As promised, here is Chapter 3! It has been one busy week, so I apologize for keeping you waiting.

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters.

After an evening of talking and watching television, Ryan fell asleep on Mike's couch. Mike went into his room and brought out a blanket. He draped it over Ryan. He looked down at Ryan and smiled. He didn't bother to wake up Ryan since deep down inside he wanted Ryan to stay the night. After a few moments of watching Ryan sleep, Mike turned off the living room lamp and went to bed.

Later that night…

"No, no!" Mike cried in his sleep.

He thrashed violently in his bed, kicking off all of his blankets.

"Let me go!" He cried.

Ryan woke up and ran into Mike's room. He sat down on the bed and took Mike by the shoulders.

"Mike, Mike! Ryan said, gently shaking Mike. "Wake up."

Mike's eyes shot open. He stared at Ryan with wide eyes, and breathed heavily.

"Calm down, buddy," Ryan said in a gentle tone. "It was just a dream."

Ryan held Mike by the shoulders until his breathing became more normal.

"I thought Joe was going to kill me," Mike said.

"It was only a dream," Ryan reminded Mike. "You're safe."

Ryan took his hands off of Mike's shoulders.

"This isn't going to stop, is it?" Mike asked Ryan.

"What do you mean?"

"The nightmares. The edginess."

"It will take a while, but you'll get better with time. And don't be afraid to get help if you need it."

There was a moment of silence between them. Mike just started at Ryan. Tears began to well up in his eyes.

"Try to get some sleep, ok."

Ryan went to leave Mike's bedroom, but Mike grabbed his arm.

"Please stay," Mike softly said.

Ryan hesitated, but he sat back down on Mike's bed. Mike still gripped his arm.

"I'm right here," Ryan reassured Mike. "Take it easy, buddy."

Mike released his grip on Ryan's arm. The two of them looked at each other for a moment, then the tears poured from Mike's eyes.

"Please, don't cry," Ryan said.

Ryan laid down next to Mike.

"Come here."

Ryan moved his arm so Mike could get closer to him. Mike moved in, and rested his head on Ryan's chest. Ryan wrapped both of his arms around Mike.

"You really need to sleep," Ryan whispered. "I'm right here with you, and I won't leave your side."

Ryan gently rubbed Mike's back with one of his hands. Mike took a deep breath. He slowly drifted to sleep.

Ryan stayed awake the rest of the night. He continued holding Mike in his arms. His grip tightened whenever Mike stirred in his sleep. Ryan kept his eyes on Mike at all times. Nothing was going to happen to him on his watch.

The next morning…

Mike awoke in Ryan's arms.

"Good morning," Ryan said.

"Morning," Mike yawned.

Ryan let Mike sit up.

"Did you sleep better?" Ryan asked.

"A little bit. Joe Carroll's face kept invading my dreams."

"He was in my dreams a lot, too," Ryan told him.

"When did your nightmares stop?" Mike asked.

"They stopped occurring regularly after a year. Every now and then I'll have a nightmare, but it's a rare occurrence nowadays."

"That makes me feel better. You're a big help, Ryan."

"I'm glad you feel that way."

"I appreciate you staying with me last night."

"It was no trouble at all."

"I'm not going to lie, Ryan, you were a comfortable pillow," Mike said, trying to be serious.

Ryan laughed out loud. Mike joined the laughter.

"But really, being in your arms made me feel safe," Mike told Ryan. "I'm not trying to make it awkward between us or anything, but you're the only one who makes me feel safe."

"I won't let anything happen to you. You're one of the few who has stuck around even though I tried to push you away. You mean a lot to me, Mike. I am always by your side."

The end! I always hate ending fics. :( I will write again soon. If you have any ideas, feel free to let me know. I am also working on a different type of fic involving Joe Carroll. Thanks for reading!