In the engineering room...

[beliefovermisery]

[After this.]

There was tossing. There was turning. And there was a gasping, panting boy wrapped in canvas suddenly shooting up in a sitting position in the darkness, crying out softly, eyes painfully wide, trembling and gasping for breath.

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[notanoptimist.livejournal.com]

He trusts her to try. He doesn't trust circumstances to let her succeed.

He wants to apologize for it, this lack of faith, but-- what more is there to say? He'd already admitted to being a coward. It doesn't bear repeating.

He will, however, kiss her once before scooting in, his arm sliding around her.

"...I want to believe you," he admits quietly, trying to catch her gaze.

[notahick.livejournal.com]

"So try," she says. "Have a little courage, Sokka. I know you can be brave, if you let yourself."

It's a risk.

But without risk, what's life, anyway?

[notanoptimist.livejournal.com]

People keep saying that. But if you risk so many times, and each time you lose...

He's silent for a few moments before he smiles a little at her. "...I think I can get back to sleep now."

He's at least ready for new nightmares.

[notahick.livejournal.com]

She sighs, and tugs him down into her arms. No nightmares. Paige'll keep them at bay.

[notanoptimist.livejournal.com]

One of these days, they're going to realize that sleeping in the engineering room is a really bad idea.

Until then, Sokka's tugged down, wrapping his arms around her, laughing a little as they settle down.