Harper gasps awake, disoriented but panicked, distraught, with a crushing ache in their chest. The fan slowly twists around to leave a breeze on their face, chilling them and bringing attention to the water across their cheeks, dripping through their sideburn and onto the pillow.
A figure in a desk chair, arms bound in black rope
A white dress collar seeping red, a mouth hung open
Their fingers twitch hopelessly as they try to break through the sleep paralysis. They take in a shaky gasp and another drop of water rolls over the bridge of their nose.
No no no, no, please. This can't be-
A hand clumsily pats the space next to them, then lands on their forearm.
"Mhh... Harper...? Is everything alright?"
They feel weight shifting next to them on the bed, and a familiar face pops into peripheral. Leaning over them, they can just make out his white mustache in the dark.
Wi.ntergreen. He's okay...
"Harper! What's wrong, sweetheart?" Win brushes their hair out of their face, catching the glint of tears in what little light is available. They let out a hiccuping sob.
"You're o-hc-kay... I thought you-h-hwhere gone!"
"Gone where? I'm right--... Ahh, I see." He wipes their damp cheek with his thumb and rubs their shoulder, cooing. "It's alright, love, I'm right here. Everything's alright. You're safe. I'm not going anywhere."
He settles back down on the bed and rolls them right into his chest, lightly scratching the back of their neck. They cling to him as if he'll disappear if they let go.
"Having a rather nasty dream, I take it?" He plants a kiss along their hairline.
"You died... I saw your face. You were tied up and I found you and you were already-" They ball up the back of his shirt in their fists. "... I'm so glad you're okay..." Still lightly sniffling, they press their forehead into his collar.
He furrows his brow, stroking their hair.
"I wonder what brought this on... Perhaps I've frightened you too many times with Slade's adventures as of late." He rubs behind their ear with his knuckle and they relax, like a puppy about to start kicking its hind leg. "Are we feeling a little safer, sweetheart? Shall I fetch you something warm to drink?"
"Mmh... Only if I can come with you."
He chuckles. "Alright, dear, off to the kitchen we go then."
