So For My Request, Can You Write A Oneshot Featuring Toshinori And An Older Male Reader In An Aladdin

So for my request, can you write a oneshot featuring Toshinori and an older male reader in an Aladdin AU please? I imagine Toshinori as a street rat who unintentionally seeks refuge from the reader who runs an inn. But the reader decides to extend his stat after learning of Toshinori's life and falling in love with him. What do you think?

Helping hand

Pairing: Toshinori Yagi x m!reader (Alladin AU)

Warnings: mentions of stealing, age gap (nothing illegal though), if there's anything I should add, let me know!

A/N: I am so sorry for the delay, I know it's been literal months since you originally requested this, but mental health got in the way and I just now found the energy to create again. I hope you understand. But I was definitely very excited for this! It's a completely new concept and a brilliant idea! (I also hope Toshi is not too ooc) Hope it is to your liking!

It was a nice day. The sky was blue, the birds were chirping, and the air was fresh. Children were happily playing in the streets, while their parents were either working, walking through the market or tending to their chores.

Not Toshinori though. The young man weaved expertly through the hords of people, only sometimes bumping into them. He could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins and he felt the familiar rush that made him feel alive. Not far behind him, the reason Toshi was on the run at the moment, was a man. A guard. Heavily armored and currently seething. His weapons were weighing him down, but he was still fueled by anger and that made him that much more dangerous.

But Toshi was young and agile and he knew the streets like no one else. The city was his domain, even if the guards thought otherwise. They didn't know nearly as many hiding spots and alleyways one could use to escape like he did.

All of this because of a stupid apple. Toshinori was just trying to help! The young man knew of many orphaned children that were left on the streets. Anone with a heart would want to help those little rascals and Toshinori wasn't an exception. He might not had money himself, but what's one apple for one child? He thought he had it planned well, that nobody would see what he was trying to do, but reality proved him wrong. The owner of the stand with fruit had caught him red handed. Toshinori tried to explain, but the man just wouldn't listen. Just when their argument was starting to get heated, the man started shouting to alert the guards. And to Toshi's luck, he was successful.

And, well, now they're here. Running mindlessly without a plan. Maybe try to run as long as he could to tire the guard down. But he wasn't sure if that would work, because he knew that he was a pretty well known person amongst the guards. Maybe he could lose him if he'd round the corner and then hide somewhere. Toshi's expression shifted into one of determination. He willed his legs to move faster and when the man behind him expected it the least, he quickly turned around the corner.

The young man wanted to cheer when he successfully rounded the corner without tripping, but his stunt wasn't yet pulled. He still needed to hide somewhere. Trying to search for a good escape route while running proved to be quite difficult though. Toshinori managed to get in a few meters before his vest got stuck in something. At first he thought it might have been a branch, but a branch wouldn't be pulling him backwards. No, Toshinori realized, somebody had caught his vest and was now dragging him somewhere.

The blonde tried to squirm free out of his captor's grasp, but to no avail. His assailant had a grip on him like a vice. It didn't take even a minute before Toshi was thrown into a room, the door falling shut and locked behind him. Toshinori threw himself at the door, but no amount of force would force it open.

Realizing he wasn't getting anywhere this way, the young man took a few deep breaths to calm his nerves and took a look around the room. It was dark, with small windows right at the ceiling, that nobody could crawl through. The room was barren, save for a few crates in which were various vegetables and other foods requiring cold temperatures as to not get spoiled.

It was then that it dawned on Toshinori where he was. In a cellar. Somebody has locked him in their cellar. Why? Did they want to get the guards and hand him over like a lost dog? Was it for a reward? Toshinori couldn't find a better logical answer. But what should he do now? He looked towards the door again. It was clear that rattling would get him nowhere. But maybe he could break it down? Was he strong enough? Did he have any other choice? He definitely was not about to go to jail because of a stupid apple.

Taking one last deep breath, Toshinori backed away to the opposite wall and turned his shoulder towards the only thing keeping him away from freedom. And then he ran. At some point the young man closed his eyes, not wanting to know how close he was to a painful impact. But instead of hard wood, his shoulder met something firm, but softer than wood, something very much alive. And then the ground was swept from under his feet and Toshi found himself, and whoever he crashed into, plummeting towards the ground.

The person under him let out a pained oof. Toshinori risked a quick glance at the person. It was a man, older than Toshi, with a clean visage and clothes. A respectable citizen. Though at first glance he would not take him for someone who would hand over a person for a reward, but looks could deceive.

Toshi tried to scramble away, but the man under him hugged him tightly to his chest. Toshi squirmed and wiggled, but that was all he could do to not attract attention to himself. The guards were probably still nearby, so he had to be quiet.

"Oh would you stop it already?" The man under him hissed. He had a very nice voice, Toshi realized and for a moment he stopped his attempts at getting free. "You are a determined one aren't you? Don't worry, I'm not gonna hurt you." the man continued. Toshinori listened, his muscles still stiff, but not resisting anymore. "There, there. Easy. Now, I'll let go of you, but you have to promise me to not run away from me, alright?" the man asked. Toshinori took a deep breath "How do I know you're not gonna call the guards even if I do as you ask?" The man was silent for a moment "There's no way to know. You just gotta trust me." Toshinori thought for a moment. He couldn't escape this man if he tried, and he'd hand him over with force or he could save himself from the potential pain and let himself get arrested easily.

"Alright. I won't run." he said, resignation clear in his voice. He could feel the man's arms loosening their hold on him, before letting go completely. "Attaboy." the man smiled and sat up. The two men spent a few seconds looking each other in the eye, before the younger man carefully climed away from above the other.

The other man stood up with a grunt and offered a hand to Toshi. He looked at it with suspicion, before taking it. The older man helped Toshi stand up before looking him over for any injuries. "My name's (Y/N)." the older man introuced himself. Toshinori gaped at him. Just what was going on? Did he not want to hand him over to the guards? He was starting to believe it. "My name's-" "Toshinori. I know." (Y/N) nodded. Toshinori was surprised "How did you..." "More people know you than you would think, Toshi. You have nothing and yet you still help all those little kids running around begging for food. All the merchants know to be wary of you, because you steal their goods. I myself had noticed you many times at the marketplace. I think you're a good man, Toshi. So I wanted to help." (Y/N) explained.

Toshi's jaw went slack as he stared at the older man in front of him. He knew he had a reputation, but was he really that famous? He had to admit, it was kind of impressive. "Well...Thank you for the help." Toshi said with uncertainty, not sure what how to act in front of his saviour. "You're very welcome." (Y/N) laughed wholeheartedly. "So...I guess I'll...go." Toshi mumbled as he squeezed past (Y/N). But before he could manage more than a few steps, the older man grabbed his arm. Toshinori turned to face him, seeing a broody expression on his face "I don't think that's a good idea. The guards are probably searching all over town for you." He released Toshinori's arm, allowing the younger man to turn to him fully. "Well, what do you suggest I do?"

(Y/N) thought for a minute, his hand supporting his chin, before he snapped his fingers, a glint in his eyes "I tell you what. You can stay here for a few days. In turn, you can help around this place." Toshinori slowly nodded his head. He didn't know where exactly he was, what he was going to help out with or if he'd be able to do it, but did he have a better option? Seeing the young man's hesitation, (Y/N) quickly added "Don't worry, I'll teach you everything you need to know. Now come, I'll show you around." he gestured for Toshi to follow him as he began to lead him out of the cellar.

As soon as they walked out of that dim room, Toshi knew exactly where he was now. It seemed that (Y/N) was an inkeeper. And the inn he owned was a very nice one. Not that Toshi had ever been in the establishment before, but from what he knew, no one has ever complained about it before. And the longer the older man showed him around, the prettier the place seemed. It had nice atmosphere, it was clean, totally different from what Toshi was used to. (Y/N) then took him upstairs, where there were rooms for rent. Down the hallway, there was a door. The inkeeper brought out a set of keys from a pocket of the pants he was wearing and unlocked it.

Behind it was a small room, full of brooms and other cleaning supplies. (Y/N) bashfully chuckled and scratched the back of his neck "I know it isn't much, but we'll clean out all this stuff, I'll put some spare bedding and I think it could make a nice cozy bedroom." Toshinori was in awe. He was going to be housed, possibly even fed and clothed and for what? Keeping the place clean? The longer the younger mn kept silent, the more anxious (Y/N) got "Look, I know it's not the best, but I think it would be better for you to keep a low profile, at least for now-"

His rant was interrupted by a certain blonde throwing himself at the inkeeper. His arms wrapped around the older man's waist tightly and nearly squeezed the breath out of him. A second later, (Y/N) collected himself again and reciprocated the warm hug, chuckling awkwardly "Alright, alright, it's not a big deal."

The next few days were...chaotic. Toshinori was free for most of the day, but in the evening, when the patrons left for the night or retired to their rented rooms, (Y/N) went to get Toshi and started teaching him, one thing at a time. First tasks were fairly easy. Sweeping the floors was easy, as well as mopping, the only problem was taking the time to do it properly. The inkeeper let Toshinori perfect individual tasks everyday, and so a few days turned into a few weeks and those turned into a few months. In that time, Toshinori learned not only to sweep and mop the floors, but to dust the shelves, wash the glasses and bottles so that they shined like diamonds.

What the young man noticed though was the lack of other staff in the inn. He wondered if (Y/N) managed to run the entire establishment all by himself. And for so long too... This revelation sparked determination to help his new friend as much as he could. But, as time went on, Toshinori slowly realised this desire to help (Y/N) was not fueled by the need to repay him anymore. No. As the two got too know each other better, the young blonde found out just how kind and amaying the inkeeper was. Toshi found himself enjoying every moment spent with the older man, dreading the day when he'd be forced to leave.

Once the young man got a hold of the tasks inside the inn, (Y/N) went on to teach him how to do chores that had to be done outside as well. Watering the flowers that decorated the outer windowsills was easy, (Y/N) even drew a chart for Toshi, to avoid over or underwatering them.

One lazy afternoon, the older man took Toshinori out to the back of the inn, where a chopping block stood in the corner with an axe stuck into it, next to a stack of logs.

"You know, while the weather is usually pretty warm during daytime, at night, temperatures can drop drastically. So it's always good to have some chopped wood on hand, just in case." (Y/N) smiled and grabbed one of the logs "You see, you have to place it on top of the chopping block vertically, like this." he said while showing Toshi carefully what to do. "The wood has natural grains and will split along them. Cutting against them would make the whole thing just harder." the older man then grabbed the handle of the axe and wiggled it out of the chopping block "Now, the best way to chop wood is to stand with your legs appart, so that you're steady on your feet. Then, you grab the axe like so" he began to explain, holding the axe with one hand in front of the other. Then, he touched the middle of the log with the sharp side and slowly brought the tool over his head, making sure Toshi is watching from time to time. Although he didn't have to worry about that. It seemed the young man was hooked, listening intently to every word. "Then, when you swing the axe, the hand closer to the head should slide down the wooden shaft towards the other. I can't really explain to you how that helps, but it does." (Y/N) laughed with a shrug of his shoulders. Then, he flexed his arms and with a quick swoosh, he brought swung the axe at the log, splitting it in half with ease. Toshinori couldn't help but blush. The inkeeper was always kind and peaceful. Although it was obvious, looking back, Toshi never thought that under his warm exterior, his friend was hiding such strength.

Turning to the younger man, (Y/N) noticed the slight tint to the blonde's cheeks and chuckled again "Come on, no need to be shy. Nobody's great at this the first try, I know I wasn't. But I'll help you with it, don't worry." (Y/N) said as he grabbed Toshi's arm and dragged him over to the chopping block. The young man hesitantly grabbed the wooden handle of the axe, memories of (Y/N)'s hands on it flashing at the front of his mind. And then he felt the older man's hands on his own, adjusting Toshi's hands gently, making his breath hitch. If (Y/N) had noticed his friend's flustered behaviour, he didn't mention it.

"Now raise your arms, yes, just like that." (Y/N) encouraged Toshinori to raise his arms, praising him soflty when he did so. "Keep your arms extended..." he muttered, correcting the young man's posture. Toshinori took a shaky breath, trying to concentrate on the log in front of him and not his friend standing right behind him. What was wrong with him anyway? He got so flustered and for what? (Y/N) was just trying to help him. Furrowing his eyebrows, Toshi's grip on the axe handle hardenend and he swung down with all his might, as if that would chase his inapropriate thoughts away.

Unfortunately, the blade missed the center of the log and instead of splitting it in half it fell of the chopping block, rolling to the side. (Y/N) wanted go laugh it off, but when he saw the frown on his younger friend's face, he opted to pat him on the back "Don't worry about it! If you're not feeling it, I can do it for you and you can try another time! Go rest Toshi." he smiled at the blonde, who sowly began walking towards the back entrance to the inn.

Just when the young man got back to his room, he felt guilt gnawing at his insides, squeezing his heart. Not only was it rude to just walk out on his friend like that, without any explanation or goodbye, but now (Y/N) was most likely worried about him as well. But...he couldn't stay there. Not when he was so close. It felt...different, somehow. Different than when Toshi would hug (Y/N) in excitement or when they'd share playful banter, accompanied by a friendly punch to the shoulder or nudge to the side with an elbow. Toshinori needed to get his thoughts straight. Figure out what the hell he was feeling and since when did these feelings start. But, to battle the guilt he was feeling, he could ponder his emotion while doing something productive.

When darkness fell and the outside world quieted down, (Y/N) came back to the inn. With a heavy sigh he fell into one of the chairs and let out a sigh. Toshinori, who was just finishing up with polishing the glasses and bottles watched how his friend slowly relaxed, letting go the stress of another day of hard work. His breathing slowed and for a moment, the younger man thought he was going to fall asleep. Quietly, as to not scare him, Toshi made his way over to (Y/N), and gently touched his shoulder "Are you alright?"

(Y/N) slowly opened his eyes and smiled tiredly at the younger man "Yes, don't worry." "But you look really tired..." Toshinori muttered worriedly. "Well, you know, it was a long day. And," the inn keeper chuckled "If we're being honest, I'm not as young as I used to be..." "Yeah yeah, whatever grandpa." Toshinori playfully rolled his eyes. "You keep running your mouth like that and I'll show you what this grandpa can do!" (Y/N) threatened with a laugh. "Oh really? Not so old now, eh?" the younger man smirked, cocking his head to the side, eyes slightly squinted. (Y/N), realiying he's been caught, scratched the back of his neck nervously "Heh, you got me. Well, I guess it ain't so bad. I mean, I managed to run this place all by myself up until now. But having you here is pretty nice. It's nice to be able to split the work. And you're company has been nothing but pleasant as well." the inn keeper winked at Toshinori cheekily, before his smile turned sheepish again "Though I still think it'd be handy to be a bit younger. All these years I was so caught up in work, I didn't have any time to actually get to know anyone. Until you, that is." (Y/N) chuckled nervously "I always noticed you sneaking around the market with those little ones. They absolutely adored you, you know? Running after you like little chickens after their mother hen. Heh. And you'd always get in trouble because of them and for what? So that you could make one kid happy? I just..." the older man sighed "I guess I kind of...admired you? I actually looked forward to seeing you every week at the market. How you smiled at those rascals...Would you believe me if I told you that I didn't know how to approach you? It sounds crazy, but it's true." (Y/N) laughed and patted Toshi, who at that point dragged a chair beside him and was intently listening, on the shoulder "But then I saw you running from that damned guard and I knew he was hellbent on catching you. I guess I acted on impulse that day, when I dragged you in that cellar...But you know what? I'm glad I did. And I'm glad I actually got to know you, because it makes all those years of solitute worth it!"

And at that point, (Y/N)'s smile was so radiant that before Toshinori could think, he found himself pressing his lips to his in what could have been a kiss, if the young man didn't come to his senses and jerked away, leaving it only a quick peck.

Looking back on it, both would agree it must've been a hilarious sight to any outsider, were they to look in one of the windows. Two men, sitting next to each other, facing each other with wide eyes and mouths slightly agape, both their faces heated and brains short circuiting.

"I- I'm sorry! I didn't...I wasn't...It's not-" the blonde tried to stutter out, but his voice died inside his throat when he saw another big smile stretch on his...friend's? Could he even call him that still? Face. Feeling a smile of his own tugging at his lips, he said softly "I guess I acted on impulse as well."

OH MY GOD I LOVED YOUR GRIM REAPER AU with our dear Comte!! Do you know what I did remember when I read it? That little comic about how "life and death have been in love for longer than we have words to describe"

Oh my gosh, thank you so much! I think I saw that comic too! Though I wasn't planning on shipping any of the suitors with our dear Comte, it is still a very cute idea <3

First part is on my profile, maybe check it out?👉👈

I just had this idea for an Ikevamp AU.

Imagine a very pissed off grim reaper searching across time and space for the motherfucker who's been stealing souls that shoud have died, but somehow didn't.

Just to find out it's our dear le Comte de Saint Germain <333

I've got a few ideas how that could play out and I think it's hilarious xbqoqpfzgegjwodz

Would anybody be interested in hearing about it?

I've been legitemately learning russian for years now and I want to pursue it in the future. Despite what is going on, it's a beautiful language belonging to a country with interesting history and customs. It's just some of the people in power that suck (just like in most countries) and millions that are brainwashed from their youth (again, just like in most other countries). I always look forward to talk to people in another language.

yesterday my date made me promise to "not talk to any random russians this time" only for me to immediately become best friends with a kosovan gang member. saved on a technicality

I wanted to leave a comment, but for some reason couldn't, so Imma just leave it here!

Now, lemme just say that I live for domestic fluff! Although bounty hunting isn't really that domestic XD

Anyway, I check the King Schultz tags almost daily and I reread the few fics that people have written over and over again, religiously. So it was a nice surprise to read something new, especially so pleasant, fluffy and nice <333

Morning | Dr. King Schultz x gn!reader

Summary: you and King get up a little early.

tws: mentions of guns

You stretched, your bones clicking and groaning in protest as you dared to sit up, looking around the dark inside of the room you had rented for a moment before rubbing your eyes and getting onto your side, leaning on your arm as you looked at King as he slept; you dared to smile, bringing your hand up to gently rake it through his beard as he smiled and leaned into the touch.

"Is it morning already?"

You nodded, moving to fold your arms on his chest, leaning your chin on your forearms as you yawned and tried to come to life. "Yeah, it is... we best get up."

King shook his head, still a little groggy, more than sleepy as he lazily looked at you. "Du bist sehr attraktiv, mein Sterne..."

You leaned into him a little more, daring to bring your hand down and under his shirt, your fingers so gentle and deft against his skin as you sighed. "We gotta catch those Balfour robbers, today... the married couple."

"That we do," he said lowly, his voice cracking a little to make way for a yawn. "We need to get Django up, too, and get the horses."

"I can get the horses ready," you said softly, tapping his chest and sighing. "Say... you don't ever reckon there'll be a day when we... y'know..."

"What?"

"Settle down," you said quietly. "Y'know, find somewhere... decent. Live a quiet life."

He fell silent, pondering on it for a moment; he did always think that there was an end to bounty hunting, there had to be, it wasn't the type of career someone could continue on with forever. Hunting bounties wasn't exactly delivering newspaper, though, and there was a certain amount of unpredictability that came with the job description; even King Schultz, an incredibly skilled gentleman, knew that there were still a large amount of risks with even the easiest of bounties. He supposed, at the end of the day, it was a nice idea, to settle down and to live a quiet life, but whether or not it would actually happen... that was a different story altogether.

Eventually, though, he sighed, and after running a hand through his hair, he finally thought of a good response, "there is an end to bounty hunting, mein Sterne. How it will end, though, I can't be sure."

You met his gaze, frowning a little as you furrowed your brows and hummed. "Yeah, but do you not think about... if it ends well?"

"Occasionally, natürlich," King nodded. "It's a nice idea... come on, we best start getting ready. Where is it you said they were?"

"Last known sighting of the Balfours was near the woods," you rolled onto your back and grumbled, rubbing your eyes. "About an hour's ride out of here, then about another hour to get there. Heard some people saying in the saloon that they were camping out there."

Swinging his legs over the edge of the creaky bed, King stretched a little, giving you the perfect opportunity to put your legs either side of his, your chest against his back as you pressed your face against the back of his neck. He closed his eyes, trying to savour such a feeling and trying to force such a moment to be locked away in his memories for all time. He didn't feel the need to say anything.

"Did you remember to clean your gun?" The words danced along his skin, the vibrations from your voice making him shiver a little.

He nodded. "Always."

"Good," you whispered, kissing the back of his neck as you pulled away and sat back. "Don't want it jamming."

King smiled a little, daring to finally stand up, he went to grab his shirt, tugging it on as he turned to look at you, a certain glint in his eyes. "Perhaps, after this one, we could go to that saloon."

You tilted your head to the side, moving to the edge of the bed, resting your elbows on your thighs, your hands clasped as you furrowed your brows. "What for?"

"You seemed to like it," he admitted. "And it's about time the three of us had a night off. Before we head down to Rhodes, perhaps we could."

You nodded slowly, biting the inside of your cheek to stop yourself from grinning. "Sure. I don't see why not. Who we after in Rhodes?"

"A man by the name of Josiah," he explained, tugging on his trousers and pulling up his suspenders, "he's wanted for a few scams."

You shrugged, leaning back, your hands against the mattress as you watched him. No matter how many times you saw it, watching King get dressed always sent a shock of electric down your spine, always made you wish that nights were longer. "Y'think we ought to get you some new suspenders? They're starting to look a bit worn from here."

"On our night off, you can take me shopping, mein Sterne," he promised, running some pomade through his hair. "Do you want me to leave while you-"

"Nah," you chuckled, shaking your head. "I just like watching you."

His features turned a little pink at the comment and although he tried his best to hide it, he couldn't help but to smile; perhaps one day, mornings and nights wouldn't be so short and so busy, perhaps one day, things would be different. Maybe there would even be enough time to savour the little moments.

That's me right now ⬆️⬆️

No but seriously this was so beautiful and nice and calm and just so, so true. The part with the intrusive thoughts??? Oh I felt that.

Thank you so so much for this, you have no idea how much this means to me <333

Hello! Could I maybe get some Silco x reader hurt/comfort fic? Maybe the reader is struggling mentally and Silco tries to help them? It doesn't need to be anything too heavy, I've kust been dealing with some self destructive urges and depressive thoughts lately and I'd appreciate the comfort <3 You absolutely don't have to write this if it makes you feel uncomfortable though, just let me know if you decide to not write it, so I don't expect anything. Thank you so much!

Sorry this took so long. I hope you're doing alright and this might help a little. We've all been there. This is heavily based on my own experiences so I hope that's okay <3

Warnings: Depressive thoughts

You’re numb again.

It’s cold. Dark.

You ever get the feeling the world is too much? Like life is passing you by too fast and you don’t know where it’s going. Or where you’re gonna end up? What’s going to happen next?

Will today be like yesterday?

What about tomorrow?

You feel lost.

Left behind.

It’s all too much.

So you stay in bed, waiting. Doing absolutely nothing because anything feels like it’s too much. Until…

The hand that touches your shoulder is warm. It moves down your side to then rub circles around the small of your back. Breathing comes easier now.

“Silco,” his name is just a quiet whisper on your lips and yet, he still hears you.

“I’m here, my love,” he says.

His hand strokes down your arm, fingers tangle themselves between your own. He squeezes gently.

You feel grounded. Secure. Safe.

He scoots in under the covers behind you. You feel his chest press against your back, and his nose pokes your neck as he shuffles closer.

“Those thoughts haunting you again, my dear?” he asks. He knows you may not have the strength to answer.

But you manage a small nod. And that’s plenty enough for him to understand.

He presses a kiss behind your ear, and then another to your neck. “I’ve got you. I’m here.”

A smile flickers on your face for just a moment.

You take a deep breath; finding some small urge of strength you roll over to face him.

Not a word uttered between you. You stare into each other's eyes, longingly. You can just make out the blue in the dim light of the room, swirls of sky and ocean turquoise merging together. The red flickering brightly, almost looking like a small flame, guiding you towards it.

You reach your free hand up, running it back through his hair and then down to the nape of his neck. His blue eye closes slowly and he hums quietly in response. You watched intently as the pupil of the red dilates, shrinking down the ring of fire that surrounds it.

“You have beautiful eyes, Silco.” Your voice was weak.

A soft chuckle left him as he opened his blue eye to meet your gaze.

“As do you, my dear.” He leans close to press a chaste kiss to your lips.

The tips of your fingers brush lightly at the back of his neck, just below his hairline.

You open your mouth to speak, but the words are stuck in your throat. You hate this. It shouldn’t be like this, he does so much for you but what-

“Focus on me. I’m right here. You’re stronger than you think.” He knew you so well. Always knew how to pull you away from those thoughts.

“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. I’m so useless. I don’t pull my weight around here-”

“Hush now. That’s nonsense.” He squeezes your hand again. The other moves up to cup your cheek and his thumb traces over your lips lightly. “You do plenty for me with just your presence, my love. I don’t need anything else from you. Just having you here is enough.”

He kisses you again, but deeper, more passionately than before, as if to emphasise the meaning of his words. Tender and slow. As though the Eye of Zaun — a man who was always busy — had all the time in the world. He was sure to always make time for you.

“I love you,” he says, tightening his grip on your hand. “You’re mine. Always mine. No matter what.”

You smile — a genuine smile; one that reaches your eyes and makes the corner of your eyes crease. It stays. “I love you too.”

“Good.” He brushes the back of his hand down along your cheek. “Because I don’t know what I’d do without you.”