Rating: K+
"The feeling you have when, with a certain person, nothing can hurt you."
It was dark, and every little light; every little nook in the dark was a monster prepared to jump at him. It didn't matter if he medidtated, if he sat up, if he opened a light - he'd have to close it again anyway - or if he his under his blankets. Nothing was helping and he was starting to feel scared. Weren't only kids supposed to feel this way? It was embarrassing and it added insult to injury; a young adult scared of the dark like a kid after a nightmare or two.
He sat there quietly, alone in the dark, holding his blanket up to his chin. Eyes wide open he looked around, trying in vain to convince himself that, no, nothing's there, and that he wasn't going to die of fright.
The wind outside howled, jolting the branches of the tree next to the window, an eery and scratchy sound as they grated against the glass. It wasn't even a dark and scary night like in the stories; the moon outside was present and bright - actually, beautiful - and there weren't any clouds, the stars twinkling beautifully.
But it was too much for him. Soon he found himself jumping out of bed, blanket and pillow in hand, and dashing as quietly as he could out of his room. Thankfully the hall was lit - barely - and he could see comfortably; immediately the monsters that hid in the shadows melted away, to be replaced by drapes and furniture.
He breathed a sigh of relief at familiar sights. Quickening his step, Bolin made his way to Korra's room. He paused awkwardly at the door. Hesitant. His hand hovering just an inch away. He steeled himself and knocked softly.
A muffled grunt greeted him.
He inched the door open.
Another grunt.
He stepped in. Asked if he could spend the rest of the night there.
Silence. Another grunt.
Relief flooded Bolin as he closed the door softly, and made his way inside the room. He laid his pillow down next to her bed and promptly made himself comfortable.
He knew, if anything happened, Korra would be there. He was safe.