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It had been three months since the aftermath of Arthur Harrow and Ammit. Khonshu had freed Steven and Marc and had given Steven his own body. His body was slightly shorter than his counterpart. His hair was chestnut with soft highlights of sandy brown strands that fell in front of his eyes, his features feather light. He’d been meaning to get a haircut. His skin was slightly paler and he had more of a lean body in contrast to Marc’s own bulky frame. He'd been having a difficult time adjusting to seeing himself in the mirror instead of Marc. There were days when he wanted nothing more than to be back. To be back, a part of Marc like he had been. He found himself longing for the other when he was by himself, whether it was browsing at the shop or simply walking down the street. He had to learn to cope in times of stress when he needed him. It was unknown to him, however, that Marc was also struggling with their new arrangement.
They had stayed in their London flat, a small comfort to Steven to be surrounded by his things. It was a tight squeeze with the two of them now, but they had made it work. They didn't have much money so they kept their bed and just slept on the opposite sides. This didn't bother Steven, though. Going to sleep was his favorite part of his day because he got to be closest to Marc. He found comfort in being as close as possible to the other. He really really missed him. Despite only knowing of his existence for such a short time, he had loved the dynamic they had fallen into.
Marc had been lying awake for the three hours they had been in bed for. Moonlight filtered through the window illuminating Steve’s features. His eyelashes delicately brushing against his cheeks. He had a soft blush on his face, the room was quite warm. His lips had a sheen of spit on them and his nose twitched in his sleep. He wouldn't admit it but he was struggling. Steven had been part of him since he was a boy. It felt like a chunk was missing from his soul. He hadn't had a say in their separation, neither of them had. He had woken up after it was all over and heard silence in his head. It was quiet. No soft voice whispering a soft “good morning” in his head. He was struggling very hard with their separation. Though he hadn't said anything, afraid to tell Steven because he had been adjusting great as far as he could tell. He wasn't plagued with fitful sleep from nightmares during the night. No waking up at the crack of dawn with tears streaming down his face. The memories had been too much, all of the bad ones flooding him at once as he tried to sleep.
So here he lay awake. Again.
The only time he was really able to sleep was in the safety of the daylight. Catching naps whenever Steven had gone out, not wanting to worry the other. It did little to quell the sick feeling he’d feel all over his body for the lack of sleep. It was enough to keep his cover whenever Steven was home, he could carry a conversation. They had talked about his new job. He finally got to be a tour guide. He’d never seen the other so happy.
His cover had been blown later that night. The memories were too vivid, it was enough to push him over the edge finally. He was thrashing in the bed screaming and crying, unable to wake up, stuck in his worst nightmare yet. It had woken Steven, who wasn't sleeping that heavily to begin with.
“Marc?”
He didn’t know what to do, how to help. Before, if things got too bad he would force a switch giving him time to calm down so he wouldn't accidentally hurt himself from the thrashing. It was different now, though. He felt kinda helpless. He sat up slowly to not jostle the bed too much and talked softly.
“It's going to be okay, you're alright. You're safe here with me, we're in our flat. I'm right here and I'll be here when you wake up. It's not real, it can't hurt you anymore.” He continued softly speaking from his spot next to him on their bed. He gradually started slowing his movements and his breathing had started to even out. His eyes cracked open slowly and Steven looked at him softly.
“What happened?” Marc’s groggy voice came out softly, his throat burning from the screaming. He brought the sleeve of his shirt up to wipe at his eyes while he adjusted to being awake again.
“You were having a nightmare. And a horrible one at that. You were screaming, crying and thrashing. Do you want a glass of water?” Steven questioned as he looked at Marc, tears still slipping from eyes.
“No! Stay. Please?” He quietly begged.
“I won't go anywhere, I promise.” He reached over and grabbed his own glass of water from the nightstand and held it out for Marc to grab.
“Thank you.” He grabbed the water and started drinking it. It had gone room temperature since it had been sitting out since they went to sleep. It still soothed his sore throat and helped him collect himself. He handed the glass back to Steven and brought his hands up to wipe at his eyes again.
“Are you okay?” Steven questioned, keeping his voice soft, afraid if he spoke too loud it would shake him back up again.
“Uh, I think I'm better now.” He stammered, still unsure. He laid back down staring up at the ceiling. Steven put his hand on his shoulder.
“Are you sure? It’s okay if you're not, you know. I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you no matter what. That didn't stop when we got separated.” He was rubbing soft circular motions with his thumb on Marc’s shoulder.
“I’d rather not talk about it right now, if that's okay?
“Of course, you don't have to talk about it right now if you want to. I'll be here though, if you need me.” He laid back down pulling the covers back up his nbody.
“Steven”?
“Yeah, Marc?”
He mustered up the courage to say what he wanted before it was too late.
“Do you think you could maybe hold me? Just ‘till I fall back asleep, please?” He asked and blinked his eyes slowly.
Steven’s heart warmed at the question.
“Of course.” Marc moved closer and Steven settled next to him, his arm falling over the back of his shoulder as Steven curled into his side and nestled his head into Steves’ chest.
“Thank you. Night.” He closed his eyes and fell asleep almost instantly, exhausted from his outburst.
“You're welcome.” Steve whispered his hair before pressing a light kiss there. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep with Marc still in his arms.