His throat hurt more than he had ever imagined that it could. He couldn't remember the last time he had tasted water, or any liquid aside from his own blood. His body had almost become numb to the pain – it was such a constant thing that his mind had fled, abandoning the rest of him to simply endure what was doled out.

But his throat was killing him. It broke through his mind's defenses, screaming at him that if he didn't have some water soon, he was going to die painfully. Slowly, he moved his head, working desperately to move his mouth, to make some kind of sound that would let them know what dire straits he was in.

Then he felt a gentle hand lifting his head up, and cold, crisp water was being poured lightly on his lips. Eagerly, he opened his mouth, drinking every drop he could reach. It coursed down his throat, soothing it, dulling some of the pain.

"Slowly, Jack," a familiar voice warned. "You don't want to get sick. You're safe now. Everything's going to be alright."

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"Jack? Jack! Wake up!"

His eyes snapped open, and he found himself staring at Chloe as she leaned over him. Seeing that he was finally awake, she reached out and rested one of her hands against his cheek. Then she grabbed a glass off of the nightstand and handed it to him. He frowned at it in confusion; Chloe shrugged.

"You're always thirsty after you have that nightmare."

As he drank the water, he reached out and took her hand in his, entwining their fingers. When he was finished, he set the glass back down and stared at her for a long minute, rubbing his thumb across her knuckles slowly. Then he was leaning forward, pressing his lips against hers. The kiss was firm but quick, over before she'd even had a chance to process it.

"Stay," he finally said.

"Are you sure?"

"I always sleep better when you're around. I feel…safe."

"Is that the only reason?"

Brushing the hair out of her eyes, he shook his head.

"No."

"Then I'll stay."

Without another word, she got up and walked around to the other side of the bed, climbing in beside him. He wrapped and arm around her and pulled her back against his chest. Dropping a kiss to her shoulder, he moved his mouth to her ear.

"My angel," he whispered. "Always saving me. I love you."

Chloe waited until his breathing had evened out and he was asleep. Then she closed her eyes and let herself relax in his arms.

"I love you too, Jack."