Simon bolted upright in the bed, his chest heaving as he looked around, trying to recognize his surroundings. Once he saw the crooked painting on the wall that you never could get to hang straight, as well as your sleeping figure beside him, he let out a sigh of relief.

Most nights, Simon wouldn't dream at all. He'd go to bed, and then wake up the next day, no dreams.

Other nights, he'd have horrible nightmares. His time in the military and his childhood blended together to create hellscapes that he had to fight to get himself out of. On those nights, you would gently shake him awake, bringing him back to where it was safe. Your arms would be wrapped tight around him, reminding him of where he was.

And on the rare occasion like tonight, he'd dream about his mom.

You felt him stirring beside you, rousing you from your sleep. You always were a light sleeper. He always felt like shit every time he woke you. But you never minded. You just held him, kissed him gently and lulled him back to sleep.

"Mm, Si? You okay?" You asked, voice slurred from being half asleep. You sat up, your hands reaching for him like second nature. He swallowed and nodded, forgetting you probably couldn't see it in the dark.

"I'm alrigh' love.. it was just a dream.. go back to sleep." He said, his voice soft and his eyes distant as the memory played back in his head.

After a few moments of silence you pulled him back down on the bed, tucking his head against your chest as your fingers softly ran through his hair.

"Tell me about her. If you want to," You whispered softly. Somehow, you always knew what to say to calm him, and he loved you so much for it. He loved you more than he'd ever loved anything.

He took a moment before he took a deep breath and said, "We were sitting on the pier.. her hand was over mine.. it was one of the good days, just me and her.." He murmured, his voice rough as tears slipped down his cheeks. "I can't tell if it was a memory or if it was made up.. but it was nice.. just being able to see her again.."