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nightwing suited up x2

PoL by peacchy on ao3…come back to me please…

yall ever read a fanfic so majestic it completely altered your entire life

Give my Husband More Food

Logan Howlett x Reader

Summary: You decided to prank Logan by doing the TikTok trend where you give your significant other more food and see their reaction

“Dinner’s ready Lo!” You shout as you plate yours and Logan’s dinner. Tonight you made steak and fries, one of Logan’s favorite dishes.

You hear heavy footsteps pad making their way to the kitchen. Logan enters the kitchen looking eager to eat.

“Someone’s excited,” you say giggling, opening the fridge to grab him a beer before placing it on the table.

“M’starving sweetheart and it smells amazing,” Logan says as he sits down in his chair. Logan is known to be a grumpy man most of the time, but the key to his heart is a delicious plate of food (with beer ofc).

You grab the plates of food before walking over to the table. Logan rubs his two hands together as you set his full plate down in front of him.

“God, looks amazing, thank you baby.” He says as he leans in to give you a peck on the lips. He immediately gets started, cutting his steak to eat.

Just as he’s about to stuff his mouth full of food, your plate catches his eye. He froze in place, now confused why you have barely had any steak and like 3 french fries on your plate.

“Sweetheart where’s the rest of your food?” He asks as he puts down his fork.

“Oh there wasn’t enough.” You say.

“What’ya mean there wasn’t enough?” His face twists in confusion.

“Well we didn’t have enough steak or potatoes and you said you were hungry so I gave you most of it.” You say as pop a fry in your mouth.

Logan’s brows furrowed as he looks at you confused. You eyes meet his confused expression. “Trust me I’m ok. Besides I’m not even that hungry.” You reassure.

He shakes his head at you. “Honey that’s not even enough to feed a damn bird.” He says gesturing towards your plate.

“Logan it’s fine, eat your food.” You say. Just as you’re about to pick up your fork, Logan picks up both of your plates and swaps them.

“Logan!” You whine.

“Go. Eat. I’ll eat whatever you don’t finish.” He says as he leans back into the kitchen chair, crossing his arms over his chest. You both sit there looking at each other.

You quickly find the opportunity to get up to try and steal your plate back, only for Logan to snatch it from the table now guarding it

“Uh uh. Sit down and eat baby c’mon.” He says as he nods his head towards the chair.

“My girl needs to eat. So eat.”

INJUSTICE 2 INTRO INTERACTIONS. batboys x villain! reader

SYNOPSIS: I have very specific and odd hyperfixiations. Warnings for typical blood and violence + suggestive flirting in Dick, Jason, and Tim.

-> BATMAN X ALTERNATE UNIVERSE! BATMOM -> NIGHTWING X CATGIRL! READER -> REDHOOD X AMAZON! JOKER'S KILLER! READER -> RED ROBIN X IVY! READER -> DAMIAN X FORMER ARRANGED L.O.A WIFE! BLIND! READER

──────── ⵌ GAME LOADING ...

-> BATMAN X ALTERNATE UNIVERSE! BATMOM

Bruce is transported to an alternate universe where you two were never in love and instead enemies. He can't bare to see what you might have become without him or his sons.

(Bruce slowly removes his cowl, revealing his pained blue eyes staring at you, filled with sorrow and longing.)

BRUCE: "You'd be proud of the men our sons have become."

(You tighten your grip on your sword, the knuckles turning white. For a brief moment, a flicker of something unreadable crosses your face, but you quickly mask it with indifference. You shake your head and raise your blade.)

AU! BATMOM: "They mean nothing in this world."

(With a burst of speed, you launch yourself at him, the clash of metal on metal resonating through the night as your blade meets his defense. The force of your attack drives Bruce back a step, but he holds his ground.)

BRUCE: "In mine, they are everything because of you."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(A cloud of smoke erupts, obscuring the dimly lit alley as Bruce emerges from the shadows. His cape billows behind him, creating a striking silhouette against the flickering streetlights.)

BRUCE: "Our sons would never recognize you like this."

(You stand still for a moment, the sharp slice of blades cutting through the air as you flip them effortlessly. The sound is a whisper of danger. Your stance is guarded, eyes steely and cold, betraying no emotion.)

AU! BATMOM: "Good. I have no use for children."

(Bruce scowls, the harsh lines on his face deepening. He curls his hand into a fist, muscles tensing visibly under his suit, readying himself for the inevitable confrontation.)

BRUCE: "But every son deserves a mother’s love, no matter the universe."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Bruce reaches into his utility belt with practiced ease, pulling out two Batarangs. He holds them firmly, the metal cool and reassuring in his grip)

BRUCE: "I can't look at you without seeing her."

(You lift your chin defiantly, a sharp smile playing on your lips.)

AU! BATMOM: "Ha! I am not your wife."

(Bruce frowns, his eyes narrowing as he shifts his weapons closer to his face, preparing to defend. He refuses to fight you.)

BRUCE: " "But you wear her face, and that’s enough to remind me of what I’ve lost."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Bruce maneuvers the Batmobile with precision, stopping abruptly before flipping out and landing on the ground.)

BRUCE: "I see the pain behind your eyes. It's the same pain she hides."

(You huff, striding towards him with purpose. The sword at your hip sings as you draw it, the blade catching the light ominously.)

AU! BATMOM: "Don't presume to know me."

(Bruce stands straighter, his glare unwavering as he meets your gaze head-on.)

BRUCE: "I know her, and that’s why I can’t give up on you."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Bruce holds a photo in his hands, a photo of your family. His eyes soften as he looks at it, his grip tender despite the battle raging around him.)

BRUCE: "I dream of bringing her here to show you what you could be."

(Your back is turned against him, but you slowly face his way, the sound of your sword being unsheathed filling the tense silence.)

AU! BATMOM: "Dreams are for the weak."

(Bruce pockets the photo with care, then assumes a combat stance, his eyes never leaving yours.)

BRUCE: "No, they’re for the hopeful. And I will never stop hoping for you."

 ༻⊰───⋅ (Bruce grunts as your legs tighten around him, choking him. His face contorts with effort as he twists his body, managing to knock you off and get to his feet, breathing heavily.)

BRUCE: "In my world, you're my everything. Here, you're my nightmare."

(You walk off the fall and stand tall, your posture defiant and unwavering. A cold smirk plays on your lips as you step toward him.)

AU! BATMOM: "Dreams and nightmares are two sides of the same coin, Bat."

(Bruce braces himself, legs apart, muscles coiled like a spring, preparing for the inevitable clash.)

Batman: "I just wish I could flip it back."

 ༻⊰───⋅

-> NIGHTWING X CATGIRL! READER

You've been playing this cat-and-bat chase ever since he was Robin. Now as Nightwing, he can't help but long for something deeper.

(You perch on a rooftop edge, your silhouette lit by the moonlight as you smirk down at him. Leaping from the edge, you flip gracefully through the air before landing in a crouch in front of him.)

CATGIRL: "You know, curiosity killed the cat."

(Dick steps towards you, pulling his escrima sticks from his back. He hits them together, producing a crackle of electricity that illuminates the smirk on his face.)

NIGHTWING: "Good thing satisfaction brought it back."

(Purring, you trail your claws down your chest, your eyes locked on his.)

CATGIRL: "Show me how you satisfy, Nightwing."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Dick whistles as he walks towards you in his police uniform, swinging handcuffs with his fingers. The polished badge on his chest glints under the bank’s dim lights.)

OFFICER! GRAYSON: "Why don't you switch sides? You'd make a great hero."

(You laugh and stalk towards him, not even bothering to avoid the tripwires in the bank. The alarms remain silent, disabled by your expert touch.)

CATGIRL: "A kitty in a cape? Not my style."

(Dick shakes his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he unlatches the handcuffs, the metal clinking softly.)

OFFICER! GRAYSON: "You could do so much good, you know."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Laughing, you knock Dick to the ground, but with a swift move, he rolls you over, tackling you to the side and straddling you with a grin.)

NIGHTWING: "I know all your weak spots."

(You feel the heat of his body against yours, but you twist from his grip, slipping out and flipping away to a safe distance. You land lightly on your feet, drawing your claws with a predatory smile.)

CATGIRL: "You think you can make me purr?"

(Dick smirks, his eyes glinting with challenge. He rolls his shoulders, the muscles rippling under his suit, and tosses his head back.)

NIGHTWING: "I’ll have you screaming my name."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Dick watches as you strut along the edge of a building, hips swaying with each step, your balance effortless. )

NIGHTWING: "You know, Blüdhaven could use someone like you."

(You toss your head back with a playful smile, bending before executing a flawless flip towards him, landing gracefully.)

CATGIRL: "What, their own version of Catwoman?"

(Dick’s expression softens, the playful smile fading from his face, replaced by a more earnest look. He steps towards you and twirls his escrima sticks in the air.)

NIGHTWING: "No. Another hero."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(You flip yourself over a rooftop edge, your hair falling in loose waves as you look down at Nightwing's panting form from above.)

CATGIRL: "What's the matter, Nightwing? Can't handle a little cat-and-bat chase?"

(Dick grins and throws his head back to look up at you, exposing the strong line of his jaw. Beads of sweat trickle down his face and neck, glistening in the moonlight. With a slow motion, he tucks his batons back into his back.)

NIGHTWING: "Oh. I can handle a lot more than that."

(Smirking, you slip off the rooftop and land right in front of him with a thud. You purr as you step closer, lashing your whip around you.)

CATGIRL: "Prove it, and I might let you handle me."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Snarling, Dick licks at the stripe of blood running over his lip. You saunter a few feet away, licking your canines, which are stained with his blood.)

NIGHTWING: "You know, we could stop all this fighting."

(You smirk and draw your claws, eyes narrowing into slits.)

CATGIRL: "And what would we do instead, loverboy?"

(Dick smirks and crosses his arms, giving you a tantalizing view of his biceps, the fabric of his suit straining slightly.)

NIGHTWING: "I have a few ideas. None of them involve clothes."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Dick speeds through the city on his motorcycle, the engine roaring beneath him. With a swift, fluid motion, he flips off the bike, landing perfectly on his feet. The bike crashes in the distance, a burst of sparks lighting up.)

NIGHTWING: "You keep running, but I’ll always catch you."

(You turn to face him, a sharp smile playing on your lips, a shiny new jewel glinting in your hand under the moonlight.)

CATGIRL: "Maybe I just like the chase."

(Dick rolls his eyes, a mix of exasperation and amusement crossing his face, before he drops into a fighting stance, tensed and ready.)

NIGHTWING: "How about we skip to the part where I pin you down?"

 ༻⊰───⋅

(The jail cell door clanks shut as Dick locks you inside. You coo at him, reaching out to cup his cheek, but he knocks your hand away, his eyes filled with anger.)

NIGHTWING: "Every time you run, it feels like you’re slipping away from me."

(You frown and move away, slipping back into the shadows of the cell, the dim light casting eerie patterns on your figure.)

CATGIRL: "Running is all I know."

(Dick frowns, his hand tightening on the cold metal bars. His voice is filled with a deep, aching sincerity as he gazes into the darkness where you stand.)

NIGHTWING: "I just wish you'd run towards me instead."

 ༻⊰───⋅

-> REDHOOD X AMAZON! READER

Wonder Woman's daughter, once a proud heroine, now an outcast from the League after you killed the Joker in a vengeful rage for your lover's death. You try to run, he doesn't let you.

(With a fierce cry, you bring your sword down in a powerful arc, slicing through your enemies. Blood sprays as you cut down your chasers, the ground beneath you becoming slick with the crimson evidence of your wrath. You turn around just in time to see Jason charging towards you.)

A: "Cease this. The League will hunt me down like an animal."

(Jason scowls, his expression dark as he cocks his guns and reloads his rubber bullets. He barrels into the fray, firing relentlessly and mowing down the wave of heroes coming after you.)

JASON: "They won’t touch you as long as I’m breathing."

(You spin, delivering a bone-crushing blow to an opponent's jaw, feeling the satisfying crunch of bone beneath your knuckles.)

A: "You can’t fight the whole League, my love! I’m a liability."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Jason frowns and reaches for your wrist, pulling you back into his arms. The battle still thrums in the air around you, but in this moment, it's just the two of you.)

JASON: "Don’t let B’s opinion define you."

(You knock him away with a fierce shove, drawing your shield up defensively. Your sword hangs by your side, stained with the blood of your enemies, the weight of it a reminder of your actions.)

A: "He’s your father. His scorn is a heavy burden to bear."

(Jason steps forward, dropping his guns. He cups your face in his hands, forcing you to look at him, his touch both gentle and firm.)

JASON: "To hell with what he thinks. I love you, and that’s what matters."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(The two of you circle each other, eyes locked in their own battle. Jason's guns are pointed at you, his face twisted in agony.)

JASON: "I hate that your hands are bloodied for my sake."

(You drop your shield and sword, the clatter of metal echoing in the tense silence. Raising your stained hands, you step closer, showing him the blood that marks your skin.)

A: "I’d stain them a thousand times for you."

(Jason's eyes flicker with pain and frustration as he lowers his guns.)

JASON: "And I wanted to keep them clean."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(With a growl, you swing your sword at Jason, the blade whistling through the air. He ducks, rolling to the side and coming up with his guns aimed at you. You charge forward, deflecting his shots with your shield.)

JASON: "You think running away will solve anything?"

(You catch his leg with your shield, throwing him off balance before punching him in the jaw.)

A: "You don’t understand the price I’ve paid!"

(Jason wipes the blood from his lip, eyes flashing with anger and sorrow as he lunges at you.)

JASON:"I understand more than you think! And I’m here to help you!"

 ༻⊰───⋅

(You stand at the edge of a cliff, the wind whipping through your hair as you face Jason. Swinging your sword, you knock it against your shield, the clang echoing in the open air.)

A: "You think you’re man enough to stop me?"

(Jason scoffs as you lunge at him. He blocks your hit, twisting your arm behind your back and pulling you close.)

JASON: "I’ve got the scars to prove it."

(You twist out of his grip, using your strength to knock him to his back. You pick your shield back up, foot moving to press down on him.)

A: "Show me those scars up close."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(You scream as you're thrown back with his kick, your back slamming into the wall. Gasping for breath, you watch as Jason reaches for your shield, which had been knocked away during the fight. He picks it up and walks over to you, dropping it to your feet.)

JASON: "They say love makes you do crazy things."

(You take the shield from him, your breath still heavy from the exertion. You stand tall, despite the pain coursing through your body.)

A: "Like taking a life for the one you love?"

(Jason's gaze intensifies, and he steps closer.)

JASON: "Like risking your heart for a broken soul like mine."

 ༻⊰───⋅

RED ROBIN X IVY! READER

Poison Ivy's protégé, you and Tim couldn't be more different. He thrives on technology and his man-made gadgets, while you draw your strength from the untamed power of the green.

(A large vine from above dips down, its lush, green leaves swaying gently as you perch on it. Your eyes sparkle with mischief as you look down at Tim.)

IVY: "You think you can handle all this greenery, techie?"

(Tim smirks, twirling a small device in his hand. With a flick of his wrist, the device emits a pulse, causing the vine to tremble and wither.)

R! ROBIN: "I’ve got a green thumb, but I'd rather get my hands on you."

(You slide down the vine, landing gracefully in front of him, your eyes narrowing. You summon a thick vine to wrap around his legs, but Tim's quick reflexes kick in as he flips over it, landing in a crouch.)

IVY: "Hm. Only if you promise to get dirty."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Tim steps closer, his expression softening as he activates his bo staff, the weapon extending with a mechanical whir. He swings it in a wide arc, deflecting the thorny vines you hurl at him.)

R! ROBIN: "You're not like her, you know."

(You scoff, crossing your arms as a cluster of flowers bloom at your feet. You raise your hand, sending a barrage of petals sharp as knives his way. Tim deftly spins his staff, creating a shield.)

IVY: "Who, Ivy? Maybe not yet."

(Tim's eyes soften, his grip on the staff loosening slightly as he steps closer.)

R! ROBIN: "And you don't have to be."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(You pace around him, a vine curling up from the ground and snaking towards his feet. Tim notices and sidesteps, slashing at the vine with his staff.)

IVY: "Ever think about leaving the Bat?"

(Tim frowns, his bo staff sweeping down to cut the vine before it can ensnare him.)

R! ROBIN: "Ever think about leaving Ivy?"

(You grin, a sly smile playing on your lips as you summon a wall of thorns behind him. He leaps backward, landing nimbly on top of the thorns, balancing effortlessly.)

IVY: "Touché."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Tim looks around at the flourishing plants, his staff humming with energy as he uses his tech to scan for weaknesses in your creations.)

R! ROBIN: "I see you've been busy with your plants again."

(You gently caress a leaf, your voice soft as a tendril wraps around his ankle. He quickly discharges an electric shock from his staff, causing the tendril to release him.)

IVY: "They listen better than people do."

(Tim's staff whirls, cutting through the tendril effortlessly as he advances.)

R! ROBIN: "Maybe you just need the right person to listen."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Tim steps closer, his voice dropping to a whisper as he disarms a trap you set with a quick twist of his wrist. He flips over another set of vines you send his way, landing in a crouch.)

R! ROBIN: "Your touch brings life to these plants."

(You raise an eyebrow, intrigued as flowers bloom around you. You step down from your vine and saunter toward him.)

IVY: "Imagine what it could do to you."

(Tim smiles, a challenge in his eyes as he deactivates his staff, stepping closer.)

R! ROBIN: "I’m willing to find out."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Tim walks towards you, engrossed with the device on his wrist, tapping on the holographic table that hovers above it.)

IVY: "What’s a techie like you doing in a place like this?"

(Your voice coos at him as you emerge from the ground, vines whipping all around you. Tim smirks and turns his attention back to you, the holograph shutting off.)

R! ROBIN: "Looking for a beautiful flower to pick."

(You smirk, your vines thriving in the light as you swipe at him, narrowly missing. He ducks and rolls, coming up with a blade ready. Scoffing, you trace a hand up your neck, your eyes narrowing with playful menace.)

IVY: "Just make sure you can handle the thorns."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Tim reaches out, brushing his fingers against a blossom, his staff ready at his side as he keeps an eye on you.)

R! ROBIN: "We could build something beautiful together."

(You shake your head, a hint of sadness in your voice as you create a protective barrier of foliage around yourself. Tim uses his tech to create a small opening, stepping through it.)

IVY: "Beautiful things always wither and die."

(Tim takes your hand, squeezing it gently as he deactivates his staff, the barrier of foliage parting around you. He pulls you closer, his voice soft and earnest.)

R! ROBIN: "Not if we tend to them with care."

 ༻⊰───⋅

-> DAMIAN X L.O.A! READER

Arranged to marry since birth by Talia, Damian had promised to be yours for life. However, after his betrayal of the League, he left you behind. You were labeled as a co-conspirator, and as punishment for his treason, you were blinded.

(Blades glint under the dim light as you twirl your fan, the air around you whistling with its sharp edges. Damian stands a few feet away, his katana ready in his hand, emerald eyes fixed on you.)

DAMIAN: "Has my mother sent you?"

(You laugh and throw your head back in disbelief. The cloth wrapped around your eye flows in the wind. Raising a hand, you slip it off and show him your empty eyes.)

L.O.U: "Do I look like her pawn? Do you not see what she has done to me? This is my kill, not hers."

(Damian's eyes narrow, his stance shifting as he prepares to engage. )

DAMIAN: "Then why do you hesitate?"

 ༻⊰───⋅

(You feel the rush of air as Damian's katana swings towards you. Instinctively, you duck and counter with a sweeping arc of your fan, sensing his presence.)

L.O.U: "You walked away from everything."

(Damian's footsteps echo as he moves swiftly, his voice carrying a note of deep regret.)

DAMIAN: "Only to realize everything is you, habibti."

(You pivot on your heel, using your heightened senses to track his position, your fan poised to strike again.)

L.O.U: "Fool! You think words can mend this?!"

 ༻⊰───⋅

(The sound of his breath and the shuffle of his feet guide you as you launch a series of rapid strikes. Damian blocks each one, his katana creating a rhythmic pattern against your fan. Finally, he pushes his blade against yours, locking it between his fist.)

DAMIAN: "Beloved, losing your sight... I did not know my mother... I cannot even imagine—"

(You lash out with your fan, the blades narrowly missing Damian’s face as he parries with his katana. You both step back, circling each other, the tension between you palpable.)

L.O.U: "I do not need your pity, bastard!"

(Damian's eyes harden, but his voice remains soft.)

DAMIAN: "Not pity. Guilt. And a desperate need to make things right."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(You leap forward, your fan spinning with deadly precision. Damian blocks the first strike but then purposefully drops his katana, stepping into your range. You scoff, surprised, as he grabs your wrist and forces you to drop your fan.)

L.O.U: "You think your guilt means anything to me?"

(Damian's movements falter for a brief moment, his voice raw with emotion. You kick and scream against his chest so hard he felt as though there would be bruises but he could care less.)

DAMIAN: "It tears me apart every day."

(You pull back, freeing your wrist and shifting into a defensive stance, your voice dripping with bitterness.)

L.O.U: "Good. Now you know a fraction of my pain."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Without your weapons, you both engage in a flurry of hand-to-hand combat. Damian blocks your strikes, deflecting your blows with minimal force, showing his reluctance to hurt you.)

DAMIAN: "Our marriage was more than a strategy to me."

(You laugh, a harsh sound, as you aim a kick at his midsection. He catches your leg and gently sets it down.)

L.O.U: "Yes. It was a lie."

(With a scream of anger, you tackle him, but he twists mid-fall, using his momentum to pin you to the ground. You struggle beneath him but he leans closer, his breath warm against your ear.)

DAMIAN: "No, it was the most real thing I've known."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(Wind whirls as you scream and hurl your fans in his direction. The blades spin through the air, nearly striking him, but he dodges with a series of agile flips. Laughing haughtily, you reach for your dagger in your belt.) L.O.U: "What do you desire, Habibi?"

(You advance on him, your steps swift and deliberate, knives dancing between your fingers. You hear a thud as Damian lands back on his feet with a grunt.) DAMIAN: "You. Only you."

(You scoff and fling another fan at him. He sidesteps and deflects it with his katana, the blade slicing through the air with a sharp hiss. Undeterred, you rush forward, using your heightened senses to anticipate his next move. Your fan blades clash against his katana in a shower of sparks.) L.O.U: "Then come and claim me."

 ༻⊰───⋅

(You sit on a stone bench in the garden of his new home. Wayne Manor, he had said. The night air was cool against your skin. Footsteps echo as Damian approaches, his katana sheathed at his side. He sits beside you, his gaze filled with longing.)

DAMIAN: "I dreamt of you every night."

(You scoff and trace the edge of your fan, the blades cool under your fingers.)

L.O.U: "Did you dream of my pain as well?"

(Damian’s expression turns into anguish, his hand reaching out to cover yours. A thumb moves to caress the metal band on your finger.)

DAMIAN: "Yes, and it’s unbearable."

 ༻⊰───⋅

ive been playing this damn game and mk1 for dddays

Dick Grayson by Dan Mora you will always be famous.

Taking anti-depressant pills?? Seeing a therapist??? Journaling???? No need babe, my fav writer just dropped another x reader fic.

more itafushis i drew before ch 267 to cope 'cuz i was genuinely so scared for what was gonna happen next, but i think i'm slowly learning trust again with gege akutami 💗 not really

meme redraw (+ based on)

this movie is making me insane

I was playing dress to impress on roblox and I was just thinking how quick logan would shut it down if you were playing it at nighttime. like the lobby music at twelve am and everything just interrupting his sleep and you know he don’t play about his sleep — so he just reaches over to you and grabs your waist talking into your back, “turn your phone off and go to sleep bub c’mon. it’s too late to be playing games.” and you just want to play one more round which is probably a lie, so you come up with excuses and he shuts those down too. “but just one more-“ and he really doesn’t have time for the excuses, “nope go to sleep.” he says taking your phone and putting it on your nightstand. you take a big huff, shuffling yourself into his shoulder. “y’re so mean.” and he knows your just saying that became you want to stay up late to play games, which he also doesn’t understand what’s so fun about it, just brushing it off as he holds you close. your head snuggled into his chest, feeling it go up and down—with his faint cigar and musky smell slowly putting you to sleep. “mhm goodnight kid.”

Streamers say 'mods' the same way a medieval lord would say 'guards'

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 & 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐑. (sequel to 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐍 & 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑.)

in the battle of hearts, he was the conqueror, and you, the conquered, for his love was a war you could never win. but if in this ruthless battlefield, only one can come out victorious, could you still turn things around and let the victor be you?

♱ pairings. sylus, fem!reader

♱ genre. angst, smut, boss/assistant, 18+

♱ tags. villain!reader, reader previously works for onychinus, reader is not l&ds!mc, sylus is a little ooc, main story spoilers, melodic weave spoilers, lots of timeskip, fast-paced, lore heavy, unrequited love, profanity, petnames (kitten, sweetie), explicit smut, cunnilingus (f!receiving), unprotected sex, creampie, espionage, reader smoking, reckless driving, violence, spitting, choking, jealousy, usage of guns, suicide (or attempts thereof), death, and a twist in the end i can’t reveal.

♱ notes. 10.4k words too lazy to edit T-T also, there’s a scene that will remind you of nwh :))) part 1 is already fine as is, so this one is just an extra.

— 1 YEAR AFTER.

“Got an invitation?”

Only barely did you lift your head up, just enough to meet the bouncer’s eyes as you handed over the invitation. “I’m a regular.”

“Lady, I don’t think so.” The man scrutinized you with itching suspicion, then turned on his flashlight to verify the authenticity of your invitation by looking at every corner of the paper. Was he trying to look for any flaw just to say it was fake? Jesus. For an entire minute, his eyes darted between you and the letter, as though debating whether or not to let you inside.

“Come on,” you said impatiently, tapping your feet on the ground, “I’m not someone you should keep waiting.”

He was ready with a rebuttal, still reluctant to let you in, until a familiar sight of purple hair peeked from behind the entrance. Your savior for the night—it was Rafayel.

“Let her in,” he said, ushering you inside and giving the bouncer a knowing look. “She’s with me.”

Fucking finally. 

The neon red LED signage of The Nest flickered against the grimy walls, serving as the only bright light in the sketchy dark surroundings. The bar was a haven for those seeking refuge from the law and a place to trade secrets, as it was brimming with intel from a network of people. From high ranking officials, businessmen, and criminals—just offer your part of the bargain and you’d find a good trade in no time. 

It wasn’t your first time there, but your negative impression of the place remained unchanged.

You strode through the crowd with Rafayel, and your eyes scanned the room with practiced ease. There were still familiar faces around, though most of the people had gone unrecognized as it had been awhile since you last came here. 

“Wearing a hoodie in a place like this,” Rafayel spoke into your ear, his voice barely audible over the loud music. “You stick out like a sore thumb, you know?”

You merely shrugged, keeping your face hidden under the large black hoodie until Rafayel secured you inside a private balcony he had reserved for the night. Once inside, you quickly pulled the hoodie down and comfortably revealed your face.

“Just give me what I asked you so I can leave,” you commanded, your tone assertive.

Rafayel, however, only smirked as he sat on the couch across from you. “Be patient. We’re still missing one person.”

One person? “Who—” Your attention was caught by the figure of a lean, white-haired man entering the private balcony in a calm and quiet manner. A person so familiar to you that you couldn’t even keep eye contact with him. Xavier. 

Xavier might be civil around you, but you knew that if the circumstances were different, he would have let Lumiere show up to assassinate you in one strike. It didn’t matter if you were colleagues before, he still always had his guard around you. Though, things had become more complicated for everyone. And friends who had become enemies, were now allies again. 

Somehow.  

“Well, isn’t this a delightful gathering? I have two wanted individuals in the N109 Zone here with me,” you quipped, pointing to Rafayel first. “You’ve got a bounty on your head,” then to Xavier, “You’ve got a bounty on your head, too. Damn, I’d be rich if I turned you both in.”

Xavier stayed leaning against the door with his arms crossed. “That makes three of us, then,” he replied in a stolid mien, nodding toward the wall behind you.

Your eyes adjusted from the dark before it finally landed on a large, tattered poster pinned to the wall near the bar. The bold letters at the top read the following:

MOST WANTED! Y/N L/N Alias: Scarlet Viper Reward: 5,000,000 Credits Crimes: Betrayal of Onychinus Espionage Intelligence Leaks Treason Status: Traitor Last Known Location: N109 Zone, Linkon City Beware: Y/N L/N is considered extremely dangerous and cunning. She is highly skilled in espionage and intelligence gathering, and is now a traitor to Onychinus. Approach with extreme caution. All bounty hunters and loyal Onychinus followers are authorized to apprehend her by any means necessary. Payment will be made upon successful capture or confirmation of her whereabouts. Contact: Report all sightings and information to the Onychinus base. Payment is guaranteed for verified leads.

The grainy image was unmistakable—it was your own face in that poster staring back at you. But instead of acting hurt or even alarmed, a laugh bubbled up from deep within you, growing louder and more unhinged as you took in the sight. Heads turned from outside the private room, curious and wary, as your laughter echoed through the balcony.

“Crazy bastard,” you muttered to yourself between fits of laughter. “Sylus really went all out this time, huh?”

Preferably Alive? You mused at the highlighted words on the poster. Did he want me alive so he’d be the one to kill me? 

The absurdity of it all washed over you. Here you were, once Sylus’s most trusted confidante, now branded a traitor with a bounty on your head. Even Luke and Kieran wouldn’t spare you. In fact, they might even be the first ones to capture you had they received the slightest intel on your whereabouts. Ha ha ha! Your maniacal laughter was a cocktail of bitterness, amusement, and the thrill of the rebellion that had driven you to this point. The very people you treated like family, were now your enemies. 

You composed yourself, wiping a tear from the corner of your eye as you glanced around. The patrons were still watching—Xavier with concern for your sanity, and Rafayel with amusement to your charade. 

“Not what you expected from your ‘lover’?” mocked Rafayel, shifting into a more comfortable position.

But you were ready with a confident reply. “Oh, I expected just as much. It’s flattering, really, that he hasn’t found me despite all his connections.”

Xavier adopted a more serious tone when he added, “He hasn’t been seen anywhere himself. It’s been months since the raid happened, and the Onychinus faction is still leaderless.”

“Sylus isn’t that pathetic,” you replied, pulling a pack of cigarettes from your pocket. You lit one up with a flick of your lighter, and the flame briefly illuminated your face. “He’s just laying low. He’s got plenty of properties to hide in, but the H.A. will need to pay me extra if they want intel on his locations.”

Rafayel smirked. “Oh, come on now, we know you won’t give up his hideouts that easily. You still care about his safety after all. Right, Miss Scarlet?”

You displayed a defensive stance as referred to you by your alias. “I care about whether or not that hunter girl you’re all obsessed with stopped chasing after him,” you said, irritation now lacing your once-sarcastic tone. “A deal’s a deal. Keep her out of the N109 Zone and away from Sylus, and I’ll keep my hands off her. Otherwise, I’ll be happy to send a bullet or two to her head.”

“You—” “Don’t even try—”

Both boys sprang from their seats and yelled simultaneously, as if your vague threat against the apple of their eyes activated their mode of defensiveness. In all honesty, you admired how much they cared to protect that girl. That despite their rivalry, they were willing to do anything to keep her safe. You were the biggest threat to her life right now, but eliminating you wasn’t exactly an easy feat now that the H.A. had your back. 

So, this was their compromise. A mutually beneficial arrangement. In simpler terms, they need to keep the girl away from Sylus. Giving intel about Onychinus and its boss was already your part of the bargain. Theirs was to ensure that the hunter girl had no means to contact Sylus or even enter N109 Zone whenever she wanted. 

“Hand out her brooch,” you demanded, gesturing for Rafayel to hand out the very piece you were here for. “It’s about time I come home.” 

Rafayel’s eyes widened in curiosity. “You’re really returning to the N109 Zone?” 

Xavier’s face mirrored his concern, likely because you carried the largest bounty of all the wanted fugitives in the most dangerous No-Hunt Zone. But honestly, their unease puzzled you. If they wanted to keep the girl safe, having you out of Linkon City would be to their advantage. Besides, the brooch would give you unrestricted access to the N109 Zone—something you wanted to take from the hunter girl who generously received it from Sylus.

“Stop stalling and give it to me,” you insisted, your frustration growing by the second. “I’m sick of this place.”

Rafayel sighed and tossed the brooch to you. “You must be crazy.”

~~

— 1 YEAR AGO.

“You’ve already taken everything from me, Sylus. Finish what you started.”

Sylus had the power to end you right then and there. If he truly intended to kill you to protect that woman, all he needed was to intensify the pressure of his evol around you. Yet, as he observed the shifting expressions on your face, Sylus chose to ease the bone-crushing pressure of the black-red mist that encircled your body.

You collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath like fish out of the sea. But Sylus looked down at you with a cold, unyielding gaze. “I’m just showing you mercy now,” he said, his voice devoid of its usual warmth. “If you dare touch her, I’ll break every bone in your body for real next time. You’re just gonna be another dead body to me.”

With that final threat, Sylus kicked your gun away and vanished into the dead of night, leaving you alone and vulnerable in the dark alleyway. Even Mephisto, who often guarded your safety, was completely out of sight. Sylus must be happy knowing that his last words pierced through your soul—its pain gnawing at your heart and ripping every artery apart. How easily was it for him to tear you asunder despite giving you his mercy? The turmoil inside you was almost unbearable, and you didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Ultimately, you chose both.

Sitting on the gravel, you clenched your fists, tears mingling with the dirt on the concrete. Anger, spite, and hatred consumed you. All you wanted was revenge.

And so, a few weeks after that, you decided to pack your bags and run away from the N109 Zone. Away from the place where Sylus was the boss of everyone. Away from a place where his omnipresence would not reach or track you.

Your destination of choice was Linkon, not because you wanted to live in that city, but because it was once your home. Returning to the bustling metropolis after four years was driven by a single purpose, and it was to see a few key people who could help you achieve your revenge.

The bright and busy streets of Linkon City were still a stark contrast to the dark and gritty atmosphere of the N109 Zone. But because you had lived most of your years here than its more dangerous counterpart, it was easy for you to maneuver through the fast-moving crowd while navigating through the complicated subway stations that even Luke and Kieran would struggle with. That day, your mind was set on your first destination: Akso Hospital.

Dr. Zayne’s clinic was tucked away in a quiet corner of the hospital. While it took some finesse to secure an appointment under a false name, you managed it without raising suspicion. After all, four years in the N109 Zone had taught you how to camouflage into roles you never expected to play.

Obviously, he was surprised to see you entering his clinic as if he had seen a ghost. His usual stoic countenance was momentarily replaced by a state of discombobulation when you finally sat across from him in his sterile, white office. “Zayne,” you cut straight to the chase. “I need to know about the girl with the Aether Core.”

Four years ago, Zayne was the last person you talked to about the Aether Core before plunging into the dangers of the N109 Zone. He knew more about it than anyone else in Linkon. Therefore, he would also be the first person you sought out upon your return.

Dr. Zayne’s expression remained impassive, however. “I’m afraid patient confidentiality prevents me from discussing any details.”

You leaned forward, your voice low and urgent, as you pressed a hand against his desk. “I’m not here for pleasantries, Zayne. I need answers. How and where does she have it?”

You had to know. You really, badly ought to know. Because knowing where she had the Aether Core would acquaint you where exactly to target her when the opportunity arises.

But in spite of the desperation in your voice, Dr. Zayne regarded you with a cool, clinical detachment. “Whatever you’re planning, I would prefer that you don’t involve an innocent person in it. If you want answers, seek it somewhere else.”

Dammit! His actions and strange avoidance of the subject were all the hints you needed. Zayne liked that girl. And he would never be the person to put her in a dangerous position. 

In that case, there was only one place left to turn, a place you had avoided for far too long. It even took you three days to gather the confidence you needed to even step foot into the familiar halls of The Hunter's Association’s most secretive department, the Hunter Intelligence Services or the HIS—the very place where undercover agents and intelligence officers resided. It was hidden beneath the city and only the high ranking hunters knew and had access to it, because being a spy certainly wasn’t for the weak heart. 

It was time to confront your true past.

The entryway to the headquarters didn’t change. And to your surprise, pulling out your access card still granted you entrance to the quarters. Were they anticipating your return or did they simply miss the task of revoking your access card?

Descending further into the underground facility, however, you were met with a familiar sense of unease. The sterile, metal hallways seemed to close in around you as you approached Lauryn’s office. She was the head of the department, your true boss, and the person who tasked you into infiltrating the N109 Zone four years ago.

Lauryn was there as you entered, her sharp eyes narrowing as she crossed her arms at you. You were right. She did anticipate your arrival, because the advanced CCTV monitors around the city were displayed all over the room. “What brings you back to the fold?” she asked, stern and unwelcoming, “Are you going to beg on my knees for turning your back against the Hunter’s Association?”

Feisty as ever. Her austerity was harsher than you remembered, but then again, there was no room for shame after all the crimes you committed while supposedly being a spy in the N109 Zone. 

“I need your help,” you admitted, shamelessly. “I have intel on Sylus and the Onychinus. Extremely valuable information that you need. In exchange, there’s something I want you to do.” 

Lauryn’s expression was unreadable as she leaned back against the wall. “So, you’ve decided to turn on your beloved Sylus? What happened to your loyalty? Is it always this unstable?”

You took a deep breath, not allowing her words to get to you. “I just… need to protect my interests.”

“Interests?” The woman guffawed at your chosen words. “And do your interests also include betraying the H.A. because you fell in love with the enemy? Or did the enemy also betray you that’s why you’re crawling back here now?” 

She hit the sore spot, but you masked your voice with defensive indifference. “If that’s how you define it, then so be it. I’m not asking to be recruited by the H.A. again, I know that. I broke the Hunter’s Code and I’m marked as a Tenebra now, but…” Letting out a heavy exhale, you looked into her eyes, “Lauryn, you know I have the most intel you’ll get about Sylus and Onychinus out of everyone. Not even Xavier as Lumiere would have this much intel as I do.” 

How could she deny such an offer? You knew the temptation was heavy since you were speaking the truth; you worked for Sylus for four years. You have all the necessary intel they need to even get to him.

For a millisecond, you caught the corner of Lauryn’s lips twitching upwards with a glint of approval hiding in her eyes, but she was pretty good at concealing her emotions. “Very well. Share your intel, and I’ll see what I can do.”

~~

The past year had been a blur of longing and subterfuge. 

You supplied Lauryn with detailed intelligence on Onychinus’s illicit activities, including their smuggling routes, black market transactions, and the clandestine trade of armory and protocores with corrupt officials. You also exposed Sylus’s personal connections to the high ranking officials who were secretly doing business with him. This information immediately set off a series of events aimed at destabilizing Onychinus, providing sufficient evidence to provoke a significant response from the Hunter’s Association and law enforcement.

In return, you requested two things: 1) for the Hunter’s Association to offer you protection and support against Onychinus’s threats; and 2) for them to enforce restrictions and surveillance on the hunter girl, ensuring she remained completely isolated from Sylus and the N109 Zone.

It would have been better if they had chastised her. You had convinced Lauryn that a public whipping would be the perfect punishment, but the H.A. upheld principles far better than yours. After all, you had been stripped of your morality after living in a lawless environment under the influence of the mastermind himself. Being in the N109 Zone for too long dehumanized you. But for your peers in Linkon… they could never harm that hunter girl for some reason, and had been treating her like a valuable asset under everyone's protection—even Sylus’s.

You hated it. You hated her. And each time you caught a glimpse of her around Linkon, your hands were often itching to take out a gun and end her life. 

But that was easier said than done. Besides, you decided to harness all of your anger towards Sylus himself because he was the one who had tossed you aside after she came to his life. He was the one responsible for the wounds in your heart that would never heal. 

It had been a year. You wondered if he ever even thought about you, or did his anger completely consume him to the point where all he wanted to do was kill you? 

“Of course,” you mumbled under your breath, scoffing as you remembered the bounty he had placed on you. He was definitely apoplectic at the fact that you ruined his plans, and that you took his precious hunter girl away from him. The thought of you betraying him and Onychinus probably made him ballistic. 

But to think about it, who betrayed who first?

Everyone knew the difficulty of getting into the N109 Zone. Keeping yourself safe while inside the lawless city was also another struggle. Yet, for someone like you who belonged here better than in Linkon, you were already used to the ins and outs of its dangerous scene. And having the hunter girl’s brooch was your gateway to return to the city unsuspiciously. 

Pushing through the throng of people, you made your way to a nondescript door at the back of the bar. Two burly guards stood in front, their expressions deadpan as they eyed the beaked mask you were wearing. You wore the Onychinus uniform, one that was similar to Luke and Kieran’s, in order to hide your identity. For now. 

“Is it a man?” 

“No, a woman! Look at her body behind the uniform.” 

“You think we should let her in?”

“Idiot, she’s from Onychinus! You can’t deny her entrance.”

With a nod, you handed over a small token—your entry pass to the underground fight club that operated in the depths of an abandoned warehouse. “Fellas, I have a pass if you need it.” 

The guards stepped aside, finally allowing you entry after you showed a token that was marked by the Onychinus insignia. And as you descended the dimly lit staircase, the roar of the crowd and the unmistakable sound of fists meeting flesh grew louder. The anticipation began to thrum in your veins.

You weren’t entirely sure why you were here, but you knew you needed information on Sylus. Anywhere. And what better way to hear about him than to visit a place where his presence often loomed large? Maybe you could even take out your frustrations in the ring tonight. With every punch and kick, you would remind yourself of the path you had chosen—a path leading to Sylus’s downfall, no matter the cost.

As you stepped into the arena, an irregular thumping in your heart began to destabilize you. You forced yourself to focus, squeezing between people loudly cheering for the current match, screaming their biases, and trash-talking the opponents. Clusters of people gathered around the ring and placed their bets on their favorite fighters. How nostalgic, you mused. You used to come here with Sylus on Friday nights. And turned the rest of those active nights into passionate ones.

Now’s not the time to reminisce. Your chest was starting to feel tighter, unsure if it was because of the crowd or the uncomfortable thought of being back in the N109 Zone. But the more time you spent inside the fight club, the more your heart felt like it was being squeezed. You had to make a move now before it was too late. 

The fight club continued to throb with a visceral energy, and you stood in the shadows, the hood of your cloak still pulled low to hide the overwhelming pressure you were feeling inside your body. You managed to weave through the people, while your ears were attuned to the murmur of conversations in hopes of catching intel on Sylus. 

That was, until a group of grizzled men to your left caught your attention, and their voices were rising above the din.

“I’ve got five hundred credits on the big guy,” one of them boasted, slapping a hefty stack of bills into the hand of a bookie.

“You’re gonna lose,” another jeered. “That scrawny kid’s faster. I bet he’ll surprise everyone.”

You lingered nearby, pretending to adjust your hoodie while listening intently to their conversation.

“Hey, did you hear about Sylus?” one man whispered, his tone dropping to a conspiratorial murmur.

Your pulse quickened at the mention of his name, and you took a step closer, careful not to draw attention.

“Yeah. He hasn’t been seen in weeks, ain’t he? Word is, he’s gone underground. Something big must’ve gone down.”

“Big? That’s an understatement. They say someone ratted him out to the Hunter’s Association that’s why his base got raided. He’s also got a bounty on his head now, and not just any bounty—a serious one. Every hunter and merc in the zone's looking for him.”

“What about the hot chick he’s been seen with? You think she’s involved?”

“Dunno,” the first man whispered. “But if she’s smart, she’ll lay low. Sylus doesn’t take kindly to betrayal, and neither do his people.”

You bit your lip as the urge to ask questions was getting heavy. But you knew better. Drawing attention to yourself now could be disastrous. So, you had to think of how to navigate this situation first. The fight in the ring reached a fever pitch, and the crowd’s roar swelled. Perhaps joining today’s fight might not be a good idea after all, and instead, you should harness your remaining energy into preparing for the time you would have to face Onychinus again. 

Sylus was in hiding, the hunter girl had been isolated, and you had made yourself a target.

It was for the best that you stormed out of the fight club, helmet on, speeding away on a motorcycle you had rented. Riding in the N109 zone was always a thrilling escape, and it now became your dangerous distraction from the turbulent thoughts that plagued your mind. Sylus. Sylus. Sylus. Where did he hide? 

In your trail of thoughts, you revved the engine, and its roar echoed along the stretch of dark roads as you maneuvered your bike towards the highway. 

There was no other vehicle around you.

Until a truck appeared. 

Not just any truck—it was a supertruck, with its headlights blazing and tailing you like a predator. 

The lights tried to blind you, but you took off, and the world around you instantly became a blur of speed and sound. You leaned into the bike, feeling the wind whip against your face as you cornered into the nearest exit. But no matter how fast you went, you couldn’t outrun such a large, fast-moving vehicle. You knew that if you didn’t accelerate into sixth gear or until you hit the rev limiter, you would be dead. 

He’s fucking out for me! 

Lost in thought, your eyes focused too much on looking back and forth between the road and the stealth mirrors before you got rear-ended by the truck. The impact was jarring, and it sent you flying off your bike and crashing onto the hard, cold ground. Upon impact alone, pain immediately exploded in your body. And the burning, stinging sensation was brought upon by the road rash you obtained after you skidded along the rough concrete road. It was intense pain—like a thousand searing needles piercing every inch of your skin. Your flesh felt as if it were being flayed by red-hot knives, each scrape and cut screaming with a fire that seemed unquenchable. The raw, exposed nerves throbbed violently, sending electric shocks of pain through your entire body, and making every heartbeat feel like a hammer blow. 

Aghh! It was a relentless, burning torment, and the slightest movement amplified the suffering, every breath dragging razors through your shredded skin. But you refused to cry out, refusing to give the culprit the satisfaction. Was it Sylus? 

As much as you wanted to lift your helmet and find the culprit, the shock from the crash was an all-consuming inferno of agony, the kind that made the world blur and darken at the edges, and eventually pulled you into a black abyss of unconsciousness.

The last thing you remembered was being carried in the arms of a man. 

~~

“Think she’s in a coma?”

Voices filtered through your ears, distant yet distinct. Familiar, mischievous voices that sent a shiver down your spine. You could barely open your eyes, your fingers twitching as you slowly regained consciousness.

“Maybe.” That was Luke’s voice. “Or maybe she’s just pretending. Wouldn’t put it past her after she spied on us for years.”

“Yeah, she’s good at that,” Kieran egged on. “Always scheming, always one step ahead. And she’s tougher than she looks! Surviving that crash?”

“But not invincible.”

Their exchange suddenly took a halt, replaced by a discomfiting silence that made you wish you could force your eyes open in a mere count to ten. You tried to move, to make a sound, to let them know you were not in a coma, that you could hear every word. But your body remained stubbornly still, as if pressed down by an unseen weight. 

“You think boss-man will forgive her?” It was Kieran who asked, a hint of genuine curiosity in his voice.

Luke snorted. “Forgive? She’s a traitor. If she wakes up, she’s a dead woman walking.”

No! Upon realizing that this wasn’t a dream or a figment of your imagination, the beat of your heart began to accelerate, vibrating loud and aggressive against your chest. The sound of the twins’ footsteps eventually faded, leaving you alone in the oppressive silence of your half-conscious state. Fear and regret coiled within you, but there was also a flicker of determination. 

That if you wake up—when you wake up—you would have to face Sylus. And you would have to find a way to survive.

Time lost its meaning as you floated between wakefulness and sleep. A minute, an hour, days must have gone by. Eventually, you could hear classical music being played in the background and became aware of a new presence in the room, then a weight on the edge of your bed. That familiar cardamom and leather scent. A hand soon brushed your forehead, cool and gentle. Sylus? You wanted to open your eyes, to see him, to speak, but your body refused to obey.

“You can’t hide from me forever,” his voice murmured. His breath was warm when you felt it on your ear. “Wake up, kitten. We have unfinished business.” 

Darkness tugged at you again, pulling you under, but not before the fear took root. The weight on your chest suddenly lifted, as if an invisible force released its hold on you. Your eyes then snapped open and your lungs burned as you dragged in deep, desperate gulps of air. 

“Where—” You struggled to sit up with your weak body trembling from days of enforced stillness. Every movement felt foreign, muscles protesting as you pushed yourself upright. The room spinned for a moment before your vision cleared, and you saw him.

“Awake?” Sylus stood at your side, his crimson eyes burning with fire as he looked down on you like a master to his subject. 

“What… what did you do to me?” you manage to ask even though your voice was hoarse. “It was y-you in that truck!” 

“Oh, honey. I don’t ride in cheap trucks. Besides, I saved you from that crash,” Sylus replied, almost nonchalantly. “A ‘thank you’ would be nice. And also a ‘long time no see’, don’t you think?”

If it wasn’t him on that truck, then… “It’s still a hitman you hired because of that bounty!”

Sylus didn’t change. His silky gray hair, his vivid carmine eyes, his pinkish thin lips. Whenever he smirked, it was still the handsome old him. “I won’t deny that, sweetie. But I had to kill the guy for doing a poor job. My instructions were to not get you badly injured, and only to scare you.” 

“Liar,” you spat, “I bet you’d be happier if I was incapacitated.”

“Please. You’d serve no good to me if you’re dead or permanently disabled.” Sylus reached down to pull the duvet away from your body, and your supposed road rash and injuries were seemingly gone, replaced by newly-healed scars. “Your body needed time to recover, and I couldn’t afford to lose you. Not yet. So I had to put you in an induced state.” 

His words sent a chill down your spine. How he did it, you had no idea, but with Sylus, anything was possible. Anything! After all, he had all the connections and the rarest protocores. 

“Three days,” he continued, stepping closer, his gaze never leaving your face as he lifted your chin with his finger. “I kept you under for three days. Enough time for your wounds to heal. You recognize where you are?”

When he trailed off, you looked around the room and realized you weren’t in the Onychinus base nor his presidential suite. It was one of his many residences—the underground shelter. 

“Why are we here?” you asked, your voice trembling despite your efforts to sound strong.

Sylus extended a hand once more, his fingers brushing a strand of hair away from your face. His touch was surprisingly gentle, but his eyes remained hard, unreadable. “Ask that to yourself, kitten,” he says quietly. “We’re here because an ungrateful stray cat decided to leak the location of my other residences.”

You swallowed hard when you felt him grab you by the neck, his tight grip restraining any air from entering your windpipe. “S-Sylus!” 

His eyes had unruly flames beneath them. “You were a spy?” 

As his grip loosened a little to let you speak, you still ended up choking from asphyxiation. “S-So what if I was?” You tried to push him off. “It only means I caught you lacking. You allowed me to infiltrate Onychinus without knowing my background.” 

Sylus’s hand trailed gently over your cheek, his touch lingering longer than necessary.  “I’d blame it on your cunning face,” he said, almost seductively. He then shifted to lower himself onto the bed, both knees on either side of you, pinning you down. His eyes locked onto yours with a dark, predatory gleam. “Any man is a willing fool to a pretty face and a sexy body.”

You swatted his hand in response, your back hitting the headboard as you scrambled for distance. “How many times have you recycled that line between me and that hunter girl with the Aether Core?” 

At the mention of her, Sylus’s deep chuckle erupted and reverberated through the dark room. It was a chilling sound that was full of twisted amusement. “Ah, I almost forgot about the root of your betrayal,” he remarked with a mocking grin. “Jealousy.”

“You wouldn’t be laughing if I had killed her,” you spat, struggling to break free as Sylus slammed you back onto the bed. “Let me go—!” It was a fierce contest of strength, with you pinned beneath him, and him on top of you in an undeniable display of dominance. But you fought back. You resisted. And in an effort to offend, you ejected spit onto his cheek. “Let go!” 

Sylus was caught off guard, but he stayed unfazed, wiping your spit from his cheek before gripping your neck again. “You really want to play this game, honey? I love how sick in the head you are.”

“You m-made me like this.” You choked in between words. “In the end, I still achieved my goal. Now you have no way to see or contact that girl.”

“Says who?” Sylus’s sarcastic tone made your heart sink. Is he still in touch with her?!

“What do you—”

“Don’t be dense, kitten.” Sylus soon grabbed you by the collar, handling you like a ragdoll as he threw you onto the floor with a resounding thud. Pain shot through your hip, but Sylus’s expression held no remorse. You knew he could do worse. “I have my own ways of ensuring she’s safe and protected. I can still see her whenever I want.”

That was when the tears started to fall uncontrollably. You couldn’t stop them—nor could you hold back the words that poured out. “Y-You! I ran away from the N109 Zone for a whole year. I disappeared from your life for a whole goddamn year, Sylus. Yet not once did you look for me, not once did you worry about me, not once did you make sure I was safe. But for her, you—”

“It’s only natural to protect someone important to you.” He crouched down to meet your eyes as if pouring salt to the wound. “I’d let the world burn for her, honey. You and her aren’t the same. She’s not someone who would betray me.” 

“I betrayed you because of her!” 

His laughter died down, but the amusement in his eyes only deepened. The cruel curve of his lips was the kind of smile that enjoyed seeing your agony. “It’s always been about her, hasn’t it? You see me with her, and you can’t stand it. It eats at you, makes you act out.”

You tried to move away, but he kept his foot firmly on your wrist, stepping on your hand was his constant reminder of your powerlessness. The distance between you was a stark symbol of how he saw you—a mere object of disdain.

“I’ve seen your struggle,” he continued, his voice soft but laced with wicked satisfaction. “The way you watched me with her, the way it gnaws at you. It’s almost poetic, really.”

In a moment of desperation, you snatched the nearest weapon from his nightstand while tears blurred your vision. It hurt. His words, his treatment, and the stark difference in how he treated her compared to you were too much. You should have ended this long ago before he had the chance to wreck you all over again.

And so, with a gun in your hand, you cocked and raised it. 

But instead of pointing it towards Sylus, you surprised him by pointing it to yourself. 

The gun’s nozzle was pressed against your temple, your finger inching toward the trigger. 

“...All I wanted was your love,” you choked out with tears cascading down your face, flowing out like an endless waterfall, “I j-just wanted you to love me. I turned my back on the H.A. for you. I left all my friends and family for you.” Your breathing was still for a moment. “Now I don’t have anyone left.” Pausing, you locked eyes with his crimson ones. You didn’t want him to be the one to kill you, because the thought alone was fatal. “All I had was you. I loved you. I devoted all my body and soul into loving you, Sylus. Why c-can’t I have even a little bit in return?”

Even as his gaze softened, as a flicker of regret crossed his features, you already drove your finger to pull the trigger. The recoil immediately jolted through your wrist, but before the bullet could find its mark and penetrate your skull, Sylus’s hand shot out and expertly deflected your aim. So instead of blowing your brains out, the bullet ricocheted off the now-shattered window.

“Are you out of your mind?!” Sylus roared, his orotund voice an amalgam of anger and disbelief.

Tears blurred your vision, but you were still able to look at his bright red eyes as he cupped your cheeks. Your entire body shook hysterically for someone who had just almost ended her own life. This is what he wanted, right? You asked yourself over and over, but couldn’t find the energy to respond to his calls for your name. 

“Y/N,” Sylus agitatedly tried to shake you, “Y/N! Enough. Let’s end this game.” 

You stared at his face blankly as reality flickered and faded, like an old film reel skipping frames. “I was never playing one with you.”

Sylus was suddenly a different person in front of you. “I warned you many times before to never fall in love with me. It’s for the best, and it’s what will keep you safe,” he spoke in a low yet softened tone, “Why don’t you listen?”

The tension in the room was suffocating, and each second dragged into eternity. Sylus’s question remained unanswered until the loud burst of the door shattered the silence. You flinched, heart pounding, as you saw the very subject of your heartbreak.

The hunter girl stormed in, eyes wild in fear. “Sylus! Are you okay? I heard a gunshot—” she cried out, scanning the room frantically until her gaze landed on the two of you. She then froze, taking in the sight of you and Sylus on the floor, the gun lying ominously near your hand. Putting two-and-two together probably made her think that you tried to kill the man in front of you. “Sylus, step back!”

“Wait!”

Without hesitation, she aimed her gun squarely at you. But right before you could react, the gun was fired. And the shattering sound of another gunshot echoed in the room.

Time seemed to slow as you fell, the world spinning around you when you felt a sudden, searing pain on your head. Sylus’s eyes widened in shock, his hand reaching out just in time to catch you before your head hit the floor. 

“No!” Sylus’s voice was raw, hysterical, filled with a pain you’d never heard from him before as he cradled your head gently—his face a mask of both horror and disbelief when your blood pooled on his arms. “Y/N, no! Fuck, what did you do?!”

You struggled to focus, your vision blurring as darkness encroached. Sylus’s eyes were strangely wet with tears, desperation etched into every line of his sharp features. The Sylus you knew wouldn’t cry over someone unimportant to him. So, why…? 

You tried to speak, but the effort was monumental.

Who knew that your life would end at the hands of another woman?

Yet, it was the karma you deserved for your wrongdoings.

“I... love... you,” you whispered to Sylus, nonetheless. Each word was a struggle, and your breath hitched as you forced them out, but you had to let him know. For the last time. 

You saw the pain in his eyes deepen, and for a moment, you felt a flicker of something close to peace. That was when Sylus’s grip tightened, his tears falling onto your face as he held you close. “Y/N, please,” he begged, his voice breaking. “Don’t leave. I can’t let this happen!”

He must have noticed how your eyes were glassy and unfocused, staring off into the distance without really seeing anything. Pure numbness was you would best describe it. And as your life slipped away, you felt a strange sense of relief. 

In the battle of hearts, he was the conqueror, and you, the conquered. His love was a war you couldn’t win, and your loss, a defeat you couldn’t bear. For in his eyes, you saw both your greatest triumph and your deepest fall, where the lines between the victor and the vanquished blurred into the shadows of a bittersweet end.

But at least, you had said what mattered most, and that in your final moments, you were held by the one person you loved. The rightful owner of your heart. The conqueror of your soul. It was him, Sylus Qin, and no one else.

~~

— 1 YEAR AFTER.

“Two black coffees, three espressos, and a caramel macchiato, extra caramel!” A peculiar guy placed orders one after another, followed by his twin’s mischievous laughter. 

You turned to face them, offering a polite smile even though you were worried deep inside if they were just pulling a prank. They were regulars, always coming in with their complicated orders and playful banter. Yet, something about them seemed oddly familiar, and they always gave you a nagging sensation you couldn’t quite place.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the small café you were working at in the Bloomshore District. You were standing behind the counter while the rush of customers was relentless. You barely even had a moment to catch your breath today, and here came the twins creating yet another one of their complicated orders. 

“Coming right up,” was your monotonous reply, your hands deftly moving to prepare their drinks. But as you worked, the twins exchanged amused glances, their eyes flicking over you with a mix of curiosity and disappointment.

“Actually, can I make a small change to that?” the other twin interjected with a grin.

You sighed inwardly but kept your smile. “Sure, what would you like?”

“Okay, so for the black coffee, can you add a splash of almond milk, two pumps of hazelnut syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top?” one of the twins began. “For the espressos, I need one with a shot of vanilla, one with a shot of caramel, and the last one with a double shot of mint. And for the caramel macchiato, make sure it's extra caramel, but can you also add a dash of sea salt and a drizzle of dark chocolate on top?”

Gosh. They were menaces. 

“Do you think you can remember our orders?” the other twin remarked, leaning on the counter. “Because you don’t seem to remember our names.”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “We have lots of customers everyday. I’m not really good with names.”

When the bell above the door chimed, your attention was immediately drawn to the towering man with ash gray hair and bright crimson eyes. His presence was commanding even in the relaxed atmosphere of the café; he carried such a dominant aura that even the twins backed off from pestering you the moment he entered the coffee shop.

“Good evening, Mr. Skye,” you greeted, your tone warming at the sight of him. The man had become a regular fixture in your life. Every day, like clockwork, he came in for his coffee, and every day, he lingered just a bit longer, watching you with eyes that seemed to see more than you could comprehend.

He nodded, his eyes staying on you while he was pointing towards the twins. “Are they bothering you?” 

You were under the impression that the twins worked for Mr. Skye, but the type of relationship they had with their boss was none of your business. That was why although the twins could get really annoying as customers, especially when they tend to change their orders a lot, you still didn’t want them to get in trouble over something as little as that.

“No, they’re fine,” you answered with a smile. “Are you going to get the usual today, Mr. Skye?”

“Yes, please.” The tall man studied your face with a focused gaze—it was as though he was trying to read your mind, trying to interpret the emotions on your face, as he looked at you intently. He always did this. Every single day he came in, even from afar, you had grown accustomed to his watchful gaze. Yet even with the awkwardness it brought, he also knew how to keep his distance. He always treated you with respect and was always the first person to come to your aid when things did get unruly in the cafe. Broken coffee machine, spilled coffee, entitled customers. Name it, and he was always present to help around.

It was strange. Really, really strange. And what’s even stranger was that, every time he looked at you, the tenderness in his eyes that often opposed the fiery red color of his irises. Perhaps, you really couldn’t judge a book by its cover. 

As you wrote his name on the plastic cup, you heard him suddenly clear his throat. “Miss Y/N, forgive me. I couldn’t help but notice that scar,” he said with a poignant stare, gesturing towards your temple. “Quite a story behind that, I imagine?”

Your hand instinctively touched the faint scar, a puzzled look crossing your face. You had always been insecure about the scar on your temple, because not only was it unattractive, it was also extremely visible. Not even a laser treatment could help clear it out. 

“Oh, uh… I’m not really sure how I got it,” you admitted, searching through your mind’s archive to no avail. “I was told it was while I was fighting off wanderers. I don’t remember much from that time because I’ve since retired from the Hunter’s Association.”

His eyes darkened for a moment, as if his heart dropped from a memory he had recalled, but he quickly masked his expression. “So, you’re a hunter?”

You shrugged. “Well, yeah. But it’s all in the past now.”

Mr. Skye stood there waiting for his order with an unreadable expression on his face. And you wondered why he looked heartbroken while lost in deep thought. Was he having a bad day? Going through a break-up? You weren’t nosey enough to ask. Eventually, his order was done and he took the cup, his fingers brushing against yours briefly. 

“Sometimes the past has a way of catching up to us.” His deep voice was smooth and soft when he spoke again. “But perhaps it’s best to focus on the present.”

You smiled, feeling a strange comfort in his words. “That’s what I’m trying to do.”

He hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Would you like to… have dinner with me sometime? I’d love to get to know you better.”

You blinked, surprised by the sudden invitation. A date?! You couldn’t remember the last time you were even in love. All you could recall was having a silly childhood crush on your neighbor, but then again, that was more than a decade ago. You knew nothing about dating at your age and it was ridiculous. But there was something about Mr. Skye, a familiarity you couldn’t ignore, and that rejecting his offer seemed wrong in your head. 

Besides, you couldn’t deny how extremely handsome he was. 

“Um, sure… Mr. Skye.”

“Perfect,” he said with a small smile, his gaze softening into one of genuine joy. “Tomorrow evening, then?”

Before you could agree on a schedule, the sudden flash of lightning illuminated the interior for a brief moment. Then, the subsequent crash of thunder made you jump, following the sound of rain pounding against the windows that filled the small space. Oh, boy. 

“Ugh. How am I going to get home in this weather?” you muttered to yourself.

Mr. Skye, who had been quietly watching you from his spot, gave you an offer. “Need a ride?” he asked, his voice gentle but carrying a note of urgency. “It’s too dangerous to walk or wait for a cab in this storm.”

You hesitated for a moment. “I’d really appreciate that, Mr. Skye. But what about your,” you pointed towards the oblivious twins who were sitting on the corner, “minions?” 

Your chosen term elicited a deep chuckle from the man. “Don’t mind them. They know their way back home.” 

“But boss!”

“Boss, you said you’ll let me drive the sportscar tonight!” 

“I’ll wait for you until your shift ends,” Mr. Skye ignored the duo and responded to you with an endearing smile. “No rush.” 

It didn’t take long until you locked up the shop, but you did feel bad that Mr. Skye had to stay with you until ten in the evening when he could have already gone home. In fact, he had been acting strange. Acting too familiar with you. Did he already know you prior to your small interactions in the cafe for the past few weeks? 

He held the door open for you as soon as you secured the shop, and together you ran through the torrential rain to his black sportscar. You were already aware that he was a wealthy man, and yet, you always wondered why he preferred a small, laid-back cafe in the Bloomshore Distrct rather than the lavish ones in Azure Square or even Universum. Was it to see you all along?

Jeez, you had so many unanswered questions in your head. Yet, you were also afraid to address the elephant in the room because you believed in the saying that ignorance is bliss. So in the end, the drive was quiet, the only sounds being the rhythm of the rain and the occasional rumble of thunder. Mr. Skye didn’t speak a word and nor did you.

Once you reached your apartment, he quickly rushed out of the car and headed to open your door. He even used his jacket as a makeshift umbrella, covering you from the heavy rainfall. It was almost funny, really, how his face screamed of danger but he was actually quite a gentleman. 

In return, you had to invite him in out of courtesy. “Would you like to come in for a while? It’s still pouring out there.”

He accepted your offer with a nod, and followed you like a tail inside. “Do you usually invite other people, too?” 

“Sometimes,” you casually answered while the both of you walked through the empty corridors. “Why?” 

“You aren’t talking about male colleagues, right?” he asked, seemingly taking a deep breath. 

That wasn’t any of his concern, obviously. But the drive to test his emotions was strong. “Sometimes,” you said, finally reaching your door and unlocking it with your fingerprint. “Welcome to my home.”

The warmth of your apartment was a stark contrast to the cold storm outside, and you felt a little conscious of your small living space knowing that he probably lived in a luxurious presidential suite. It didn’t help that he started looking around your place, as if studying the smallest details of every corner for a reason you couldn’t quite tell. You weren’t sure if he was simply silently judging the aesthetics of your home, but you were beginning to feel uncomfortable as you placed his coat on the rack, watching the way he stopped to look at your photo on the wall. 

It was like he felt a pang of sorrow. 

“You’ve really erased me completely, kitten,” he quietly whispered.

You turned to him, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“Maybe that’s for the better,” he replied, but his expression betrayed him. It was clear that he was holding back a flood of emotions. 

Your heart started to race, pounding at a rhythm that you had never experienced before. And just then, you could see how tears welled up in his eyes. Tears that he concealed by leaning in to capture your lips in a desperate kiss. His hands cupped your face, and you could feel the intensity of his suppressed feelings that seemed to transcend the confines of your apartment. The yearning. The longingness. Perhaps, it was even sprinkled with feelings of regret. 

“Mr. Skye, wait—!” You pulled away with wide, bewildered eyes, shocked by the fervor of his kiss. No matter how attractive he was, he was still a stranger to you. But then, your breath came in shallow gasps as a sudden, sharp pain began to explode in your head. A throbbing pulse spread from your temples and radiated outwards. It was a stabbing sensation that seemed to slice through your skull, as if a thousand needles were jabbing into your brain. What’s happening? 

Mr. Skye’s face appeared above you. “Does it hurt?” he asked softly, his voice laced with a mix of worry and something deeper. He was whispering something about a protocore in your head, but you could barely understand a word, not when the ache in your temple was overcoming you entirely. 

You were unable to form words, clutching your head with both hands in hopes of stopping the ache for even a little. But the pain was overwhelming. Too overwhelming for you to handle, and it came to a point where tears of pain began streaming down your face.

“I… I don’t know what’s happening,” you managed to whisper, your voice trembling. 

He gently guided you on the couch, his touch careful and soothing. “Just breathe,” he murmured, offering a comforting presence like buoy in an open sea. “It’s my fault, kitten. I shouldn’t have kissed you so suddenly.” The intensity of the moment had shifted because of how tender his touch was. “You’re safe here,” he gently whispered into your ear. “Let the pain pass. I’ll be here with you.”

As the pain began to subside, you could feel the storm in your head gradually receding. And in his presence, you felt a strange mix of comfort and unease.

Studies say that a kiss can help calm someone’s nerves. You weren’t sure where that research was based on, but it was your body who allowed itself to seek it from the man in front of you. While your mind was telling you no, your heart was urging you to grab his shirt and pull him, once again, to a passionate kiss. 

The kiss deepened naturally, and you found yourself responding to his need as the pull between you became irresistible. You were like a magnet to him—the force of attraction getting stronger and stronger the closer you were. Where was it coming from? How come you were drawn to him like a moth to a flame? 

And while you were engaged in a tight lip-locking moment, you both ended up walking towards your bedroom; stumbling towards the bed, hands exploring, hearts racing. Soon, you were lost in each other, and the world outside was forgotten. 

With both your clothes discarded on the floor, and with your steamy exchange continuing throughout the night, you found yourself eventually straddling him, moving your body to meet him with a gentle thrust. Every sway of your hips made his member hit you at your sweet spot, instantly sending a wave of pleasure within your body. 

“S-Sir—”

“Sylus,” he breathed into your ear, hands tracing your curve, “Call me Sylus, kitten.” 

Sylus. Sylus. The name sounded familiar yet foreign at the same time, but you were too sensually intoxicated to think about the history behind his name. All you could selfishly focus on at the moment was reaching your high. You were losing your mind over the euphoric sensation of having an intercourse with such a man who, not only was attractive on the face, but also on the body. 

Sylus was packed. His muscles were toned from a seemingly consistent active lifestyle and intense workout routines. It felt great when you ran your hands along his broad shoulders, down to his toned chest, and further down to his perfectly sculpted abs. 

“Mmh—!” A moan escaped your lips when you felt his shaft going deeper inside. “That’s…”

‘Good?” he whispered to your lips, encasing yours with his before he trailed his soft kisses around your neck. Each kiss definitely left a purple mark on your skin with the way he was suckling and nibbling on the flesh. 

God, he was huge, too. His member completely filled you, stretched you even, as his cocktip kissed your cervix in a single thrust. He was crazy good at knowing all your sensitive places, holding your hips down so he could start pounding you upwards. Your tits began to bounce wildly and you even had to hold onto the headboard for support, because he was starting to go deeper and faster inside you. 

“Ngh!” 

“You don’t know how much I’ve missed this,” he said in between shaky breaths before latching his mouth into your right tit. He devoured your breast like a meal, playing with the nipple with the precise movements of his tongue. It was so good. Crazy good. It made you wonder how he seemed hyper-aware of the things you liked in bed. But how would that be possible when this was your first time having sex with him? 

Sylus decided to shift the control by flipping you over, and hoisting your hips so he could lower his head down to your lady part. Your eyes almost rolled back when he spread your labia apart so he could lick your inner folds and taste every corner of your slick-coated cavern. 

“S-Sylus,” you whined as his tongue rapidly moved in and out of your entrance until drool oozed down on your cunt. His eyes fluttered as he pulled his face away, soon palming your wet vulva with slow strokes. “Mmh…” 

He eyed you with a tender gaze. “You’re so beautiful to me.” 

It was certainly odd that his compliment seemed to touch your heart deeper than intended—that if you weren’t doing sexual activities right now, your heart would have been fluttering from his sweetness, especially when he met your lips again with a soft, loving kiss. 

This time, he didn’t pull away. He didn’t detach his lips from yours, even as he was penetrating you with his cock again. With a single thrust, you were mewling into his mouth. His girthy member gave you a heavenly stretch that seemed to awaken the lustful demon inside of you. 

Even Sylus was cussing under his breath as he continued to slam his entire length in, soon increasing the speed of his penetration to a pace that made him reach his peak. At this point, the coil in your lower abdomen was beginning to intensify, and you were clamping around his cock as if your walls weren’t tight enough to make him release a series of guttural moans. 

“Are you near?” With a quick suction on your left breast, his own moans left his lips along with the loud squelching noises that filled the room. “‘Cause I am.” 

Coincidentally, you were just arching your back because of how near you were, too. With screams getting louder, gasps causing your mouths to part open, and two people connected into a single body—you disintegrated under him as your lower abdomen signaled your orgasm and your toes started curling. “Ngh—Haah! Aah!”

“Hold on for me, kitten.” Sylus pounded into you through your overstimulation, picking up the pace until spurts of seed were sent straight to your womb. His movements became sloppy and uneven, pulling out of you only to see his semen seeping out of your pussy. 

You couldn’t believe it. You couldn’t fucking believe you just hooked up with a stranger. 

But was he really one? Because your heart was telling you one thing, but your mind was telling you another. You didn’t know who to trust and listen to.  

After your passionate session, the room was filled with the sound of your breaths mingling. Sylus, still holding you close, leaned in to plant a soft kiss on your cheek, whispering, “How’s it?”

Curiosity got the better of you, and you asked the very question that had been plaguing your mind, “Sylus, please be honest with me,” you paused, “Did you know me before?” 

He was silent. 

But you continued, “What was our relationship?”

Sylus looked like he was contemplating his answer, his gaze distant. His eyes seemed to have found your ceiling interesting as he thought deeply, drawing in a deep breath, and gently caressing your arm. If you didn’t know better, you swore you could see the sorrow and resignation in his eyes—the somberness he tried to hide with a smile. 

“Let’s just say I’m a fool who was in love with you for years, but you never reciprocated my love.”

“How so?” you asked, turning to face him. You absorbed his words while the pain of his unrequited love intersected with your own confusion. His answer didn’t quite feel right, but if he was truly your lover, then you knew there was a level of trust you should be placing on him. “Why do I get the feeling that I was the one who experienced a one-sided love before?” 

“No, you were loved. You were very loved. There was no one else,” he continued, lachrymose eyes staring back at you as he stroked your hair, “I was the one who wasn’t worthy of you… But I’d like to try and win your heart again this time. If you allow it.” 

Sylus’s eyes locked onto yours, and for a moment, the facade of the composed, enigmatic man you had come to know seemed to crack. 

The vulnerability in his voice resonated with you, and you reached up to touch his face gently. “Sylus… I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry for not recognizing you before. I just… I lost a chunk of my memories, and I don’t know if it’s been altered or what, but…” Realizing that you were rambling, you took a deep breath. “I’ll try to remember, okay?”

“Please don’t.” He shook his head, a rueful smile playing on his lips while thinking of the past that was rightfully erased. “And there’s no need for apologies, sweetie. There wasn’t anything you did wrong.” 

As the rain continued its gentle patter against the window, you both settled into the quiet of the room until he pressed his lips onto yours once more. 

Sylus’s touch was tender as he brushed a stray strand of hair from your face. “You should know,” he said quietly and earnestly, “that this time, I’ll only have eyes for you.”

levi ackerman // fic recommendations

note: remember to read the tags! + i do not own any of these works

you’re drunk and ridiculous (and he can’t trust you with anyone else)

gestures

no funny business

as the spark dies

wild card

dust, diamonds

dirty money

nobody's fault but mine

traditions

time

the wife

crush

percolate

petals inked in red

spite

one million to one

power trip

ghost

silent treatment

love hate me

as the world caves in

two faced

bad romance

garden of tulips

plans

and when i see you smile, the clouds will clear

ghostly greetings

safe haven

panacea

sayonara

“may i?”

his wounded heart beats for one

beneath the pages

respite on black waters

galaxies past

overwhelming

𝐢 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 . . .

“you’re never a bother, sweetheart. never. you’re the love of my life, my beloved wife. i want you to come to me, to lean on me. i want to help you, to support you through anything you’re going through. that’s my job as your lover. as your husband.”

diluc ragnvindr x fem. reader — sfw. ♡ hurt/comfort ノ established relationship ノ reader has depression & anxiety ノ insecurities ノ fear of abandonment ノ implied trauma ノ implied sh ノ suicidal ideation ノ mention of meds (unspecified) ノ reader has long nails & scars (unspecified) ノ non-sexual intimacy (tender body worship) ノ lots of reassurance ノ endearments: love, sweetheart, darling, wife, good/pretty girl ノ very self indulgent. wc: 11.5k

a/n: not too proud of this.. feel like it could've been better. i didn't intend to make this so long but i suppose i got carried away with the comfort. this fic is based off of me so please be kind, thank you /ᐠ◞⸝⸝◟ ྀིマ

"love?" diluc's voice called out softly, cutting through the evening stillness.

it was eight o'clock when diluc finally returned home, weary from a long day of managing the tavern and negotiating with business partners. he had looked forward to this moment all day, for the chance to unwind in your presence, to wrap you in his arms and hear the soothing melody of your voice.

you had occupied his thoughts all day. no matter how busy he was, his mind would always drift back to you. he found himself counting down the minutes until he could see you again, constantly wondering what you were doing or if you had eaten.

he wouldn’t admit it, but he’d been caught an embarrassing number of times smiling to himself at work while thinking about you — most often by his brother ( who never missed an opportunity to tease him about it), unfortunately.

he’d imagine you curled up with a new novel, giggling in delight at some romantic passage, your darling laughter like music to his ears. or perhaps you were in the kitchen, trying out a new recipe, looking utterly adorable in your apron with flour dusting your cheeks. the mere thought of you brought a warmth to his heart and a smile to his lips, one that he couldn't quite hide even if he tried.

the mundane concerns of his day began to melt away, replaced by the simple, profound desire to be with his beloved wife. stepping through the threshold, he sought you out with eager eyes, longing to be with you once more.

but from the moment diluc pushed open the large oak door of the manor, he could immediately sense that something was off. it was eerily silent and the main floor lacked the warmth of your presence that he had grown so comfortable with.

every evening, you would wait by the door, ready to welcome him home with a smile and a sweet kiss. but tonight, the echo of his footsteps was the only sound that accompanied him as he walked through the entrance. his heartbeat quickened with worry, his mind racing with concerns for your safety.

where were you? did something happen?

it felt strange to proceed with his usual routine when such a vital part of it — your presence — was missing. diluc moved through the familiar motions almost mechanically, taking off his boots, removing his coat and hanging it up, all without the eager assistance of your gentle hands.

with a heavy sigh, he surveyed the first floor once more, his gaze searching for any trace of you amidst the empty rooms and silent corridors, half-expecting to find you waiting on the couch in front of the fireplace. however, his search proved fruitless as the feeling of emptiness in the manor remained.

he made his way upstairs, the wood of the stairs quietly creaking under his weight as his feet carried him to find the person his heart longed to be with most.

it was too early for you to have gone to sleep, he thought, so he headed to the manor’s library first, knowing it was one of your favorite spots to wind down, especially in the evenings. upon looking inside the room and finding your usual spot empty, a sense of urgency led him towards the bedroom.

opening the bedroom door, his heart clenched at the sight of you sitting in bed, exactly where he had left you that morning.

the memory of pressing a kiss to your forehead before he left for work flashed through his mind; when you had feigned sleep, not wanting to burden him with the truth of your restless nights and the exhaustion that clung to you.

his concern deepened as he stood in the doorway, observing you as the soft light from the lamp on the nightstand cast a gentle glow over your form. you looked fragile, like a delicate porcelain doll against the pillows, your eyes distant and clouded with fatigue.

he crossed the room in a few swift strides, his heart aching with the need to comfort you, to banish the weariness that plagued you.

while diluc was out working, the day had slipped by in a haze. you had only managed to leave the bed a few times in order to use the bathroom or to fetch more tissues to quell the tears that had flowed uncontrollably throughout the day. the hours had blurred together and at this point, you didn’t even know what time it was.

you hadn't eaten, nor had you even taken a sip of water since waking in the wee hours of the night, plagued by the belief that you didn't deserve such basic comforts.

the idea of satisfying your hunger — which had long since faded into nothingness — or quenching your thirst were easy to ignore compared to the ache in your heart. each pang of hunger, each parched breath, felt like a penance, a way to validate the guilt and despair that clouded your mind.

nothing seemed to serve as an adequate distraction. the hobbies that once brought you joy now felt like burdensome chores, draining what little energy you had left. your favorite books, once what you considered a magical escape, now lay untouched on the bookshelf. motivation eluded you, slipping through your fingers like grains of sand.

everything felt empty and meaningless.

just as crows strip a carcass down to the bone, guilt persistently gnawed at your mind, picking apart every thought and memory, leaving no peace unscathed. you felt terrible thinking about how, while your husband was out working hard to provide for you, you were just sitting at home, doing practically nothing as you awaited his return.

you truly were useless, weren’t you?

diluc had always told you that he wanted to spoil you, to provide a life filled with comfort and joy. the man who held your heart in his hands did so much for you, more than you felt you could ever repay.

every time you gazed around the room at the tokens of his affection, the thoughtful gifts, and the remnants of his care, a pang of unworthiness pierced your heart. he showered you with more love, care, and devotion than you felt you could ever deserve.

of course, you appreciated it all — the way he looked at you with those eyes full of love, the gentle touch of his hand on yours, the thoughtful surprises that brightened your days.

but beneath the surface, a constant current of doubt whispered that it was all a waste, that someone else could better appreciate his efforts, someone more deserving of his unwavering affection. even despite his assurances, you couldn't shake the feeling that you were undeserving of such adoration.

for the longest time, you felt like a waste of space, a waste of time, of air, of life. why were you even here? it was a question that had plagued you for what felt like forever, and you failed to come up with an answer no matter how many days or years you spent contemplating the thought.

you didn’t have a purpose, you didn't contribute anything significant to the world, nothing you ever did was meaningful.

what contribution could you possibly make, you mused bitterly, when every endeavor felt futile and every achievement seemed insignificant?

you felt like a mere bystander in the grand scheme of things, an annoying fly that was to be swatted away, an insignificant speck in the vast expanse of existence. your presence felt like an imposition, a burden on those around you, and the thought weighed heavily on your heart.

you felt utterly useless, worthless, and the sense of insignificance had grown unbearably strong — a relentless tide threatening to engulf you in its murky depths.

the only thing you found yourself looking forward to was the escape a deep sleep could offer. you longed for the bliss of unconsciousness, where the pain of existence could no longer reach you. to fall asleep and never wake up seemed like the only reprieve from the relentless storm raging within.

lost in your own head, you hadn’t even noticed when diluc called your name or approached you until you felt the dip of the bed beside you, accompanied by the comforting warmth of his hand atop yours.

your gaze was absent as it was fixed on the same page of the book that had held your attention for the past hour, though you hadn’t absorbed a single word.

it was only when diluc called your name again that you reluctantly tore your gaze away from the book. carefully taking the book out of your hands, he made sure to mark the page you were on before placing it on the nightstand.

"my love?" he reached out, his touch tender as he brushed a stray strand of hair from your face, his fingers lingering against your cheek.

when diluc first entered the bedroom and his keen gaze fell upon you, he had immediately sensed that something was amiss; but the dim look in your eyes as you looked up at him only confirmed his suspicions. it was a look he knew all too well, one that spoke of inner turmoil and pain that no words could adequately express.

being the patient man he was, diluc waited. he waited for the sweet greeting that never failed to warm his heart, for the soft press of your lips against his cheek that always left him yearning for more. he waited to see the sparkle in your eyes, to spot the adorable dimple that appeared when you smiled at him, a sight that never failed to bring him joy.

but as you kept silent, he realized that none of it would come.

part of him had expected you to move, if not to hug him, then at least to intertwine your fingers with has as you would do practically every time his large hand engulfed yours.

but your body remained motionless, save for the subtle tremble of your fingers. other than that, you had been still. too still, as if the slightest movement could scare him away.

(what a silly thought, considering that the very thing diluc, the man whose unwavering love and devotion knew no bounds, feared most was the prospect of being separated from you.)

after a brief, almost agonizing silence, you finally found your voice, though it sounded foreign even to your own ears. with deliberate effort, you strained your vocal cords, attempting to infuse your words with a hint of what you hoped would sound like cheeriness to mask the sadness you had been feeling.

“you’re back…”

the choice of words were borne from the depths of your subconscious, as if manifested by the fear that he would one day leave you and never come back.

"i'm back," diluc replied softly. he lifted your hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to your knuckles. “how are you, my love?”

you forced yourself to give him a smile, to appear happy because you truly were glad to see him despite the heaviness that weighed on your heart. though your lips curved upwards, your smile didn't quite reach your eyes, and he could easily see through your façade.

“’m fine,” was all you could offer, but he knew you were anything but. of course he knew. he knew you too well, knew the depths of your soul better than anyone else.

he didn’t need to ask to know that you weren’t feeling well; the man had a sixth sense for you. he had memorized every nuance of your being, every subtle shift in your demeanor, every little micro expression. he could sense the tension in your shoulders, the restless fidgeting of your fingers, the barely perceptible furrow of your brows.

before he could say anything to inquire about your mood, a knock at the door interrupted the moment. it was elzer, informing the young master that there was important paperwork that required his immediate attention.

diluc hesitated, his face contorting into a conflicted expression as he prepared to tell his butler that he would get to it later, wanting to prioritize you above all else. but before he could voice his decision, you spoke up

"it's okay. go, luc. i have to take a shower anyways."

your words were meant to reassure him, but you both knew they were a lie. you had bathed together just last night; there was no real need for you to bathe again so soon. still, you forced a smile and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, urging him to go even though every part of you wanted him to stay.

"really, it's fine."

(you didn’t want to hold him back. you already felt like you were doing that far too much.)

diluc's hand lingered on yours, his thumb brushing over your knuckles, hesitant to leave you alone. he wanted nothing more than to keep you company, to be there for you when you were clearly feeling down, but if there was one thing he knew about you after knowing you as intimately as he did after all these years, it was your fiercely independent nature.

you had never been one to lean on others, having navigated life's hardships mostly on your own. help was a foreign concept to you, something you had rarely received and thus, struggled to accept.

diluc understood that sometimes, you needed space and some time alone to process your emotions, and the last thing he wanted was to add more pressure to the weight already bearing down on your shoulders.

with a heavy heart, he reluctantly let go of your hand and rose from the bed. he bent down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering for a moment longer than usual.

"i’m sorry, love. i'll try to make it quick. when i'm done, we can cuddle, and if you’d like, i can read to you before bed as well, okay?" he whispered, gently caressing your hair.

after giving him a nod, diluc made his way to the door, turning back to look at you one last time before heading to his study to tend to the urgent paperwork elzer had mentioned.

you appreciated his understanding, his respect for your need for solitude, grateful that he never held it against you. it was one of the many reasons you loved him so deeply.

as he closed the door behind him, every fiber of your being desired to call out to him, to beg him to stay and hold you through the storm that raged inside you. but you remained silent, watching him go with a brave face, even as your soul cried out for him.

as diluc sat in his study, he could hardly focus on the paperwork before him. his mind was clouded with worry, every thought consumed by you. the quill in his hand felt heavy, the ink on the parchment blurring as his eyes kept drifting towards the door.

every fiber of his being yearned to return to the bedroom, to hold you in his arms and soothe your troubled heart. but he knew you needed time — time to process, to gather your thoughts, and to feel ready to share what weighed so heavily on your mind.

the study, usually a sanctuary of focus and productivity, felt suffocating tonight. the flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the room, but even the comforting familiarity of his study could not ease his anxiety. he ran a hand through his hair, his thoughts drifting back to the pained look in your eyes, the way your body seemed to fold in on itself as if trying to disappear. it tore at his heart, and he had never felt so helpless before.

with a sigh, he pushed the papers aside, leaning back in his chair. his gaze fell upon a small, framed photograph on his desk — one of the two of you, taken on a blissful day when your smiles were radiant and your laughter filled the air. he traced the outline of your face with his fingertip, longing to see that beautiful smile of yours once again.

you missed him terribly. it had only been ten minutes since he left, but your heart ached with a longing for his presence that felt almost unbearable.

but wouldn't it be selfish to disturb him while he was immersed in his important work, just because you wanted to see him? to feel his strong arms wrap around you, offering the comfort and warmth you craved? doubts gnawed at you. what right did you have to crave his affection after greeting him so gloomily when he returned home, weary from his long day?

your body ached from staying in place for so long, the stillness casting a heavy weight upon your limbs until they seemed to lose all sensation. you forced yourself to get up and a wave of dizziness engulfed you, disorienting your senses and causing your legs to quiver beneath the weight of your body.

you took a moment to find your balance before leaving the sanctuary of your bedroom, venturing into the dimly lit hallway as each tentative step brought you closer to diluc’s study.

when you finally reached the door, you paused, your knuckles reluctantly hovering above the polished wood, poised to knock but not daring to quite yet. for what felt like an eternity, you stood frozen in place, chained down like a hostage to your own doubt and regret.

perhaps you should just turn back, you thought. the last thing you wanted to do was disturb him. he was likely deeply immersed in important work and didn't need the distraction of your presence. a small, cruel voice in your head whispered that he probably didn't want to see you anyway; that your melancholic mood would only burden him and waste his time.

without even realizing, you had knocked on the door. it was as though your body had a will of its own, begging to bridge the distance between you and your beloved husband.

you stood there, heart pounding in anticipation before you were startled out of your stupor by the sound of diluc's deep voice resonating from behind the door.

"come in," he beckoned, his voice like a siren's song drawing you closer, a beacon of warmth and reassurance in the midst of your turmoil.

hesitantly, you grasped the doorknob with a shaky hand and pushed the door open, stepping into the study where the air was thick with the scent of parchment and wax, the only illumination coming from the flickering candles and flames dancing in the hearth.

you couldn’t go back now, not after making your presence known. it would only worry diluc even more if you had seeked him out and then left without a word.

the door felt as heavy as your heart as you held it open, quietly stepping inside. as you slipped through, the soft click of the door closing behind you echoed in the room, breaking the peaceful silence that enveloped diluc's study.

his gaze lifted from the papers scattered across his desk, locking onto you with a softness that threatened to make you crumble on the spot.

“i told you that you don’t need to knock, my love. you’re welcome to come in whenever you wish.”

your head hung low as you nodded meekly, inwardly berating yourself for causing him even the slightest inconvenience. “r-right, sorry…”

a furrow etched itself onto diluc's brow upon hearing you apologize for something so inconsequential. in one fluid motion, he pushed his chair back and rose from his seat. he made his way over to you, realizing you wouldn't approach him given that you were still standing hesitantly by the door, as if unsure of whether you were welcome or not.

"you have nothing to apologize for, my dear."

there he stood in front of you, so close yet seemingly so far away, his presence casting a magnetic pull that both drew you in and pushed you back.

you couldn't help but question why he bothered, especially after the dismal greeting you had offered him upon his return from a hard day of work.

a pang of guilt twisted in your chest as you recalled the dullness of your own voice, the weariness etched into your features when he first entered the bedroom. surely, he must have sensed the burden you carried, the weight of your troubles hanging heavy in the air like a storm on the horizon. you had wanted to get up, to smile and to give him a kiss, but your body just wouldn’t cooperate.

despite it all, he was standing in front of you, his eyes attentively searching yours for answers. in that moment, you couldn't help but wonder what it was that kept him tethered to you, even when you felt so undeserving of his love and attention.

you didn't dare to meet his gaze, your focus consumed by the desperate urge to distract yourself from the panic rising within. your sharp nails dug into your arms with an intensity that could draw blood; it was an anxious habit you developed to push away the mental turmoil by bringing forth a distraction of physical pain — and a bad one, if the scars littered across your body had anything to say about it — a habit you had been berated for time and time again.

as diluc drew nearer, you braced yourself to be reprimanded, for harsh words to be thrown at you, but he never yelled. instead, his hands, strong yet infinitely tender, gently took hold of your arms to prevent you from further hurting yourself.

his fingers trailed a delicate path along your skin until he reached your hands, his thumb brushing over your knuckles in a gesture of quiet reassurance. his hands were steady, a stark contrast to the tremors that had seized your own, his touch a grounding force that pulled you back from the brink of your self-imposed isolation.

"my love?" his voice was a whisper, laced with concern and unwavering devotion as he gently lifted your chin up to cup your cheek with his large hand. "what troubles you so?"

when you finally met his gaze, you wanted to claw your heart out, to get rid of all the awful feelings you were experiencing, but the flesh and bone protecting it rivaled the strength of diluc's love.

speak. just say something. tell him that you're okay.

all your life, you had been called mature and strong, so why, in this moment, did those traits elude you?

his concerned gaze rendered you vulnerable, boring into your soul and stripping away the façade you so meticulously crafted, leaving you exposed and raw.

you had always despised being vulnerable in front of others, but with diluc, it was different. he was the exception, the one person you felt comfortable enough to let your guard down around, to reveal the raw depths of your emotions without fear of judgment or rejection.

but despite your unwavering trust in him, you couldn't bring yourself to hold his gaze as tears welled up in your eyes, threatening to spill over onto your cheeks. you dropped your head, trying to blink away the tears that clung to your lashes, not wanting him to see you in such a pathetic state.

you felt your throat tighten as you fought to find the words to reassure him, to ease the worry etched into the lines of his face. but try as you might, your voice failed you, lost amidst the tangled web of emotions that threatened to consume you.

just why was it so hard for you to do something as simple as speaking?

the frustration gnawed at you, a relentless reminder of your inadequacy.

why could others so effortlessly express their feelings while you remained trapped in silence, struggling to find your voice?

you longed to be normal, to communicate without the heavy weight of anxiety holding you back.

was that really too much to ask for? it wasn’t fair.

you had always struggled to connect with others, to make friends. you spent most of your days on the sidelines, watching others interact with ease in a vibrant world that seemed unattainable to you. it’s as if you were an animal locked in a zoo, a ghost in its cage laid prisoner to its thoughts, barely hanging on while everyone else around you laughed and smiled — a stark contrast to the loneliness that haunted your every waking moment.

you didn't possess a heart of gold. instead, your heart felt tainted and clouded with self-loathing, convincing you that you truly were the most horrible person to ever exist. you despised the fact that you didn't possess the ability to always be kind and loving. you loathed the coldness and bitterness that sometimes seeped through your words and actions, even when you longed to be warm and tender.

gods, you were inadequate in every sense of the word.

you had always been uninteresting, the person no one cared to pay attention to, the invisible soul that blended into the background, the one who faded into the periphery while others shone brightly. conversations seemed to flow around you, never including you, and you couldn't remember the last time someone eagerly sought out your company.

could you really blame them when you were so boring, so utterly unremarkable?

still, there was one person who saw through the masks you wore in order to fit in. diluc, with his unwavering love and deep understanding, saw the true you, the person hidden beneath layers of insecurity and doubt.

he saw the woman who had the sweetest giggle and the most endearing smile lines. he saw the little girl inside you, the one always eager to help others and ramble about her interests, the one who had so much love to give. he saw the little girl who loved to dress up and pretend to be a princess, but to diluc, it wasn’t pretend.

to diluc, you were always a princess, and he treated you as such, cherishing you like a precious gem. he was your knight in shining armour, always there to protect you, to lift you up when you felt low, and to remind you of your worth when you doubted it the most.

he was perfect. he was all that you could ever wish for and more. every time you looked at diluc, you marveled at how someone so extraordinary could be yours. you truly felt you didn’t deserve him.

the ragnvindr was so strong despite all he had been through, so kind despite all the hardships he had faced. his strength was not just in his muscles, but in his spirit, in his capacity to love and to endure. he was so selfless, never expecting anything in return for his care and hard work, even when he would go so far as to put his life on the line to protect his city and loved ones.

why did such a wonderful man choose you of all people? what did he see in you, a girl who felt so ordinary and flawed? he could have had anyone, yet his heart had somehow found its home in yours.

why, why, why? the question had repeated over and over in your head like a broken record with its needle stuck in a groove.

you never even felt adequate on the surface level. you’ve never been fond of your appearance and it has been the root of a plethora of insecurities. what didn't help is that you're constantly comparing yourself to others. every single woman around you seemed so much better — more beautiful and with captivating personalities. they moved and spoke with an ease and elegance that you felt you could never emulate.

you always experienced a gut-wrenching envy when you observed other women. seeing them speak with such ease and confidence, their words flowing effortlessly without a single stumble or stutter, made you feel incompetent and foolish.

you wished you could be like them, to have that natural poise and assurance. instead, every time you opened your mouth, you felt a tightening in your chest, your words tangled and unsure. it was as if the very act of speaking was a battleground, where you fought a losing war against your own anxiety. it made even the simplest conversation feel like a daunting task.

but what hurt the most was not just the envy, but the belief that these women possessed something inherently better, something you lacked. their confidence and poise seemed unattainable, and each comparison chipped away at your self-esteem.

not to mention that you weren't even a noble like your husband. well, technically, you now were by virtue of your marriage to diluc, but you couldn't help but feel like an imposter among the graceful and refined noblewomen who graced mondstadt's high society. you felt like a misfit in their world, an outsider looking in.

you were nobody, really. you were nothing of importance. all your life you had been invisible, so why was it that he had noticed you? why had this remarkable man chosen you out of all the women he could have had? you couldn’t understand.

for god's sake, you needed to take eight pills every day just to function; each one a bitter reminder of your weakness and shortcomings.

you constantly found yourself staring at the various pill bottles on your nightstand multiple times throughout the day. you had enough to last you months. the sight of them, with their labels and neatly arranged rows, seemed to beckon to you with a promise of escape.

they were there, always there, waiting patiently like old friends who knew your deepest secrets and darkest thoughts. you would trace your fingers over the lids, thinking that perhaps it was time you’d try again, perhaps you would not fail this time and that you’d get the eternal sleep you so desperately longed for.

you were just so tired. tired of questioning your existence and everything about yourself, tired of feeling everything and nothing all at once, tired of feeling so inadequate.

surely, diluc was starting to get tired too, right? surely, dealing with your dismal states and constantly having to reassure you had become an annoyance to him. surely, he would be better off without you.

you couldn't find the strength to pretend like you were okay any longer. it was all too much to bear. you felt overwhelmed, suffocated by the weight of your own misery and ashamed of your inability to keep it all together.

and just like that, as diluc held your hands and looked at you with eyes full of the love you didn't know if you deserved, the dam finally broke and you burst into tears.

"i-i’m sorry..."

(i'm sorry for the way that i am. i’m sorry for being hard to love. i’m sorry for burdening you. i’m sorry that you have to deal with me when i’m like this. i’m sorry it’s hard for me to express myself. i’m sorry i’m not good enough. i’m sorry that i’m holding you back because you deserve better. i’m sorry i hide parts of myself from you. i don’t want you to see how ugly i truly am.)

bringing your hands up to cover your mouth, you choked out trembling words between sobs. "’m so sorry, diluc…"

“sweetheart…” diluc’s heart broke at the sight of you trying to suppress your sobs. he immediately wrapped his arms around you, bringing you close to him and allowing you to rest your head against his chest as he pressed a kiss to your hair.

“come here. it’s okay, it’s alright.”

he was gentle with you, holding you carefully in his arms as if you were a delicate piece of glass that might shatter if he held on too tight. the two of you just stood there for a while as you cried into his chest, your tears soaking through his shirt. each and every one of your choked apologies were met with soft shushes and reassuring whispers.

he opted for running his fingers through your hair, the tender motion meant to calm your racing heart. he caressed your head gently, his touch familiar and comforting. the gesture, one you often used to soothe him during his own moments of turmoil, was now his way of trying to bring you the same peace.

he didn’t push for an answer, nor did he demand an explanation as to why you were behaving this way. instead, he held you close, offering you the space and safety to all the stress that had been building within you for god knows how long.

when your sobs gradually faded into quiet hiccups and sniffles, he decided to test the waters, his voice gentle as he broke the silence.

"how about we go to bed, sweetheart?" he murmured. "we can change into something comfortable and then we can talk about whatever you want, hm? how does that sound?"

all you could manage in response was a slight nod, still struggling to find your voice. it seemed you weren’t ready to talk yet, and that was okay. he would wait for you, for as long as it took. he would always wait for you.

he moved his hand to your hips, his touch gentle as he sensed the trembles that still coursed through your body. it was evident that you were struggling to find the strength to stand on your own as you leaned your weight against him, your legs shaking beneath you as they threatened to give in.

before your legs could give out completely, diluc acted swiftly, hooking an arm under your knees while supporting your back, effortlessly lifting you up into his arms and carrying you bridal style.

“w-wait! your work-”

“i cannot focus on work when you are so upset. you matter more than my work ever could. i would drop everything just to make sure you are okay, and that is what i will do now.” he was determined to make you feel better and was not going to let you belittle your own needs.

you didn’t have the strength to keep protesting, to insist that you were fine and that you could walk on your own, so you gave in and let yourself go limp in his embrace, nestling into his chest and surrendering to the security of his strong arms as he carried you to your shared bedroom.

pushing the door open with his hip and shutting it behind him with a soft click, he made his way to the bed, his steps silent on the plush carpet. gently, he placed you down, ensuring you were comfortable before heading to the closet. his fingers traced over the familiar fabrics until he found it — your favorite nightgown, the one he knew was the softest against your skin.

as he retrieved the nightgown from its place, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. he remembered the countless times you had worn it, the way it hugged your figure and made you look ethereal in the moonlight. draping the nightgown over his arm, he returned to your side and settled beside you on the bed.

he placed the nightgown on the side, turning his attention back to you. “would you like to talk about it now, sweetheart?”

as much as he didn’t want to push you, diluc knew that you needed a gentle nudge when it came to opening up about what was bothering you. his concern had been growing over the past few weeks, each subtle shift in your demeanor deepening his worry.

he noticed it all. of course he noticed.

he noticed how your gaze lingered on the hilt of the knife for far too long when you were preparing dinner. he noticed how you’d distantly stare over the edge of starsnatch cliff, not to look at the birds and clouds above, but down at the drop below.

every little thing you did, every time you dissociated, every sigh, he noticed it all. and more than anything, he wanted to help.

“come now, tell me what’s going through that pretty head of yours.”

diluc had cracked the code when it came to your feelings, an ability that both amazed and frustrated you. you appreciated his insight and understanding, the way he could unravel the complexities of your emotions with just a glance. but at the same time, you hated it. you cursed how effortlessly he could decipher the turmoil within you, how he could see through your façade of strength and know that something was amiss.

but deep down, you knew that he only wanted to help. you knew that his ability to see through your defenses was a testament to the depth of his love. he cared enough to pay attention, to notice the subtle shifts in your mood, and to offer his unwavering support when you needed it most.

with a deep breath, you attempted to relax your tense muscles as you shifted on the bed. panic surged within you, the dread of having to confront your problems threatening to overwhelm you, but your nerves began to calm as you felt diluc place a hand on your thigh, letting you know that he was there for you.

unable to summon the courage to meet his gaze, you kept your eyes trained on your lap, your fingers fidgeting nervously as you struggled to find the right words. sensing your inner turmoil, diluc gently nudged you once more, giving your thigh a soft squeeze.

“what’s bothering you, dear? you know you can tell me anything.”

you let out a heavy sigh, biting your lip. “it’s silly-”

“it’s not silly if it’s bothering you so much, my love,” diluc countered, his tone firm but gentle. “i don’t care if it might seem silly or pointless. i want to know what’s on my wife’s mind.”

his words were like a lifeline, a reminder that your feelings were valid and worthy of being heard. with a shaky breath, you summoned the courage to speak.

"i just… i feel so useless," you confessed, your voice barely a whisper. "you do so much for me, and i can't help but feel like i don't deserve it. all the gifts, the care, the love… it feels wasted on me."

diluc's heart ached at the sight of your pain, at the fact that you’ve been keeping these thoughts bottled to yourself for so long.

"my love, you are anything but useless. you are the light that brightens my darkest days, the warmth that fills my coldest nights. your presence in my life is a gift beyond measure, and i cherish every moment we share together," he whispered, his voice filled with conviction.

"and you are never a waste. everything i do, i do because i love you. i want to see you happy, to give you the life you deserve."

tears began to well in your eyes as you scrambled to find your next words, wanting to get rid of the heavy load in your heart.

“i don’t deserve you. you’re too good to me, diluc, i…” your voice faltered, and your throat tightened as memories of harsh words fed to you when you were just a girl came rushing back. “i…i’m starting to think that my mother was right. i’m not a good person. i’m rude, insensitive, selfish…”

stop. stop bothering him. you’re just going to chase him away with your negativity.

you could almost hear your mother’s voice echoing in your mind, taunting you with those painful memories.

“no one will want to stay with you because of the way you are.”

the words clouded your thoughts, leaving you a desperate mess. tears streamed down your face, mingling with the shame and fear that had taken root in your heart.

you couldn’t bear the thought of losing him, the one person who made you feel truly seen and loved and understood. you clung to diluc’s hand like a scared child, your voice breaking as you pleaded with him.

"i’m sorry, please don’t leave me. i’ll be better, i promise…"

diluc’s heart ached as he watched you crumble, your insecurities laid bare before him. he could see the torment in your eyes, the fear that his love for you was conditional, that he would abandon you as others had.

diluc’s expression softened, his eyes filled with an overwhelming tenderness. he gently cupped your face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away your tears with a care that made your heart ache. “my love, look at me.”

“i need you to understand something,” he began, his voice steady and soothing. “your mother’s words were cruel and undeserved. they do not define you. you are more than the pain she inflicted upon you.”

“you are kind, thoughtful, and incredibly strong. you have been through so much, yet you still find it within yourself to love and care for others. that is not the mark of a rude or selfish person. that is the mark of a beautiful soul.”

you shook your head, the tears flowing freely now. how could he consider your soul to be beautiful when it was so tainted? your lower lip trembled as you listened, every word sinking into your heart and fighting against the old wounds that had festered for so long.

“but i-”

“no buts.” diluc interrupted you, firmly yet gently. seeing your tears, his gaze softened, as he tilted your head up so you could look up at him.

“you are not rude or insensitive. you are not selfish. you are human, and you are allowed to have flaws. those flaws do not define you.”

“but i feel so selfish–”

“then be selfish,” he interrupted gently.

“be selfish with me. you deserve to feel cherished, to know that you are the center of my universe. i would do anything for you. it is a privilege to take care of you and spoil you. you should know that, love.”

“but i take so much from you,” you whispered, your voice cracking. “i’m always needing something — your time, your patience, your love. how can that be fair to you? i don't want to burden you. i want to be better for you."

diluc’s expression softened, and he leaned in to kiss your forehead tenderly. “you are not a burden. you are my wife, my love, my everything. i vowed to be with you in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow. your struggles don’t make me love you any less. they make me love you more because they show me how strong you truly are. you are perfect just the way you are, i promise you.”

“but what about your needs? what about what you want?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper, filled with uncertainty.

“my needs are fulfilled when i see you happy, when i can hold you and shower you with love. you bring light into my life, and i want to give you the world. please, let me love you without reservations. let me spoil you as you deserve.”

his eyes, filled with love and a determination that melted your defenses, bore into yours, grounding you in the moment.

“you think it’s selfish to need me? to want me? your husband? let me tell you something, darling. it’s not selfish to rely on the person who loves you. it’s human.”

sensing the flash of doubt in your eyes, he continued. “you give me more than you realize. your love, your presence, the way you look at me as if i’m your entire world —that’s everything to me. every smile, every touch, every moment we share… it’s worth more than anything else.”

“i don’t want you to hide your feelings from me,” he spoke steadily. “let me be your strength when you feel weak, your solace when you feel lost. we’re in this together. you are mine, and it’s my honor to be here for you, to cherish and love you.”

your hands clutched at his shirt, holding on as if he were the only thing keeping you from drowning. and in many ways, he was. his love was a lifeline, pulling you back from the brink of despair.

"i just want to be worthy of you, diluc…"

pulling you close to his chest and settling you gently on his lap, he whispered against your ear. "you already are. you always have been. just let me love you, all of you. let me be there for you.”

he caressed your hair, his fingers moving with a tender determination, as if each stroke could erase the pain etched into your heart. “can you tell me something, sweetheart?” he asked, his voice as soft as velvet, coaxing you to open up. you nodded in response, sniffling.

“what made you start thinking this way? did someone say something to you?”

your husband’s touch was reassuring, his presence making you feel so safe that the words came tumbling out before you could even think to stop yourself

“’m just scared…” you whispered, your voice trembling. “i’m so scared that– that one day you and everyone else will see me the way i see myself and realize that i’m not worth anything.”

his eyes softened even more, if that was possible, and he held you tighter, his embrace a fortress against your fears. “oh, my love,” he murmured, his breath warm against your temple. “you have nothing to be scared of. i see you, all of you, and i love you more than words can express. you are worth everything to me.”

“but i feel so… broken,” you admitted, “like i’m never going to be enough.”

he pulled back just enough to look into your eyes, his gaze steady and unwavering. “you are more than enough. you are my heart, my soul, my everything. do you know what i see when i look at you?”

you gave him a shake of your head.

“i see the woman who makes my life worth living. the woman who gives me strength when i’m weak, who loves me unconditionally. i see the woman i want to spend the rest of my life with.”

no matter how hard you tried, you couldn't understand how he could love someone as flawed as you. "b-but i can hardly talk normally. i stutter. i'm no good. and i'm so bad at expressing my feelings…"

he gently caressed your cheek, guiding you to look up at him, wanting you to see how sincere he was. “well, isn’t that what i’m here for, love? to help fill in the spaces when you need me to? besides, i find it absolutely endearing when you get excited to tell me about something or get shy and stutter.”

to him, your shy stammers and hesitant speech were endearing, reflections of the depth and complexity of your character. he loved the way your cheeks flushed when you were nervous, the way your eyes flickered with determination as you fought to express yourself. to him, you were perfect in your imperfection.

“when you get excited and your words tumble out in a rush, or when you blush and stumble over your sentences, it makes my heart swell. it shows me just how deeply you feel, how passionate and genuine you are. you don’t need to be eloquent or poised to convey your feelings to me. i understand you, every part of you, even the words that are left unspoken.” he smiled sincerely, his thumb tracing soothing circles on your cheek.

tears welled up in your eyes again, but this time they were tears of a different kind —tears of relief, of hope, of the fragile beginnings of belief. your tears began to fall in earnest now, not from sadness but from the overwhelming rush of love and gratitude you felt for this man who saw you so clearly, who loved you so completely despite your insecurities.

“why?” you whispered, your voice trembling. “why do you love me?”

he smiled, a tender, loving smile that lit up his face. “because you are my everything. you are my heart and soul, the one who completes me. loving you is the easiest thing in the world because you are the most incredible person i’ve ever known.”

“i don’t see any flaws when i look at you,” he whispered, brushing away your tears. “i see a woman with a heart full of love, a spirit that’s stronger than she knows. you don’t have to be perfect, my love. just be you, because that’s the person i fell in love with.”

for so long, you had stifled your tears, burying your sorrows deep within your heart, afraid of revealing the vulnerability that lurked beneath your façade of strength and being reprimanded for it.

you had become adept at hiding your tears, mastering the art of silent suffering in the dead of night, but tonight was different. tonight, the weight of your emotions were too heavy to bear alone.

the weight threatened to crush you, and you found yourself unable to contain the torrent of feelings surging through your veins. the walls you had painstakingly built around your heart began to crumble, and with each shattered fragment, a raw, unfiltered cry tore from your lips.

as your body trembled with pent up emotion and your throat constricted with unshed tears, you found yourself unable to contain the overwhelming despair that threatened to consume you.

with a choked sob, you freed yourself from the chains of silence that bound you, allowing the floodgates of your emotions to burst open. for the first time in what felt like an eternity, you wailed and wept without restraint, the sound of your cries echoing in the silent bedroom. it was a sound born of anguish, a lamentation of pain and sorrow.

you no longer cared who heard your cries, for in that moment, you knew that diluc would be there to catch you, to hold you close and soothe your shattered spirit. in his arms, you found solace, a sanctuary where judgment held no sway and love reigned supreme.

"you don’t have to hide or pretend with me," he whispered, his lips brushing against your temple. "i love you just as you are. in your messiness, in your moments of doubt, in your quiet strength."

once your sobs subsided into soft sniffles, diluc gently pulled back, his lips tenderly kissing away the remnants of your tears. "you must be exhausted, my love. let's get you changed into something more comfortable."

with practiced ease, he helped you out of your clothes, leaving you in nothing but your undergarments. as he sat before you, he paused, his eyes drinking in the sight of you, his precious wife.

"you're so beautiful. my pretty girl." he smiled softly and leaned down to press a tender kiss to your forehead.

you frowned, imagining how disheveled you must look right now with swollen eyes and lips, disheveled hair and red nose. "i'm a mess."

"mess?" he chuckled softly, his fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair from your face. "more like a work of art. you're gorgeous. i couldn't look away even if i wanted to."

you tried to protest, to shake your head and deny his words, but the sincerity in his eyes silenced you.

"i mean it," he continued, his thumb gently brushing away a stray tear from your cheek. "every part of you is beautiful to me. you think i don't love the sight of you in my arms, so vulnerable and emotional in front of me? you think i don't cherish the trust you show me when you cry in my arms?"

"you are beautiful in every moment," he continued, his gaze never wavering from yours. "when you laugh, when you smile, and yes, even when you cry. it shows me that you trust me enough to let me see your pain, your fears, your deepest emotions. that trust is the most precious thing you could ever give me. when you let me in, when you allow me to hold you and comfort you, it's the greatest gift you could ever give me. it means more than anything else in the world."

you looked into his eyes, seeing the depth of his understanding and the unwavering devotion that lay within them. his words made your heart ache with a bittersweet mixture of love and disbelief. how could he see beauty in your tears, in your brokenness?

you had been bare before your husband countless times, but that familiarity did nothing to soothe your insecurities in this moment of vulnerability. you wanted so badly to object, to insist he was mistaken and that you were far from beautiful. your arms instinctively moved to wrap around yourself in a futile attempt to cover and hide, fearing he might take notice of all your flaws.

he sensed your distress, and with a gentleness no one but you would believe a man of his demeanor could possess, he moved your arms away, intertwining his fingers with yours.

“look at me, love. don’t hide from me, please. let me admire you. let me love you, all of you. let me show you how much i cherish you.”

you hesitated, but his voice held such sincerity, such unwavering adoration, that you couldn’t help but slowly lift your head to meet his gaze.

“good girl,” he praised softly, his words sending a flutter of warmth through you as he ran a gentle hand down your arm.

you were so bare, so vulnerable before him with your scars on full display. some had healed, leaving behind only faint, painful reminders of past sorrows. though barely visible, they never escaped your husband’s perceptive gaze, nor did they evade the tenderness of his touch. some were newer, bearing a reddish hue, akin to the color of the eyes that gazed at you with such profound love.

you wanted to hide, to pull your arms behind your back so that diluc wouldn’t see how you had failed to keep his promise to him when you gave in to your urges and punished yourself in moments of deep loneliness.

you wished fervently for the sheets to engulf you, to conceal the shame that gnawed at your heart. he felt the tenseness in your body, the slight pull of your arm as you tried to escape his observant eyes, but diluc’s grip was unwavering, his fingers firm yet tender as they held your wrist, drawing you nearer.

your voice came out in a broken whisper as he surveyed your scars, silently begging him to look away. “they’re ugly…”

diluc shook his head, his voice resolute. “no, they’re not.”

he lifted your forearm to his lips, tracing a delicate path of kisses along the lines of your scars. “every scar, every mark, they are a part of you, and i love them because i love you. they are a sign of your resilience and strength. they are nothing to be ashamed of.”

tears welled up in your eyes as you watched him shower your scars in love. “how can you not be disgusted when you look at them? when you look at me?”

wiping away your tears with his thumb, he looked at you intently, his expression completely sincere. “if only you could see yourself the way i see you, my love. how could i ever be disgusted when i look at you? you’ve survived, and that is beautiful to me. you are beautiful to me, and i adore every single inch of you, scars and all.”

“you’re not mad at me? for… this?” the timid question escaped your lips, barely audible. it was so quiet that diluc might have second-guessed whether you had spoken at all, if it weren’t for the fact that he knew you so well.

he shook his head once again. “no, i’m not mad, sweetheart. i could never be mad at you. i’m just concerned and worried about you. i understand that you were struggling, but i just wish you had come to me if you were in so much pain. you don’t have to suffer alone.”

a wave of guilt and shame washed over you, and you lowered your gaze. it was a habit you had since childhood, a way to make yourself small, to will yourself not to exist. “i-i didn’t want to bother you…”

“you’re never a bother, sweetheart. never. you’re the love of my life, my beloved wife. i want you to come to me, to lean on me. i want to help you, to support you through anything you’re going through. that’s my job as your lover. as your husband.”

his words caused your lips to quiver, your tears threatening to spill over once more. “i-i’m sorry, i’m really sorry…”

he gently shushes you, each one of your apologies feelings like a dagger to his heart. “my sweet love, don't apologize. i’m not upset with you. you don’t need to be sorry, okay?”

diluc continued his journey, trailing kisses down your forearms to your wrist, stopping to press a kiss to your pulse before threaded his fingers with yours.

"i love the feeling of holding your hand," he murmured, "it fits perfectly in mine. like you were made for me."

he lifted your hand to his lips, pressing tender kisses to each of your knuckles. "these hands… they've given me so much. so many wonderful things."

he gently pried your hand open, pressing a kiss to each of your fingertips. "they've braided my hair, held my heart," he continued, his lips lingering on your skin, "and touched me in ways no one else has ever had the privilege of."

his eyes met yours, filled with a depth of emotion that made your breath catch. "they've caressed me, comforted me, tending to my wounds in the late hours of the night with the utmost care and precision."

"not to mention they've made the sweetest pastries and most delicious meals for me," he added with a soft chuckle, his lips curving into a tender smile.

he continued to hold your hand as he brought it to his chest, right over his heart. "these hands," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "are the hands of the woman i love. they are strong, gentle, and endlessly giving. and i will spend every day showing you just how much they mean to me."

his gaze drifted to the ruby ring adorning your finger, its deep crimson hue catching the light of the room. "and this ring…"

his thumb traced the delicate curve of the gem, admiring the craftsmanship of the custom made wedding ring he had the honour of slipping on your finger years ago.

"it's a symbol of my love and commitment to you. a declaration to the world that you're mine and only mine, and i am yours."

he rested his forehead against yours and couldn’t help but melt as he gazed into your big, doe-like eyes. “your eyes could put the stars to shame,” he murmured, his voice filled with awe. “i could never get tired of looking into them. i want to get lost in them. they are absolutely captivating.”

as he admired you, his fingers absentmindedly took hold of a strand of your hair, twirling it around his finger. "when you lie beside me, your hair tickling my face, and your soft breaths against my skin, i feel complete. your hair is so fluffy, perfect for me to run my fingers through, especially when you lay on my chest.”

his hands moved to cup your cheeks, his thumbs tenderly tracing the contours of your face. "your cheeks are so soft, so kissable. i adore watching them turn rosy whenever i compliment you.”

his eyes continued to roam your features, drinking in every detail. “and have i told you that you have the cutest nose, my love? the little mole on the tip is simply adorable. it makes me want to lean in and press a kiss to it whenever i see it. in fact—” he leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to the tip of your nose, making you giggle softly.

“see?” he whispered, his lips lingering just above yours. “even your laughter is a melody i could listen to forever.”

at the sight of the shy smile that spread across your face, he closed the distance between the two of you, his movements slow and deliberate. with the gentlest of touches, he pressed his lips against yours in a soft, tender kiss.

“how can someone have a smile so captivating, a kiss so sweet?” he whispered against your lips, his voice a mere caress. “i could kiss you all day and never tire of it, my love.”

he deepened the kiss, his hands finding their way to your waist, pulling you closer, as if to merge your very souls. each touch was a promise, a vow to cherish every moment, to revel in the warmth and tenderness that only you could evoke.

pulling back, he rested his forehead against your, relishing the feeling of holding you in his arms, where you belonged. he rubbed your back soothingly, adjusting himself to rest his chin atop your head so that he could hold you even closer.

“your skin is so soft, like velvet rose petals,” he murmured into your hair. if it were up to him, he would spend hours just caressing every inch of your skin, exploring your body and mapping it out, every dip and curve, every crevice, memorizing every last bit.

his fingertips glided gently along your arm, tracing invisible patterns. “i could lose myself in you,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe and reverence. “every inch of you is a masterpiece. i want to memorize, every scar, every beautiful imperfection.”

his hands moved with a reverence that made your heart ache, tracing patterns along your back, your shoulders, your waist. “you’re like a work of art. every time i touch you, i discover something new, something that makes me fall in love with you all over again.”

he pulled back slightly to gaze into your eyes, his own filled with a fierce yet tender longing. “you are my sanctuary, my haven. when i hold you, the world fades away, and all that remains is us. your beauty, your warmth, they are imprinted in my very soul.”

his hands continued their tender exploration, moving to your back, your shoulders, lingering on each delicate curve as if he were committing it to memory.

“i want to know every part of you, every secret your body holds,” he murmured, his lips brushing against your ear. “i want to learn the language of your sighs, the melody of your heartbeat. you are my everything, and i will spend every day of my life proving it to you if i must.”

he pressed a soft kiss to the nape of your neck, his lips lingering as if reluctant to part. “let me love you endlessly,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “let me show you just how cherished you are, how deeply you are adored.”

and with that, he let his actions speak where words fell short. his lips found yours in another tender kiss, a soft, lingering touch that conveyed more than any words ever could.

his lips then trailed a path of gentle kisses down your neck, each touch soft and reverent, as if worshipping the very essence of you.

"you are so beautiful," he breathed, his voice filled with awe and adoration. "so incredibly beautiful."

his hands, strong yet oh so gentle, roamed over your body with a reverence that made your heart ache with love. his touch was soft, as if he was afraid you might break, but it was filled with a passion that spoke of his deep, undying love for you.

he kissed your shoulders, your collarbone, his lips lingering over every inch of your skin, mapping out your body with a devotion that made you feel cherished, adored, and most importantly, loved.

he pulled you closer, his arms enveloping you in a cocoon of warmth and safety. every kiss, every touch, was a testament to his love, his need to show you just how much you meant to him.

your fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, needing to feel him, to lose yourself in the depth of his love. he responded with a soft, hushed murmur of your name, his voice thick with emotion.

"you're mine, body and soul," he whispered against your lips, his breath mingling with yours, "and i love you more than i could ever express."

with his arms wrapped around you as you clung to him, you allowed yourself to believe, if only for that moment, that maybe — just maybe — you were worthy of the love and adoration he so freely gave.

once diluc deemed you thoroughly showered in his love and saw the spark return to your eyes, he gently helped you into your silk nightgown, the smooth fabric cool and comforting against your skin.

his hands lingered on your shoulders for a moment, his touch reassuring and tender, before he stepped back to admire you. he smiled at you before breaking the comfortable silence.

“now, i got you something.”

you looked up at him, a mixture of shock and surprise flooding your features. just moments ago, you had been crying over how this man spoiled you too much, and here he was, ready to do it again.

“w-what? diluc, you didn’t have to-”

“shh,” he shushed you gently, a soft smile playing on his lips. “i wanted to. plus, don’t think i can’t tell that you haven’t eaten all day, love.”

he placed a small box in front of you, and you immediately recognized it to be from the bakery that you both loved to visit.

he opened the box, revealing the fresh slice of red velvet cake inside. “your favourite. i would’ve given it to you earlier, but i know you don't like eating when you’re upset.”

you couldn’t stop the tears from welling up again at his endless thoughtfulness. “you remembered?”

he chuckled softly, “of course i remember your favourite cake, sweetheart. i remember every little thing about you.”

taking a piece of the red velvet cake on a fork, he held it up to your mouth to feed you, his eyes warm and encouraging. "please eat, love. for me?"

without hesitation, you leaned in and opened your mouth, accepting the bite of cake he offered. a tear slipped down your cheek as you chewed on the fluffy treat, savoring the rich, velvety taste. "’s good…"

diluc's free hand reached up to wipe away the tear with a tenderness that made your heart ache with love. "i'm glad you like it, love," he murmured, his thumb brushing your cheek.

he continued to feed you, taking a few bites of his own as you insisted he share with you. you savored the sweetness of the cake, but even more so, you cherished the man before you, whose love seemed boundless.

as the evening wound down, diluc made quick work of tidying up and changing out of his work clothes. before he could join you in bed, he stopped by your nightstand, glancing down at your book that he had put aside earlier.

“would you like me to read to you, love?”

your heart fluttered at his thoughtful gesture. although you adored hearing his voice weave through the pages of your favorite stories, sleep was beginning to tug at you. you shook your head slightly, extending your arm toward him with a weary smile.

“no thanks… can we just cuddle?”

he smiled fondly before settling beside you, the mattress dipping under his weight. “of course we can cuddle, sweetheart. come here.”

he pulled you into his embrace, your bodies fitting perfectly against each other. you sighed contentedly, snuggling into his bare chest and listening to his steady heartbeat. the warmth of his skin against yours and the gentle rise and fall of his chest were the epitome of comfort.

“rest, my love,” diluc murmured, his voice a soothing whisper. “you’re safe in my arms.”

with a sleepy murmur, you whispered back, “thank you, diluc. for everything…”

(thank you for loving me.)

he pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead, pulling you even closer. “always, my heart,” he replied softly. “always.”

(there’s nothing i wouldn’t do for you.)

your eyes fluttered shut, and just before the veil of dreams enveloped you, you heard diluc’s voice, gentle and filled with tender affection.

"sweet dreams, my love. i love you."

thank you for reading ♡