This oneshot is a prequel to I'll Protect You Too. Seeing how it all started with Stripe going to his brothers' beds to feel protected when he's afraid. I'd like to mention that ya the brothers share a bedroom and that in this they're the same age as they are in the episode Fairytale as you might have guessed.

I'll Protect You

Stripe was in his bed trying to sleep but he couldn't because he was feeling scared after having a bad dream the night before. However he didn't get up to ask his brothers or parents for help because he didn't want to bother any of them sleeping. He felt so alone and hopeless that he even started to cry. After sometime though Rad got up to use the bathroom and when he got back he heard Stripe's small sobs and sniffles and he quietly confronts him so he wouldn't wake up Bandit.

Rad: Stripe? Are you crying?

Stripe hides his face from Rad so he doesn't see him crying.

Stripe: No I'm not Rad I'm ok.

Rad: No Stripe I can see that you're not ok. Why are you crying?

Stripe: I, uh...

Rad: *sits on Stripe's bed* Come on little bro you can tell me. I'm your big bro you can tell me anything.

Stripe: *turns and looks at him* I'm... scared.

Rad: Scared? Of What?

Stripe: *small sobs* I had a bad dream last night and now I'm scared that I might have it again or something might happen to me.

Rad: *puts hand on Stripe's shoulder* Aw Stripe why didn't you tell any of us?

Stripe: I didn't wanna bother any of you in your sleep and I didn't feel comfortable talking about it.

Rad: Aw come here little bro.

Stripe sits up and gives Rad a hug with tears still running down his cheeks. Rad knows how he feels because even he had bad dreams before and his mum and dad would always help him feel better when he was afraid. He feels it's his duty to help his little brothers feel better whenever they're sad or scared. So he comes up with an idea.

Rad: Would you like to sleep in my bed with me?

Stripe: *pulls back from hug* Really Rad?

Rad: Of course Stripe. I remember how it felt to have bad dreams and how afraid I was so I know how it feels. And I hate seeing my little bros sad and scared like this. It's my job to help you both feel better also because I want to and I love you.

Stripe hugs Rad harder and feels comforted by him. When they get to his bed Stripe actually still feels just a little bit afraid but then Rad brings him in and puts his arm around back and shoulder. Stripe then snuggles into Rad and wraps his arm around him in a hug.

Rad: You feeling better Stripe?

Stripe: Yes Rad. Thank you for helping me feel better. I love you.

Rad: I love you too Stripe. My bed is always open for you whenever you need it. I do suggest you talk to Mum and dad about feeling scared too because they'll help you too.

Stripe: Ok I will.

The next day Stripe told his parents about how scared he felt and that Rad helped him through it. They assured him that they're all always there for him whenever he's afraid. From then on Stripe would feel good sleeping but occasionally he'd still feel scared but whenever it was too much he went to Rad's bed. One night though he decided to ask Rad something important.

Stripe: Rad?

Rad: Ya Stripe?

Stripe: Do you think Bandit would let me sleep in his bed too when I'm scared?

Rad: I don't know. Probably not because you know he likes to have his space.

Stripe: *timid* Ya maybe you're right. I would love it though if he did.

Rad: Ya I bet. But remember though that he's there for you too.

Stripe: I know he is.

Sometime after they fall asleep Bandit wakes up and once again notices Stripe in Rad's bed again. Lately he hasn't thought of it much but the more it happened, the more he started to feel sad and this time he actually started to cry a bit. Maybe Rad was wrong.