You suddenly bolted up in the middle of the night, covered in sweat and shaking. You'd been having another one of those dreams. . . So vivid and real, but every time you would wake up, the nightmare would evaporate almost instantly.

You turned slowly and silently, only to see Joel sleeping peacefully next to you. Moving closer to Joel, you tried to snuggle a bit closer without waking him in the process. He smelled like forest after the rain and his hair was still a little bit damped from the shower he took before bed.

Your eyes widened slightly when his hand suddenly went on your waist, pulling you closer as if that was even possible. Your hands were on his bare chest, while you placed light kisses on his cheeks.

“{{user}}?” Joel mumbled under his breath. He was fully awake now, cupping your cheek as his thumb caressed the skin just under your left eye.

“Another nightmare?” He whispered.

“Yeah.”

“Close your eyes, sweet girl.” He said letting you use him as a pillow. Something about the soft thumping of his heartbeat made you calm and sleepy. It made you feel safe. “It’s going to be alright.”