shelley_winters | (no subject)

(no subject)

[OOC: Directly after this.]

It's a jolt, waking so suddenly. She stares at the shadowy ceiling, damp with sweat and shaking. She remembers... An all-too familiar nightmare which changed into a very unfamiliar dream where she and Ishamael had been children - and she couldn't do anything.

In dreams, anything's normal, but she could think, but her dream-body didn't obey the least thing she tried to do. It's still dark outside. The girl sits up, rubbing her head. That wasn't like anything, and she never dreams like that, and it makes no sense...

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A small smile as he leaned his head gently against hers. His voice was soft as he spoke.

"Sadly, there is no instantaneous cure, since the Power is never the best option. Simple counselling is best."

Shelley pulls away slightly. His arm is still around her, but she will not let him...

Snuggle is entirely the wrong word.

But... she can live with counselling. She has talked to Michael about it, a bit, she can probably do so again.

"I could try it."

Ishamael nodded calmly as she pulled away, but he firmly kept his arm around her. His hand gently laid on top of hers.

"It will help, the nightmares will slowly stop. I have a library with books that you can read and I will make recommendations and such."

Shelley is aware of the strangeness of taking advice from him.

There is a cold, sinking feeling in her stomach as she imagines what he must be seeing, or maybe what he's doing - making sure her mind is in perfect order before starting to hurt her and break her again. No fun if she can't react. No fun.

The girl shivers, head bending unconsciously forward in something like a nod. She's so tired.

Ishamael tensed his arm in another half-embrace as he leaned in and kissed her gently on the cheek.

"I want you to be able to rest peacefully."

Shelley flinches again, turning her head away because what other choice does she have? Only things not to be considered.

"So do I."

And the lost sound in her voice can't be hidden, not so tired and defenceless as now.

Slowly, his arm slid around her waist, a touch of a frown flickered across his face. No matter, he would win in the end.

"Shhh... Just close your eyes and rest. I will keep you from having any more nightmares tonight."

The soft sound of his voice was accompanied by the slow, stroking motions of his hands on her skin.

Shelley wriggles slightly away, uncomfortable. Does he mean he's going to stay? Oh dear, no. That's the last thing she needs.

She should probably tell him to... but she can't think of what, exactly, to say, this tired and distracted, so she simply turns a stiff-muscled back to him in silence.

The fact that she did not run out of the room was certainly an improvement, and with even that little progress made, Ishamael could be content. Still with his arm firmly around her, a pillow slid under his head as he lay down beside her. A soft smile as he smelled the scent of her hair. It was like (Apples) pomegranates.

If possible, her small body stiffens further at the warmth of his chest against her back. She tries to twist a little, but one arm effectively holds her in place. Her whisper is sharp.

"...S-so, you're stopping the nightmares by making sure I can't sleep?"

A smile blossomed on his face. He had certainly not expected that from her. His fingers pressed gently, closing on the material of her nightgown over her stomach. The interplay of the softness of both her gown and her skin was exhilirating. A low breathy whisper through her hair.

"If you want that..."

His cheek and chin, slightly coarse, brushed the side of her neck as he placed a few kisses on her neck and under her jawline.

"You would certainly sleep better eventually."

Shelley gapes in sheer shock for a moment, blushing so hard from what he evidently thinks - and what are his hands doing? - she thinks she might die from sheer humiliation. It takes a moment for her to realise the slightly strangled squeak had been herself.

"Wh- Gah- No!"

Propping himself up on his elbow, he glanced down at her face. His fingers still idly tracing patters on the skin of her stomach as he asked.

"Oh?"

A quick, chaste kiss on her lips as he continued to hover over her.

"Then why did you suggest it?"

She twists, and turns her head almost violently, breath quick and panicky. No. Oh, no, she will not let him play.

"I did not. You misinterpreted!"

A light chuckle as she rolled nearly on her stomach, his hand, enviably, trapped beneath her. Tilting his head, his brows furrowed slightly.

"Did I now?"

...Fuck.

"Yes!"

Her fierce whisper is muffled by the pillows, but clear enough. Face hidden, she hopes he can't see the colour of her skin.

A small smile as the hand under her body pressed gently upward. His voice was softly curious, his eyes wandering to enjoy the slight curves displayed by her position. Certainly pleasing to the eye.

"Then why are you blushing like that?"

She attempts to kick him backwards without looking.

"Beause it is embarrassing, leave me alone."

The foot is nowhere near him and so Ishamael leaned his face down till it was next to hers. His embrace is warmer and more affectionate.

"Forgive me for making an assumption on a vague statement by a woman I care about. I did not mean to embarass you."

Shelley attempts to burrow further into the bedclothes, but there is really no getting away. She will have to wait until he moves of his own accord - though if he doesn't she'll tell him.

Maybe if she says nothing and doesn't move, he'll go away. It's wishful thinking, but that's about all she has.

Once again, Ishamael calmly laid down beside her, his arms still wrapped around her. His voice was still and calm. It was a pleasure to lay beside her, and feel her breathing.

"I can use my powers to keep your nightmares away for this evening."

She swallows, face still pink and pressed determinedly against the pillows, and says nothing. She wants them to stop, yes, but if he decides to try bargaining for it... no.

Silence is safer.

He carefully wove the weaves into her mind. It was a simple thing really, and with arm firmly around her laid down to sleep. He had been tired and sleep was certainly sweeter with her by his side.

A whispered goodnight as Ishamael closed his eyes.

She doesn't relax, although after a moment she turns her head slightly so it's easier to breathe. Tensely waiting for the feel of his touch - in her mind or otherwise - sleep slowly creeps up on her, encouraged by the light weaves that she hadn't noticed, they were gentle enough.

She had intended to move elsewhere as soon as he was asleep, but somehow she drifts off before she can call up the willpower.

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