"Aaaah, Alfie!" Matthew shot up in bed and grabbed at Kumajiro, his knuckles turning white. Thunder crashed outside and lightning illuminated Matthew's face, revealing the tears streaking down his cheeks and the red tint on his eyes. Alfred woke with a start, tumbling off the bed.
"Holy shit, Matt, dude, you gave me a fucking heart attack," Alfred got up and sat on the bed, cupping his neck with his hand. Matthew put his arms around Alfred's back and laid his head on Alfred's bare shoulder.
"I-I'm sorry," Matthew murmured, his voice eerily quiet in the night. Alfred pulled him onto his lap and kissed his forehead. "I just had a scary dream and then there was thunder and…" Alfred shushed Matthew with a gentle kiss, running his hands through the younger man's silky blonde hair. He knew just how scared Matthew would get from loud noises, and the dark didn't help, since he was a naturally timid person.
"Don't worry. I'm your hero, I'll protect you," Matthew cracked a smile at that, he'd always thought his boyfriend's hero complex was quite funny. Alfred smiled proudly, and tied a blanket around his shoulders. "See, I'm strong, just like Superman, so I can save you from anything scary that comes your way," Alfred grinned, hugging Matthew, who was now feeling sleepy again.
Matthew closed his eyes a bit, cuddling up closer to Alfred. Since he'd been reassured that Alfred would do everything in his power to protect him, Matthew felt quite safe. Alfred laid a warm hand on Matthew's back, drawing swirls and hearts with his fingers. "I love you," Alfred murmured, laying down with his arms wrapped around Matthew.
Matthew snuggled up to Alfred, finally falling asleep, feeling safe in the arms of his hero.