Protection

Jason holds Katie's hand in a cold vice grip, his eyes scrunched tight and wincing as the images fly in his direction. He hears a voice...the voice so soothing...the voice that has drawn him out of so many other nightmares...
Then it feel as if someone has taken a hold of him to yank him from one world into the next. His eyes fly open, his breathing still fast and shallow. He swallows hard, as none of his surroundings want to come into focus. He feels a hand in his and slowly loosens his grip. He's wet and cold, shivering and unable to control his racing heart. Emotionally, all he can feel is pain. He knows he's awake, and gradually realizes where he is and who he is with, but reality still feels just out of reach.
He's finally able to uncurl himself despite his muscle's resistance, and he manages to groggily prop himself up on an elbow, trying to look up and bring Katie's face into focus. He's unsure if it's the dark or poor vision that makes it difficult. Squinting, he makes out her features, and he sees the tears in her eyes.
Emotionally overwhelmed already, realizing her compassion shown through her eyes is like a title wave, roaring in to wipe out any barriers he has. Whether in a weak moment, or torn by his nightmare, Jason's wall crumbles in front of Katie. Like a disappearing fog, the forced expression of control vanishes, leaving his eyes open and vulnerable windows into the pain he's experiencing.
Before he can overcome it, the tears come. He chokes on a sob as the emotions spill forth. Without even thinking, he lets his arm give way, sending his head to rest in Katie's lap, his face buried against her. The tears flow...the emotions surge through him violently enough to make him shake, and he draws closer to Katie for protection, wanting only for the torture to end.