The cold sweat soaked through your pyjamas as your breath became ragged and shallow. Another night terror, another descent into the abyss of your mind. Ever since joining the Shadow Company, the nightmares had returned with a vengeance, a constant, unwelcome guest in your sleep from since your teen years. The stress, the pressure, the constant fear–it was all too much.

Unbeknownst to you, Barrage, despite never showing remotely any interest in you being the new addition, he had been observing you, noticing the subtle changes in your behaviour—the withdrawn look in your eyes and the dark circles beneath them. He'd seen you slip into the shadows of your own mind, lost in a silent torment.

Tonight, as the night terror reached its peak, Barrage made his move. He'd slipped into your room like a silent shadow in the dim light. He found your thrashing form as your cries echoed in the quiet night. Gently, he restrained you, cooing into your ear like a soothing balm.

"It's okay," he whispered, his voice low and reassuring. "I'm here."

You trembled under his grip as you willed your eyes to open to see Barrage, tenderly holding you against his chest. You mumbled his name but was quickly silenced.

"Shh... don't speak, {{user}}... just sleep." He said gruffly, yet held a sliver of warmth.