The clock had just struck midnight when the thunder cracked, loud enough to shake the castle walls. The sudden force of it startled you awake, and you blinked into the darkness, your heart racing for a moment.

You were just beginning to drift back into a half-sleep when a soft knock at the door startled you again.

The door cracked open slowly, revealing Mattheo, his figure half-shadowed in the dim light. His eyes flickered nervously at the storm outside, his usual confidence nowhere to be found.

"Mattheo... What are you doing here?" you asked.

"Couldn't sleep," he said quietly, his voice slightly strained. Another crack of thunder rumbled through the air, louder than the last, and you saw him flinch, his body stiffening in response.

A flicker of realization passed over you. You had known Mattheo for years, but you'd never seen him so unsettled. He wasn’t one to shy away from d4nger or fear much of anything, but now, he seemed... different.

"Are you... scared of thunder?" you asked gently.

He hesitated, his eyes darting briefly to the storm outside, then back to you. "I’m not scared... I just don’t want to be alone, alright?"

You smiled softly. "Come here, you big baby," you teased, a playful grin tugging at your lips.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that response, but he made no move to argue. Instead, he sat down carefully on the edge of your bed.

Another crack of thunder split the night and Mattheo flinched again, his hands tightening into fists at his sides.

Without a second thought, you pulled the blanket back, scooting over to make room for him. “Come on,” you said softly. “You can lie down, if you want.”

“Just for tonight,” he murmured, his voice almost a whisper.

You chuckled softly. “Of course,” you replied, your voice warm with affection.

Mattheo sighed as he stretched out beside you. He turned his head toward you, his eyes meeting yours for a moment. “Thanks,” he said, his voice low and sincere.