Vex didn't dream often. He discovered that when he had a shot or two right before he slept, it stopped them, so that's what he usually did. Also, when he was completely exhausted, that helped to block his subconscious. But he hadn't been sleeping well for weeks, despite booze and exhaustion. As such, he'd tended to nap and when he did the dreams would come. In the middle of a reality TV marathon, he curled up on the couch and soon fell into a deep sleep.

They were always dark, shadowy, mimicking the condition of his soul. They were rarely in color, and were reflections of his guilt. Bloody hands, sometimes no hands, tormented screams and the echos of people begging. 'Stop', 'Mercy!', 'Please'. He thrashed through the mists to try and dismiss them, his body folding as he covered his ears. He didn't want to hear this, see this, relive this.

Then there were hands on him, pulling him to his feet. Strong, confident- it prompted Vex to open his eyes and take in the sight of the figure. It resembled Mark in build, but he couldn't comprehend a face. There were more, varying shapes and sizes, figures that brought people to mind; Vinny, Tris or maybe Axel, Rafa, Nico, Dick- and a few others who could be several people. They surrounded him, tore at his clothes, pushed him until he was dizzy and unable to keep his balance.

When he fell, it was onto a luxurious cushion, soft like silk but firm. A slow smile began to spread on his face as he was caressed, hands all over his body, and a whimper keened from his throat. "Oh, blimey... merry Xmas, yeah?" He whispered and try to reach out for someone, anyone, to hold or kiss.