A rumble of thunder shook the complex. It was loud. Like a building was collapsing on top of this one. Or like the flood of a title wave forcing a building to uproot from the ground. It crashed and shook the foundation. The lightning that sparked before it was striking along the black night sky so intensely that it flashed even over the heaviest of sleeper's eyes.

It was a little startling. Jiraiya hasn't ever been awoken by a storm like this before. He's never really been caught in one of this caliber before. But the day was really hot and the overcast only got darker as the hours passed. It was inevitable that a storm was coming. It just broke at a weird hour of twilight. The rain hitting the window sounded like softballs hitting the glass. Not that he minds all that much. He's always loved the sound of rain and the roll of thunder. It was dialled up to a volume he's never been apart of before. Even so, he finds it nice. There is something so peaceful and interesting about the force of nature when storms break. It's lovely white noise to focus on and fall back asleep to. He'd love it more so with you to hold onto.

Jiraiya rolls over and sighs. The dampness had made the room feel cold. He reaches over in search of your waist. He tends to anchor his hand on your hip to help him lull back to sleep because he knows you're there even when he's deep asleep. The feel of your skin and the warmth of it is soothing to him.

He brings his hand down where he knows he'll find you. There's a dull thunk as he plunks it heavily down. His hand meets only the cold sheets. He grips it in confusion as his half asleep brain is struggling to put two and two together.

What? Jiraiya frowns as he blindly searches around for you. Why aren't you in bed? He sweeps his hand around the sheets until his fingers hit the edge on your side of the bed into the thin air. He sits up quickly. Some rising worry grows in his chest like he swallowed ice. He looks around frantically. You aren't here! Damn this is like one of his nightmares come to life! Bed empty! His girl gone! Having no idea where the hell you are when you are meant to be by his side filled him with fear.

Did you leave him?

That terrifying thought seized his body for several seconds. Jiraiya calls out your name. There's no response. He bites his lip as his mind digests that possibly. Yeah you and him don't get along all the time, but every fight you've had with him has been resolved. You and him have been in a great place in the relationship. A really great place! Nothing but kisses, smiles, and giggles. Like the night before you bashfully tracing circles in his chest while speculating about what a future with him would hold. You looked up at him with flushed cheeks and a slightly nervous smile. Only good things was his answer. The gentle touch sent tingles all around his front and he really could use that right now. He wants to hold you. There's just a big scary void right beside him now and he really hates it.

If you were upset, why didn't you say something? You always talk to him.

Another thunder clap rocked the house. The sounds of the storm that once comforted him now felt eerie. Like the prelude to a horrible situation. It did feel kinda like he's walked into a horror novel. He's a little afraid to leave the bed. He's half expecting to see the front door dramatically open with rain pouring inside the entryway and your shoes gone. Or worse, your body laying on the floor with cold dark blood pooling around you. There's gonna be a knife involved either by your body or maybe in the hand of the maniac that broke in and killed you. He'll turn around after a flash of lightning with the stranger standing behind him and the white light of the lightning will have caught the shine of the blood covered blade that was used to murder you.

Whoa.

Okay step back.

The grim side of Jiraiya's imagination was more active in weather like this. Hence why he'd rather get lost in staring at the natural light show than overthink. Sometimes rain can be sad. Sigh. It's not healthy to sit here and dwell on the possibilities. There has to be a reasonable explanation as to why you aren't in bed. More reasonable than leaving him or being dead on the floor.

Perhaps you can't sleep during such a storm? If so you may have gone to the living room to sit on the couch or something. It literally feels like Raijin himself was stomping around and beating his drums on the roof. You expressed worry earlier today whenever you glanced at the sky and felt the humidity change. The great smell of rain before rain only made you more anxious. But Jiraiya shrugged it off as nothing out of the ordinary. Not everyone likes storms like he does. He's a dancing in the rain type while others prefer to stay dry. He just assumed you didn't want to get wet and that's why you pushed to go home quickly.

"Babe?" His voice was a little hoarse from sleepiness. He cleared his throat. He got out of bed, making sure his steps are not to be heard. He's still a little on edge. "Babe, are you here?"

"Kitchen." He barely catches your quivering voice drift through the house.

Instant relief washed over Jiraiya. He sighed out some of his worry. Okay, you are still here. But are you okay? You don't sound it. He tipped toed out of the bedroom on the hunt for his girlfriend. He heads straight to the kitchen. It's dark and quiet. He doesn't see you. Not at first. The corner of his sight caught a flicker of movement. It was your foot. It tucked back under the dinner table. He bends over to get a look at your face.

The sight of you pulls at his heart. There's tears in your eyes. You got your knees to your chest and arms wrapped around them for comfort. Your hands are gripping your sleeves so tightly he can see your knuckles have turned white.

"Hey..." Jiraiya didn't like this at all. He crawled under the table to get close to you. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

Your lips parted to speak, but another ground rattling roll of thunder beat over the sky. The look of terror on your face was clear enough. Your hands raise to cover your ears as you cry out this quiet little mewl of terror.

It's a fear you've always been ashamed about. Why thunder? You don't even know why. It's something you've hated since you were a toddler. The sound was so unlike anything else in the world. It's like banging trash cans or a hundred roaring lions. But more intense! It shakes the house and echoes around the ceiling. Which is why you chose the kitchen table. The low structure felt safe because it's so cramped. The board would protect you if the roof came down. Or so your mind convinced you. It was the spot you always chose to retreat to during storms.

It does feel silly. It's only rain and sounds. But you don't like it. You hate it. You are scared of it. You didn't want Jiraiya to know you have such an irrational fear. He was so brave and tough that this must look ridiculous to him. This man has literally partook in a war with all it's horrors and his girlfriend is cowering under a table from a storm like an idiot. He's got every reason to laugh at you and mock you for such a thing. Or think you to be a weakling. Which is something you don't want. If only you were braver like him, then you would stand and dance in the rain with him.

A pair of familiar arms wrap around you. They are warm. They are already putting you a little bit at ease. There's not a hint of mocking laughter or amusement in the atmosphere. Just the static feeling of a thunder and lightning storm. Jiraiya managed to coax you into sitting on your knees. It took a while to get you to unfold from your fetal position. You can't stop shaking.

From there he just pulled you close. Your head hits his chest and you are surrounded by the things that comfort you. His smell, which was always piney like the woods with a hint of tobacco and citrus. The smallest whiff of that just melts some of your anxiety. It meant he was close. It was so inviting with the heat he gave off. You don't need blankets most nights if he decides he wants to be the big spoon. He's so much bigger than you that even his stature gave you a sense of protection. He's tall and broad which is just the perfect mixture to provide both protection from the sun and protection from your fears.

"It's okay." Jiraiya spoke softly. He ran his hand down the back of your head. You are shaking like a leaf in his grasp.

A small sniffle from you only broke his heart more. One of the worst things to him is seeing you upset. He had no idea you had a fear like this. Storms can be scary. They shake the world. They can have the strength to rip off roofs from homes or trees from their deep roots. They can strike people down almost like divine punishment with lightning strikes. Hail dents things. It's really a marvel. But if these things scare you, then he'll do something about it.

"What do I have to do to make you feel better?" Jiraiya asked you.

"Make it go away." You whisper and nuzzle your face harder against his chest.

"I don't think I can dispel a storm, my dear." He forces a laugh in hopes to make you feel better. He kisses the top of your head. "But I will protect you from it."

You whimper and grip his shirt. Jiraiya sighs as his brain is lacking some good ideas on how exactly he can protect you. He's never dealt with you in such a state. It's throwing him off on how to handle this delicately. A good first step would be to get you out from under the table. You cling onto him as he pulls you out. You wrap your legs around his waist. You fix your grip with your hands to go around his neck. He holds your butt to support your weight. He takes back to bed where he can comfort you and keep you close in a place that it very familiar.

Another roll of thunder bangs around the roof. Your body tenses then quivers. Jiraiya waits for it to pass. He rubs your back up and down slowly to sooth you. Once the sky went quiet he set you down on your side. It doesn't feel safe like the table did. But you are close to him, which made it better. He won't let the building crumble in around you or let the lightning strike you. He gets on beside you and tucks the covers up to almost covering your face. He pulls you back into his arms. His hand plays with your hair. His fingers gently brush over your skin.

"You know..." Jiraiya trailed off thoughtfully. "I thought we were past the not telling each other things stage."

You hook your leg over his waist again and rest your forehead on his shoulder. You sigh quietly.

"I just didn't want you to think I was weak." You admit. You go rigid when you see the bright lightning in the window. It came with the following dreadful thunder.

He held your cheek and guided it to look at him rather than the window. You lock eyes with Jiraiya. They don't look amused or disgusted at your phobia. His eyes are holding understanding and love. Your darling boyfriend then kisses you. It's soft and gentle. A kiss where you can appreciate the shape and feel of his lips. Which are always lovely with his wider lower lip to bite and they were always smooth. There's a slight bit of minty taste to him from his toothpaste.

"I'd never think of you as weak." Jiraiya said. He kissed you again before continuing. "Everybody has a fear."

"Really? Do you have one?"

He laughed before answering. "Yeah! I got quite a few."

Now that's an idea you can't really grasp. What could Jiraiya be afraid of? He's so strong and confident it's difficult to believe he'd be afraid of anything. He's fought foes mightier and scarier than most anyone will ever face. He'll climb mountains and jump off of them to prove people wrong. He tackles every obstacle with a calm coolness that only a professional badass can do. All with a defiant grin and a flip of his hair.

"What are you afraid of most?" You ask.

For a moment, Jiraiya hesitates. The smile on his lips slowly leaves. His whole expression drops as if he's imagining the scenario where his fears come to light. Is it supernatural? Is your boyfriend paranormal believers? Or maybe it's an animal? Mice? It'd be funny to a big tough guy afraid of something so cute.

"You." He answered.

"What?" Confusion was your only comprehension. "You're afraid of me?"

"Not of you." Jiraiya ran his hand down your cheek, to your jaw, then around to the back of your neck. It was a strong grip, but careful in not to hurt you. It was secure and grounding. "Of losing you."

Oh.

He pulled you in again and you follow his guidance. He kissed you again and it felt like it was translating both the fear and passion he was feeling. It was like he found you again after being apart for too long. Like a tragedy almost happened to you but you were oblivious to his emotional turmoil you accidentally caused him. It was a kiss that leaves you breathless and wanting more, but worried at his state of mind. Because you are fine and there's no need to be worried. Not with him here.

"Waking up with you not beside me scared the crap out of me." He continued. His forehead pressed against yours and he kept his eyes closed as he thinks of how to say it. "I thought you left... which made me feel sick. Or that someone broke in and hurt you, which made me feel more sick."

The need to comfort your Jiraiya was instant. You love this man and you hate to see him upset. You don't want to cause him such distress. He's usually never so emotional. He's not the sensitive type, but wasn't totally out of touch with his emotions. Which was hard to find in someone. His reaction was speaking volumes of how he really feels about you. You reach out and cup his cheeks. Your thumbs move under his eyes in a slow sweep. They find no tears but they offer a sense of comfort to your partner.

"I hate the... thought of just..." Jiraiya paused with his mouth open as he searched for the word. "Failing you. Whether it's our relationship or not being there to protect you. If you ever got hurt I'd just..."

Jiraiya pulls you flush against him in a tight hug. His fingers brace against your skin he was preparing to take a hit in your place. Or that you would disappear in front of him if he let you go. He'd happily take a hit for you even if it killed him or clutch onto you even if it ruined his body from the strain.

You make his life better. You give him a purpose. Ever since he started dating you he actually looked forward to another day. There was a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Which was to see you and spend hours in blissful happiness just from being beside you. It almost felt wrong to be this happy. It would feel like someone physically ripped his heart out and tore it up in front of him if he ever got the news of your demise. The colours would leave his sight and a cold dullness would return to his worldview. This world would be cold without you in it. It would be the worst of his fears and his greatest failure.

"I don't want to lose anyone else precious to me!" He confessed between clenched teeth as he tried to restrain his despair.

You put your arms around Jiraiya. Poor thing. You kiss his now tight lips. You peck his entire face with little kisses. You know he loves you. But who knew how deeply he felt about this! He speaks of this as if he's seen too many walk out of his life. He's suffered through to many tragedies and is holding on to so much grief. It's not his fault no matter how much he believes it is.

"I'm not going anywhere!" You promise. You squeeze him with your limbs and kiss the very tip of his nose. "I won't ever leave your side. It would be torture to be parted from you."

"It would be." Jiraiya finds the strength to laugh. A single still sad sounding chortle. He loosened his tight grip on you. His hand runs up to rest on that familiar spot on your hip. Now that feels right. "Let's never do that... okay?"

A small smile grows on your lips. You lean forward to kiss him again. His thumb rubs back and forth on your hip. It's a familiar heavy touch you've grown used too. Jiraiya will often wrestle with your pyjamas to touch your bare hip while you try to sleep. It's a comfort thing that's just a little unique to you and him. Even when he's awake, he likes to hold your waist in some way. Tomorrow will be a day he won't even leave you alone. Those hands of his will be comfortable on your body no matter what. You'll have to hold him and kiss him to keep him satisfied. Which sounds perfect.

"Yes. That sounds good." You agree quietly.

The conversation was so absorbing to all your senses that you didn't notice until now. The thunder hasn't clapped in a long time. You chance to look out the window. It's pitch black out still, but the only activity was the rain. They were more sporadic and light. The storm was moving on. What scares you has moved on. There's only warmth and comfort where your fear once was. All of it has disappeared because of Jiraiya. He's always been so good to you.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you... and for scaring you." You apologize.

"Don't apologize. I'm just glad you're okay." Jiraiya said before placing another kiss on your lips. "I'm always here for you, for all your fears."

"I'm here for you too." You nuzzle your face against his chest. It's warm, smooth, and you can feel the beat of his heart. It's so comforting to find that nook between his chest and neck where you can set your face in. "I won't ever become your greatest fear." You promise.

Jiraiya smiles. He lets out a deep breath. That sounded perfect. You have become far too precious to him. He found you during a low point in his life and you quickly picked him to a high point. You just fit him. You are the woman he's waited for. He won't ever let you go or let you be harmed.

"I love you." He said.

You don't respond. You are relaxed and limp in his arms. Puffs of air from your nose hits the skin on his neck. They are deep and even.

Ah. You fell asleep.

It is late. And that was taxing. Both Jiraiya's mind and body felt tired after this extensive evening. You must have felt that too. Along with the extra hours of being awake because of your phobia, you must be exhausted. Despite being tired, he felt good. Comfortable and happy with where he is and what he's got. You stayed awake to comfort him just as he comforted you. He's never really had someone do that for him. It was wonderful to finally tell someone these sorts of things. Also, of course, he'll gladly comfort and talk to you whenever you need.

Jiraiya rests his cheek on your head. He squeezes your hip, to which you respond with a sleepy hum and a slight squeeze on his arm. He finally relaxes. His eyes droop close. The sound of gentle rain hitting the window... your warm breaths and even warmer body... it's the perfect mixture to help him fall into a peaceful sleep.