Chase the fear away

Tira eventually lifted her head to look up at him and their blue eyes met, worry on his expression at the tears he saw in her lighter eyes. He didn't quite register the love that was in her gaze as well, he far too focused on making sure the fear that had been plaguing her was chased away, but it did finally click when she leaned forward to tap her nose against his and give him a light little kiss. He blinked with surprise and was too stunned to even respond or fully react for a moment. He was more used to her being angry and annoyed at him for something he did, usually complaining and hitting him - not giving him kisses and telling him that she loved him. His brain eventually caught up to the present and he looked down at her cuddled into his chest, feeling her head tucked up under his chin and a smiled pulled across his lips, squeezing her in his embrace again as he bent his muzzle down to give the top of her head a little kiss in return. As much as he liked teasing and tormenting her, he had to admit that this was pretty nice too.

"I love you too, Tira," he said softly in return as he settled in with his head tucked over hers, letting his eyes close while they held each other close. He had always loved her, but in that way that any big brother loved their little sister - with lots of rough housing and terrorizing with a secret promise to tear apart anyone else that tried to do the same. Sure, they cuddled up together next to their mom at night often enough, but they had never cuddled just the two of them like this, but he liked it a lot. He'd still tease her after this, that would probably never change, but he liked seeing her smile too. He started to slowly drift back to sleep with her wrapped up in his embrace, making sure she felt safe so she could do the same - hopefully this time with no nightmares. But if there were nightmares then he would be there to soothe her again and again as many times as she needed.

"Arcturus Fatalis"