sixwordstories | (no subject)

*Moving in the lab he gently put a gentle hand on her shoulder.*

*she jumps, her eyes flash open, heart pounds*

Mac..

*His eyebrows went up.*

Aiden?

*Breathes and runs a hand through her hair*

You startled me.

So I noticed. I'm sorry. Is everything alright?

*blinks to wake up a bit*

No, it's okay..um..*looks at the monitor blankly* I'm just waiting on a match.

It's been awhile since I've had someone fall asleep in front of AFIS.

*gets up, giving a small smile*

I wasn't really sleeping though. Just got bored waiting.

What's going on, Aiden?

*takes a walk over to the layout table*

Can't sleep. Figure instead of force myself, I'd use the time productively.

Why can't you sleep?

*put her hands down on the table and lets her head drop*

*Presses his lips together before coming up beside her.*

Would you like to talk to someone, Aiden?

*picks up her head and stares forward*

I'm tired of talkin it out and nothing happening. I just wanna know why, after not dreaming about it, the dreams are coming back.

*tilts her head to look at him* ..It's been three damn years.

*He opened his mouth and then paused.*

Sometimes things trigger them, actions, sights. When did the dreams come back?

*Nod* They started again a couple nights ago. I don't know what would have triggered it, none of the cases I've been working come close to relating to D.J. or the attack.

What about you running from a burning building when we pulled Sid out?

*Pauses before closing her eyes in realization*

The smoke..

Why don't you take some time off? To relax to settle your nerves?

The time off ain't gonna settle my nerves, Mac. If ya don't mind, I'd just want to put my head into working.

Aiden. . . Ignoring it won't make it go away.

What else can I do? I sleep, I wake up in a cold sweat screaming because I can see myself trapped in that car. I can taste the smoke. I can feel the heat and smell the lighter fluid all over me.

Even in maximum security, that bastard is still haunting me.

Locking him up doesn't keep him out of your head. I know you don't like the idea but talking with someone might give you useful tools to help deal with the stress and nightmares.

*Nod* Tomorrow, 2:30. I know I can't do this on my own, but don't pull me off the clock thinking it's going to help. Please, Mac.

*He was silent for a long moment, watching her before finally giving her a nod.* I want to be kept informed. The minute I think it's effecting your performance then I'm taking you off.

I can do that. *Looks down, pauses and then glances back up giving another nod* Thanks.

I know you can. *He squeezed her shoulder gently.* You won't let me down, Aiden. Just remember I'm here for you.

I know, you always have and I appreciate it so much, Mac. *Her attention catches when AFIS comes back with 'no match'*

Well, unless you got anything you need help with, I'm done here tonight.

*He nodded at her appreciation, and then when AFIS came back negative.*

No, nothing else, have a nice night Aiden.

*slips off her labcoat and walks past him*

You too, eh? See ya tomorrow.

A few things to clear up before I head out. I'll see you then.