It was late.

Far too late for him to reasonably still be awake, but Tech had found himself engrossed in compiling and organizing the newest information in his datapad. At least it was a quiet task ㅡ the soft click and chirp of the datapad the only sound beyond soft breathing.

Tech's eyes flicked over every so often, taking in the sleeping form beside him ㅡ oblivious to him and the world around them. He'd be lying if he said it didn't please him that they felt safe enough to sleep so deeply beside him.

It was as he was finishing up, however, that there was the abrupt shift of weight beside him. Tossing and turning wasn't uncommon, but the distressed sound that they made was. Concerned, Tech turned, datapad forgotten in favor of easing whatever was bothering them.

His hand met their shoulder, gentle but firm enough to halt their squirming ㅡ and then they were awake, eyes snapping open with the wide, blank sort of glassiness that only came from being ripped from sleep.

Tech's brow furrowed. "Are you okay? I believe you were having a nightmare."