Archive of Our Own ^beta

Thunder cracked like the sound of a gunshot in the air as a flash flickered across the sky. Heavy rain pattered against the rooftop, coarse streams flowing into large puddles on the ground. The air was strikingly bone cold, the two of you shivering and huddling together for warmth. Despite a missing limb from your companion, his arm wrapped tight around you. His voice brewed in your mind as soft as candlelight.

You pulled the fabric of your jacket tighter around you, the red colored emblem shining under the buzzing light. A chill washed over you as you squeezed your eyes shut. Your companion’s hand ran through your hair, rubbing circles with his thumb into your forehead. His warmth soothed you, bringing your mind away from imagined horrors. The muscles of your eyelids relaxed.

A heavy sigh escaped past your lips as you smiled. “Thanks Tavish.” You whispered, snuggling your face close to his chest. He smiled down at you and patted your head. A warm laugh rumbled out of his throat.

“You’re welcome, lad.” Tavish said and sat down on the dirt ground. You joined him, curling up beside him. You laid your head on his lap, pressed against his belly. His hand continued to course through your hair, curling fingers around strands.

“We’re safe now. I think you can rest.” Tavish cooed at the level of a whisper. You opened your eyes, worried gaze meeting him. A lump formed in your throat as you opened your mouth to speak.

“But, what about those monsters? What if you fall asleep and they both get us?” Your voice trembled with fear and terror. “What if they drag me away and you can’t get to me?” Tears flooded your eyes as they ran down your cheeks.

Tavish simply smiled and moved his hand from your head. He pressed his thumb near your eyes, wiping salty tears away. “You’re gon’ be okay, lad. I promise.” He patted your head again.

“If it makes you feel any better, how about we take shifts? I’ll stay up and watch for a bit while you rest. Then, when I need to sleep, you go after me. Rinse and repeat.” Tavish laughed warmly, his wide smile twisting a warmth in your gut.

“How ‘bout that?” Tavish asked. You pursued your lips together and frowned. Your gaze drifted from his face to the outside world beyond the safety of your bars. The anxiety in your gut twisted, intertwining with your stomach.

Silently, you prayed for help to come soon. Maybe your teammates would come back for you? Maybe the company you signed up for would have a heart? Help had to come. It just had to.

You just couldn’t be left here to die, right? The utterance of that word made your anxiety knot more. You turned back to face Tavish, terror written across your face. Your heart jumped as another crack of thunder filled the ghostly air. You jumped and let out a scream, throwing yourself at him.

A sob tore out of your throat as you buried your face into his chest. “Tavish,” You whimpered through heavy sobs. “I’m so scared. I’m so scared that no one’s going to come for us. I don't want to die, please.”

You softly hiccuped through your muffled cries. Tavish cupped your chin with his hand brought your face up. Your watery gaze met his warm one. He brushed away strands of tears and wrapped his arm around you. His lips brushed against your ear, hot breath somewhat a comfort.

“We’re safe right now, I promise. Do ya trust me, lad? I won’t let anything hurt ya.” Tavish asked, squeezing your trembling body tight to him. A hopeful smile spread across your face as you hesitantly nodded.