waaah I can finally post my piece for the @yourgravity2026 (on Tumblr, IG and X) zine!!!
I'm so happy that I could join, please check out all the upcoming submissions until Caleb's birthday! The zine will be available as a PDF for free that you can find on the official event account tagged here :) we have a lot of beautiful fanarts and fanfictions as well to read thru! ❤️ (I got a snoop thru the fanfics and I'm rly into a certain leopard one, lmao)
I won’t wish him an early bday bcs that brings bad luck so I shall wait patiently, tihi
with my commentary :) (i fear it is very easy to tell what i like)
will continue to be updated • please mind any mdni tags!
feel free to recommend any fics to be added! (asks and dms are open!) and please let me know if any links don’t work.
I tried really hard to find a good variety of fics from a lot of authors, but putting together a fic rec list is kind of difficult. There are so many treasures I missed, so please don’t take it to heart if your fic did not get mentioned, and feel free to even recommend it be added!
STARRING: XAVIER SHEN
Sleep Well, Little Star | @loveanddeephistory
As someone who took a minute to warm up to Xavier, this firmly got me in the boat and helped me understand a lot of his characterization, especially because it’s so expertly done. I think the approach to the self aware trope is so incredibly interesting here that I’ve already re-read it a couple times. I absolutely love this fic and really consider this to be the fic that got me obsessed with Xavier.
Random Xavier Headcanons | @xaviersbunny
I think these bring some adorable and hilarious points of view on Xavier that might not seem obvious at first but are so true. Prepare to see xaviersbunny a few more times lol, her random headcanons are perfectly in character and I couldn’t leave them out.
Paper Rings (and All My Dreams) | @starryeyed-knight
The sentimental side of Xavier is one I think we don’t get to see very often, and I cannot express how much I love it whenever I get a glimpse. There’s something so intimate about this fic, it truly feels like a secret whispered between lovers.
Thrown to the Wolves | @xinghuisknight
This hurts in the best way possible. Each line in this fic is so beautifully written, it’s impossible to pick out a favorite quote. Everything about this is just masterfully done, and the emotions are so raw and real. It’s absolutely delicious.
Into the Sun | @starkissedxav
Xavier has such a subtle kind of care that I absolutely love to see. He’s so attentive and observant, and this fic makes sure that that aspect shines through. This fic is so wonderfully soft, it feels like a warm hug with every sentence. It holds a good reminder that although things may get heavy, there’s always someone to help lighten the load.
STARRING: ZAYNE LI
To Come Home | @mythblossoms
So domestic and sweet, this is what Zayne truly deserves. I love the way this fic is written, the subtle care and love feels like it’s woven into each sentence.
Random Zayne Headcanons | @xaviersbunny
These made me laugh so hard and manage to show some (albeit minor) faults in the typically picture-perfect Doctor Zayne. I love seeing different sides of him in these headcanons that aren’t front and center in a lot of the in-game cards.
Love Beyond the Game | @pawpurrin
I really love the self aware turned reverse isekai perspective of this fic, and it really kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved seeing the slow build of the relationship and all the comforting domesticity. The sad ending is so beautifully heartbreaking, and the happy ending is just perfectly warm, I love them both.
Learned by Heart | @deepspacenova
Zayne and his way of loving is captured beautifully here. I live for the domesticity of their love. And his little nerdy side is absolutely adorable (as expected lol). This is certain to make anyone fall in love with him, whether they’re a Zayne main or not.
More than Macarons | @miscellaneous-misty
Zayne is so pathetically in love in this fic, it’s absolutely adorable. Seeing him so unguarded is so much fun, it’s almost as if he’s letting out his inner child that’s never gotten a chance to shine. Even our most stoic doctor deserves a moment of relief <3
Two Halves of a Whole | @snowypi
What can I say, I love the yearning. And this fic might just be the personification of it. Seeing Zayne so (quite honestly) pathetically in love is so heartwarming. This sort of innocent love is hard to come by in the aptly-called Love and Depression, but seeing it here feels so natural. It’s just like a warm embrace.
My Love Mine All Mine | @zaynezone
This almost made me cry. The descriptions of the aftermath of a nightmare were perfect, and Zayne’s comfort was absolutely wonderful. I love seeing his authoritative care throughout, and the his comments about alternate universes really stuck with me. I just love this piece so much.
STARRING: RAFAYEL QI
Masks | @dissociativewriter
There are so many metaphors woven throughout this fic that I absolutely love seeing built upon as it continues. The use of masks to show Rafayel’s struggle to be himself felt so real and the depictions of depression felt so real. This is just such an interesting read that I’ve come back to read a few times.
Vlogger!Rafayel Tries to Survive a Week Without You | @jellyelle
The progression on this is absolutely perfect, it makes this fic such an entertaining read. I love Rafayel slowly descend into that pathetic loverboy who misses his cutie. A perfect amount of dramatization and realness combine to make a perfect characterization.
Precipices | @starryeyed-knight
There’s so much yearning in this fic and I love it so much. Abysswalker!Rafayel is such an interesting character, and being able to see through his nonchalant mask is wonderful. Combine that with beautiful prose, and this fic is just absolutely amazing.
His Hands, Your Sculptor | @soursugarbomb
This fic is just so beautifully poetic. It’s a wonderful examination of Rafayel’s character and the way he loves. His need to have this love last without slipping through his hands is heartbreaking, and the entire fic is just gorgeous. In my opinion, it’s a must-read.
Random Rafayel Headcanons | @xaviersbunny
These are sure to bring a laugh while also being so true to his character. There’s a unique perspective on Rafayel here that I think isn’t seen very often but is so so correct. I think this really shows that chaotic nature of his personality, and the vulnerability hiding not far beneath the surface.
Eye of the Beholder | @dissociativewriter
I really love the perspective on art and beauty here and I think it correctly shows how Rafayel would view it as well. It’s an unexpectedly comforting read with a lot of beauty to be found in such a short fic.
Submerged Devotion | @acaffeinated-constellation
Seeing it go from self aware to reverse-isekai is soooo cool. Lemurian Sea God Rafayel is so beautiful and terrifying to see, and I love the way he appears in this fic. Throughout this entire series, there is such creativity flowing through it that keeps me intrigued and on my toes.
Paparazzi and Parasols | @hirayalia
It’s just so cute to see Rafayel get flustered (I love his little blush!) but I really love the relationship dynamic they have going on here. I don’t see the bodyguard role come into play a lot in fics, and I love seeing it here. Plus Rafayel is so perfectly dramatic, this is just an adorably entertaining read all around.
STARRING: SYLUS QIN
Relentless Conqueror | @dragondelulu
This really captures the strategist part of Sylus’s character, and it perfectly meshes with the softness he holds for his love. Seeing him quickly adapting to life in a new world is so interesting to see, this fic is just perfect.
CEO!Sylus x Secretary!Reader | @souliloqui
Hilariously combining the Y/N & CEO trend with a delusion Y/N makes this one of the funniest fics I’ve read. Even through that humor, there are moments of vulnerability in the series that I love getting glimpses of, however brief. This is a spectacular read all around.
Crow Family Shenanigans | @dissociativewriter
Luke and Kieran as six year olds is something I didn’t know I needed, and yet I’m obsessed. Quiet family life with Sylus is absolutely adorable, and seeing him navigate the possibility of a new relationship even with his trust issues and desire to protect his sons is so interesting and wonderful to see.
Sylus’s Little Twins | @abyssyby
Urs gives Sylus the soft epilogue he truly deserves, and Lucian and Kyros are so insanely adorable, I can’t take it. Managing to make everything so intimate and yet silly is truly a gift, and this is a must-read for anyone, Sylus main or not.
Until You Are Ready | @atzeroo
Sylus’s insistence that his partner recognize their worth is displayed beautifully here, and in a way that is sure to comfort the reader as well. Though it nearly made me cry, this is a fic I’ve reread again and again due to the quiet beauty of it.
To Call | @terriblesoup
Seeing Sylus’s reaction to someone finally trusting him with their vulnerability is somewhat heartbreaking, and yet beautiful at the same time. I love this fic and I think it truly shows Sylus’s tendency to take care of those close to him, it’s all just so so sweet.
The Choices We Make | @thechaoticarchivist
I, unfortunately, have not yet read nearly as much of this series as I would have liked to. However, from the very beginning, it becomes so clear why everyone who reads this fic so highly recommends it. Masterful writing and an intriguing plot line make this an absolutely wonderful read. :)
Doomed | @dissociativewriter
Though some of the gore may be a bit difficult to get through, the raw devotion of this fic is beautiful. It nearly made me cry but it’s so worth it. Poetic throughout, the yearning and heartache makes this a wonderful read.
Sweetness | @terriblesoup
I really love quiet comfort with Sylus, and this fic might just be the personification of that. He always gives his lover the space to be themselves, and this really shows his need to have them come to him first. I think everyone needs an understanding like what Sylus gives here.
Oceans | @blessdunrest-deactivated2026042
Don’t worry, the link still works even though blessdunrest deactivated (I made sure it was a reblog lol). A wonderful snowcrow fic that puts Sylus’s insecurities at the forefront. I love the way it addresses his hesitance and blessdunrest always writes the most beautiful fics.
Random Sylus Headcanons | @xaviersbunny
To me these really let Sylus’s softer side shine through. Giggling at kids movies and being so willing to dote on his lover, it all just makes him seem more endearing. These headcanons seem nothing like the intimidating persona he often puts on, and yet they’re so in-character at the same time.
STARRING: CALEB XIA
Echo | @mythblossoms
This is such a beautifully crafted story. The depression is so real and viscerally depicted, and (without spoiling lol) the feeling that something is wrong follows you through the entire fic. It’s just expertly written and a wonderful read that had my head spinning.
His Hands, Your Gravity | @soursugarbomb
This is so gorgeously written that it honestly hurts. The way Caleb revolves around you, and the way you revolve around him in your own little universe is so beautiful. It’s just beautifully written, I’m afraid I’m at a loss for words.
Random Caleb Headcanons | @xaviersbunny
This really emphasizes Caleb’s different facets, although his habit of not taking care of himself is a moment of heartbreak in the midst of funny headcanons. Either way, Kenn once again nails characterization with some funnier perspectives.
Forget Me Not | @lowkeylaufeysons
Caleb is so disgustingly adorable in this and I am here for it. Seeing him have a naive sort of innocence, however brief, is absolutely wonderful. This is so sweet, seriously.
Making Up After a Fight | @starryeyed-knight
The aftermath of a fight always holds an interesting air, especially with such an intense character as Caleb. His devotion shines through, but even more so is his desperate reliance on MC. A wonderful hurt/comfort dynamic that I think sheds a lot of light on Caleb’s character.
Text Me Back When You Get Home | @someonestopsoren
This hurts so much. The grief, the feeling that something is missing, the regret is all beautifully written. I really enjoy any fics that show MC grieving Caleb, and the loss is so fresh in this fic that each feeling seems so real, like it’s happening to me.
Figured You Out | @deepspacenova
There’s something terrifying about this fic in a way that’s uniquely Caleb. His yandere tendencies dictate such a huge part of his character, and I think this fic expertly puts them front and center. It’s so interesting to read and really kept me on the edge of my seat.
Rely on Me | @mrsqins
I think this perfectly portrays the friction in Caleb and MC’s relationship after his return, as well as Caleb’s desperation to have her rely on him. Every reaction felt raw and real, and the shift from reliance to independence is so interesting to see.
MULTI
Meet Cute Scenarios | @chronosdawn
Each scenario is so cute (as the title suggests) it makes my heart hurt. Each interaction is so different and yet perfectly fits the kind of relationship I think each Love Interest would encourage. It seems like a view into a much softer world than that of the Love and Deepspace universe, and one I would definitely recommend.
Soulmates?! | @starkissedxav
This is absolutely adorable. Little glimpses of vulnerability combined with some flustered-ness makes this so sickeningly sweet. And there are some beautiful lines in here to boot. Just a wonderful read all around.
LADS Men Read Thirst Tweets | @jellyelle
This is so incredibly funny, I love it so much. Zayne misunderstanding everything is hilarious, Rafayel consistently mentioning his bodyguard is so evil of him, Sylus living up to his grandpa nickname is perfect, Xavier being so naive is adorable, and Caleb just feeding into everything is so mischievous. This is just so perfect, I love it.
Falling For You | @heartofafiend
To me, this really is a great examination on how the Love Interests love and what they tend to focus on. Each of them have a tendency to almost worship their significant other, and this fic picks apart how they would go about that. Plus it’s so, so sweet.
Oh, You’re a Disaster, Aren’t You? | @xxfrozenpearlsxx
I think this fic really shows each Love Interest’s desire to take care of their lover and the different ways they go about it. The comfort and subtle authority is just so perfectly in character, I found this to be a wonderfully heartwarming read.
Unnatural Affinity | @dissociativewriter
This is a perspective on isekai that I don’t see very often. I love the feelings of dissociation littered throughout and it truly keeps you on your toes. Heartbreaking at times and comforting in another, this is definitely a unique read that I keep coming back to.
At the Beach | @lunarify
Pure fluff that I think shows the kind of softness the Love Interests deserve in a relationship. I absolutely love seeing them away from the stress and pressure of their normal lives, and what better way to decompress than a day at the beach with their lover? ;)
Thunder Muffin | @gardenialily
This has to be the funniest Love and Deepspace fic I’ve read. The dynamics of each Love Interest combine beautifully here into a dramatically funny AU that I can’t wait to see more of.
What Will Happen to the LADS Men When You Finally Choose? | @snowypi
This is a difficult read, but it is so viscerally true. Each reaction feels so in character and the pain feels so real. I hate that they can’t all be chosen, but I guess that’s just how the story goes. I love seeing this interpretation of their characters. It’s the truth, no matter how bitter it tastes.
pls share a current part of a wip, one of your favorite things you’ve written recently (line or fic), and a goal you have for your blog!!
for me,
You can't won't die today.
But your mind can barely conjure the resolution, the woeful reality of your situation slowly washing over you with each lapping wave, the push-and-pull suspending your weightless body like driftwood along the shore.
You attempt to move, to feel, to see—do something—but each sense retaliates against you as if they too hold silent doubt. (wip on yandere!mermaid!raf x shipwrecked!reader)
LOVED how this drabble turned out: a love deeper than any sea
and for a goal I REALLYYY want to get through my wips list in the next month!!
npt: @luvinbloom @xxsyluslittlecrowxx @pearlescenthoney @hirayalia @crimsonrubie @wetforsylus @doggiearedinu @thewrldx +anyone reading this and wanting to joinnn :D
HEHE YAYYY thank you for the tag my angelll :3 omfg im gonna scream PLS TAG ME FOR THIS WIP! i love mermaid stuff heheh
a part of a current wip:
“sylus, you have to return it!!”
he didn’t understand what the problem was, was it the make? the model? the wrong color?
“would you like something more expensive? we can return it today and go shopping for a better one.” sylus suggests, eyeing the red ferarri 488 spider.
favorite line i've written recently (its a passage not a line SORRYSKSMDK):
“we’ve loved each other for years, remember elementary school? don’t you remember how you held my hand on the playground and picked flowers for me?” you tried to break through to him.
“we were just kids- that’s what kids do. they form insignificant connections to each other that fizzle out within days, weeks if you're lucky.” zayne pinches his nose and murmurs under his breath. “that’s what should have happened to us, but you… latched on.”
a goal i have for my blog is...
i really want to finish all my requests in a week!! i also want to finish my first multi before i get swept away with life :3
It’s Sunday afternoon, a.k.a the optimal time to go grocery shopping for the upcoming week. It seems like everyone else has the same idea, evidenced by the extremely long checkout lines you can see from the entrance.
one of my fav things i’ve written recently:
The sunlight streaming through your window is no longer the pale yellow that signals the start of a new day. Instead, a golden hue washes over your room, softening the look of the bags under your eyes
a goal i have for my blog:
to actually be able to post pieces of writing consistently!!!!! i’ve been on here since july & i’ve only posted 3 real pieces of writing & a few headcanons lmaooo
no pressure tags: @dissociativewriter @atzeroo @lunarify + anyone who may want to join 🪻
Thank you for the tag Kenn <3
(I'm sooo sorry I'm so late to this (╥ᆺ╥;))
a part of a current wip
"I take it that you like what you are seeing, sweetie" he finally breaks your silence, the grin on his lips widening when you flinch and start blushing harder. You nod slowly, biting down at your lip as you watch the way the fabric clings on his skin and makes every part of him that you've thought you have seen already before seem like something you are discovering anew.
"You can go ahead and touch me, I don't mind."
(Upcoming Sylus smut about him wearing a bunny suit for you- )
one of my fav things i've written recently:
a night to remember
Technically not something I have written 'recently', but I've been reading a bunch of isekai/royalty/villainess manhwas at that time so this was a lot of fun to write :33
a goal I have for my blog:
being more active on here and getting to know people more! I have some moots on here that I lowkey haven't talked to that much/at all and I want to get to know you all better 👉👈
Since I'm late, I'm just open-tagging anyone who sees this! 🥰
Hiiii I hope I'm doing this right 😅 can I request a combo of ❤️🤍💜 pretty please. I loved "are you wearing my shirt?" "Stay the night?" And forced proximity. With Caleb 🍎
Still you - Caleb X MC
It's raining outside, and the last thing you'd want him to do is think about heading home right now.
─ .✦ pre-relationship, takes place after the explosion™, light angst, lots of feelings
─ .✦ word count: 2.3k
꒰ ✉︎ ꒱For @smeetywerben - Thank you for the request!
It feels so different now.
Every time you look at him — your careful gaze meeting familiar amethyst eyes — for a flashing second, you think it's always the same reoccurring nightmare that appears in front of you; a picture of disaster and tragedy which makes your heart tighten and shatter into a million pieces, unable to be forgotten no matter how hard you try.
It's Caleb: smiling, breathing and living just right next to you, laughing at a joke you've just made before he vanishes in a second and is replaced with someone who tries so hard to be him, but isn't.
Those eyes you are staring at right now, for example. Why do they look just like his, but don't have that spark you've always adored? Why do they avoid your gaze when you try to search for the truth and why do they turn somber when you remind him of your shared past?
'Caleb' sometimes feels like a stranger to you. A stranger, who is desperately trying to hide a secret from you when it has been obvious from the start that something happened. And you both know the reason as to why.
"Eat while it's still hot, pips"
The plate placed in front of you looks the same; it's the exact same smell and the exact same taste and even the way he keeps trying to give you the biggest pieces on it, is just exactly how Caleb had always done it. It's the way his eyes linger until you take a bite and wait for your reaction, the way he asks "Do you like it?" even though he always knew you would.
And for a faint second, you would think it's him, your Caleb, and all the memories from that horrible day are wavering again, the anxious feeling that always exists inside of you finally seeming quiet.
But why does he sometimes look down at his own bowl and hesitates for a second, as if wondering if it's alright for him to be eating this food right now? What kind of meals does he eat when you aren't around for him to want to feed? Does he take care of himself the same way he looks after you? And what kind of expression does he wear on his face when you aren't around?
Sometimes you can't explain the thoughts that are running through your head when you look at him. Is it frustration or fear? Or is it something else that you are too afraid to put into words?
"You've stopped eating.. Is everything alright?"
'Caleb' leans forward, his arm resting on the table as his face moves closer to yours and tries to get a good look at you. Your body tenses up as you recall a similar situation to this; his cold gaze that day when you both finally reunited and you realized that this 'Caleb' was not the same Caleb that you thought you always knew.
"..n-no, it's nothing!"
Or maybe.. it's just that you never wanted to know more.
Because it's Caleb; good ol' Caleb who has been by your side for as long as you can remember and who you've always thought to be the person you are the closest to. The Caleb, who loves his drinks extra-sour and who is an expert in building his way too detailed aircraft models that make your head spin. The Caleb, who learned how to make your favorite dishes when he barely reached the counter himself, and the Caleb, who got into full-on fights with other children that liked to pick on you when you were young because he hated seeing you cry.
And the idea that this Caleb — the one you cherished like he was a part of you — could be different now, or not the way you've always loved him to be, it's just too much to handle. So you'd rather live without questioning him further, accept that new part of him like it has always belonged and maybe one day, he'll be able to tell you all that is lodged inside his heart. Maybe one day, Caleb will finally stop suffering in silence and open that part of his heart to you, because you'd like to accept all of him.
"You've barely eaten anything-"
You take a look at the two big boxes filled to the brim with leftovers, crossing your arms in front of your chest, "That's because you cooked way too much! How am I even supposed to finish all of this..?"
'Caleb' turns to look at you, a small smile on his face, "Because you won't eat enough when I'm not there. Make sure to finish all of it by the next time I'm over, alright?"
There's a small pout on your face and 'Caleb' goes to squish your cheeks with one hand, chuckling at the way how ridiculous you look, "..Alright?" he repeats, nodding at you sternly and waiting for you to answer.
"..'course I will"
"Good girl."
By the time you get out of the bathroom, 'Caleb' has already finished washing the dishes and even cut up some fruits for you to snack on. He's already dressed to leave; a jacket draped over his shoulders which means that this dreamlike day you two got to spend together is about to be over now and 'Caleb' will go back to being that person again who feels so distant to you.
It reminds you of all the times he used to leave after coming home for a long vacation from the DAA; something inside your chest always hurting as he would turn his back to you and step outside the door to be gone for a couple of months. It doesn't feel much different right now.
But when you take a look out of the window, you notice the dark clouds which have been filling the sky; loud rumblings following swift gusts which make you worry about how he's going to make it home safe when a storm is just about to arrive. Maybe it's a sign, you think, and the words make it out of your lips before you can even think about it twice:
"..How about you stay the night?"
His eyes widen for a second before he finds his cool again, and you are certain you could've seen the way his body froze the moment your words registered in his head and sent his thoughts running. 'Caleb' doesn't answer for a while; it's only the sounds of heavy raindrops as they hit the ground that fill the room and you think he's going to refuse with how conflicted he glances back at you, something inside of those eyes that beg for you to say something else.
"I-"
Something beeps. It's the sound of 'Caleb's' phone — his work phone to be exact — and the moment he takes a look at it, you notice how his eyes turn dark, knuckles slightly changing color with how tight he is gripping onto it before he responds back with swift precision.
"..W-what is it?" you ask carefully and he immediately returns your worried expression with a smile, shaking his head as if trying to tell you it's nothing. "They just said that no aircraft is flying out tonight. I.. can't get back to Skyhaven even if I wanted to"
"Well.. that's good, isn't it? I'd be worried sick if you had to leave right now in these weather conditions"
His smile feels a little strained. It's easy for you to tell, because you know that smile by heart, no matter how far he'd be standing or how much time had passed for you to forget. His eyes are saying something else, but his mouth is all you focus on, and it's fine if he's lying a little bit, because to you, it means he still cares.
"You are right," 'Caleb' says, still smiling, "I'll be taking the couch then"
"Can't we do that thing we did when we were younger?" you ask instead, feeling a little bit bashful, "There will be a thunderstorm throughout the whole night.. and you know how bad I am with them"
"You know we can't do that anymore, pips'" 'Caleb' sighs, "And what are you going to do if I'm not here the next time-"
"Just for tonight? Pleeease..?"
'Caleb' knows that tone; it's the same pleading tone that has always worked on him when you two were younger, and even today makes his heart waver in guilt of leaving you to be on your own. He wishes he could stop himself, wishes he could simply refuse your suggestion and try to look for another place to stay the night, because if he truly meant it, he knows you wouldn't be able to hold him back.
But the longer he stares into those eyes, the more his wall crumbles and he's agreeing to stay even though a part of him is urging him not to; and he's starting to worry if he's able to hold himself back anymore.
"I've put out some clothes for you to wear! It's on the counter"
"S-Sure, pipsqueak..! Thank you-"
Why does his voice sound so.. weird? Your eyebrows furrow in worry, but since you can't hear any other noise except for the shower water running, you tell yourself to ask him later instead and decide to wait in the living room until he gets back to you.
When 'Caleb' steps out, a small cloud of steam surrounding him, you've almost finished half of the apples on your plate. He looks just like he always did in your youth; brown hair still damp yet incredibly fluffy-looking, a hint of pink still on his cheeks from the warmth that had accumulated in the bath.
"Where did you even get this shirt from? I've been looking for it for a wh-" 'Caleb' halts, his eyes zeroing in on you, especially on the piece of fabric that is hanging off your frame: a familiar, yet already worn-out shirt that must have been in the wash a few times too often, "A-Are you wearing my shirt?"
You grin, taking a look down at the shirt you are wearing which happens to be one of the few ones you've taken with you when you moved out yourself; only so little, of course, that nobody would notice, but enough for you to feel like you could have a piece of him with you whenever you felt lonely. It also happens to make the comfiest sleeping shirts, you've learned.
"Looks great, doesn't it?"
"Of course it does," he plops down on the couch next to you and you can faintly smell your body wash on him — it feels unusual, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, "I've always thought all these shirts had burnt down in the explosion.. I'm glad you managed to save some of them"
With 'Caleb' around, the storm barely seems as loud as it looks to be; every time a bright flash would appear and fill the room with light, he would make sure to gently squeeze you even a tiny bit closer to his warm body, continue his talk as if trying to distract you from any worried thought that may arise in your head.
You are flushed against his body, a warm blanket draped over your bodies and for the first time, you feel like your bed has become small having you two now on it. It feels different from all the other nights you have tried to fall asleep in the middle of a loud thunderstorm and simply couldn't; like you are back in your childhood home again and Caleb is barely able to wrap his arms around your back yet trying his hardest to comfort you.
And just like back then, you can listen to his heartbeat: it's loud, rhythmic and it reminds you that he's here and won't be gone anymore. It's proof that all those nightmares you've been having are just nightmares after all.
"Caleb..?"
"Hmm?"
"Thank you for staying tonight"
He has that sad smile on his lips again; the one he's been doing a lot recently when you two spend time together and you tell him how glad you are to have him back in your life again after everything that had happened. It's eyes full of guilt and maybe fear of disappointing you; eyes that hold way more words behind them than what he actually lets on.
"Of course."
But his voice is shaking a little bit, something about the way he gently pats your back as if he's trying to comfort a part of himself as well, his hand rubbing endless circles across his own shirt.
"..you know, no matter what happened back then, you'll always be my Caleb, alright? Don't forget that"
Your voice is soft and quiet; it's about as loud as the patter of the rain against your window, barely audible to most ears, but with Caleb just right in front of you, you don't have to worry about that.
He doesn't answer for a while, simply continues holding you and for a moment, you think he won't respond anymore and act like whatever you said didn't exist — it wouldn't be the first time he had done so. But his hand is trembling; you can feel it against your back just like how his heartbeat seems uneven when he's desperately trying to calm himself.
"And I would never want you any other way."
When the first one falls, you wonder what it is.
It's warm and wet, lands on top of your head just right below where Caleb's face is, yet you can't quite wrap your head around it. But when another one falls, and one more adds onto that already damp spot, you finally realize why he has been trembling and why he didn't answer you already.
His voice is raspy when he finally speaks up and you can tell he's trying his hardest not to fall apart, "Thank you"
Your arms wrap around his body; he feels so much bigger now than in the past but it's still so familiar —so him. This is still Caleb. Your Caleb.
Currently busy fighting my demons aka. working on the tighest deadline in existence (if these aren't the consequences of my own actions haha stop being such an idiot rei-) and I'm just dropping by to say that I'd love to be more active on here but I'm genuinely not allowed to read anything at all until like next week bc I need to LOCK IN.
Thank you for reading my fics in the meantime that I'm gone btw :')
It really means a lot and I'd wish I could hug every single one of you!!
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this."
Maybe with a sprinkle of angst? Ty!
Until you look at me - Sylus X MC
For the longest time, he has felt like there was something lingering in the air when he's with you that he can't speak about — something, that would change whatever this thing between you two is in an instant, in either direction depending on your answer.
─ .✦ pre-relationship, assumption of unrequited love, misunderstandings, first kiss
─ .✦ word count: 2.2k
꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ For anon - Thank you for the request! I hope you enjoy reading!
You are doing that thing again.
That subconscious little habit of yours where his eyes can't help but stare at you, his mind unable to register anything but the way your fingers are moving against your lips. It's something you do when you are deep in thought or have something on your mind, he noticed, your fingers immediately moving to either brush against them or gently pick at them.
When he had asked you about it out of mere curiosity, you had looked a tad embarrassed about getting caught; it seems that you had been doing that for as long as you can remember and it's a habit you have tried to get rid of for the longest time yet never found yourself able to.
And since then, he had found himself unable not to notice it.
Be it when you are over at his place and you two are hanging out or when you guys are outside and he is tagging along visiting one of the many places you want to show him; every time your mind starts to wander, so does your hand, and he has found himself taking notice of it way too often for it to be normal anymore.
But it wouldn't surprise him. For the longest time, he has felt like there was something lingering in the air when he's with you that he can't speak about — something, that would change whatever this thing between you two is in an instant, in either direction depending on your answer.
Because the things is, Sylus has been harboring feelings for you since the moment he has met you; finds himself thinking about you whenever you don't contact him for a while and enjoys your company like no one has ever made him feel before. You two have gotten to be fast friends after all; at least, that's what he assumes you must be thinking about him, because otherwise you wouldn't make your way into the dangerous N109 zone as often as you do.
"Careful," he mutters, nudging you and gesturing at your hands as you had started biting down on your fingers once more — deep in thought, "You are doing it again"
"Oh-" you gasp, crossing your arms in front of your chest as an attempt to keep your hands busy, chuckling with a flustered expression adorning your face, "Thank you for the reminder, Sy"
"No problem," he puts his arm up on the couch rest, propping his chin on his hand, a small grin on his lips as you always know him to do, "So? What's got you thinking about so hard?"
You remain quiet, staring down at your hands for a second and Sylus suddenly realizes that the movie you had put on to watch together with him, you hadn't been watching the whole time at all. Your phone resting on your lap would probably explain why.
Because the thing is, that despite you two being this close and the fact that he has taken an unspoken liking to you, Sylus knows that you don't reciprocate the same feelings at all. There have been countless of times he had thought about surprising you with an unannounced visit, only to realize that you are spending your days off with someone else already; someone by the name of Xavier — a highly skilled deepspace hunter you work with who also happens to live in the very same building with you.
Sylus is not the type to pry, but as someone who has his eyes almost everywhere if only he ever wishes to, he has seen it all already: the way your gaze softens around him and the way your eyes are already smiling before your lips do; it's clear as day to him that it's Xavier who you must like. And so it doesn't really matter how you perceive him, as long as he knows that those feelings won't ever come close to what you may feel for that white haired boy.
"I was wondering.. if you are free next weekend?"
"Hm?" You finally match his eyes yet all Sylus' crimson gaze can see is the way you are nervously biting down on your bottom lip, "..next weekend?"
"Y-yes! I wanted to, uh, buy something and I was wondering if you could offer me some of your expertise-"
"My expertise? To what do I owe this honor?" he chuckles and watches how a guilty expression starts forming on your face as you break into a quiet fluster, "As far as I know, every time you've had a question about weapons or rare protocores you wouldn't be this shy about it"
"..It's about neither," you mutter, shaking your head, "actually, there is this gift I want to buy for someone, but I c-can't just ask them about it directly, so I figured…- I figured, I could ask you to, uh, stand in for them! …soIcanseehowitlooks"
You chuckle, obviously embarrassed about your sudden request, and Sylus can tell by the way your hands start nervously fidgeting with the hem of your shirt that it must have taken you some courage to bring it up to him. And that, in turn, makes him wonder what it is about that Xavier that has gotten you so worked up to ask Sylus for help.
Because that's the only logical explanation for this, isn't it? A gift for Xavier, that's all this is.
And he's going to help you choosing it.
"Sounds good. What day and time?" Sylus wonders if you can hear it in his voice: something foreign and cold in his tone that he can't help but protrude given the information he had just managed to gather from that simple request you've made alone.
To his surprise, you don't.
"R-Really..! Yay! Thank you, Sy!" your eyes are beaming, the uneasiness fading from your shoulders, "I'll text you the details when I'm home later then! Oh, I'm so glad you said yes-"
And as if nothing had happened, you finally redirect your gaze back to the TV screen, noticing to your dismay and utter disappointment that the movie is over already and that in all the worry of asking him you had managed to miss all of it.
Considering this is supposed to be a simple shopping trip where he is going to aid you in picking out a gift for someone he has never even met in person before, you look quite dressed up for some reason; hair and make-up done in a way he knows you usually only do for larger, more important occasions.
Are you meeting him later today? And are you going to hand him that gift that another man has picked out for him?
It's quite ridiculous, really. Since that day, Sylus has found himself feeling strangely on edge every time he thinks about your upcoming appointment together, especially if he recalls how nervous you had looked. He always deemed himself to be quite cool-headed when it comes to his emotions no matter the situation, but ever since he has known you and you two have gotten this close, he slowly finds himself becoming more and more pitiable as the days go by.
"What do you think? This color..? or this one instead?"
Muttering to yourself, you hold up different shades of the same sweater in front of him, eyebrows furrowed in deep concentration as you take a look between him and the cardigan you are holding up.
"I think both look fine." he responds curtly, chuckling when you respond with a glare — those eyes are clearly saying: 'you can't say that! How am I supposed to choose from them then!', "But personally I'd say this one would look great for everyday wear whereas this one tends to clash depending on the color"
Your eyes light up excitedly, and you nod with a hum, putting in inside the cart with a few other pieces you have been considering since you've started looking around, "Yes, I agree! It would look great with light hair, don't you think so?"
"Oh, so that's why you brought me along?"
Your hands freeze in the air as you turn your head to meet his gaze, pupils blown wide in shock, "P-pardon? What do you mean?"
So that confirms it.
Sylus lets out a breath he didn't realize he has been holding this whole time before shaking his head, silently admitting how strangely confrontational he may have sounded just now, "It's nothing, don't mind me. Anything else that you want to take a look at?"
Usually, knowing you, there would be some loud protest coming his way about now; you're not the type who lets him get away with his grumblings, especially when it's but a feigned 'it's nothing' which is something you have repeatedly reminded him: "is not nothing at all!" — a constant reminder for him how close you have gotten over time that you understand even his quiet gestures and curt replies.
But this time, you don't pry further.
"Thank you for coming along today, Sy" you look over at him and smile, but there is unease he can read in your eyes even if you aren't constantly facing him, "you were a great help to me"
"I'm glad" is all he manages to say, focusing his eyes back on the road again, something inside of his chest itching to say more, but he feels like he's just about to make another rude remark that will finally blow his cover and have all those words left unsaid break free.
There is an uncomfortable silence as he continues driving, making his way through familiar streets that will eventually end up at your home and the very place he knows someone else lives in who you are most likely going to meet tonight. Something about that leaves him irritated, his eyebrows furrowing.
"Is… is everything alright?"
He takes a quick glance over to you and notices your worried gaze. For a moment, the frustration welling up inside of him seemingly dissipates, "Hm?"
"Are you alright? You seem... tense"
"Do I?" he chuckles, propping his arm up on the window as he rests his face on his hand, hoping to cover the little bit of irritation you may be able to spot on his face, "You must be imagining things. It's nothing-"
You huff, crossing your arms in front of your chest, "Sylus, I'm being serious here-"
"Well? I am too."
"W-what's with you today? I've tried not to take notice of it, but you've been acting so unlike yourself the whole time!"
The car comes to a halt in front of your apartment complex. It's dark already, barely any light shining down on the car, and maybe that's good, because he's unsure what kind of expression he might be wearing right now.
"Oh really? Tell me then, would you be happy to choose a gift the person you like is going to give another man?"
Now that leaves you speechless.
But at the same time that also means that Sylus has just made the horrible mistake of telling you what has been lingering inside his heart this whole time.
He has been ready to take this secret to his grave before this. Since the day he has realized that your eyes shine for another person, he's made it clear to himself to never let you know, no matter what it takes. He would never want to burden you with the weight of his feelings; doesn't want to make you uncomfortable being around him — not now, when you have gotten to be a trivial part of his daily routine.
Had he known he was going to confess, he would've chosen another day but this one.
"You- WHAT??!"
..well, that was not the reaction he was expecting.
"W-what do you mean 'another man'? Who are you talking about?" you look absolutely mortified, eyes widened in shock, your whole body turned to look at him, "and what do you mean 'person you like'? Sylus… do you like me?"
"…please just forget about it. I know there's someone else you like, so you can just pretend to-"
"I like you, Sylus"
He lets out a huff, shaking his head, "Don't lie to appease me-"
"I.. I asked you to meet me today, because I wanted to get a gift for you, Sylus. You already have everything, so I was afraid of choosing something you might not like and I thought-" you sigh, biting down at your lip before you muster up the right words to continue speaking, "I thought I could have you come along. All the clothes we bought today.. they are for you"
"What-"
Your lips feel soft; they are everything and more of what he always imagined them to be since the moment he has discovered that habit of yours. His hand moves to cup your face, his thumb gently brushing your cheek as he deepens the kiss and wishes for this moment not to end. Now that he has gotten a taste of you, he's unsure he would be able to let go of you, ever.
Your tongue moves first, gently offering him more access and Sylus answers without any hesitation, responding with everything that has been building up inside of him today.
When he finally leans away, lips still parted, eyes half-lidded, he can't help but smile, watching the way your eyes are looking at him: now, this is what you truly look like when you are in love, he notices.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this" he whispers, tugging a strand of hair behind your ear, feeling the warmth of your face in his grasp.
Thank you for opening up some drabble requests! I love your writing
When can I see you again? - Sylus pre-relation ship?
Thank youuuu!
Stay - Sylus X MC
After a night of endless fervor together, Sylus can't help but wish not to let you go.
─ .✦ pre-relationship, One night stand AU, mentions of sex
─ .✦ word count: 2.2k
꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ for @whimsysylvieee - Thank you for the request!
I hope you enjoy reading <3
It's early still when Sylus stirs in his sleep and wakes up to an unfamiliar sight in front of him. There's light that is slowly making its way inside into this room that he doesn't recognize; curtains that would've made sure that nothing may step inside, hastily pulled together mere hours ago, making way for signs of an early morning to find place inside this bedroom.
This is not his usual time to wake up. Usually, Sylus is the type to wake up a lot later in the day when meetings and work tend to take place and the city starts bustling with people who are waiting to do business.
But today, it's a bit different.
Today, he wakes up with an additional warmth resting next to him, an unfamiliar head of hair peeking out from underneath the duvet which bring back blurry memories of the night prior and remind him of the kind of words he had uttered then, that are so very unlike him.
Truth be told, Sylus is not the type to 'hook up'.
He likes to spend his nights by himself in the comfort of his own home with a glass of expensive wine and his favorite vinyl playing. And on the off-chance that he happens to feel up for it, he'll take his bike for a ride and enjoy the breeze of the night or visit a nearby auction to find a decent addition which he can bring into his collection.
Whether it was fate or a gut feeling that led him there, Sylus somehow found himself in a small inconspicuous bar in downtown Linkon that night, sipping on a glass of Gin and Tonic when his eyes took in the sight of you from across the room who has been quietly downing shots of Tequila. And maybe it was the alcohol talking, or the way you had waved him over with the brightest smile he had ever seen before, but next thing he knew, you had him wrapped around your finger like it meant nothing and he had been drawn to your every word as it made its way past your pretty lips.
Sylus doesn't think much about the strangers he meets, especially if they are but a passing face in his rather busy life where secrets are a norm and trust has to be build over time. But there is something about your eyes; something he feels like he can't explain without sounding like an absolute mad man who has fallen in love with someone at first sight. That would be so unlike him —so precarious of him— to let these feelings inside of his chest bloom when he hasn't said as much as a hello.
Yet he still found himself drawn to that smile and the way those eyes were beaming at him; an urge inside of him wishing to stay with you even for just a second longer. And so, without even thinking about it twice, he had asked you if you'd wanted to grab another drink together, and to his surprise you had agreed eagerly.
Instead of getting you another alcoholic drink however, Sylus helped you sober up from those horrible shots of Tequila instead; a careless decision made on your part because you wanted to take the edge off from a stressful work week. You two got to talking —mostly about you of course, but you still felt like you were getting to know him— and by the end of the night you had asked him if he'd like to come over to your place.
Clothes were haphazardly tossed onto the ground, heated gasps filling the dimly lit corridor as hands roamed unknown bodies and searched for an answer to that overwhelming itch inside each other's chests.
Minutes turned into hours spent holding each other without a moment of rest, words of praise and affection gently whispered as you fell asleep in each other's arms like it was the most natural thing to do.
So now here he is, awake in the early hours of the morning in a room unknown to him, staring at that spot on this bed next to him that has you on it. He wonders what kind of conversation he is supposed to bring up now if you were to wake up; wonders if you are going to wear that same lovely fluster on your face as the one you had been prompting last night. There's a smile on his lips before he even knows it, something welling up inside of his chest that he can't quite explain yet, or maybe just doesn't want to speak out loud at all.
This whole situation feels so out of the ordinary for him, and maybe that's why a part of him feels uneasy about this and this whole ordeal that has him wondering whether or not this is just a fleeting moment about to crumble the moment he puts a name on it.
Sylus' eyes wander around the room and take in all of it; the flashy colors, the array of stuffed animals and the choice of furniture of someone he has only gotten to know for a night. Would getting up and looking for a bathroom to try to freshen up —now that the idea of sleeping in is no longer an option— be something he could consider without looking too strange?
Just as he thinking about trying to get up in an attempt to let you sleep for a little while more, there is some rustling happening underneath the sheets; a loud groan followed by a silent gasp as someone shifts underneath the blanket and realizes what type of situation they have found themselves to be in.
It seems he isn't the only one unfamiliar with this situation.
"Good morning" he says out loud, his voice still raspy and rough from sleep. A pair of anxious-looking eyes peek out from underneath the covers and almost flinch when they meet his, drawing a little chuckle out of him.
"..G-Good morning" you whisper nervously, pulling the duvet a little bit higher as if he hadn't seen all of you the night prior already, "what time is it?"
Sylus sits up and takes a quick glance at his phone, "Just a little after eight. Do you need to be somewhere today?"
"Huh?" you look a little bit taken aback, eyes unable to look right at him, but maybe it's the fact that he is shirtless and the reality of last night finally started kicking in bit by bit; the markings of nails across his back and the small bites along his neck weren't making it any easier either, "M-me? No, not really..! I was just wondering.. um, how long you were going to stay-"
"How about some coffee first then?" he suggests and there is a pang inside his chest he can't quite grasp yet, "I feel like we still have some things to discuss first, don't you think so too?"
Did you assume he would be gone without a word the moment you had woken up? Is this not the first time you've invited someone to stay the night?
..And why does knowing this make him feel more uneasy than not?
There is that fluster again; that beautiful flustered expression that he had been looking forward to seeing again the moment he had woken up to you by his side. Sylus can't help but let a little smile slip that forms on his face as he continues to observe you gently. For a faint second, he sees some hesitation in your expression that slowly dims before you nod slowly.
"Y-yeah, sure. Coffee sounds nice," you reply, clearing your throat as you look down at yourself and the blanket you were clutching onto, "I would like to get dressed first though and freshen up a little bit if that is alright with you"
"Of course, take your time. Would you be alright if I take a look at the kitchen then?"
You hesitate once more, a worried expression taking over your lovely face, and so he adds, "or would you like for me to join you in the bath?", watching delightfully as you break into another wave of fluster.
"N-No, that would be alright!"
Sylus smirks, "..Are you sure?"
"Y-YES!"
And with that, you scutter out the door, still holding onto your blanket as it drags behind you on the floor and almost has you slip on it. He can't help but smile; have his mornings ever felt this.. rewarding before? There's something so refreshing about waking up like this, seeing you in that abashed state next to him and wondering what it would take for you to continue staying by his side.
He has only been with you for a night, but your name is all he can think about right now.
After taking a quick shower and changing into some proper clothes, you had been surprised to find Sylus leaned up against the kitchen counter, taking a look at the view outside your window curiously. He was already holding onto a mug of steaming coffee for himself when he noticed you stepping closer, an irresistible smirk already apparent on his face as he offers to make you a cup as well.
"I feel like that's what I should have been saying.." you mutter, flustered, "how come you seem more comfortable in my kitchen than me right now?"
He chuckles. His voice is deep and so smooth; the very same voice that had whispered gently into your ears as you two embraced each other last night, now comfortably asking you to come closer, his hand naturally finding its spot on your waist, "Indulge me then. How do you like your coffee?"
You like it with a little bit of milk he finds out.
There is an obvious question lingering in the air as you two start your morning together, sharing mugs with adorable patterns on it, enjoying each other's company without threading too close to an impending ending that is soon to come eventually.
Every time he heard his name coming out from your pretty lips, he felt himself smiling along. His eyes liked to observe you as you talk to him and the way you wear your every emotion on your face; it's so very different from his world, and makes him want to watch you for as long as he possibly can.
But time is fleeting, excuses to stay slowly running out and he has been getting bombarded with text messages from two very appalled fellows who are wondering where their beloved 'bossman' is. Which means that it's time for him to start thinking about getting back soon.
A pity.
You are quiet as you watch him step into his shoes and put his leather jacket on. It feels like this whole morning has been but a short-lived dream; something, you have never imagined yourself ever doing before yet somehow feel strangely familiar with. And it's all because of Sylus, you think. It's the way his very presence has made you feel safer than you've ever did before, every word coming out of his mouth making your heart flutter in a way you would never expect it to.
If there's something like soulmates out there, is this what it must feel like meeting one?
When you had woken up in the morning, realizing that you had indeed just brought a total stranger over to your place for what you can only describe as your first, yet (probably) most amazing one night stand ever, there was a part of you that questioned if that's all it was going to be between you two. You barely knew him after all. He had introduced himself, sure, but words can only go so far in one single night and feelings don't necessarily need to bloom just because you had slept together one time.
He had seemed so experienced in this, after all; made you feel like you were the only one he cared about with the way he was calling out your name and whispered gentle nothings into your ear. And your heart has been aching to know if what he said was truly real or if that's just something he does all the time.
"So, when can I see you again?"
"H-huh?" you look up from the spot your eyes had been glued onto and the moment you meet his crimson eyes, your ears can't help but start burning up again. It's that smirk of his; that relaxed expression on his face that seems to know so much more yet doesn't let a single emotion slip. "What do you mean?"
Sylus chuckles, stepping closer until he's right in front of you so his hands can cup your face gently, "and here I was thinking we had a good time. Do you want me to be gone that badly, sweetie?"
"I- No, that's not what I'm saying! I just.. I don't know what you-"
"I'm saying that I want to see you again. I want to get to know you better until I'm not a drunken decision made by you on a random Friday night but the person you are choosing to be with"
You open your mouth to retaliate, but Sylus is faster: he presses a short kiss on your forehead, his thumb gently brushing your cheek and next thing you know, he is gone, the only trace of him left, the prickling sensation on your face.
Congrats on milestone Rei 🫶🫶🫶!!!! Can I requessssst [LI of YOUR choice] + secret relationship 🫶!
@lowkeylaufeysons
An open secret - Xavier X MC
Five times, you have barely managed to hide your relationship with Xavier from the people around you, and the one time it didn't matter anymore.
─ .✦ established relationship, secret relationship, making out, Fluff
─ .✦ word count: 3.6k
꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ For @lowkeylaufeysons - Thank you for the request vii!
One: Wrong size
The first time it happens, people barely bat an eye at you, nor him.
It's a comment spoken into the room so lightly and naturally, nobody but Tara turns to you, looking a bit amused but not alarmed about it the slightest. At least, that's what you try to tell yourself with your heart almost beating out of your chest, hoping that nobody will follow up on it or make a comment that will have you react to it.
You were in the middle of a work meeting, discussing plans for the upcoming undercover mission Xavier and you were supposed to be a part of when he had silently pointed at the screen and mumbled a small correction about the information written down for the clothes you were meant to wear.
Five simple words that fill the room and manage to echo in your head as your stomach flips upside down a million times, over and over again.
"That's not the right size"
It's almost childish, really; how these simple words manage to have you lose your cool when you were supposed to be sitting in on a serious meeting. Kind of silly if you think about it, but it's these little moments that make you realize that you are head over heels for this man sitting right across from you who looks completely unfazed by the words he had just muttered under his breath.
Except that nobody but you two know. Nobody knows that Xavier and you have been dating for almost three years now as it has slowly turned into an open secret you two have been keeping for no reason whatsoever. It wasn't meant to be a secret, after all. Well, at the beginning maybe, but only because things developed so fast between you two that you had gotten a tiny bit worried if things could turn sour before you know it.
But it didn't, and you doubt it will ever with how perfect it has been. Xavier is caring and kind; always puts you and your feelings first no matter what, and you two have basically moved in together already with how often you stay at his place that sleeping at your own apartment feels like a solo-sleepover at this point.
So why didn't you just let them know later when things were a little bit more 'stable'?
It's just that the conversation never came up, alright? And it would seem weird to tell them now given by how much time has passed already, especially because nobody ever really asked you about it. At this rate, you aren't even sure what kind of reaction you would get: dating the famous Xavier who seems to leave people with more questions than answers no matter where he goes.
Just like how some people sitting in on this meeting must be thinking 'how does Xavier know that the size was wrong?' but nobody actually asks that question out loud. Especially given how absolutely unbothered Xavier looked mere seconds after saying something like that; it's probably because you two have worked together for so long already. Or maybe he had picked it up in all of the years of knowing you.
As warmth makes it way up your neck, you can't help but let your eyes wander to the familiar person sitting across from you. There's a glimmer in Xavier's blue eyes as they meet yours; something in his gaze, that looks proud and happy and for a moment you are sure you can see the little ray of light as it engulfs him, before it vanishes into nothing.
And so the meeting goes on as if nothing happened.
When you two get home later, Xavier listens intently as you tell him about how you felt. Yet instead of learning his lesson, he looks more enamored than before.
Two: background picture
There is something that has always bothered Tara.
It's not that she is the prying or overly noisy type. Curious? on the occasion, yes — but say, who isn't? It's not like being a little bit curious has ever caused any harm, right? Right.
She has known you for as long as you two have been hunters; you two go out for lunch dates or dinner at least twice a week and spend time at each other's apartments every other weekend to catch up on life if you feel up for it.
There's nothing Tara would say she doesn't know about you. Or well, at least that's what she thought before realizing a.. slightly weird 'habit' of yours.
In all the time you two have been friends, she has never once seen your phone's background picture — let alone, hold your phone in her hands. It's not that she ever explicitly wanted to, but there have been countless occasions where she would ask you to look something up for her on her phone because her hands are full. Yet it never happened the other way around.
Actually, now that she thinks about it, Tara is pretty sure you sometimes even turn your phone away when noticing she could take a look; it never bothered her, but it's indeed a little bit strange.
That is, until one day, she accidentally manages to catch a glimpse of your phone when walking up to you; a passing peek over your shoulder because you happened to arrive early to your regular lunch spot and didn't hear her coming.
It's a blurry picture she can't quite recognize, but from the momentary glance she got of it, Tara notices a person in a big white hoodie who she's sure isn't you.
Now, the first thought running through her mind is: who?
And a couple of seconds later, the second thought she can't quite put a reason behind is: why? Why doesn't she know it yet? With how private you are being about it, it's obviously the person you are seeing right now, but in all the years you two have been friends, not once have you mentioned it to her nor made it something that she should know even without you telling her directly.
Her mind is racing, trying to put two and two together, but you don't seem ready to have that conversation with her yet, so Tara would rather delay it to another time when you actually feel like it rather than try to force it out of you. That would be for the best, she thinks.
A couple of weeks later, Xavier arrives to work wearing a very familiar looking white hoodie, but in the stress of work and upcoming reports, Tara doesn't seem to notice nor make the right conclusion yet.
Three: Insect bite
It has been getting a lot warmer recently, and with the arrival of long, humid summer nights and increased temperatures in your (and Xavier's) apartment, so did the days of suffering start to increase that you have to endure battling annoying mosquito bites — or well, at least the aftermath of them.
"It's impossible, I swear-" you groan out loud, squeezing your arm repeatedly in an attempt to stop yourself from itching it, "how am I supposed to fight wanderers when my body feels like it's on fire all the time?"
"I've been putting on insect repellent every single morning but there always happens to be a bite on me when I check in the mirror" Tara whines in response, shuddering, "I'm even scared to wear short sleeves at home!"
"Right?" you sigh, patting at your skin lightly, "At least with the uniform I'm not tempted to itch it all the time, but it seems to not get better at all, I really can't take this-"
"..Would this help?" you two look up and to your surprise (and delight) you take in the sight of Xavier standing in front of you; blue eyes, bright and curious, holding out two ice packs for both of you to take as he tilts his head in the typical Xavier-way, blinking softly while he observes quietly.
You press the cold compress against your shirt and let out a sigh of relief as the irritated skin underneath starts cooling down, and with it the urge to constantly itch it. There is a small smile forming on your lips you simply cannot hide; just last night you had complained to him about those stupid bites all over your arm and now here he was with some easy remedies at hand like he just happened to carry them around.
"You're a lifesaver!" Tara exclaims and you nod in agreement, trying hard not to let the loving excitement on your face show, "It feels so much better now!"
"I'm glad," Xavier hums as he casually rearranges the collar of his shirt, making Tara silently wonder how he's still capable of wearing two layers in this scorching heat and not break into a sweat at all. It's her momentary innocence that manages to draw a fluster out of you, because for a split second, you two spot a little pink mark just right underneath Xavier's nape that looks awfully similar to the same insect bites you two were just talking about.
"Oh, they got you too?"
Your face fills with warmth as you recall the actual reason for that obvious red spot, flashing memories of nights prior spent at his place making their way into your head and the way he had gently asked you for a favor with that beautiful blush drawn across his face. It something you don't do usually; afraid they get in the way with his every day activities, but the way he had proudly looked at the little mark left by you in front of the mirror that night — the smile on his lips never fading until you two fell asleep — made you feel weirdly happy about it.
Xavier reaches his hand out to gently tap at his neck, and the moment he realizes the misunderstanding rooted in that simple question, you watch as his ears start picking up on color: a beautiful shade of pink that never fails to make your stomach twist and turn.
He's absolutely adorable when he gets all flustered like that.
"That's not..-" Xavier mutters, covering the mark with his hand as he turns away quickly, pulling up his collar as if it wasn't already too late yet, "I.. I'm heading out now"
And without waiting for a response from either of you, Xavier rushes off and is out of the door in just mere seconds, the only trace left of him being the now slightly lukewarm cold compress in your hand.
"What was that about..?" Tara mumbles, tilting her head in confusion.
Your face feels on fire, your heart beating faster than ever before; yeah, there's no way you can tell her.
Four: Body wash
Maybe he's just overthinking this, or maybe it's just a mere coincidence.
But the longer that thought exists in his head, the more he starts to take notice of it, wondering if he's the only one in this room who has noticed or if it's actually nothing serious to consider at all.
It's not like he can just straight up ask you about it; pretty sure that's some kind of HR complaint just waiting to happen if word goes out that a member of the data analysis team is questioning why two of the best hunters of the Alpha Team are coincidentally smelling the same way. And trying to ask Xavier about it sounds just like a death wish waiting to happen.
Yeah, the longer he thinks about it, the weirder it sounds.
But it's kind of.. intriguing, is it not?
What is the reason that Xavier, who always looks so nonchalant about work and barely lifts an eyebrow when given information about dangerous wanderers, smells like a mixture of vanilla and flowers, which is the very same scent that Nero distinctively remembers coming from you just a couple of weeks ago?
If memory serves him right, it had been in the middle of a chat with Tara and you when the topic of recently bought goods came up and you excitedly told both of them about how you struck a great deal at the department store recently and bought a set of floral body washes. And that exact same scent that he had barely picked up that day, and continues to get a whiff of when you pass by each other in the office sometimes, Nero is almost 100% sure he is getting from Xavier as well.
Now, there are a few things to consider here that his over-thinking brain has tried to put together when coming up with a possible solution for this discovery he has made without jumping the gun too early.
One of them being the fact that he knows you two are neighbors who frequently leave work together, so maybe you happened to have another bottle left that you gifted him from that set of yours. It's common knowledge in the association that you two are close partners, so maybe it's just a 'friends-thing' and it's nothing that someone like him should even worry about.
Or maybe, with very little probability, Xavier just happens to have the same bottle at his place and it's all just an accident and a simple misunderstanding - nothing more than that.
At least that's one of the few conclusions he had come up with without making it seem like he's prying too far. And if he happens to be wrong about it, it wouldn't be as embarrassing later on: what kind of co-worker just goes ahead and thinks about whether or not his colleagues are dating each other just because they smell the same?
That would be… ridiculous, right?
Five: Rings
"I never thought you would be the type to like wearing rings"
It's a passing comment made as you three were stood in line, but the sudden reminder of it — and the realization that you were indeed still wearing your ring instead of having it sit in your drawer like usual —, draws an immediate fluster to your face.
With all the attention now drawn to that beautiful silver band sitting on your finger, you feel your hands starting to sweat. Does it look like jewelry simply worn because it looks pretty? Or could Tara and Simone both immediately tell that this was definitely more than that?
You usually make sure to keep your ring at home, mostly because you are scared of it getting damaged during a mission one day, but there have been a couple of instances where you've caught Xavier pitifully looking at your bare fingers, looking for it, when he definitely knows how you'd rather have it be safely stored at home than get lost one day.
"H-huh? Oh yeah, I don't like wearing it to work usually," you explain as warmth surrounds your face and makes it almost impossible to keep a cool face, "Don't want it to get in the way when fighting wanderers, you know?"
"Oh, I get it! I've been keeping my bracelets in a drawer at the office because of how loud they are when I'm working.." Tara sighs, shaking her head, "But at least I can wear them today when I'm out with you two!"
The line starts picking up and you three go and order your food at the counter before sitting down at a nearby table where you chat about work, recent happenings at home and new hobbies you picked up in your free time. It's in the middle of having coffee over some delicious pastries when out of the corner of her eye, Tara spots a familiar head of white hair as it passes by and makes it way to the counter.
"Wait, isn't that Xavier over there?"
You just barely manage not to choke on your drink. Wasn't he supposed to be helping out at Jeremiah's flower shop today? You remember telling him about your plans with Simone and Tara last night and he had told you how he was going to be out until late as well, yet now here he is, acting like you aren't just sitting mere meters away from him.
Your eyes land on him and at the very same time, Xavier turns his head to stare right back, making you jump a little. He smiles at you, and your stomach can't help but do a little flip as you respond with a little wave and watch as he does the same.
"Can't believe we're seeing him out here" Simone thinks out loud, taking a sip of her coffee, "It's so unusual"
Tara hums, "I've never seen him grab coffee at work either. What a pleasant surprise!"
You nod quietly.
Your heart feels like it's about to beat out of your chest, your hands sweating for a whole different reason right now. Right there, on Xavier's hand, you can spot the very same ring which you are currently wearing. It's the very same silver band which he usually wears on a necklace during work and refuses to take off when you two are back at home, no matter what chore he is doing.
Hesitantly, you glance over at Tara and Simone, thinking that right now is probably the moment you have to come clean about it, but neither of them look like they have something to bring up right now.
And just mere minutes later, Xavier is out of the door, holding a bag of drinks that you assume he is going to bring back to the shop.
As you feel your heart calm down, a weird feeling of guilt overcomes you. It's not like you were doing anything 'wrong' by dating him, so why did you need to keep it a secret for this long?
Maybe it's time to come clean about it. Finally.
—
"Xavier-"
"The door is locked. Nobody is supposed to be coming this way for another hour or so, don't worry"
His voice is calm but something about his tone seems strained and rushed. Every touch of his as it brushes your face and neck feels hot on your skin, every kiss placed on your face making your stomach turn; Xavier's eyes are half-lidded, his cheeks blushing beautifully and you don't think telling him to stop would be an option right now.
Not that you'd want him to.
It's been too long after all; too long since you've last seen him and had him in front of you and all to yourself because he has been away on a mission that took way longer than it was supposed to.
And the moment he had stepped into your sight, his eyes were saying it all. They were looking at you with a gaze full of desire and longing; like nothing mattered to him anymore except to have you right back in his arms again.
It was the first mission in a long time that you have spent away from each other for such a long while and maybe it was the anxiety of not knowing how much longer he would be gone for or if he's fine and safe, but the moment your eyes met his, suddenly all that worry about people possibly finding out didn't matter anymore. Suddenly, all you wanted is for him to be by your side and not leave again.
Xavier had asked you to meet him in one of the empty meeting rooms afterwards where his lips immediately found their way to yours the moment you had stepped inside and just barely managed to close the door. His hands were holding onto your face as if they were holding his most precious treasure, his soft voice repeating over and over again how much he missed you and missed having you in his arms again.
Your stomach was fluttering with every kiss he pressed against your neck and every bite he left in places you weren't sure you could hide anymore. And as your fingers wrapped around his neck, gently brushing strands of hair of his along the back of his neck, every groan and sigh quietly coming out of his mouth felt like music to you, nails digging into your sides as if wanting to leave yet another mark.
"H-How much time left?" you ask, gasping for air as he nuzzles his face into your neck and his fingers slowly sneak up your shirt.
"Don't think about that," Xavier responds, eyes blown as he presses his body closer onto yours, "Just focus on me right now-"
A sharp knock startles you out of your temporary haze, your eyes immediately setting on the meeting room door that has been slightly opened for a voice to call out to you two.
"I'd rather not interrupt you two in the middle of your.. fervent reunion, but we are about to have a meeting in ten and Xavier is supposed to be reporting on his findings," Jenna explains, a fluster apparent in her voice, "We are delaying it for another fifteen minutes if needed, but please make haste and let me know whenever you are ready to start"
It takes another second after the door closes for you to finally realize what had just happened, your whole face on fire as you scramble to straighten out your clothes and look at Xavier, absolutely mortified.
"I thought you said the door was closed..!" you squeal, hitting him lightly on the shoulder.
"Well, I thought it was" he mumbles, ears glowing, "But I was going to make sure nobody would be able to see you anyways"
"That's not-"
Xavier grins, and there something about this smile that makes you think he might just have lied to you, "But we don't have to hide it anymore now, though, do we?"
A masked stranger, a dance under the night sky and a secret promise.
─ .✦ royaltyAU, strangers to more, falling in love at first sight
─ .✦ prompt: 'When can I see you again?'
─ .✦ word count: 2.9k
꒰ ✉︎ ꒱For @/blessdunrest / Emmy (small note below)
There's something in the air that makes it hard to breathe.
The mixture of a room slightly too stuffy perhaps, and the clammy humidity of a damp summer night; a night, you certainly would rather spend sat on a cold terrace, enjoying the light breeze as it flutters through your hair and nightgown, instead of being in the midst of a flashy ballroom with judging eyes watching your every move.
It's one of those summer nights again, spent in a dress slightly too big and glittery to ever feel like yourself in; your make-up thick and heavy to the point where smiling felt like a chore and all the effort that had been spent to make you look flawless can easily be reduced to an unfriendly gesture if you ever dare to make something akin to a wrong move.
You always need to remind yourself that it's not you they truly care about but your title; the lonely outcome of being the empire's only heir yet to marry which results in all these eyes solely focusing on you and what choices you are going to make tonight.
Is it the son of the highly influential count who has been sending you mountains on mountains of jewelry and dresses that you have yet to ever debut to a ball? or is it the prince of another empire who you are rumored to be sending letters to on a monthly basis?
Or maybe it's one of their lucky sons who have been trying to pursue you the moment you've entered society; waiting for a fairytale-like ending as the royal heir falls in love at first sight with someone they have never even had a proper conversation with. Oh, what a dream that would be.
But their watchful eyes and deceptive smiles have grown exhausting to you. It's getting harder and harder to pretend that you are remotely enjoying the way they look at you like you are some price to be acquired, like a mountain that needs to be conquered to get to the top. And why is it that your own feelings are completely ignored in all of this?
If only the people knew that the ever so prestigious count sends you dresses in every size because he never cared to ask you which one would fit right, or the charming prince that is sending you all these letters only ever writes about how excited he is to be able to sit on your family's throne one day?
If only they knew that you are simply looking for someone who will ask you what you truly prefer; who will look you in the eyes as they speak rather than stare right through you and who is willing to take their time with you now rather than look forward to the future and its prosperity.
A 'hopeless romantic' is what your parents have condemned you to be, your older siblings snickering at your childish naivety, but is it truly that wrong to simply wish to be appreciated and loved for who you truly are?
A small sigh covered by the back of your hand as you pretend to fix a strand of hair; your mother always told you that it would be unbecoming for a member of the royal family to make noises and sounds this 'vulgar' and so you have been taught since young how to act like a 'proper lady' with little explanation on what that actually means.
How often you have actually managed to get away with sighs and yawns, annoyed mumblings and snickers hidden behind fans or perfectly timed head turns, you don't really know; it would probably take one strictly raised noble to know one.
"I'll be getting some fresh air on the balcony," you tell your maid, gesturing to the glass door in the far-off corner that is usually unoccupied at this time, "Make sure nobody is allowed to enter while I'm there"
"But your highness, the main dance for the night is just about to begin! Don't you want to join and see-"
"I'm sure you know that me agreeing to dance with someone tonight would only lead to more unwarranted rumors that my mother wouldn't approve of if she heard" you respond coldly, recalling how often she had taught you the importance of your first 'official' dance partner, "I'd rather cool off outside for a while"
"C-certainly, your highness! I'll go and fetch your coat then!"
"No need, I'll be fine without"
She looks at you — slightly worried still — but it only takes a smile from you for her to relax and let you go on. It's your close maids in particular who know just how badly you wish to be able to participate in the ball one day; endless lessons taken since you were young with no proper partner to practice with who isn't just a member of your family.
There are eyes latched onto your back as you walk, questioning if you are going to accept an invitation to dance tonight just as the music changes to accompany a slow waltz. But your eyes are focused on the stained window in the back and how you can't wait to get away from the uncomfortable crowd, wishing for time to pass quicker with every second that goes by-
"Excuse me, your highness," an unfamiliar voice calls out to you and you turn to face a man whose family name you remember from one of the many history lessons you were taught as a child, "I see you are walking around empty handed. Would you do me the honor of accepting this drink from me?"
"Thank you" your smile feels tense but it's good enough to pass. The young marquess hands you a glass of red wine with a grin and holds up his own to initiate a silent toast, "I heard that red wine is your favorite" he adds with a faint wink and a little chuckle, "so I asked them to get me the best one they have"
Your smile grows strained as you attempt to respond with some form of sincerity before excusing yourself to the balcony, the glass of red wine in your hand trembling a tiny bit with every step you take away from him.
"…my favorite, huh?"
With a little snicker, you lean your back against the cold stone railing, turning the glass in your hand as it reflects the moonlight above you — a bright hue that contrasts the warmly lit ballroom you finally managed to escape from, "What's the use of only offering me wine when I haven't been able to get a taste of the food yet?"
The cold breeze feels nice on your skin as it picks up your hair and lets it dance with the wind. A shiver runs down your back, goosebumps forming along your bare arms, but you would rather take this momentary discomfort rather than live in the role of the perfect heir for any second longer.
Your eyes fall on the drink in your hand as you recall that tasteless comment over and over again. "I don't even like red wine", you mutter as you slowly tip the glass towards the small bed of flowers in front of you and watch as the red liquid makes contact with the blooming petals; once gorgeous roses withering underneath your touch as they try to grasp for air, yet fail.
"..to think that the princess rumored to be spending all her free time in the botanical garden is out here spilling wine over them," you turn around with a small gasp, taking in the sight of a masked man as he walks up and halts just mere steps from you — raven hair shining under the moonlit night, "Should I say that I'm surprised? Perhaps, perplexed would be the better word right now-"
Even without seeing him properly, you can see the faint, amused smile on his lips and you can't help the little scowl that makes it past yours lips; something quite suspicious about the man you can't put a name on who decided to interrupt you like this, "I thought I said I wanted to be left alone out here. How did you make it past my maid?"
"Would it surprise you if I answer that I have been here before you even arrived?" he gestures to the corner behind him where you can spot a plate filled with little pastries sitting on the edge of the balustrade. What an odd sight, you think; this is the first time you have seen a plate this full, especially on one of the most important nights of the social season where people tend to be busy conversing instead.
"Is that.. all yours?" you ask, trying to hide the bewilderment in your voice when you notice just how many cakes he had managed to stack on top of each other, "..I've always wondered who'd be eating all those exquisite treats , but to actually see the culprit in person-"
"Culprit? I-I'm just enjoying what is offered to me-"
Something about the way he turns all flustered manages to fill your heart in a way you haven't felt in a long time. Is this what having actual conversations feel like when you don't have to pretend to be someone you actually aren't? When you don't have to thread on a thin line and be sure of every single word that makes its way past your lips?
"I'm unsure how much I'm supposed to trust a stranger who appeared in front of me wearing a mask rather than tell me who they truly are" you remark, crossing your arms in front of your chest as you take a proper look at him, "so for now 'culprit' is all I can call you"
He sighs, defeated, but doesn't make any move to unmask himself, "I apologize," he mutters, lowering his head in atonement, "I'm afraid I can't let you know right now, your highness"
"Then tell me a name I can call you by."
"Zayne" It's faint, but the glimmer in his eyes is visible even with the mask covering half of his face; a flash of green that reminds you of spring and your favorite view from up the window of your bedroom: so radiant and dazzling as they stare right at you with a look of curiosity and honesty. It feels so much different from the same eyes that feel like they are trying to eat you up alive.
With the way he is dressed and presenting himself in front of you, you can clearly tell he must be of a high rank, but since Zayne decided not to reveal his family name to you, it's obvious he doesn't want you to know. Suspicious, for sure.
But what is it about him that drives you to want to continue this conversation rather than search for another place to find solace in?
"Zayne" you repeat and smile when he nods in approval — so innocent and honest, "So, what are you doing out here instead of looking for a partner to dance with?"
He hesitates for a moment, his larger frame seemingly shrinking with every second he doesn't answer your question and revels in your curious gaze. Then, after what feels like an uncomfortably long period of silence, he clears his throat and answers quietly: "..I'm not that fond of dancing"
"Oh?" His ears are a hue of red, and you can't help but notice how his whole body has started to tense up, "Is that so? Or is it, that you simply aren't able to?"
It's so obvious that you've caught his lie; so refreshing to see that despite the mask making sure to hide a part of him, you can clearly spot the embarrassment written across his face. Does he know how bad of a liar he is? Or is it all just a well-practiced act?
"Truth is, I haven't had many opportunities to dance yet. I don't usually attend banquets like these, so I'd rather stand by the side or savor the refreshments in- …are you laughing at me, your highness?"
You promptly cover your mouth with your hands, but with how much you have already shown him tonight, it doesn't really matter anymore. And for some reason you don't think you even have to, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
You look up, expecting any kind of scorn or resentment over your rude gesture, yet he's simply smiling at you, "It's fine, you are right after all. What kind of noble am I when I'm unable to dance at a ball I'm supposed to be attending?"
"..Would you like to practice then?"
There is warmth forming on your face that doesn't quite cool down even with the breeze of the cold night surrounding you and him. You can't really explain what exactly had overcome you to make a suggestion like that, but there is this feeling in your stomach that has been telling you the moment he had stepped into your sight and revealed himself in the glimmering moonlight that you shouldn't let this moment go just yet.
"…sure, if you'd have me."
The music is faint as it plays from inside, so every step you take, every hitch of breath that makes it past your lips and every squeak of shoes as you move can be heard as you guide him to his next step, gentle words exchanged as you sway in the dark.
It feels different than from all those times you have practiced before.
Maybe it's his inexperience and hesitation, or the fact that his hands feel even colder than the air outside. Or maybe it's the way your heart seems to be beating faster than usual, your stomach fluttering each time he squeezes your hand and asks you if he did it right.
Zayne learns fast; faster than you can teach him even, to the point where you are sure he must have had been taught once in the past before. He observes you closely, carefully starts taking the lead once he feels comfortable doing so and bit by bit, the tension on his shoulder dissipates and you two move to the orchestra with such ease, you can't help but tell him that he must have lied to you minutes ago.
"You flatter me, your highness" he mumbles and you can clearly hear the fluster in his words, "it's because you teach me so well"
You respond with a laugh — loud, not hidden behind any gesture and most of all: you.
Zayne looks a little bit taken aback for a moment, almost tripping over his feet as his eyes feel like they are glued to you and the mesmerizing sound that had just escaped your lips; he can't help but think that he would love to hear it again.
"Your highness, I-"
"Your highness, your mother is starting to look for you, I think it's time to head ba-" your maid lets out a tiny yelp in surprise the moment she sets her eyes on the two of you, rushing to your side to pull you away without listening to any explanation first, "w-who is this, your highness?"
Rendered speechless (and because you truly don't have a proper answer to give her since he merely introduced himself with his first name to you), you find yourself unable to respond, prompting your maid to gently pull you towards her, closer to the glass door, "I think it's time to leave now, your highness" she states, slightly wary still. Her hands are trembling a little bit as she holds onto you and tries to guide you away, but there is something in your chest that is squeezing tightly and telling you to stay; that you want to stay by his side for a bit longer.
You know that if you tell her to let you go, your maid wouldn't be able to hold you back, but the thought that your mother or another servant might catch a glimpse of this unusual sight — or worse, find out you have been spending time alone with a man on the terrace without a maid standing by — is enough for you to let yourself be led away, the once warm feeling dimming slowly as you prepare your heart for the inevitable again.
But before you finally leave, something inside your chest pulling you back and urging for you to say something, anything, you turn around once more, taking in the sight of him who is still stuck standing there, waiting for you to say something.
"…When can I see you again?" you ask quietly, your maid having disappeared behind the glass door already, patiently waiting for you to follow.
Zayne smiles.
A smile that engraves itself into your mind to keep you occupied much later, with so much warmth and longing instilled in it, that you can't help but return the smile without a second thought. His ears are slightly pink when he responds, his voice rough but oh-so clear: "I'm not here to make empty promises, your highness, but by the time you've thought of me and this moment we spent together once again and I've managed to make your heart flutter, I'll be there before you even know it."
And as you take the step into insufferable warmth and overwhelming pressure again, surround yourself in the company of rumors and dreadful gossip once more, all you can think about are those beautiful green eyes, that velvety and calm voice and those fateful words quietly whispered to you into the night that in due time will cause a major stir in the once calm life you have lived so far.
It started with the arrival of Duke Li.
NOTE:
Thank you for making the request, Emmy! 🫂♡
I've just returned and realized that you aren't on here anymore, and I apologize for how long it took me to finish this piece that you didn't get to see it in time. You have been one of the nicest people I have met on here, and to say I miss the comments/tags you would leave on my fics would surely be an understatement and I regret not appreciating them enough when I had the chance to.
I hope you are doing well wherever you are now and I'll always be grateful for the love you have brought into this community ♡
- Rei
"You won't believe the day I—Zayne, are you alright?"
You hurriedly close the front door and fast walk over to your boyfriend splayed out on the couch, his eyes squeezed shut and hands clutching at his stomach.
"Not in the slightest," he groans out in despair before slapping a hand over his mouth. But your concerned expression quickly shifts into one of disbelief when you spot the empty bakery box next to him and chocolate ganache still staining his fingers.
"Holy shit! Did you eat all those macarons?!"
The man only groans again.
"But I hid them in the back of the pantry! They were supposed to be a surprise!"
He shoots you a withered look of apology before narrowing his eyes when you stifle back a laugh.
"Aha—ahem—poor Zaynie-Waynie has a tummy achie from stuffing his face, huh?" Your baby talk earns you an icy glare that is as short lived as the macarons Zayne had discovered merely fifteen minutes earlier that were strategically hidden behind a can of carrots.
Your grin only grows wider when he turns his head up at the ceiling, another wave of nausea evidently hitting him from the sugar overload. But like the equally sweet and caring girlfriend you are, you reach into your crossbody still strung across you and hand him a couple of Pepto-Bismol tablets you've learned to keep on hand for exact scenarios like this.
"Thanks," Zayne mumbles as you sit down next to him and wipe off a stripe of chocolate spread smeared on his chin.
"Mmm, I really outdid myself!" you chirp when you lick the dessert filling off your thumb, eyes gleaming mischievously when Zayne sluggishly nods his head in agreement.
"You certainly did."
ginny's note: ty to the amazing @smeetywerben for giving me this idea! i think it turned out cute 😋 @uzmacchiato for the divider
