Page 15 of Tank

Because in the end, that's what it means to be a Reaper. To stand tall in the face of adversity, to fight like hell for what you believe in.

To ride like the wind. And to never, ever fucking quit.

Until the very end.

SIX

TANK

I guideSophie into my apartment, her delicate hand trembling in mine. Her haunted eyes dart around the sparse space as I lock the door behind us with a resounding click.

"You can take the bed, little one. I'll crash on the couch."

She nods, a ghost of a smile touching her bruised lips. I want nothing more than to hunt down the bastards that did this to her and make them pay. But right now, she needs me here. Needs to feel safe.

That first night, her screams wake me. I'm off the couch in a flash, barging into the bedroom, ready for a fight. But there's only Sophie, thrashing and whimpering, trapped in the claws of a nightmare.

"No...please...don't..." Broken sobs wrack her small frame.

"Sophie, wake up. You're safe, I've got you." I gather her trembling body into my arms, holding her tight as she clings to me, sobbing into my chest. "Shhh, I'm here. No one's gonna hurt you."

From that moment on, we sleep in the same bed each night, my solid presence keeping the demons at bay as she falls into a fitful slumber. I cradle her fragile form, inhaling her sweetscent, wanting to memorize every curve pressed against me. She's burrowing under my skin, this broken angel. But I can't let myself give in, can't sully her with my darkness. I'm here to protect her, nothing more.

Sophie starts awake with a strangled gasp, body rigid with terror beside me. Her pulse races under my fingers as I pull her close. "Another nightmare?"

She nods against my chest, tears dampening my skin. "They were dragging me back. I couldn't get away. Couldn't breathe."

"I won't let that happen. You're safe here with me, little one. I've got you."

My lips brush her hair as I rock her gently, hands stroking her back. I'm a fortress around her delicate frame, shielding her from the horrors that stalk her dreams. She burrows deeper into my embrace, slowly relaxing as her breathing evens out.

"Stay with me, Tank?" Her voice is small, pleading.

"Always, angel. I'm not going anywhere."

The morning sun filters through the blinds as I untangle myself from Sophie's sleeping form. Her face is peaceful now, the nightmares chased away by dawn's light. I press a gentle kiss to her forehead before slipping out of bed, careful not to wake her.

In the small kitchen, I start the coffee maker and rummage through the fridge for breakfast fixings. The sizzle of bacon hitting the skillet fills the air, mingling with the rich aroma of brewing coffee. I'm lost in thought, strategizing our next move, when I sense her presence behind me.

Sophie leans against the doorframe, wrapped in my oversized t-shirt, blonde hair tousled from sleep. Her eyes meet mine, a mix of gratitude and vulnerability shining in their depths. "Smells good," she murmurs, padding closer.

I pour her a mug of coffee, black like my soul, and slide it across the counter. "Figured you could use some fuel after last night."

She cradles the mug, inhaling deeply. "Thank you, Tank. For everything."

We settle at the small table, plates piled high with bacon, eggs, and toast. Sophie picks at her food, gaze distant. I wait, giving her space to gather her thoughts.

"They kept us locked up," she whispers, voice raw. "Me and the other girls. Drugged us, so we couldn't fight back." Her fork clatters against the plate as her hand trembles.

I reach out, covering her hand with my own. "You survived, Sophie. You're one hell of a fighter."

She meets my gaze, tears brimming. "I was so scared. Thought I'd never escape."

"But you did. You got out, and you found me." I squeeze her hand, anchoring her to the present. "I'm going to make sure those bastards pay for what they did to you."

Sophie's lips quirk in a ghost of a smile. "My knight in shining leather."

"Damn straight, little one." I wink, trying to lighten the mood. "Now, eat up. We've got work to do."

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