The deep rumbling of thunder woke John from his deep sleep. He inhaled sharply, as if waiting to be ambushed by something in the dark. A second round thunder settled his mind, allowing him to relax. He blinked a few times and glanced over at his clock. It was still early, too early to get up. John sighed heavily and laid his head back down on his pillow. He relished in the comfort of his bed while the thundered rolled outside. His mattress shifted as his partner did, timed with the thunder. John opened his eyes again. His bedroom was dark, but the faint lights from outside his windows gave him enough light to see Valerie, asleep just a few inches away. She was wrapped up in the sheets, lying with her back toward him. Her smooth shoulders were bare and exposed to his touch. Her dark hair was spread across the pillow, tickling his chest. John watched her in the dark. Thunder rumbled again. Valerie shifted again. Not awake, but not completely asleep either. She seemed to hear the thunder, but it wasn't enough to wake her. She fidgeted in bed, as if she was trying to move from the sound.

John reached his arm toward Valerie, dipping beneath her body. He snaked his arm around her chest and eased himself closer to her. He gentle tugged her against his chest careful not to wake her. John settled himself back in his bed, his arms wrapped around Valerie's small body. He closed his eyes, relishing in the comfort. Comfort he hadn't felt in a long time. She was built small, but that didn't lave her defenseless. He'd seen that firsthand on the job. But holding her now only showed just how small she was.

Thunder rumbled again, only louder. Valerie jumped in his arms. She sat up from the bed with a start, moving faster than John had thought possible.

"Easy, Val." John said, sitting up. He reached out and gently grabbed to shoulder. Her skin was cold from the exposure to the night air. "It's just a storm."

Valerie looked back at John. She gave a small laugh and pushed back her hair. "I can't believe I jumped."

John smiled and rubbed her back. "Hey, that one was nearly over the room. Who wouldn't jump?"

Valerie looked at him closely. "You didn't."

"Yeah well, I kinda had someone distracting me." he answered.

Her brow arched. "Is that what I am? A distraction?"

John chuckled. "Don't go twisting my words."

Valerie smiled. "I wouldn't think of it."

They laughed lightly. Another roll of thunder echoed through the city, making Valerie jump again. John tried to hide his laughter, but watching her jump at the slightest roll of thunder was a side he hadn't seen before. Valerie looked down at him and playfully hit his shoulder.

"Laugh it up, Kennex." she joke. She started to move from his reach. "You can sleep alone tonight."

John caught her wrist and pulled her back onto the bed. He pinned her beneath him, keeping her in place. Valerie smiled up at him. Her right hand was pinned beside her head, pressed against the pillow. her hair was spread across the pillow like a dark halo. john stared at her for a moment, completely captivated her appearance. "You know, I think I might have a solution to your little problem, Val."

Valerie arched one of her brows. "Oh really?"

"Yeah." He nodded. John lowered his head down to Valerie's level, until his lips just hovered over hers. "You need a distraction."

you know, this one was a little easier than the others. I don't know why. don't forget prompts!