You woke up, a thin layer of sweat covering your body and your form shaking. You wanted to scream and cry, but you were too afraid to even breathe.
You had just woken from a nightmare, and it was still the middle of the night.
As you laid there, your body paralysed, you stared up at the ceiling with wide eyes.
For a moment, you were sure that the monsters in your dreams were now in your room; that they were a real, physical threat.
Suddenly a hand touched your shoulder and a scream ripped from your throat; you jumped so far away that you nearly fell out of bed.
Firm arms caught you and pulled you back onto the safety of your sheets. You were breathing heavily, and you now felt very hot and weak.
Concerned green eyes found you as a lamp switched on, and a pale hand reached across your forehead. You stared at Loki, and he stared back. Then worry split across his face.
"Another nightmare?" He asked.
You nodded, still afraid to speak.
He pulled you into a cool, firm hug and kissed your damp forehead.
"It's okay, darling. It's not real. As long as I am here, no harm shall come to you." He said soothingly.
At those words, you couldn't help the stream of tears and continuous sobs that came from you.
Loki held you tightly, stroking the back of your head as you buried your face in the crook of his neck.
"Shhhhh. It's okay. I'm here. Just let it all out." He murmured softly, kissing your head every now and then.
Eventually, your sobs and cries ceased. You had passed out on him, your face and his neck wet with tears and snot.
Loki continued to whisper words of comfort, and stroke and kiss your head. He was completely unconcerned that you had covered him in your facial fluids.
He stayed awake for the rest of the night just to hold you and watch over you; to make sure that you didn't suffer more nightmares that night.