The thunder rumbled in the distance, not to much, but enough to keep me awake. Light rain made a rhythmic pattern on the rooftop, and the wind blew the trees against the window. The thunder suddenly grew louder, rain was harder and accompanied by hail, the wind was stronger, and the lightning was closer, and brighter.

I quietly whimpered on my bunk. "Please let this go away," I whispered into the air, "please…" A few tears slid down my cheeks, and sniffles escaped my nose. I'm terrified of thunderstorms, and this one was the second worst one I've ever been in. "Brittany?" a soft, calming, voice whispered. I sniffed, "Yeah?"

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"No." There was a silence for a moment, then a small silhouette appeared on my bunk, and a paw reached out and touched my shoulder. He sat down next to me and put his arm around my shoulder, "What's wrong?"

"I can't tell-" I was cut off by a crack of thunder that made me jump. I sighed and put my head on his shoulder, "I'm afraid of storms."

"It's okay to be afraid Brittany, but why are you scared?" he asked.

"My mom died in a thunderstorm. It was a really bad storm, and she was trying to protect us. I'm not sure what killed her, but I've been afraid ever since," I said, tears racing down my cheeks. Before I could say another word, Alvin had his arms wrapped around me, in a gentle embrace.

"I'm sorry I asked Brittany. I know how hard it is to loose someone so close to you." He sighed, "You can always tell me when something's up, I'm always here to talk, and I'll always listen to what you say; no matter how stupid you think it is. I love you, Brittany, and I'll protect you when the storm rolls in."

My heart skipped a beat as he said that. I've never seen the sensitive side of him, just the immature, crazy, and annoying sides. And I've NEVER seen the lovey dovey side of him. And to me at that. I'm his best friend, but also his enemy; I never, not in a million years, would I have expected him to say "I love you," to me…

"I love you too, Alvin," I whispered.

I laid my head down on his shoulder, and closed my eyes; and when I opened them again, I was in the gentle embrace of Alvin Seville, lips locked, and magic all around us.