Nate held her tight. "I'm right here, I'm not leaving. Never."

"Promise me...Please..."

"I promise, I'll never leave you,"

Dakota's mind slowed and she opened her eyes, looking into Nate's. Her shaking stopped and she was brought back down to earth mentally, her hands moving to hold Nate's face for a sign he was there and not just her mind saying he was like in jail.

Nate smiled, "You're safe. I'm right here,"

Dakota nodded, took a deep breath, and melted into him. She was overheated and dizzy but okay

Nate pressed a hand to her forehead, still burning up. He reached over her and grabbed her glass of water, "Here, drink a little,"

Dakota nodded, drinking half the glass before handing it back to him and burying her face in his neck

Nate set the glass on the bedside table before hugging her back.

Dakota closed her eyes and slowly fell into a dreamless sleep