nightmares & blankets (bucky barnes x reader)

nightmares & blankets

It was cool and comfortable, but something was wrong. The sheets and doona (duvet) were on the floor, pillows thrown in various spots around the room. There was a warm body holding onto you, almost suffocatingly tightly. Your face was smooshed into his chest and his strong heartbeat reverberated through your head, blocking out all other sounds. The beautiful brown haired man that laid before you clearly in pain. You moved out of his arms, but as soon as you removed your hand from his body, Bucky let out a small pained whimper. James' brow was furrowed and his forehead creased painfully. You sat up against your headboard, bringing Bucky into your chest. His long, muscular body laid in between your legs, torso-torso. It had taken many years to get him comfortable enough to sleep with you unguarded. James was still very uncertain even after you two had been dating for several years, he was still hesitant to let you in fully, he mainly just didn't want to burden you.

One quiet night, you two had been cuddled up together on the bed, much like now, and Bucky had just broken. He split everything, from HYDRA, to the train fall, to the murders. Absolutely everything, you two had been married for about 3 years and he was finally comfortable with you, you had shared many happy, sad and sleepy (and some not so innocent) moments.

One of the things that came with the gorgeous man that is James 'Bucky' Barnes was a (sometimes) crippling case of PTSD. That also included very violent nightmares, like what was happening now. Bucky thrashed in your grip, body flailing. You secured his arms under your back and yours around his, one coming up to brush through his hair.                                                    "Shh, it's okay love. I've got you. You're not there. You're here in my arms. It's alright James." Phrases lie that were repeated like a mantra, trying to bring him back into reality. Sweat lined his body as his head turned sharply, eyes clenched tightly shut. You grew more concerned but knew that he had to wake up on his own, doing anything else would be catastrophic. One thing you'd learnt very quickly was that calling him 'Bucky' whilst he was in a flashback/nightmare would often lead to him being stuck in it longer.                                                                                                                 His thrashing died down mostly, his arms were locked behind you but honestly you couldn't care less. As long as it was helping your husband, you'd do whatever you could to help.                    Bucky's eyes slowly opened and your stomach dropped at the unshed tears that rested on his lashes. Instead of speaking, he simply nuzzled his head into your chest, letting out a content sigh, your body warmth keeping him warm, he felt incredibly safe and loved. The covers were still beside the bed, you reached over and pulled them back over the both of you, creating a little safe haven.                                                                                                                                                                            "You okay, love?" You asked gently, not wanting to scare him anymore than he already was. Not getting a verbal reply wasn't unexpected, so when he only nodded his head, hair tickling your bare chest, you weren't surprised. Leaning down slightly, you placed a kiss to the top of his shaggy head.                                                                                                                                                                          "Go back to sleep James. I'll be right here when you wake up." The words were whispered softly, he let out an appreciative hum in response and after a while, you felt his breaths even out. He was asleep, good. He deserved to get a peaceful sleep