Axel let out a soft breath when Duncan finally passed out, glad he could sleep at least. He let the blankets off of them since Duncan was still wearing warm clothes, and just curled up close for his body heat for his own source of warmth before he drifted off to sleep himself.

Duncan woke, screaming and crying in the middle of the night from a nightmare.

Axel startled awake when he heard Duncan scream, heart climbing in his throat, scared someone was there or hurting him or.... something. When he recognized it was a nightmare, he just moved to hug him tightly, whispering soft words in his ear on hopes of calming him down. To just let him know he was there for him. That it was ok.

Duncan fought against him for a moment in complete fear before realizing it was him and then relaxing into him, sobbing.

Axel just held him for a while, rubbing his back and murmuring random words he hoped were calming. Once he calmed down a little bit, he murmured a soft "want to talk about it?"

Duncan shook his head, sniffling.

Axel sighed softly in response, but nodded along. "Alright," he noted. He didn't have to talk if he didn't want to.

Duncan just clung onto him, unable to get back to sleep now.

Axel just held him. he didn't mind staying awake, not if Duncan needed him.

"I love you..." he whispered, still clinging onto him.