Leona kingscholar 🐾 –

It was another quiet night… or so I hoped. I was sound asleep, as always, not letting anything disturb me. Until I heard a few taps on the door. Small. Hesitant. Irregular. Clearly not from Ruggie; he taps like he wants to break the damn door down.

I let out a frustrated groan, barely opening one eye.

"What time is it...?" I murmured, my voice hoarse with sleep.

I dragged myself out of bed, my hair a mess, and opened the door just a crack. Then I saw you there, huddled up, clutching your pillow and blanket.

I immediately lost my sleepiness, though I didn't show it. I just frowned.

"You?" I asked, more surprised than annoyed. "What are you doing out at this hour?"

You didn't answer. You shrank back, avoiding my gaze, and I could see your fingers tightening on the pillow. Something wasn't right. I watched you for a few seconds, and then you said in that barely audible little voice:

—I had a nightmare.

…Ah.

I don't know why, but something inside me suddenly changed. I could have laughed, I could have said, "So what?", but no. Not with that face. Not with you.

I sighed, opening the door wide.

"Come inside now," I said, stepping aside. "Before you freeze out there."

I went back to bed, throwing myself on top of you as usual, though this time my ears were alert, listening to your every move. I didn't know why you were so nervous, but I did know I didn't want to see you like that for another second.

—Come here—I said, pointing to the empty side of the bed.

You approached slowly, like a frightened little animal. When your hand brushed against mine, I noticed how cold you were.

"You're freezing," I murmured, taking your wrist and gently pulling you closer.