You were running. The sweat and heat on your body drenching you with fear. A BLU Spy was behind you. Running and running and running. You felt as though you couldn't last. The dusty air scratched your lungs and you heaved, desperate for oxygen. A cackle filled the air. You could hear your mother screaming. You saw your dad's disapproving eyes. Your friends' blurred faces on their corpses watch you as you run, judging you.

Blood was everywhere. You could hear the screams of your teammates overtake your mother's. You felt a pit in your stomach and you ran to hide in your side of the battleground, Upward. Click, click, click, click! You could hear the Spy's shoes hit the floor, the sound of his breathing following you. In front of you was yourself, but dressed in BLU. A knowing smirk was on her face as she waved to you.

You couldn't move. It was all too much. The breathing got closer and closer. Something was placed over your mouth. You tried not to breathe, but you were running for too long. You needed air. You struggled and struggled, writhing in the BLU Spy's grasp. It didn't work. You saw the room tilt and spin as if you were on a boat. It all went dark, a scream piercing your ear.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

You woke up with a start in your bed, gasping and heaving for air. Your eyes were bulged out of your head, you could feel them sting as the sweat on your forehead dripped into them. Your chest was rising and falling, your lungs hurt from being stretched. Your hands were clammy, gripping your sheets as if they were keeping you alive. Your eyes searched around the room. Nothing out of the ordinary. Was I captured? Or was it a dream? Not thinking straight, you were afraid you were stuck in the BLU base. You shakily got up, your legs wobbling as if you had run four miles. You checked outside of your room, thankfully you saw red accents along the top of the walls. You heaved a sigh of relief, not living it for long before you started a coughing fit.

You tried to force yourself not to think about it, but it wasn't working. It just wasn't working. BLU Spy? Your mom, dad, and friends? ...The other you? What does it all mean? Surely it was just a bad dream, right? I don't even remember how I got into my room to begin with. You tried to think back to last night, and the memory washed over you. Oh. Demo must have set me down here. You took a deep breath and shakily walked over to the sink. Flipping the light on, you saw your hair cling to your face, drenched in sweat. Your energy was gone entirely. You also looked like death... or like a banshee more like it.

You let out a groan of despair at what you have seen in your dreams. You couldn't bear to relive it. What time is it? You shuffled over to the nightstand. It read 4:03 AM. How could you go to sleep again after that? A whimper materialized in your throat. You couldn't even mentally scorn yourself for it. Your room felt suffocating, so you left.

Gently making your way down the hall to the living room, you collapsed onto the couch. It was so dark... the couch was so soft...NO! You could absolutely NOT fall asleep again. With a raspy sigh, you decided to go see if Medic had anything to help you. It's a really bad idea for me to wake him up... I don't want to wake Engie up either... shit man... Despite your thoughts, you trudged onward. You stopped yourself from entering the Medbay doors once you got there, unsure of whether to go in or not. What else can I accomplish like this? With a small grunt of effort, you pushed the doors open.

All you could hear was the ruffling of feathers and soft coos. Something flew past you, scaring you a bit. You jumped, but didn't have the energy to yelp. All you could see were the lights of the machines illuminating the floor for you. You felt something perch on your shoulder and headbutt your cheek. Archimedes. You stroked his head with very little energy. Almost as if Archimedes could sense that, you heard him let out a worried "coo." You sighed through your nose and quietly moved around the room. You could hear Engie breathing, but that was it. I guess Medic's in his room. You really didn't want to wake either of them up.

As if on cue, you saw the light turn on through the bottom crack of a door... the door leading to Medic's personal room. You felt antsy. You also did not want to be here, but you saw no other option. So, there you stood unsure of what to do. You heard shuffling coming from his room, causing Engie to grumble something and shift in his sleep. This is really awkward. I should go and try to sleep again. You turned to leave.

"Frau?" You heard a familiar yet different voice followed by a yawn. So much for leaving. You shuffled, turning around.

"Uh, happy good morning? Wait-" You cut yourself off, not wanting to hear the distress and brokenness of your voice. Not to mention you barely knew what you were saying. You heard Medic's slippers hit the ground as he walked towards you.

"Strategist, are jou alright?" He stopped about a foot in front of you, which would have felt too close if you weren't better friends. His voice was definitely one of a morning voice: huskier and lower than usual. He sounds tired. I should let him sleep. "-and it'z too early for jou to be up like zhis." A jolt of pain shot through your skull as if you were still in your dream, it caused you to slightly moan in pain and stumble. Medic caught you and steadied you by your shoulders, seeming to notice Archimedes. He pet the bird, but his finger grazed your clammy cheek and he stopped suddenly. "Strategist, please answer me. I haff to know if jou are alright. I von't sleep vorrying about jou."

You mumbled something even you couldn't make out or understand. You cleared your throat which turned into a coughing fit. Medic patted your back gently as if trying to guide you through it.

"I-I don't think I am..." you trailed off, just happy you were able to make a coherent sentence. You looked up, not being able to discern his expression in the darkness.

"Here, I need to see jou more clearly," he said while guiding you to the light emanating from his room. It felt like every other step, you would have trouble lifting a leg up as if you did run like in your dream, but Medic was patient. Once you were both in front of his room, something you didn't dare look into, Medic studied you more closely. It was like he switched into doctor mode again, scanning your face and body up and down looking for anything seriously hurt. "Vhat happened to jou...?" His voice was a whisper, because you two were closer to Engie.

"I-... I'm not sure, Medic," you took a breath in. "I just had this h-horrible dream and woke up like this." Medic nodded.

"Vas it zhat bad?" He cupped your face into his hand to presumably look at you more closely.

"I s-suppose so..." You gave a small laugh before your weight shifted menacingly. Medic steadied you again, one hand on your waist for better support.

"Can jou sleep anymore?" You felt his hand and blushed slightly, thanking whatever god there was that he couldn't see it in the light.

"I really don't want to have a dream like that again, b-but yeah. I probably should." You turned to leave, but the grip on your shoulder and waist tightened. You dared not to make a sound. It would be beyond embarrassing to let Medic know how spots like that were sensitive. As if he could feel your body tense up, he let go after gently turning you back around.

"If it does happen again, I need to keep an eye on jou, Strategist." You looked him up and down for a split second, hoping he didn't notice. He was wearing just a white tank top and a pair of sleep pants with his logo littered on them. He raised an eyebrow at you. Caught.

"Then where do you suggest I sleep?" You held your arms, thankful that your voice was coming back. It must have sounded groggy. He thought for a moment with his eyes closed, a finger to his lips.

"Vell, jou could eizher sleep out here vith zhe Engineer's constant snoring-" you laughed at that "-or jou could borrow my bed for zhe night." You immediately blushed.

"I-I don't think I could do that to you. Where would you sleep?" Medic shrugged.

"I most likely von't, but if zhings go vell for jou, I could fall asleep on vone of zhe beds."

"Oh... I don't think I want to do that to you, especially a night before a battle..." Medic scoffed.

"Frau, I've fought feeling vorse zhan I vould not getting two more hours of sleep. Jou on zhe other hand, zhis is jour first battle."

"O-okay. Whatever you say, Doc." You gave him a sheepish smile as he gestured to his room. Tentatively, you stepped inside and looked around for a bit.

It was pretty small, considering all he had was a dresser, a closet, and a bed. Of course there was a door leading to a bathroom, but that was it. I guess most of his stuff is in the Medbay anyway... Medic grabbed a chair in front of the bed and you sat down on it.

"Uh, are you going to watch me sleep?" You asked, concerned a little. Medic visibly blushed and looked away.

"If it's not uncomfortable vith jou, I'd like to monitor jour state. Just for a bit," he added the last part quickly. You weren't sure why but nodded anyway,

"No, it's comfortable for me." He nodded. You closed your eyes for a moment, but that moment was too long for Medic as he gently started pulling back the covers for you and guided you under them. You didn't protest as he laid the warm covers on top of you, smiling slightly. His bed smelled like him. It was comforting. Wait. What? Your eyes popped open, which didn't seem to go unnoticed.

"Is everyzhing okay?" How do I explain that?

"Yeah, yeah it is. I just got scared..." You looked over at Medic, who managed to smile while looking concerned.

"It'll be alright-"

"I know, but I don't want you to be tired to-" Medic placed a finger on your lips to shush you.

"Hush. It vill all be alright." He awkwardly removed his finger when he saw the confusion in your eyes. He laughed it off. "Just go to sleep now, please. It vill be better if jou do. I promise."

And with those comforting words, you drifted off into sleep once more.

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You were in Sniper's gear, standing outside of the little underground tunnel in Upward before the second point. You were right next to Engie's sentry, just like the plan.

Sweat laced your brow under the glasses, you were hitting nearly every shot (if they didn't run away of course). Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen heads collected by the gun Sniper had given you that morning. You remembered it was called the "Bazaar Bargain."

You had driven the BLUs away for the fourth time that round. You checked your watch as Engie looked up to smile at you. Two minutes and thirty-four seconds left. You could do this. The roar of the BLUs coming in to fight another time almost made you smile. You were going to win.

Whoosh!

It was like the world had slowed down. A look of fear washed over your face as you tried turning around, recognizing the sound. A small, triumphant and dark chuckle could be heard behind you.

"NO!" You heard your Engineer cry out. Your eyes darted over to see him abandon his sentry to lunge at the BLU Spy. He successfully tackled him down. With a cry of pain, the enemy Spy died by Engie's wrench. He was starting to stand up.

"Than-"

BOOM!

You turned around as fast as you could just to see the BLU Demoman give you a triumphant smile, standing atop the destroyed machine. You couldn't hide the look of terror on your face as he placed a sticky on Engie's back and rushed at you. I'm so sorry.

You turned to run, the sound of the detonation and the cry of pain followed you. You had to regroup. The sound of the BLU team followed you. You were running, and running, and running, and-

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

GASP!

You almost choked on air, taking in deep breaths and trying not to cough. You sat up in the bed and covered your face with your hands. You had startled Medic awake, as you heard him jump in his chair. You heard him fiddle with his glasses.

"Strategist?" You heard him ask, sounding concerned but really tired. It made you feel guilty. You groaned in response. You felt a weight next to you as the bed sunk, it caused you to lean and fall onto something sturdy yet soft. You removed your hands to find that you had fallen on Medic.

"Yes?" You croaked out, trying not to clear your throat and start a coughing fit. You looked up to find worry in Medic's icy blue eyes. Trying not to make him uncomfortable, you tried to lean the other way. Not only did it not work, but Medic stopped you, pulling you in close to his left side.

"Do jou vant to talk about it?" His voice was soft, laced with concern and confusion. You sighed and leaned your head into him, nodding. When you didn't speak for a long moment, trying to process what you were just shown, his hand moved down from your shoulder to yours, squeezing your small hand in his. "Take jour time." His voice was almost a whisper. You took a shaky breath, feeling comforted but scared.

You proceeded to explain and retell the details of your recent dream, from the Engineer's stupid sacrifice to the BLU Demoman chasing you. Did it lead to your first dream? You really hoped not. Medic didn't say anything, so you explained the first one. He simply nodded and listened, the expression on his face indiscernible to you. When you had finished, you felt exhausted. You didn't feel like crying, you just felt a little... out of it. Once you didn't talk anymore for a while, Medic started to respond,

"Vell, Strategist, I-," He stopped himself, shaking his head slightly. He continued slowly. "I don't know how to comfort jou right now, but please know I want to." You nodded, closing your eyes. "Vhat I can tell jou, if zhis vill help, is zhat zhey're just dreams. I hesitate in saying zhis, but jou might be just... psyching jourself out" You frowned slightly. Why did that not feel right? He, potentially noticing your frown, squeezed your hand again. "I shouldn't haff said zhat...." Your eyes popped open.

"No, no. You're probably right. I'm just psyching myself out like I always do...," you trailed off. You sighed, removing your hand from under his and wiped it down your clammy face. His lips tightened into a thin line, his brows furrowed. He growled slightly.

"Is.. is zhere anyzhing I can do to help jou right now?" He asked hesitantly, using his right hand to place a knuckle on his lips. You tried to run your hand through your hair, only to feel that it got caught in a tangle.

"Well, uh, do you have a brush?" You gave him a small smile, gesturing to your hair. He returned it, nodding.

"Ja. Let me go get it." As he got up, you could feel the warmth you felt leave your body. He returned with an expensive-looking brush.

"Wow, so fancy," you shot a joke at him. He gave you a slight chuckle.

"I know. It vas a 'velcome gift' from Spy." He gently turned you so he could bring the chair up behind you. "Now, tell me if I'm being too rough vith it." You were confused.

"Medic, I can brush my own hair-" You started laughing.

"Nein! I can do it. Jou are too fragile right now."

"Fragile?" You turned your head, smirking at him. He looked away, a pink color dusting his cheeks.

"Jou know vhat I mean..." You laughed a bit. You saw him obtain a smirk of his own. "Laugh at me again and I might haff to be rough." When he saw that you were trying to hold in another laugh, he gently pulled the brush through your hair with a grumble.

"Ow! Ow..." You squeezed your fists.

"Oh scheisse! Mein apologies, Strategist." You didn't look back at him, but you could imagine him looking worried and surprised. You laughed in your head.

"It's okay! Just start here and..." you guided him through the steps of properly brushing your hair type. Once you were finished, you could easily glide your fingers through your hair.

"Vell? How did I do?" Medic asked, looking satisfied.

"Weellll. It was okay I guess," You laughed when he looked annoyed at you.

"Vhat? I did perfect!" You guess he caught on, however, because he started chuckling. You took the chance to gently take the brush from him and brush his hair for him. It looked like a mess. You were obviously helping. You grabbed his little curl and curled it with your finger, gently placing it back on his forehead. It just now hit you that you could've crossed another boundary, so you pulled back and nervously laughed.

"My bad... haha..." Before he could respond, you changed the subject. "Um, what time is it?"

"Vha-? Oh, it's six-thirty..." You peered up at him. You weren't sure how to take a stone-cold expression. It made you antsy.

"Th-thank you! I should go shower and get ready." Another nervous laugh escaped your chest as you left his bedroom, being careful of Engie sleeping, and made it to your own. You didn't bother looking back.