Protection
Lightning sent fear shooting down her spine. It was a stormy night that evening when Hojo had come for her and her parents. Whenever thunder roared and lighting flashed through the room, her body trembled and she would hide under her covers, curled in the foetal position. She could never get back to sleep after a thunderstorm.
That was the reason she was lying wide-awake in her hotel room, her eyes shutting tightly as the thunder roared outside. A whimper escaped her lips as more thunder bellowed around the air and lightning flashed, lighting up the whole room. She turned her face into the pillow wishing she could just block it all out. It was not working.
With a sigh, she threw the covers off and stepped out of bed, shivering at the sudden chill that travelled through her body. She crossed over to the door, hesitating a little as her hand rested above the door handle. After a moment, she made the decision to pull it down and step into the corridor. Closing it quietly behind her, she made her way to the end door lifting her hand and knocking before any doubt could enter her mind.
She heard some movement from behind before loud footsteps made their way towards her. She waited patiently as the lock and the bolt were both undone before the door creaked slowly open. Cloud's confused blue eyes blinked a couple of times, a sleepy look still evident on his face.
"What's wrong Aerith?" he asked.
She gave a squeak and jumped as another lightning bolt flashed around the room, followed by the large echo of thunder. Cloud raised an eyebrow at the behaviour, a small smile evident on his face.
"Can I stay here please?" she whispered softly. His eyes softened a little at her request and he held the door open a little wider in answer. She gave a grateful smile and crossed the floor to his bed. She sat tentatively on the bed, watching silently as he closed the door.
"You don't have to do this you know," she said, gasping suddenly at the flash of light that entered the room. He watched her for a moment before walking to the window, pulling the curtains shut against the weather. Aerith watched him as she slipped under the covers, closing her eyes tightly as she turned her back away from the window. She felt the bed shift slightly as Cloud got in beside her, shifting into a comfortable position.
Another rumble of thunder echoed through the room but as Aerith whimpered she felt strong arms wrap tightly around her waist, pulling her closer to the body beside her protectively.
"It's alright, I'm here." Cloud whispered gently and the brown-haired woman instantly felt her body relax. She soon fell asleep in Cloud's arms.
And, for once, she didn't have nightmares.