued her interest for the tall man in the first place, she wondered. He moved about curiously, tilting his head at all kinds of different angles to look around the room. His cheeks and nose were red.
"Cold outside?"
"Da, it started snowing." He frowned. "I don't like snow." Hiding behind his scarf again. How sweet.
"Are you gonna watch me work?" She asked, setting her machine on low so it would be quiet enough to have a conversation.
"I can. Are you going to be busy all day?" He almost seemed disappointed.
"I'm sorry Ivan." She apologized. "I tried to get everything done before you were going to come over but I have a big family. We only give out presents to our immediate members anymore but that's still a lot. I made a few jackets for some of my siblings, a new blanket for dad, some baby blankets for mom, and stuffed toys..."
"Goodness. You are busy."
"My back's all stiff." She complained.
Big, strong hands rested on her shoulder, rubbing small, careful circles. "Better?"
She settled into the feeling for a moment before nearly collapsing on the table in front of her. "Yes..." He could do this all day, she decided.
"Maybe take a break? You still have a few days."
"Is Katyusha coming to the party?" She asked, suddenly feeling sleepy.
"Da, but she will be late. Braginskaya's are important."
"What about Natalia? I've only met the girl once."
"Ne, I am keeping her away from you."
"Is there a reason for that?" The question was rhetorical, but still.
"Da, she may try to hurt you. She is...scary, when she is jealous. Though, she is often scary on her own..." He shivered. "Thinking of her is...is..." His hands had stopped moving and his attitude turned grim.
What was wrong with his family, she wondered. "Well, that's fine then. I guess everyone wants to spend Christmas here so Francis, Lovino, and Feli will be making a big dinner..."
"Everyone is coming back to you?" He seemed surprised.
"Y-yeah. I guess so. It was fun last time too..."
"I really am jealous..." He admitted. "Everyone likes you."
"D-don't be. I think...I think I've been greedy about it."
"You are confusing me again."
"With people. I mean. I guess I feel kind of bad. Because I was forced into isolation when I was engaged..." She frowned, rubbing her forehead as if to soothe the thoughts in her brain. How did she explain this? "I feel like I'm overcompensating. Like maybe I'm trying too hard. I'm making friends but...I almost feel like I'm forcing their hand into being my friend...'buying' them or something. It's wrong."
Ivan shifted uncomfortably, a little distressed. "This. This is one of things we have talked about? The emptiness?"
She cringed with guilt. She and Ivan had several serious discussions. He was slowly beginning to understand more and more situations. And in turn, she was understanding him. One thing she had learned very quickly, they were both lonely. Maybe that's what drew her into him in the first place. He just held that look of emptiness, and even though he was obviously a strong person he sometimes just seemed so desperate. "...Yeah. I really shouldn't be complaining about this to you - "
"Is...all right." He said, surprising himself. "If you were 'forcing' things you would know. Actually...I would know. I do not see it. What I do not understand is why you would feel lonely if you have such wonderful family at home?"
Columbia looked up at him, unsure of how to explain. "Family is family. My family would love me no matter what. But I needed someone...outside, to like me. As much as I love them, sometimes...we're so distant. Hardly any of us have similar interests and we talked together, but it was mostly about work related things...personal conversations? It didn't happen much. We all lived under the same roof, but we lived...mechanically. Does that...make sense?"
He frowned. "I don't think I understand."
"I had a feeling." It was a difficult subject, and the only person she saw him act normally with was Katyusha, and they were very close.
"Imagine living with Katyusha."
"...Okay." Creating scenarios was a good way to explain.
"Now imagine seeing her everyday of your life. She goes to work, she cooks some food, she helps clean up around the house. She's there, but it doesn't feel like she's there. After dinner, she goes straight to her room without a wood. There's no happy 'hello' or 'how are you doing' every day, it's just a big, empty hole between you."
The further she went on, the more alarmed he became. "B- but Katyusha would never!" He shook a little. "I can't imagine that-!"
"S-sorry. She wouldn't do that to you, Ivan. But..." She chewed on her lower lip thoughtfully.
"...All your family is like that?" The slow, strange way he realized things was odd. There must be a great number of things he still doesn't understand, she realized.
"Not all, but...with a lot of my brothers and sisters there's a HUGE age difference...and since I was the oldest, well...you know, I was supposed to be the role model, the one to look after and the one in charge. I screwed up and it was a huge deal, they screwed up and they were 'just kids'...it's infuriating, really! So no, I'm not really close to my parents anymore, my brothers and sisters are too young to GET anything I'm going through, no one there is relatable! No one..."
There was a short silence, Ivan looking at her with big, sad eyes and frowning. "...You want to cry?"
"No..."
"You look like it..."
"'M fine..." She stood, rubbing her eyes a little, and walked over to hug him. "Sorry. Didn't mean to rant."
He pat her head gently. "Is all right." He kissed her forehead and wrapped an arm around her back to hug her tightly. "Your friends like you. That is why I am jealous..."
"You'll find friends." She said reassuringly. "I'll make sure of it." She sank into his chest, vaguely wondering how someone so big and muscular could feel so damn comfortable.
"Columbia..." He started sweetly. "You already have."
Columbia decided she really liked having Ivan in her house.
He was quiet and a little reserved, even during normal daily routines, which she expected. They cuddled at night, both in long pajamas. He was uncomfortable not having clothes on. Usually they talked when they were together, but with constantly being close she was finding out the just sitting with him was nice too. She began to crave his presence, just to sit and be content with him, to know that he was there was soothing. On the first morning they descended the stairs together, they had slept in. The previous night they had accidentally stayed up late chatting, a rare, light-hearted conversation, but it was holiday time so Columbia decided it was fine if her schedule got a little screwy.
"Buongiorno!" Feli greeted with a smile, flipping some pancakes. "I wasn't sure if I should get you up or not...vee, since you normally don't like sleeping in."
Columbia yawned. "We were up late."
Feli paused. "Oh?"
"I don't think I've ever talked for so long before." Ivan stated. "Columbia has so many interesting things to say."
"S-si, she does. Coli, Ivan, how many pancakes do you want?"
"Just stack a plate. You work too hard for me, Feli."
Feli just waved her off, placing the plates in front of them carefully before sitting down himself. Ivan stared at the plate for a moment. "...Thank you." He muttered, poking at the spongey food with his fork.
"Vee...prego, it was nothing." He smiled.
"You...cook all the time?"
"Si, I like to. Everyone says I'm good at it too."
"That's cuz you are." Columbia interjected. Her mouth was too full to talk much.
"Grazie, Coli."
"Do you think you'd like to try making Russian food sometime?" Ivan asked, looking up at him with sudden interest.
"I've never tried it..." Feli tapped his fork against his lips. "It would be fun to try! Maybe we could try making something together tonight while Coli is working?"
Ivan just looked at the other man. "That would be fun..."
Columbia's gaze kept shifting between the two men. This was working out better than she thought it would have.
Unfortunately, she didn't get to spend much of the day with either of them. Ivan brought lunch into her studio while she worked. "I promise this is the only day and then I'm done."
He just smiled and nodded. "Take all the time you are needing!"
It wasn't until the sun was set and she had to turn on the lights that she was finally finished with her work. She stretched her back, noting the satisfying cricks that come of it. She was done, she was tired, and something smelled good in the kitchen.
Neither man noticed her emergence after the long day, and they were carrying on in the kitchen. Deciding to relax a bit, she laid herself down on the couch and just listened.
"...and that is how to make porizhki."
"Ooh, I wonder if I could fill one with tomato sauce? Would that be good?"
"Uhm...I don't know. You could always try it."
"I will. Vee...Ivan, there's something I've always wondered."
"Da?"
"That...that night you saved me...can you tell me why you did that?"
Columbia sat up. Ivan was being quiet. She should tell them she was aware of this.
"That...is difficult question."
"Ve?! It is?"
"I am not sure why I did it. Mostly I was out on a walk trying to calm myself. I decided beating up bullies was a good way to relieve some stress." It was so strange how you could here the smile in his voice sometimes.
"VE?!"
"But I am thinking that I am glad I was there now. Those men were being very nasty to you, da?"
"I...si..."
"...I feel strange."
"How so?"
"Like...like I am sorry for something. Your friend...he did not make it, da?"
"N-no, he didn't..."
"He was important to you?"
"Si...molto importante..."
"You look so sad. I feel bad."
"D-don't. It isn't your fault."
"I suppose it would be like if I lost Katyusha..." There was a pause. "No, I don't want to think about it..."
"Vee...don't. It's fine. I'm still alive because of you."
"Ah! Don't cry! I didn't mean to!"
Columbia lifted herself off the couch, turning into the kitchen quickly. "Is something going on here?"
"C-Coli!" Feli yelped. He was crying, but not much.
"I-I'm sorry! I won't do it again -!" Ivan gave her a desperate look. "I-I did something wrong!"
She shook her head. He really was like a kid learning how to deal with some things. At least he had stopped trying to scare people. "You didn't do anything wrong. Feli's fine." She patted her room mate on the shoulder. "You okay?"
"Si, Coli...but...how long have you been out of the room?"
The guilt couldn't be written more plainly. "Oh...just...a few minutes. I was resting on the couch."
"I see." Feli responded simply. "Vee, Ivan, what's wrong? Now you're the one that's upset."
The tall Russian shrank back slightly. "I'm not very good at this..." He mumbled. "Excuse me." His footsteps went all the way upstairs, and Columbia heard her bedroom door shut. She sighed.
"What's wrong with him?"
"He's just learning. I don't think he's had any 'normal' interactions with people in his life." She lowered her voice. "We know he can be violent, I think he just feels guilty about some things and just has no idea how to handle himself."
"I've never heard of such a thing. Vee, Coli, what happened to him?"
Her mouth suddenly felt dry, and she stared down at her friend. "That...isn't something I can just say...or explain." She cleared her throat. Why did everything suddenly feel so wrong? "Let me put it this way. He's had a lot of...trauma, as it is. And in a way...he's still going through it." Feli didn't say anything. "I should go check on him."
Feliciano looked contemplative as he listened. "I agree."
"Dinner smells good."
"It's almost done."
"Okay. I'll be right back." She wasn't surprised to see her door closed. She was, however, a little annoyed that it was locked. "Ivan, open the door please."
The thud of boots and the clicking of the lock came almost immediately. "Sorry..." He apologized." Is habit."
"It's fine..." She gently pressed the door open. "You okay?"
"I do not think I make a very good friend."
"...Are you upset at yourself?"
He sighed. "I have started to realize something. I mean it was something...I always thought of. But I chose to ignore. Until now."
She simply nodded, and gently led him to the bed where they sat down. "And what's that?" She asked, rubbing his arm for comfort.
"I am afraid of becoming Grandfather. Is something Katyusha once mentioned to me. I had...broken my cousin's arm while playing. I did it on purpose..."
"When did you stop hurting people, Ivan?" She looked up at him, brushing some strands of hair out of his face. There was a long pause before he answered.
"When I killed that man...I do not feel regret for it. That person. But I am afraid of doing it to people that I actually like. I have...realized being around you, watching you, has taught me how to treat others. A little. I think there are many things I still don't understand. But I am finding that there are many people I want to get along with. I just do not know how. You have...made me think. I think much more now. Is strange..."
She flinched a little at the first part. He felt no regret at all for ending that mans life? He was the bad guy, sure, but at least some kind of morale struggle should accompany such an act. Maybe it was just his way of dealing with it. She decided to just keep it in mind."You're getting along great with Feli!" Even though he was probably the easiest person to get along with, she thought. Feli wasn't exactly unapproachable, especially now that his disposition has cheered up considerably.
"I made him cry...I do not want to do that anymore."
"Feli asked a personal question that was about something that still hurts him. If he wasn't prepared to talk to you about it, he wouldn't have done so. Feli...the man that died was the love of his life. You didn't do anything wrong."
"So that is how it is...I am very bad at this." He concluded, rubbing his forehead.
"Hey, it'll come in time. C'mon, lets eat. I can't wait to taste what you and Feli made."
"It's borscht! A little different from what you had last time though. I do hope you like it..."
Dinner was nice. They chatted, joked a bit, and watched a movie together. Feliciano went to bed early, leaving Columbia and Ivan on the couch alone for a little while. She played with his hair.
"This is bad habit." He decided, trying to shoo her hand away with one of his own. "Is quite annoying!"
"You're hair is so soft though! It's like feathers..." She twirled a silvery strand around her finger, and he moved back quickly. "Ouch!" He exclaimed as the hair was pulled free from his scalp. "See! Bad habit! Bad Columbia, naughty!"
"It was your fault for moving backwards so suddenly."
"Ne, you should not be playing with it in the first place..." He rubbed his scalp tenderly, and sighed. A shiny silver flask was removed from his pocket and he drank deeply.
"I thought we talked about the drinking."
"...Is sleeping medicine." He chuckled, capping the flask and putting it back into his pocket.
She gave him the most disapproving look she could muster. "Ivan, give me the flask."
"...Excuse me?"
"We talked about it. You've had plenty tonight, I think..." He had been sipping at it since dinner.
He stared at her open palm with contempt. "Ne, it is mine."
"Ivan."
"I am going to bed." He decided, standing and turning away curtly. Columbia didn't even have time to come up with a response and heavy footsteps made their way upstairs.
"Ivan -!" She called after him a second too late. Her bedroom door closed, and she sighed, turning off all the lights and the downstairs television before moving to follow after him. "Ivan." She called again, slowly opening her bedroom door. The water was already running in the bathroom. Sighing, she changed into her own long pajamas and collapsed backwards into the bed. She wasn't tired, but the sound of the shower was somehow soothing. She didn't have to wait very long before the door creaked open, Ivan walking through, fully clothed and drying his hair with a small towel.
"Oh." He stated dumbly upon seeing her. "I did not think you would have come up so soon..."
"Did I upset you?" She asked, not bothering to turn toward him.
"...Maybe a bit."
"I'm sorry. But we did talk about it."
"Talking is small step." He threw the towel onto the dresser, and fell into the bed next to her. She noticed he was still wearing his scarf.
"You don't sleep in that, do you?" She asked, turning to face him and rubbing the light material that was wrapped around his neck.
"N-ne...but my other nightwear is dirty..." His voice trailed.
"...You really hate having your neck exposed, huh?"
"Da..."
Without asking, her arms snaked around his body as far as they would reach, and she snuggled her head into his chest. He was such a rock up close, it was hard to think that he was comfortable at all, but he was. Somehow. He looked down to see her, and she faced him by looking up in return. His violet eyes were shining in wonder and curiosity. "You really like me, don't you?" He asked.
"Yeah. Yeah, I really do." She confirmed, and placed a kiss on his jawline.
He jolted. "Kissing such strange places...you are strange."
"Not as strange as you are." Her reply was mumbled, and she continued to pepper his jawline and under his chin with soft, feathery kissing. He didn't really have a reaction to the motions, opting instead to turn into a statue that couldn't move. She continued blindly, realizing that she was quickly trailing down his throat.
He almost gasped, jolting backwards violently.
"Wh-what?" She asked, surprised.
There was just silence. Ivan shook his head, seemingly more for himself than anything else, and turned around to settle into the pillows.
Columbia took this as a sign of finality for the night, and did the same.
Do not run from me.
The voice was cold, harsh, and thankfully distant.
Do NOT.
Why was it so damn cold all the time?
You can't.
I wanted it to be warm.
Because if you do, I'll destroy it.
I want it to be warm, but every time the sun is out it feels like it's burning me.
Destroy everything.
Give me a warmth I can hold.
Everything dead, dead and gone.
Please.
Ivan shot up from the bed, panting. He wiped the small flood of sweat from his eyes with one hand, reaching out to the nightstand with the other. The flask was right there, and he shakily undid the cap and drank the smooth, delicious liquid quickly.
"Ivan?" A light clicked on, and a very tired Columbia turned to look at him, squinting her eyes carefully in the dim light. "What's wrong?"
He was still a little out of breath, and between the nightmare and the light his features were a little more than stricken. "I'm fine." He said quickly, wanting to lay back down and go right to sleep. "Fine..." He couldn't even remember the dream. At least there was that.
"Bad dream?" She asked, carefully rubbing his hand with hers.
"Is fine." He repeated, shaking off her touch. "Is nothing to be worried over."
She stared at him, a hard expression worn but otherwise neutral. "If you say so, I believe you. Is this why you didn't want to spend the night with me before? Do you get nightmares often?"
"...They are not infrequent." He mumbled.
"Hmm. That's fine then. Do me a favor then."
"Oh? What is it?"
"If I have one, just...be here." She replied simply, turning back over to turn off the light and settling with blankets around her. He stared as she turned into a blanketed mass, feeling a bit of disbelief.
"...You too?" But she was already asleep.