Bad Dreams | Hurt/Comfort | {BYOA}

[healsforjustice]

It was all so clear. Despite everything around her being dark, blending into the night, the scene before her was vivid, almost as if surrounded by an unearthly glow to highlight it in the blackness. Yes it was right in front of her, and yet she could do nothing but stare; the scream of panic, a body falling to the floor, the glint of a blade as it

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[healsforjustice]

Amelia could do nothing to respond, not even will herself to lift her head. She simply sat there, absorbing the words and attempting to process them, a difficult task for her weary mind at that moment.

It had been so long ago, something she barely remembered being told about, so why was it all getting to her now? Despite the number of feuds in her family, and the resulting deaths over the crown, she had always maintained that she wouldn't falter. Yes, it was upsetting, but she always managed to pick herself up and move forward, and reserve any mourning for a time of remembrance. Well, the hotel had messed that up nicely.

It was a little frightening honestly, feeling this upset and vulnerable. Even so, she was with someone she could trust. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to try a different approach, open herself up and just allow it; for once, let someone else in.

She pulled her hand back from his hold, but made sure Flynn didn't get the wrong idea, her arms instead looping around him, her small frame sinking to the floor as she rested her face in the crook of his neck. Every part of her would usually insist on not burdening him, but she was too tired at this point to care. It couldn't hurt surely, just once, to be a little bit selfish.

"Stay...please." she murmured, the request polite and level, not wanting the knight to be guilted into this because she sounded desperate.

[divine_streak]

Flynn sank to the floor with Amelia, holding her closely. He let an armored hand go up behind her head and held her there. He shushed her soothingly and stroked her hair comfortingly.

If there was one thing Flynn was good at doing regardless of whether it coincided with his own well-being, it was shouldering burdens and doing so willingly. Fortunately for them both, this particular burden posed no trouble for Flynn to take. The white knight would doubtless feel worse if he walked away without even attempting to support his friend.

"I give you my word," he soothed. "I'm not going anywhere."

Later he would thank the princess for confiding in him, but at the moment, just being a receptacle for her emotions would suffice. He was a shield, not only to protect, but to lean against when one needed support. It was a role Flynn filled eagerly.

[healsforjustice]

It was odd really, to be in this position, so much so Amelia was tempted to try and shake herself off and draw away. Those thoughts were soon put out of her mind though by the warmth and comfort that surrounded her when Flynn embraced her. Usually she was the one who had to be optomistic, the one who helped other people and supported them like any good friend would. It was no wonder that she was so reluctant, not wanting to leave others worrying about her.

Still, Flynn said he wasn't going anywhere, she couldn't back out now. It would be worse to shun his kindness after he had given his word like that. She clung on tighter, fingers clutching at his shoulders as she tried to steady her breathing. Her small form trembled, no doubt still rather shaken up by suddenly venting so much. At the very least she did feel better, and knew that knowledge was with someone she could trust.

Finally lifting her head enough to catch his eyes, managing to speak, though her voice was still rather thick with emotion.

"I don't want to think about this anymore, I don't want to let it get to me any longer. I just need to forget, for a little while anyway." she whispered, sighing softly, not even sure herself if what she said made sense. How was she supposed to expect Flynn to help with this if she had no answers herself?

[divine_streak]

Fortunately for Amelia, Flynn answered her question with a smile.

"I know what you mean," he said kindly as he helped her rise, his strong frame still supporting her. "It's okay to be selfish, once in a while. I don't know everything, but it seems to me that you've allowed this to torture you for too long."

With a bit of a blush, he leaned forward to give her a small kiss on the forehead. "Then let's talk about something else. Just know that I'm here for you as long as you want me to be."

[healsforjustice]

She was at least glad she hadn't burst into tears, but after so long, she supposed she didn't have left to shed on the matter. After all, it wasn't the incident so much, but the memory. She had come to terms with the loss some years before, but not being able to maintain that ritual of normality, seeing her mother's grave once a year due to being stuck in the hotel, that was what got to her.

Nodding in response as she listened to him, flushing herself at the kiss. She knew it was a comforting, chaste gesture, and she appreciated it. It still felt a little odd though, a fluttering sensation in her chest building up from the touch. Nevertheless, she did her best to focus back on what was important.

"Okay, but can we at least get off the floor?" she asked, a small smile showing on her face as she tried to make the best of the situation. "I don't even know what else to talk about."

[divine_streak]

"Of course," Flynn said as he helped her rise to her feet. Taking care, he led her to the chair she was sitting in earlier. While lying on the bed may have been a better option, Flynn didn't want her to think he had bad intentions.

More importantly, he didn't want himself to think that. He had felt a similar sensation after kissing her that caused him to instantly regret it. He had been here for over a year now. He knew what this feeling tended to preceed. Making sure she was seated comfortably, Flynn sat down in the chair nearest, moving it close enough so he could reach out and hold her hand.

"Well, let's start with how you've been aside from your dreams," Flynn chuckled, all too aware of how cliche'd the question may have seemed. "The nature of this place ensures this topic of conversation is never boring."

[healsforjustice]

She made no protest in following as she was seated again, glad for the support due to still feeling more than a little shaken up. Still, even if they had gone to the bed, Amelia would have more than likely still held enough trust in Flynn to know he wouldn't be trying to take advantage of her while she was in a more fragile state.

Of course, there was no denying the hotel had a record for meddling, but like the majority of her encounters with people she had come to care for, the princess likely would have held no regrets. She could of course appreciate the effort made to prevent such a thing though. That was shown in how she squeezed his hand when their fingers intertwined.

"It's all been the usual business I'm afraid, but I've been getting by." she replied, offering a smile, trying her hardest to allow herself to forget. "And what about you?"