It was around 10pm when the rain started, falling aggressively from the sky. Mars shouldn't have been terrified. But they were. Not for them self but for their wife.
Cherry could never handle thunderstorms and, although it was currently just raining, a thunderstorm was swiftly approaching.
Mars turned into the driveway, slamming the car door as they ran to the house. Come on, come on. Work you stupid fucking key!... Finally! They ran into the house pushing the door half-heartedly behind themself.
A crackle of thunder crashed down from the sky.
" Cherry, " Their eyes darted around the hall with speed. " Cherry can you hear me! Shit... " A sudden realisation dawned upon Mars. Cherry always covered her ears in some way during nights like these.
She was hiding somewhere.
Mars ran up the stairs with great disregard for their shoes or the mud that they had tracked in. Mars just wanted to know Cherry was safe.
After checking most rooms in the house another thunder strike hit the ground with a sickening crack. It was hard to hear but Mars could just about hear a whimper from the Living room.
They knew Cherry usually didn't make any noises but with the closeness of the thunder Mars wasn't sure whether it was just themself.
Rushing to the sofa they carefully pulled the blanket down so Cherry's head was in view.
Her face was the same as it always was, the only difference were her closed eyes.
" Hey, hey it's okay, " Their eyebrows had softened with a welcoming expression. Their hand rubbed up and down her back slowly soothing Cherry's nerves. " Do you want a drink? I can make some tea or coffee or even - "
Cherry turned and gave Mars a hug. It wasn't an aggressive hug but you could tell that it had been fueled by fear. " Can you just sit with me for a while? "
" Of course dear. "
Mars was in absolute awe of how fragile Cherry was. Her usual upbeat and friendly personality made her seem so small and frightened.
" We should probably go upstairs so you can get some sleep. I don't want you to be uncomfortable when you wake up. "
A simple nod was the only response Mars got.
Helping Cherry upstairs was much harder than anticipated. It wasn't because Cherry was heavy or because Mars was weak but simply because whenever a dreaded stroke of thunder came down Cherry would stop, and once almost fell down the stairs.
When Cherry was finally lay down on the bed she curled up into the blanket and pillows. Mars took a quick glance down at their shoes. " Shit. I'll be back in a second hon'. I just need to go sort some stuff out. "
" Okay. Be safe. "
" I will. " They gave a warm smile and bolted downstairs. Rushing to lock the car, the front door and then rip off their shoes. As they ran up into their bedroom they discarded their clothes and quickly changed into something more comfy.
As much as they loved Cherry they were not going to sleep in a suit.
As they slipped into bed they realised that Cherry had fallen asleep. " Aww. "
She looked so calm when she slept, her face resembling that of an angel.
" You are so beautiful. I hope you know that. " Mars was aware that the person they were talking to was asleep but that didn't stop the sincerity that leaked from their voice.
They slowly moved under the covers as Cherry unconsciously cuddled into them, the fond smile never leaving Mars' face. Their lips rested on Cherry's head and left behind a kiss as they slowly drifted into the sweet temptation of sleep.
Even as the thunder raged on outside they were undisturbed and calm.
I love you Cherry.
You always have Mars! When will you learn that you don't have to keep telling me.
I just want to make sure you never forget your loved. Truly.
Your too sweet for this world.
Likewise dear... Now get some rest. I'll protect you. Trust me.
