Arms of Safety

It was late and Haruhi had missed the last bus, so she decided to walk all the way home. A decision she came to regret.

The long walk home was something she only did when trying to calm her mind, or in those rare cases when she'd missed the bus. As was the case today. But it was dark and chilly and the cold breeze didn't help at all.

She snuggled deeper into her scarf and took a worried look at the sky. Clouds were collecting at an alarming rate. She knew it would be impossible to avoid getting wet, but she desperately hoped it wouldn't turn into a thunderstorm. That it'd be just rain.

She shivered. Somewhere she knew it would be a thunderstorm.

A raindrop fell on her nose. Another one on her hair. And one on her hand, and on her cheek. Until it was pouring and Haruhi quickened her pace. Hopefully she would be home soon.

An ominous sound filled her ears and goose bumps gathered all over her arms. Her eyes widened when she saw the first lightning flash.

She started to run, trying and failing to reach a safe place to shelter from the rain.

Another thunder, another lightning flash. She trembled in fear while looking desperately for a place to hide.

There was that ominous sound again, and it almost drowned the sound of someone shouting her name.

Her name? Who would be calling her name?

Shaking, she turned around to search for the one shouting.

There. Not one but two people were trying to get her attention.

She knew them. Why were they here?

She took a step forward, trying to stay upright while her shaking legs tried to take her towards the twins who were running towards her.

The next thing she knew was a hug from both sides. She let out a sob and whispered their names. Both boys flinched when hearing the tremor in her voice. They glanced at each other before leading her towards a waiting car.

A towel was wrapped around her while the boys comforted her during the sounds of thunder. She had her eyes closed and it didn't take long for her to fall in an exhausted sleep.

The twins took Haruhi to their home, knowing that Haruhi her dad wasn't home, after simultaneously deciding that they would not let her suffer through this alone.

Haruhi's eyes fluttered open, the warmth surrounding her was comforting and calming and she was wondering what could provide such a feeling of safety.

She was greeted by the sight of the two boys, curled up at her side like cats. Her eyes widened at the sight before smiling softly.

'Thank you, Hikaru, Kaoru,' she whispered. Then she closed her eyes and let herself drift off into darkness.