#nickkkdoesstuff

He drifts towards it and then through the door, not wanting to risk startling him with a sudden loud noise. Arthur’s in bed, sitting against the headboard, and curled up into a tight ball with his head in his knees. He can see him shaking from here, and can hear unsteady breathing that means half-suppressed tears.

He places a hand on his back, at the same time saying softly, “what’s wrong, love?”

At least Arthur doesn’t jump when he realizes he’s there. He lifts his head slightly, and then leans into Lewis, pulling him into a haphazard but desperate hug. “S-sorry- I- n- had a nightmare. You were- gone...”

Lewis floats closer and sits down next to him on the bed, so he isn’t hanging off it and in risk of falling, and returns the hug, holding him securely. He doesn’t say anything, just combs one hand through his hair.

“You j-just-” his breath hitches, and he starts to cry in earnest. “You did- didn’t come back, and you were gone, and I... an- and we all had to...”

“Shh,” he soothes. “I’m right here.”

He shudders, making a quiet, keening whine. “Please- p- please, don’t go any- anywhere...”

“I won’t. I’m staying with you, Arthur. I promise.”

The reassurance seems to do something. Though he’s still crying, Lewis can feel the panic unwinding in Arthur’s chest, settling back down to something more manageable.

Once he doesn’t seem quite so desperate to be held, Lewis releases Arthur for a moment. He picks up the blanket that had been kicked off and abandoned, and drapes it around his shivering shoulders, tucking him in as best he can. Gently, he shifts him into a more comfortable position, and then focuses on rubbing his shoulder as his breathing slowly steadies and he drifts back off to sleep.