Summary: Maria has a bad scare, but thankfully, Striker comes to her aid.

Maria was awoken by the roaring thunder. She never liked that sound; it was so loud, so scary. It terrified her from the beginning, she wished it would go away. Unfortunately, another loud thunder crash startled her and she started wailing. She didn't even notice a familiar pair of hands pick her up from the crib.

"Shh shh shh, it's okay, Maria." Striker cooed as he cradled and bounced Maria in his arms. "Daddy's here, daddy's gotcha. Yer safe now." Maria's sobs simmered down on hearing her father's voice and she snuggled into his chest. "Aww, did that mean ol' thunder wake you up, sugarplum?"

As if to answer the question for him, the thunder rumbled once more, only this time louder. Maria shrieked with fear as she buried her face in Striker's bare chest, crying hard. Striker glanced at the window; the rain was coming down pretty hard tonight. No wonder she was so scared, not that he blamed her. He walked over to the rocking chair as he kept bouncing his baby and sat down.

"Don't be scared, baby girl." Striker whispered, running his fingers through Maria's hair as she cried. "It can't get in and hurt you. Not while I'm here."

The next rumble of thunder was less loud, but it still made Maria whimper. Striker continued to soothe his little girl and peppered her head with light kisses as he rocked in the chair. "Hmm, how 'bout a little song to help you sleep? I think I know just the one, too."

Maria blinked up at him, tearfully, as he reached for his guitar and held it while still keeping her in his arms. She gurgled as he gently strummed the strings then began to play a familiar song.

Baby mine, don't you cry

Baby mine, dry your eyes

Rest your head close to my heart

Never to part, baby of mine

Her face softened, recognizing the song. This was the song daddy sang to her when she came into the world. She loved it very much; it was so soothing, it made her feel safe. She always loved hearing daddy sing and the sound of the guitar was a bonus.

Little one, when you play

Don't you mind what they say

Let those eyes sparkle and shine

Never a tear, baby of mine

Striker smiled warmly as Maria's eyes started getting heavy and she let out a yawn and snuggled in the crook of his arm while he sang. He'd always loved playing his guitar; it'd been a birthday gift from his father when he was a kid. And he was more than happy to play it for his little girl; anything to make her happy.

If they knew, sweet little you

They'd end up loving you too

All of those people who scold you

What they'd give just for the right to hold you

He stopped playing and set his guitar aside but kept singing while holding Maria. By now, she was starting to fall asleep, so Striker carried her back to the crib and tucked her in.

From your head to your toes

You're so sweet, goodness knows

You are so precious to me

Cute as can be, baby of mine

Once he was certain she was asleep, Striker gave Maria a kiss on the cheek. "Good night, baby doll. Sweet dreams." He stopped at the doorway and smiled seeing her so peaceful for a minute or two before he slowly closed the door.