Junko was sleeping soundly. Tucked into her futon, her blanket delicately rose and fell with her gentle breaths. Unconsciously she turned over to her other side and nestled more comfortably into her pillow as her mind guided through a strange dream. As best as she could describe it, she was performing in front of an audience full of squid of some kind. However, just as she was getting used to her surroundings, the scenery around her slowly began to fade as she felt herself waking up. Her body stirred in reaction to something her mind couldn't quite understand yet. When she opened her eyes, all she could see was blackness. It wasn't until they adjusted to the darkness that she was able to make out the silhouette of a figure looking over her.

"Ai?" she called out quietly. Her mind struggled to cut through the dearly fog still filling it.

The figure jumped upon realizing she was awake. "Oh, I didn't mean to wake you."

There was a staticy noise coming from all around her making it difficult to hear her. Junko lifted her head from her pillow and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. Her girlfriend was sitting on her knees awkwardly a small ways from her bed. It was difficult to see the expression on her face through the shadows, but she looked uneasy, and now a bit embarrassed. Despite looking ready to flee, the younger girl stayed in place. Junko was unsure what she was waiting for until she finally came to her senses enough to realize that it was raining outside.

Ai was about to speak, Junko reacted before she could. She sat up, using one hand to lift her covers and the other to take hold of Ai's hand and pull her in. She drew the girl into arms, making sure she had enough of a share of her pillow and blanket to be comfortable.

"Sorry..." she heard her mumble.

Junko embraced her protectively. She could feel her trembling. "It's alright, love. I'm here" she cooed softly. She wondered how long she had been sitting in the dark, debating whether or not to wake her up.

A distant crack of lightning caused Ai's body to jolt. She hid her face in Junko's chest, gripping her shirt tightly. The older girl brushed a hand through her hair soothingly and pressed her closer. "It's ok. I won't let anything hurt you."

Ai's muffled whimpers were barely audible. "I wish I was brave like you."

"You are the bravest person I know, but you don't have to be all the time. You can rely on me." Ai's snivels continued, but her choppy breathing did calm down a bit. Junko pressed a light kiss on the top of her head. "Close your eyes, dear. You can rest. I'll keep you safe, I promise." Finally, Ai's body seemed to relax, releasing her hands. Junko could hear her take a deep breath and let it out only somewhat shakily. After a moment, her girlfriend hugged her with more composure, resting her head in the crook of Junko's neck.

Junko kept her close, staying awake until she was certain Ai had finally drifted off. She slept peacefully in her arms as Junko smiled at her adoringly for as long as she could keep her eyes open until eventually she too returned to sleep, now with a more pleasant and enjoyable dream.