I swiftly sat up in my bed, waking up in a panic. The sheets were drenched in sweat and my heart was pounding in my chest.

I tried to take deep breaths as I pulled my knees closely to myself.

Another nightmare...

It was so frustrating. Why wouldn't they stop? I quickly grabbed my pillow out from behind me and shoved my face into it, screaming loudly.

I continued my muffled yelling until my throat became sore. How long would it be until I could finally move on... Until I could finally sleep for a full night. Or feel at ease and safe.

I laid back on my bed again, staring up at the ceiling. The moonlight was shining through my window, illuminating the small dorm room.

With the way my heart was still racing anxiously, I knew there'd be no way I would be able to fall back asleep anytime soon.

So instead of fighting it, I decided to just get up. I threw on a sweater and grabbed my slippers before sneaking out of the room and down the hallway.

I didn't want to wake anyone up, and I especially didn't want anyone to know I was still having night terrors. Gojo and Nanami would definitely freak out, they're way too overprotective.

I was just in my shorts, so the small breeze outside caused soft chills to rush across me. Still, it was a beautiful night.

The sky was mostly clear, and the full moon was breathtaking. I walked over to an area with a few picnic tables, sitting up on the table and resting my feet on the bench below.

I rested my arms back and looked up towards the sky. I let my mind go blank as I watched the stars. I didn't want to think or feel anything, I just wanted to be. At least for a moment.

I picked my head up as I heard the soft rustle of footsteps cutting across the grass. Perks of being a sorcerer, I didn't really need to be afraid of much.

I smiled softly at the familiar face.

"Can't sleep?"

"Salmon."

He sat up on the table next to me as I returned my gaze back up to the sky. I felt his eyes on me, but I really didn't feel like explaining myself to him or anyone else.

Still, it felt nice to not be alone. It felt even better that it was him who happened to find me tonight.

As we sat there, gentle tears began to roll down my face. It didn't matter how desperately I tried to hold them back, they refused to listen. I was just emotionally exhausted.

I wiped them quickly since he was still watching me.

His voice came out low, barely even audible, "A-are you ok?"

My head snapped in his direction, laughing a bit out of shock, "Inumaki!?"

He didn't say anything else, his eyes did all the talking instead, pleading me to answer his question.

"No, I'm not doing very well tonight," I answered.

"Why?" he asked again.

I looked at him, feeling so terrible that he was putting himself through hell to try and talk to me, "It's very kind of you to ask, but you shouldn't use regular words."

He sighed, nodding because he already knew that.

"It hurt, doesn't it? When you don't use your safe words?"

"Salmon."

"Gojo-sensei told me it's because you have to focus too much on your cursed energy and not hurting anyone or yourself."

He nodded along as I spoke.

"He said the restraint it requires takes an unimaginable toll on your body."

"Salmon," he whispered out.

"Then please," I smiled at him. "Don't do that to yourself. I don't want to see you get hurt."

He barely even nodded as he stared mindlessly at the ground. I wanted to know what was going through his head, but I knew the consequences, and it wasn't worth it.

Still, it made me feel so special that he tried for me. I've definitely never seen him do that for anyone else.

As I focused my attention upwards again, trying to ignore how loudly my heart was pounding, Inumaki lightly grabbed my hand.

He intertwined our fingers, and even though I bit down on my lip to keep myself from freaking out too much, I still couldn't help but smile.

"Salmon?" he asked as he squeezed my hand.

I nodded, returning his squeeze, "Salmon."

He laughed softly as he began to stroke my hand with his thumb. Suddenly, I found myself so fucking grateful for my nightmare tonight.

"So, do you take a lot of midnight strolls?" I asked him after a moment.

"Salmon."

"Me too. I'm surprised I've never seen you before now. I come here like every night."

He nodded, "Salmon."

"You too?"

He nodded again but then pointed to the other side of campus.

"Mm, ok, so you go to other side of campus."

"Mm."

"Are you sure you're not more of a moon person? If you're out most nights, then you might be," I smiled at him.

His eyes darted away from mine, mumbling out his response, "Salmon."

I didn't quite know what he meant, so I stared at him for a moment, trying to decipher his response. Then it clicked.

"You do prefer the nighttime don't you!? I got it wrong earlier!" I laughed, and he joined me, nodding in confirmation.

"Ah, I'm so sorry! I'm trying my best!" I couldn't quit giggling as I hid my face with my free hand.

Good thing he didn't seem to mind at all. He was probably used to people misunderstanding him or not understanding him at all. Still, part of me felt really embarrassed about it.

I sighed as I looked at him, "Well, now that we know we're both always out here, we should make this little hangout a regular thing."

His eyes squinted as he smiled, "Tuna tuna."

I scooted over a little closer to him, resting my head against his shoulder. He had held my hand, but still, I just wanted to be closer to him. And I guess I was feeling brave out here under the full moon.

He never failed to make me feel so much better, so hopeful, even after such a terrible dream.

"Do you know sign language? I can learn too, talk that way," I peeked up at him.

"Bonito flakes," he mumbled as he rested his head on top of mine, making me smile.

"Hmm, maybe just texting?"

I felt his head shake determinedly, "Bonito flakes."

"That's right, you hate that."

He nodded.

"I guess that makes sense because you have to like look at your phone instead of look at other people and it's probably super annoying."

"Salmon."

I sighed softly, "Well, we'll keep brainstorming. I'm sure we'll figure something out."

"Tuna tuna."

"Either way," I smiled as I picked my head up to look at him. "I love spending time with you."

"Tuna mayo."

After a moment of staring into his eyes, I finally realized what I was doing and quickly turned away. He just had me so fully entranced.

"I should try to sleep, but I'm really not tired anymore..."

Inumaki got up, holding out his hand for me to take, "Tuna tuna."

"Ok?.." I smiled at him, confused but eager to see what he had in mind.

He held my hand and pulled me out into the middle of the small field. He sat and practically dragged me down with him.

I watched as he laid back, still staring at me, and when I didn't follow suit, he pulled me over. Except instead of having me lie down next to him, he directed me to rest my head on his chest.

I could barely even breathe as he began to run his hand back through my hair. His touch combined with the sound of his heartbeat and gentle breathing was more than I could handle.

"Mustard leaf?"

I smiled softly, "Yes. This is more than ok."