Linky's Fics

To Experience A Nightmare

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Lachesis didn’t see much for a need for sleep at first. She wasn’t a human, rest was not required to fuel her body. A homunculus could go on about life endlessly without a wink of sleep. What would be the point of doing a ritual that wouldn’t benefit her?

This changed once she began to gradually turn human.

If she didn’t get enough rest, Lachesis noticed it would be harder to form thoughts. To preform actions that normally would come to her with ease. She’d yawn, and it was all annoying.

Kyoka knew that the effects of being tired were frustrating to experience. It was for her too, same goes for any person. So she made sure to make sleep something she could enjoy.

Somehow, she found Lachesis the perfect goth pajamas online. Mindful of her style and making sure it would be something she’d actually like to wear at night. Their material was quite comfortable too. Same for the blankets used for the bed they both shared.

Dreams were talked about as well. Lachesis found the idea of dreams intriguing and intimidating. How could one’s subconscious tell them so much in one? Humans continued to confuse her to no end—despite still wanting to become one.

This wasn’t even beginning to get into the concept of nightmares.

Given her past and the shadows that loomed over her. Glion’s words still whispering in her ears in the darkest corners, telling her she’s “defective”, even if he had long since died.

She hoped it would be a long time until one showed itself.

Though it wouldn’t be long until Lachesis would have her first exposure to one… However it wouldn’t be her nightmare.

Lachesis blankly stared at the ceiling. Waiting for her mind to drift off into sleep. Without a doubt this was the most annoying part about trying to sleep to her. Kyoka promised her with more time, and perhaps with more daily activity that it’ll become easier.

Well, hopefully. She also mentioned how falling asleep was a mixed bag for all humans. A laundry list was present of how humans could struggle to sleep. From stress, to excitement, sickness, and plenty more. Why was something so important to human life also so difficult to deal with at times? Lachesis sighed and rolled her eyes.

That was when Kyoka began to toss and turn. Slightly at first, but then it grew more intense. Beads of sweat began to form at the side of her face.

“No… No…” She murmured, barely audible.

Lachesis sat up and stared at Kyoka in fear. Shocked by this sudden display.

Kyoka continued to sweat, tears formed at the corners of her eyes. Rolling down her cheeks and onto the sheets below.

So this is a nightmare.

She wasn’t sure what exactly to do. This was the first time she’d ever seen something like this. Impulsively Lachesis reached forward, and lightly touched Kyoka’s shoulder.

“Kyoka-san?” She whispered carefully.

“Ah!”

That was more than enough to make her bolt upright. Kyoka’s eyes darted around the room. She panted, struggling to breath normally. After a minute she began to take in deep breaths.

Turning to the side to see her girlfriend, Kyoka had a look of visible nervousness. A very rare sight. Only present when an experiment or lab test was going awry.

“Oh dear… I guess I scared you, huh?”

“I presume that was what you call a nightmare.”

“Right on the money.” Kyoka’s hands curled into fists, grabbing the blanket. “…It was about ten years ago. I have nightmares about what happened pretty regularly.”

Lachesis could only stare. Words couldn’t come out of her mouth, or even form in her head. She was aware of the trauma that Kyoka carried on her shoulders each day. An event like that would do this to anyone. But to see if affect her so directly before her very eyes…

Kyoka scratched her head, looking down in embarrassment.“Ah… Perhaps I said too much. Anyways, I’ll be fine Lache—”

Suddenly Lachesis lunged forward. Arms tightly wrapped around Kyoka. Silently Lachesis put her face in Kyoka’s neck. And she could feel Kyoka’s body loosen up underneath her, before her arms slowly wrapped around her back in return. Wholly accepting the embrace.

This gesture looked to help bring back Kyoka to the present. Lachesis couldn’t turn back time, and prevented that tragedy at the academy.

But she could do this.

A few beats of silence, Kyoka’s grip became a little tighter. Though still loving. “Thank you Lache-chan.”

Tonight Lachesis learned the horrors of nightmares. As well as how having the right person by your side could make a world of a difference.

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