Path of the Hunters [PART 3]

"Strong shit." She opened the door to one of the empty rooms. "Thanks for getting me outta dodge and all that shit."

"Enlisted blend, huh?" Katherine smirked, "As for the rescue, anytime, but don't make a habit of it."

"Fuck no. You try being pinned to the ground for a few hours by knives, then we'll see if you want a repeat." Yawning, she walked into the room. "'Night."

Katherine smirked, "I see why the medics like you. Goodnight O' ferocious one."

He chuckled. "That she is. She knows what is, and runs with it." He moved into his own room, bringing the sleeping kit in his arms along. "If I'm not up at seven, wake me. 'Night." With that, he walked in, closed the door behind him.

Aurélie looked around, eyes adjusting to the dark room. It was morning; the clock by their bed reading 0600. Military time... Of course.

She made out the stretcher which had served as a makeshift crib for the twins. The sides had been pulled as high as they went and pillows had been stacked at both ends to keep them in, not that they'd seemed to move much from what she could see. They'd slept through their first night peacefully... Hopefully that would last forever.

She stretched and, smiling softly, nuzzled into Nova's neck.

Nova did not wake right away. His breathing was slightly shaky, his brow furrowed.

"Nova?" She shook him softly, frowning.

"No...!" He awoke, sitting upright, panting. He placed a hand to his sweaty brow, sighed heavily. "...Damn it."

She slid her arms around him, bringing his lips to hers gently. It wasn't the first nightmare he'd had. Ears slightly perked, she heard a soft sound coming from the babies, but they were quickly silent again.

He broke the kiss, sighing. "Sorry. Another nightmare."

She nuzzled him. "I would 'ave been more surprised if you 'adn't 'ad one after yesterday."

He shook his head. "This one was different. It was another premonition-like nightmare, but..."

She laid her head on his shoulder. "Explain."

"...Remember yesterday, back at Cross' house, where I kinda started losing it, and Mani had to knock me out with a needle?"

"Oui."

"A side effect of the experiments done on me. Serious mental stress causes me to mindless destruction machine. I can see it all happen, but I can't stop it."

She sighed. "Then I am glad Mani was around to stop you."

"That's just it. In my nightmare, she wasn't there. Then I was facing you and the others in that state. And..." His eyes closed tightly, tears welling. "Damn it all..."

"Nova..." She pressed close, kissing him gently. "Don't worry, mon coeur."

He sighed raggedly. "Still, that thought messes with me more than anything." He brought his arms around her, holding her gently.

She smiled, nuzzling him softly. "Je t'aime."

His breathing eased to a steady pace. "...I love you, too. I won't let anything happen to you."

"I know you won't." She laid her hand over his heart. "I trust you entirely, Nova. More than you trust yourself."

He smiled. "Well, I guess someone has to, right?"