It had only been a week since the Dark Dragon's awakening. A week since the world returned to normal.
And it had been a week of sleepless nights for the twins.
In the dead of the night, Claus would start having nightmares. He would wake up screaming and sobbing. Of course, Lucas would always be there, just beside him on the bed. He would hold Claus in his arms until his brother fell asleep again. Sometimes Claus did. Sometimes, he didn't.
One night, Lucas woke up with no one beside him. Getting up, he started searching for his brother. He found him outside by a tree, hugging his knees and crying silently.
"It's awfully cold out, Claus." Lucas said, walking over and putting a blanket over his brother. "And it's still late. You should get some sleep."
"I'm not going back to sleep.." Claus mumbled. "I don't want to."
Lucas put his arm around Claus.
The other boy pushed his arm away forcefully. "No."
"Please." He put his hand over Claus' mechanical one, gripping it tightly.
"No.. I can't. I won't. I'm scared, Lucas." his brother said, fresh tears streaming down his face. "I don't want to fall asleep.. I don't want to go to sleep not knowing if I'll be here; if you'll be here, when I wake up.. It's, it's just—"
Lucas pressed his lips against his brother's.
In that one moment, as Claus felt the soft pressure of Lucas' lips against his own, he felt reassured.
For that one moment, as they sat there with lips melding, Claus felt safe.
As Lucas pulled away, a noticeable blush on his face, Claus managed a smile. Everything was all right.
"I'm here, Claus. I love you, and I'm here for you. I always will be."
Claus would sleep peacefully from then on.