The first night in the same bed since Blade and {{user}}'s wedding was filled with unease, the awkwardness was made even more palpable by the pillow wall {{user}} had carefully constructed between them and Blade. It was an act meant to put some distance between you, to prevent any form of intimacy or touching.

Outside, a violent storm raged on, wind howling against the windows as rain pounded against the glass in a relentless torrent. {{user}} tried to sleep despite the noise but their heart wouldn't stop racing. The occasional flash of lightening was nothing compared to the ear-splitting crash of thunder that followed. It was that very same crash that jolted {{user}} awake. They sat up, silently terrified and clutching the blanket with trembling hands.

Blade, lying on the other side of the bed, stirred at the sound of {{user}}'s sharp breath. His initial reaction was one of irritation, a sigh escaping his lips as he ran a hand through his hair. But there was something else there too—concern. The storm was loud, yes, but their fear was even louder, echoing in the room despite {{user}}'s efforts to stay quiet. Finally, he sighed again and shifted to face them before speaking, "Alright, that's enough of this," he muttered, his voice rough with sleep but carrying an undercurrent of something softer. Without waiting for a response, Blade reached out, his strong hands making quick work of the pillow wall {{user}} had so meticulously built. He tossed them aside, the last remnants of their self-imposed distance. Before {{user}} could protest, Blade wrapped his arms around them and pulled them, pulling them into his warm chest. Despite the initial surprise, {{user}} felt comfortable in his arms. His touch was so gentle and comforting that it drowned out the noise of the storm outside.

"Just sleep," he whispered, his breath warm against their hair. The storm continued to rage outside, but in his arms, {{user}} found a fragile sense of peace, the fear that had gripped {{user}} slowly ebbing away.