The room is dim, lit only by the thin amber line of a desk lamp. Paper sleeps where it fell. The world outside has paused its teeth.
Pogranichnik notices the moment her breathing changes—when work finally loosens its grip and sleep takes her by surprise. Her head tilts, just slightly, chin dipping toward her collarbone. He doesn’t move right away. He waits. Always waits. As if rushing might fracture something fragile.
Then—
one step closer.
The coat comes off his shoulders without a sound. Heavy fabric, folded once in his hands, then laid over her with care. He adjusts it millimeter by millimeter, making sure it doesn’t slip, making sure the warmth stays where it should. His knuckles brush her sleeve by accident.
He freezes.
She doesn’t stir.
Only then does he let himself exhale.
A strand of hair has fallen into her face, dark against her cheek. It wasn’t there before. He hesitates—this is unnecessary, he tells himself. There are rules for battlefields. None for this.
Still… his fingers lift.
He doesn’t tuck it back right away. He lets it slide once, slowly, between gloved fingers, feeling its softness through fabric meant for steel and frost. The touch is barely there. More permission than contact.
His gaze lingers. Not sharp. Not assessing. Just… staying.
Someone opens the door. He furrows his brow.
“Keep quiet.”
The word lands flat and cold, a blade laid on stone.
“Someone is resting.”
The door closes again. The noise retreats. Order restored.
When he turns back, his expression changes—not dramatically, not visibly, but enough that the air softens around him. He crouches beside her chair, lowering himself so they’re level. His glove comes off. Bare fingers this time.
He brushes her cheek. Once. Light as snowfall. As if checking whether she’s real, or something the night invented to test his restraint.
“You’re exhausted,” he murmurs—to no one, or maybe to himself.
His thumb stills at the corner of her jaw, then withdraws. He doesn’t take more than that. He never does.
“Rest assured,” he says quietly, voice worn smooth by promise.
“We have a battlefield up ahead.”
He straightens. Puts the glove back on. Returns to stillness.
From this point on, nothing reaches her unless it goes through him first.
❥︎ not proof-read; gender-neutral reader; fluff; reader is the doctor; yearning; established relationship; logos returns from a long mission; possible errors and ooc; we adore our beloved Banshee Prince/Lord here; domestic bliss; short fic; some fine dessert after writing some spice; references to penelope and odysseus; comfortt; logos is a gentleman; writing this made me feel sleepy too while imagining logos as a sweet lover (*´ω｀*) gosh— I can only dream.
ᴇxᴛʀᴀ ɴᴏᴛᴇs: hii, nonnie! I apologize for taking a bit to complete your request (*´ω｀*) but I sure do hope it's worth the wait! I hope you like it! And fr, I relate. I'm none the wiser— acck I miss him too, none could resist fawning over this pretty man ♡
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
If Autumn is the season of drought, then why has it deprived you of much needed rest and spiraled your heartbeat in circles like leaves spewn around the ground by the blows of wind?
Day after day, the paperworks that remained on your desk seemed endless. Your eyes would squint and twitch in the face of light, and not even your own bed felt so welcoming like before. It lacked the kind of comfort that your heart has come to beat for— the best pillow you've ever embraced in the form of a living being, whose mesmerizing crimson-painted eyes and smile soft as the clouds. Logos. Your beloved.
It's been days already, since you've started to be accustomed to slipping beneath the covers of bed, your arms reaching into air as you try to drift off to slumber, imagining his smile that would greet you a good night. He was your rest, in a world that moved so fast with the currents. It's in him that you find solace in the piled up autumn leaves in the form of paperwork on your desk. Not even poetry could properly phrase how strongly you felt for this man— one that you've only realized your heart would yearn for, so greatly, when he had gone off to a mission for his duties. Such is the life of an Elite Operator as he.
To ensure that you won't be so lonely during his brief departure, Logos did promise to write to you whenever he can. The location he went off to is in a remote area, thus, you can't easily switch him up for a call the entire time. Unfortunate. But, the letters he sends do still send your heart beating fast as light, not enough for a heart attack— but if you could pass from a Banshee's endearing affections, you would've already.
He would update you of his situation, his routine, his thoughts of you and how his mind would trail off idly when you would reappear in his thoughts. Logos yearns for you, as much as he does with you. Every letter he sends has been inscribed with layers upon layers of incantations, which were imbued with spells meant to slip calmness through the tips of your fingers, flow through your veins, moving ever so flowly in rhythm with the pulses that vibrated off from your vital points, and right into your heart.
He can't be there to set his hands down on your shoulders for massaging motions, or press chaste kisses against your skin, narrate stories until you fall asleep to the sound of his voice... Ah, oh, dear. You really miss him.
The mission felt so dragged out longer than you thought. You did trust the heavens that your Banshee Prince would come and return to your side, soon. And then, you'd be able to bask in his warm affections as if you were basking beneath the sun's rays as much as you like. That was always his promise, whenever he returned from his missions. You two are no wedded couple just yet, but acted like it, sometimes.
In times like these, you felt as if you two were akin to those lovers you've read off a book that you've borrowed from his shelves. Torn by war and circumstances, but the man does return even though it had taken him a long pilgrimage just to return to his wife's side.
Fatigue clouded your eyes as you returned to your quarters late into the night, hand clutching onto the new letter that you have received from your beloved. You always save them for comfort readings into the night before bed so that it may at least give your heart solace in his absence.
After cleaning up and adorning yourself in your sleeping clothes, you slipped your figure into the blankets, lifting it up and covering the other half of your body, getting settled into the welcoming yet cold sheets before you then reached for the envelope that lay on your bedside table. Your hands carefully traced the edges of the envelope, tracing your fingers along the invisible yet airy incantations that he has imbued within them as usual.
Your eyes felt slightly droopy, as if it had effectively cast a long-drawn out spell that'll take effect with every word that your eyes would take in.
'My beloved.' The letter would start out. 'Sunshine has finally slipped through the foggy clouds. These lands had witnessed the absence of the morning light, and now, it shall return to them.' it continued, as you rolled to your side.
'With each ray of sunlight that my fingers could feel, the closer I feel to returning to the embrace of my own sun— you.' you smiled. He never truly wavers into expressing his love for you. You continued to read through it, letting the ebbs and flows of ink bleed into your mind, your heart slowly stilling. Each time you read his letters, you felt as if you were hearing his voice narrate the words inside the letters, right inside your head.
Even in just simple papers, a thin singular sheet that contained texts— with Logos as the sender, you still felt as if you're being swept away into another world, the same way you'd feel when reading books. He just had that special charm about him.
'.... By the next dawn, may you expect me by your side at last. We'll have all the time in the world together again, by then.' his letter signs off, and your eyes drooped close, as if by gentle commandments of the incantations that he has cast onto the letter, like a child lulled to slumber. Your hands wavered slightly and slowly, the one holding the letter tighter slipped it off of the other's grip, and swayed off to the other side.
The letter that was once so neatly kept, now was formed with slight creases and light folds as you slip into the land of dreams of his making, from a distance.
....
Meanwhile, on Logos's end, he had boarded the transportation for return to Rhodes Island now that his mission has concluded. The rest of his team slumbered, whereas he stayed in his own space, lightly humming the hours away. Just a little more, and he'll be back in your arms. He could barely sleep not when the thought of reuniting with you has filled his heart as a whole.
Resting by your side feels a lot more hits him a lot more different. His heart that feels so restless will only ever find peace once he's next to you, and may submerge into the depths of dreamland a lot more better. Logos knew that you had long days, in his absence. You felt miserable by your desk, and he could only heave a sigh as he imagined the look of dread on your face as you poured over piles of documents. He only could wonder too about how well your present assistant is faring in helping you out with them.
The sun has already risen over the horizon by the time he has reached Rhodes Island. Logos steps out, his coat bellowing alongside the wind, followed by a row of operators that have come with him— yawning and stretching. They have a long rest ahead of them for a job well done. Now, all he needs to do, as the team leader, is to pass on his report that he's already done sitting all night and return to your side for rest.
Logos hopes that you're still at bed during this hour, so that he may at least catch a glimpse of your slumbering figure, so that his heart may at least be at rest to see you in such a state. His yearning controlled his steps, and in a rush, he walked all the way, passing through the early risers, after he had turned in his report, so that his yearning may finally have its end.
After a while of walking down the hallways, all the way to the dormitory, Logos makes his way into your room, brushed his fingers along the creases of his coat before darting his eyes over to the bed and a small smile appears on his lips. There you are. Looking so deep in slumber. His incantations worked wonders, indeed.
Making his way over to the side of the bed, Logos sits down, shifts his body and as he stares down at your face, he reaches a gloved hand out. Carefully, he places it over the crown of your head for a gentle pat.
"Doctor... I have returned."
Logos whispers softly, his words meant for your ears, even though you still have yet to stir awake from his motions. Slowly, he felt fatigue seeping down on his shoulders and he ended up shifting, careful not to startle you, and laid down on the bed beside you, barely minding the fact that he is still wholly dressed in work clothes. Cut him some slack— He's been yearning for this moment to gaze upon that lovely face of yours.
The same face that Logos adores waking up to, early in the morning. He continued his gentle ministrations over your head, brushing out your locks that formed into bed hairs, until you moved— stirring awake. You squinted your eyes open, and looked back with half-lidded eyes to a blinding light.
Logos's hand stilled, still watching you closely, up until you recollect your senses until he withdraws his hand away from you, tints of pink filled his cheeks. Right. He had touched you with no permission, while you're fast asleep, even though you were both lovers. He's a man in love, yet he can only remember his mother's words of being a gentleman echo in his ears.
"Logos?," he hears you call out softly to him as if to confirm that he was no illusion at your side. The curtains made brief low fluttering sounds as the wind made it sway upwards, letting the sunlight pour in. Logos leaned his head down further onto the pillow, and he smiled once more, as if having allowed himself to be deprived of the strength he once carried. He's stood for so long.
".... Yes, it's me, doctor. I have just returned."
The moment he finishes his answer, it was Logos's turn to be surprised when you nimbly reach out and wrap your own arms around him, overtaking his yearning. You leaned down your face over his shoulders, inhaling his scent, and you brushed your nose against the exposed skin of his neck. In return, he embraces you back, his yearning finally taking hold of him— you showed affection, and he shall do the same.
"I missed you," you whispered softly, as you felt his lips brush the top of your head as he held you close. "The days have been so long without you, Logos..." You continued. Seconds passed by until a sigh escaped his lips, as he felt his muscles relax further.
"Likewise... Doctor— no, dearest. There's not a day where I did not envision our reunion. But... I am here now, with you, once again. Fret not. I stayed true to my word about keeping safe." He says, followed by a pause. "I certainly do hope that you kept your word about... sleeping in time in my absence, however?." The tint of pink on your ears says it all.
"Hm... That can't be right. Hm, you truly are hardworking. But you must remember that rest is essential, doctor." Logos whispered, as he extended his hand upwards to curl his fingers around the locks of hair that he could entwine his finger around over your head. This season really just happens to be the busiest the entire year, he understands. Logos's concern stretched beyond that of being an Elite Operator, but also, as your lover.
But now, you have won. Spring has surpassed winter. Your heart is blossoming once more with fast pacing of the heart, as it's relit with romance in his presence. You have truly learned to treasure all that's in your hands, when he had been gone for too long.
".... Doctor, may I selfishly ask of you to rest longer with me here?" At his question, you drifted your gaze upwards, tilted your head and saw his dropping eyelids. He must be very tired, you thought. After all, he had come from such a long journey. "I promise... I'll assist you with work later. I simply would like to ask if you could keep me in your arms, a bit longer while I rest."
How could you ever refuse him? You tightened your hold around him as a quiet answer and rested your head against his chest, as you could hear and feel his breathing grow slower.
"Being apart from you... I certainly have learned the full extent... Of how I feel so strongly for you, doctor. I'll always be by your side." He whispers, this time, you close your own eyes. It was a silent yes to his request.
Sunlight kept pouring in, but all was blocked out with the two lovers that have kept one another safe and warm in a shared embrace. Time seemed to slow down, as thoughts drifted away to the sea of nothingness and you were lulled once more to slumber, to join your beloved in the land of dreams.
You have all the time in the world, later, to catch up with him directly and exchange more of those pleasantries that soothed your souls mutually, especially yours. For now, the world shall be at rest. Even in the dreamland, the two lovers have reunited.
be kind to other customers. i don't tolerate any violence and thereby you'll be blocked and reported when caught.
all request are accepted, EXCEPT for pedophilia, incest, rape, scat, piss, vomit, gore, and others that are not acceptable to me. any requests involving these type of information shall be deleted.
when i write for smut. i only write characters who are above 18 or are old enough. i will delete any requests of smut containing minors.
i accept any pronounce for the reader. but if it's they/them pronounce, i might have a hard time.
refrain from spamming my inbox if your requests is not heeded.
do NOT translate or repost my works in other platforms as i absolutely DON'T allow this. it's MY own work, and i dont permit anyone into post it elsewhere regardless of credit.
what type of requests do i accept? smut, fluff, angst, and one-shots / drabbles.
i do arknights ,honkai: star rail , and wuthering waves
these are the list of characters i would write for
𝐴𝑅𝐾𝑁𝐼𝐺𝐻𝑇𝑆: elysium, executor (both og and alter), enforcer, insider, vigil, lumen, passenger, thorns, kalt'tsit , ulpianus (may request for more.)
[ these characters mentioned/listed down are the ones i can grasp their personality/know very well. ill add more once i dive deeper into their character ]
PLEASE NOTE! Minor characters are only for fluff, and not smut, hence why they're not added on the list. acceptable request for minor characters are sibling-bonding relationships, caretaking, etc.
hi kiru !! is it okay for me to request an arknights phantom fluff fic with operator!reader ?? your layout is so cute i love it
hi anon! it's totally fine, and im glad you like my layout!!💗💗
notes: gender-neutral reader. you and phantom become cat parents.
im still confused whether his real name is spelled "Lucian" or "Lucien", but i picked the latter because i am a #cn player and the global version has his name spelled as "Lucian" so i had thoughts ueueue
cw: none. pure cuteness.
As you and PHANTOM finally take the day off thanks to Doctor, you plan on asking him if he wants to go outside and take a fresh breather. This is an opportunity to take him on a date, since you rarely have time together.
What you didn't expect that he is fast to say "yes" to you, so you take this chance and get closer with him gradually.
It was a cute date that you and Phantom had. You guys got to have coffee together, watch a theatre play that is showing right now, and even buy matching stuff like rings! What you didn't know that Phantom is actually a romantic guy, since he usually doesn't show these types of actions unless he's with his beloved. And that thought hit you; what if he is also interested in you the same way you are interested in him? You can't help but blush.
Of course, Phantom knew about your feelings for him, and he is more than elated that you share a mutual understanding. I mean, why else would you ask him out, right? So, he took his chances of making moves. Paying stuff for you, being in his gentleman manner, and every endearing actions you could think off whenever you are with him.
What you didn't expect is what happened on the way you guys are going back to the headquarters. You noticed that there are some cats tailing you both. Tugging Phantom's sleeve, you face him. "Say, Lucien, what if we take care of these cute babies that keep following us?" you smile, looking at the cats in awe as you pick one up. It seems to like you very much!
Phantom gives a thought about it for a second. Having cat children is nice, isn't it? He just smiles softly at you, as he responds, "Why not, my muse? It seems that these little guys make you happy." Satisfied with his reply, you just grin at him as you include him in your cat hug. "I guess you are now their dad." The feline leaves a satisfied hum, as he adds, "Well, try not to make Ms. Christine jealous, alright dear?"
Pink ribbons everywhere. Someone stuck paper hearts on the tactical board and nobody dares touch them because apparently love is now a protected strategic asset. The cafeteria tried making heart-shaped pastries. They look like wounded geometry.
And in the middle of all that chaos—
Pogranichnik
Locker full.
Desk full.
Door handle full.
Even the top of his filing cabinet.
Chocolate. Everywhere.
Small ones. Expensive ones. Handmade ones. Notes tucked inside. Some handwriting so shaky you can feel the courage it took.
He stands there with his arms crossed, staring at the pile like it’s a paperwork issue.
“…This is too much.”
Across the hall, you freeze.
Of course he got a lot.
He’s kind. Calm. The type who says “Good work” and people remember it for days. He listens. He teaches. He never raises his voice. He’s handsome in that unfair, quiet way.
So yes.
He got chocolate.
A lot of it.
And in your hands?
One small box.
Handmade. Slightly uneven. The drizzle on top isn’t perfectly straight. You tried. You really did.
And suddenly it feels… tiny.
He spots you immediately.
Always does.
“Endmin.”
You straighten like you’ve been caught doing something illegal. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
His eyes drop to the box in your hands.
“…You made that.”
You shrug. “It’s not fancy or anything. Just—”
Before you can talk yourself into embarrassment, he walks forward.
He picks up one of the anonymous boxes from the pile. Looks at it. Puts it back.
Then— to everyone’s shock— he gathers the whole stack in his arms.
A recruit panics. “Sir— those are—”
“Chocolate,” he says calmly.
He walks past everyone.
Straight to you.
Sets the pile down on a table like it’s nothing.
Then he reaches for only one thing.
Your box.
He takes it carefully. Like it matters.
“I can’t accept the others,” he says simply. “It would be misleading.”
Someone down the hallway internally collapses. You can even hear heartbreaks.
He opens your box.
Looks at the uneven shapes.
The slightly messy drizzle.
The obvious effort.
His expression softens. Not dramatic. Just… warm.
“These are different.”
You swallow. “Different how?”
He closes the lid gently.
“You made them for me.”
That’s it.
That’s the difference.
He tucks your box under his arm.
The rest of the chocolates?
“Share them with the staff,” he says.
Then he looks at you again.
And the way he looks at you makes the entire pile feel irrelevant.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, endmin.”
Soft. Private. Just for you.
You try not to melt.
You fail.
⸻
Later, in his office, he’s cutting one of your chocolates in half.
Of course he is.
You lean on the doorframe.
“Mr. Handsome Ursus General~ You know you’re missing something, right?”
He doesn’t look up. “Explain.”
You walk in, dramatic.
“I gave you chocolate.”
“Yes.”
“You redistributed half the sugar economy.”
“Yes.”
“You said happy Valentine’s.”
“Yes.”
You stop in front of him. “And I didn’t receive anything.”
Now he looks up.
“…Are you asking for something?”
“I am stating facts.”
He sets the knife down.
“What do you want?”
You lean closer. “Compensation.”
“For?”
“Effort. Love. Emotional damage from seeing your desk buried in chocolate.”
He actually huffs a quiet laugh.
“You are impossible.”
“It’s Valentine’s Day.”
He stands.
You immediately regret everything because he’s tall and now he’s close and why is your heartbeat doing this—
He steps into your space.
Lifts your chin gently with two fingers.
Not commanding.
Just soft.
“You’re right,” he murmurs.
You blink. “…I am?”
“I am missing something.”
Your brain stops functioning.
He brushes his thumb lightly over your cheek.
“Thank you for making these for me.”
And then he kisses you.
Slow.
Not rushed. Not dramatic.
Just warm.
The kind of kiss that feels like being chosen.
When he pulls back, his forehead rests against yours.
“I don’t need the others,” he says quietly. “I only wanted yours.”
That’s when you almost cry.
“For choosing me,” he adds softly.
And suddenly he’s not the respected instructor.
Not the admired general.
Not the man with a hallway full of admirers.
He’s just your Khorsyn.
Soft.
Warm.
Looking at you like you’re the only Valentine’s gift he actually cares about.
❥︎ not proof-read; written before EN release; information was taken off of crumbs on the internet plus translation; fluff; based on his idle line (translated); possible slight spoilers for Act or Die/Tragodia Story Arc; reader is the doctor; gender-neutral reader; possible errors and ooc; written on a whim; short fic; implied romantic feelings/yearnings.
ᴇxᴛʀᴀ ɴᴏᴛᴇs: heya, nonnie! Tysm for the request! I sure do hope I fulfilled your Phantom crumbs/needs (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.). If you want another, you can refer to my Halloween Special if you haven't read it yet! (I wrote for Tragodia/Phantom as one of the featured characters! ♡). May all Tragodia wanters be Tragodia havers ❣︎
⋆｡⋆｡˚ ☁︎｡⋆ ༘✶｡☾⋆ ｡⋆ ᵎᵎ ꒰𐔌 ݁. ‧˚་་࿐་༘.゛⸝⸝.ᐟ⋆ ˎˊ˗
A Tragicomedy.
If you could describe or sum up your entire duty life into one word— it would be a Tragicomedy. A play of dramatics and of the lighthearted comedies. And right now? You are on a dramatic ride.
Right in front of you stands a staggering mountain of paperwork and documents. It was as if this season of autumn brought no drought to your duties, but rather, stuffed fallen leaves after another on the road for you to sweep to ensure that things would continue to run with ease. An exasperated sigh escaped your lips, as you then leaned back against your chair, your muscles tensed and your eyes stings from the prolonged exposure of dabbling upon texts. One after another. Your hand was trembling, unable to even form a steady grip, as if forgetting the sensation of being a free palm in the absence of your pen.
"I see the forming shadows in your eyes, Doctor." Your eyes opened slowly, and you turned your head towards the source of the voice, who then was revealed to belong to your presently assigned assistant— Phantom, or as he calls himself now, Tragodia.
The golden accents of his white cloak shimmered against the lightning of the room that hung from above, as his boots clicked, headed for your side with his white cloak fluttering in rhythm with his steps before he then stopped at your side. Carefully, with his lithe fingers, Lucian traces his fingers hovering over your armchair at the side. He traced along it, as if he were tracing along the lines of a book of hymns, letting the cold surface graze along his skin like thin still notes that depicted the unstable string of beats that your heart pulsed out.
Then, he wraps his palm around the black steeled armchair, gently turning you over to face his direction, while he loomed over you with a softened expression on his face. After his transition, Lucian noticeably became more relaxed and low in tone in comparison to what he had been before. It was one great character development on his part. The illusions of his past may linger like maddened spirits, but Lucian learned how to walk with all of them like companions he must lay to rest after an arduous journey.
"Resist your body's limits no longer, Doctor." He says, his other hand is reaching out, albeit reluctantly but with renewed feelings, towards the crown of your head, as if he were shielding you away from the lightning in the room that may flash you further away from the depths of a comfortable rest.
"Close your eyes." He speaks, as if narrating a scene out from a script of his own making, whose essence contained the thematics of his care for the person he swore his loyalty to. You need not even reply as you heed his words, letting him guide you into play of his making.
"Night will envelop your mind soon enough. The sharp discomfort will soon fade." Lucian continues, his words gentle like the brush of calm winds. You kept your eyes closed, but with your eyebrows furrowed, as attempts of envisioning a peaceful slumber were thwarted by images of the scrolls of text that you still must attend to.
".... Lucian...," you whispered his name, his hand remaining on the top of your head, feeling the lushness of your locks as if he were touching the soft lull of grasses and flowers in a field. "But... The papers... There's still much to attend to... My mind's been so ridden with work..." You murmured, expressing your distress as the feline remained silent, listening to all the words that slip out of you. Lucian knows full well, in the time that he has spent by your side, even within your shadows, how fatigue pricked at your heart like a thorny rose. Your cause had great merit, and united many to your side— thus a rose, but came with sharp thorny edges, for that very same reason also meant bringing greater responsibilities that weighed on your mind as the Doctor.
Lucian is more than grateful to you. And since he had sworn to embrace positive changes in his life, he shall try to be more expressive to you. After all, it was you whom he considered as among the factors that gave him grace in living his life. He lived not only to fulfill tarnished stories of the bygone ages, but now— to ensure that his muse exists for longer chapters of this story called life. Any normal person had their own limits too. And you have reached yours.
Lucian is more than accommodating for the moment, to aid you into a peaceful slumber while he handles the rest.
".... I have heard from many others, that visualizing positive views warrants a good rest with ease. When feeling restless, as they say, simply close your eyes and allow for your reveries to bleed through the slips of the darkness that act as curtains to reality, so that they may become part of your dreams like a story manually continued by your mind at rest, straight out of a projector." Lucian starts, his fingers tracing along your locks gently, in massaging motions, all the way down to your temples in gentle ministrations, now joined by his other hand as well.
His touch was light as a feather, fleeting almost, even. Like the caress of a dove's wings. Lucian is mindful of your comfort, careful not to overstep or exert too much strength that may cut the threads of the notes of rest that he's been weaving for a dead end. The least thing he'd ever want is for you to get hurt, because of him.
"Tell me— what do you wish to see?" He whispered, his copper colored gaze locked onto your closed eyes. A sigh escapes your lips, your shoulders loosening, as your mind begins to trail upon a series of images that you find to bring peace into your palpitating heart.
Now that you think about it... Your mind flew back to the very last book that you have read at your leisure. A pair of sailors— two lovers who took each other's hand, boarded a ship in search for the most perfect viewing spot of the dawn. You can't remember the name of said piece, but it was the very first thing you imagined your portrayal in. The hand you visualized you were holding... were Lucian's. You could not express such feelings outwardly, but gestures of care such as now, became your silent exchange with him on the topic of love.
"I... I wish...to stowaway with you on a ship...and head for a nice field of flowers in some peaceful corner of the world." You say, with hesitation, only for it to be overshadowed by the weighing fatigue on your features, and you could finally feel exhaustion reach to you like a pair of hands to pull you into its embrace so that you may become wholly part of the painting you imagined.
From the depths of your heart, it definitely does sound like a good goal to have. Traveling with this kindly feline by your side, with healing hearts, as you ventured to the fields of tomorrow. His lips curve up slightly to a smile, as you provided him with your imagination that included him in it. A beautiful piece that could definitely be brought to life, in reality. He could use that for another writing piece of his.
The topic of peace, two lonely hearts that held hearts, standing amidst the blossoming flowers, as you two faced the dawn on the edge of the world. A good imagery that can lighten the usually blacked out rays of his thoughts from before.
"A ship... A field of flowers... Us..." He murmured, trailing off his words, smile still present on his lips as he watched consciousness slowly slip out of your form, while he continued with just a few more lines, to be sure that you'd stay on the path of dreaming.
"—Is that all?" He asks quietly, which fell into deaf ears. Relief plasters all over his face, and unable to help it, Lucian moved a little bit from you— only to take your hand in his, bowed down a bit like a gentleman to his lady, as he then pressed the softest of kisses upon your hand.
".... Just as I thought. May your dreams...be filled with the fields of your desires, and of my faithful companionship at your side, guarding your thoughts and from bodily harm. I wish you well, in your sleep. And I shall continue to remain here, in the limelight... Or within your shadows, to be your unwavering protector."
Lucian whispers, an oath shared only with himself, after his lips had brushed against your skin, before withdrawing back with one step backwards.
The feline gentleman marveled at your resting figure, having aided you into sleep's embrace, and with his cloak fluttering, he poses for a bow, as if the act of having you rest has concluded and he departs soon once again into the shadows of the room, fulfilling his share of duties.
if its alright could you mayb write something for puzzle >.<' he's been one of my favourite arknights characters since he's released and i think hes very underrated and deserves much love 🩷🩷 (im very excitedlt waiting for his rock skin to come out to global) :'33 please take care and i wish you well!! <33
❥︎ not proof-read; possible errors and ooc; reader is the doctor; fluff; gender-neutral reader; pining; yearning; floofity-floof!; he looks beri much pretty, yes yes (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.); mentions of puzzle's recorded name (fischer).
ᴇxᴛʀᴀ ɴᴏᴛᴇs: 𝐇𝐢𝐢! >.< 𝐈 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐤𝐬𝐤𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐝 these 𝐏𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐚𝐚 (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.) 𝐇𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦~ 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨, 𝐭𝐲𝐬𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 🥹 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐜 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭! 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐊 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦~ (I had this idea for awhile, so here you go, I'm happy to finally write it to life~ Can't let it collect dust in my drafts, haha. I hope you would like it, I really apologize for the large delays hhh)
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆
The clock on the wall ticked off. Clicking, as its small ornament that dangled off beneath it dangled from side to side, in indication of the later hour that has arrived.
Rhodes Island is home to the most advanced of technologies, and rapidly growing developments amongst innovations. And yet, ever since Puzzle had the chance to become your willing Secretary, he finds himself marveling slightly at how your office still housed antiquities in large contrast to the modernized aesthetics of the base. Such as that clock over there that ticked by, always rendering even the deepest of thinkers to snap back to reality at the sounds of it and be on their way.
The young vouivre won't lie. Your office felt homely, spacious with mixes of technologies yet offered the sense of home and of refined vintage tastes that only most of the Victorian Nobles may possibly acknowledge. For a Doctor, you truly had several sides to you. The strangest yet also the most interesting person he's ever come into contact with. From a commanding persona to the same person he currently could observe within his peripheral vision to be dabbling in something beneath your desk perhaps more interesting than the piles of documents that have been arranged for tomorrow instead.
Puzzle acknowledged how Intelligence Officers like he is, is content to never form attachments in priority of his work and to not leave any loose opening for his trails or possible things to be used as his weaknesses for others to exploit. And yet... It's within your kindness that he finds himself the initially unwilling recipient of your affection.
You'd make idle talk with him, even amidst his musings of being an Intelligence officer. You trusted him for his oaths of keeping all that you exchanged with him as a secret, piece puzzles altogether, share brief yet meaningful conversations and even rest in comfortable silence. It panged at his heart to admit it, but you're starting to grow on Puzzle. His face that normally was so blank, started to possess hinges of fondness in them at the sight of your innocent and relaxed look off from work, by your table at the moment.
It felt almost so traitorous to even think that Puzzle has his heart that beats for none, merely pumped its beats for he still lives, and yet now, you tugged at his heart with invisible strings. People flocked to your cause of varying backgrounds, so it'll be of no surprise that even if you may be able to charm him. As baffling it is to admit to himself.
"Puzzle!" Your enthusiastic voice rang through the quiet room, bringing an end to his train of thoughts as the young Vouivre turned his head up to face your direction as you beckoned him over from where he sat. He smoothens the edges of his clothing, straightens himself up as he rises to his feet, leaving the half-emptied teacup that emanated the faint scent of dried leaves on its own, keeping himself neat to perfection as per usual before he approached your desk with his signatory gentlemanly disposition.
"What is it, Doctor?" He responded with a polite tone, ensuring to keep his expression neutral with a gloved hand up to his chest for a bow as he loomed over your side. Your eyes were gleaming with warmth, he noted as he watched you fumble with something within the confines of your pockets.
He stilled, his breathing hitched as your hands bring out a silver clad necklace with two anchored chains— each bound by a magnet at the center, binding it to complete the shape of a heart. Puzzle...was puzzled. Ironically, yes. Could that have been what you've been fumbling with, for a few minutes already within your break?
"Hm... A matching necklace...? I am not one to stick my nose into your affairs, Doctor, but if I may ask..." He paused, his eyes locking with yours. His facial expression remained neutral but you can see the glint of slight interest deep within his lilac-colored hues. "Are you intending on gifting this to someone? Or is it simply for the sake of your collection inside this office as usual?" Puzzle commented, trying to spark a conversation. Since you've been nothing but affable to him ever since he became your secretary, Puzzle did show efforts to try and reciprocate your attention as to match it.
Puzzle is not one to let himself seep into the depths of inadequacy, not when albeit so distractedly, his heart that once was so stiff began to beat in your presence now, would he?
"Mm. I plan to give it to a certain special someone, you see." You tell him, smiling gently before unclasping at the center, parting the heart into two pieces. Your lithe fingers were careful, graceful even as if you were strumming the strings of a lyre as you traced your fingers over both of its metallic edges, clinked at the collision of the chains that you parted before then settling the left one on your palm. You locked eyes with the vouivre before you, and then you extended your palm out to him, inducing confusion into his features.
"Puzzle, you've... been working hard lately and... you've kept me company. I-I know letting emotions dictate your courses of action is never your cup of tea, but really, um... I hope you can accept my gift. I found you..." You paused, shyly looking away but kept your hand extended upwards, in hopes of actually making him accept it even though there's a low possibility of him doing so.
".... I found you to be a good companion to me too, regardless of who you are and how you insisted you're acting as." You tell him, and he froze in place. Puzzle's eyes were wide open, and for once, his normally thin-lined lips parted as he mirrored the emotion of surprise. And of the doctor's words... Puzzle isn't exactly sure how to feel about it.
He had stepped foot in Rhodes Island, in pursuit of the usual Intelligence gathering work, in the guise of seeking treatment and being a willing operator. Never once in his life he'd even consider letting someone such as you, take great interest in a person like him. In comparison, you've got the high ground. And he? He's just a random nobody, with secrets filling the sleeves of his coat. His rationality ached for him to utter rejection or even just neutral acceptance as to not upset you and yet—
Affection gnawed at heart. His eyebrows furrowed at the feeling, finding it quite unfamiliar and almost uncomfortable yet akin to being buried under a large shower of flowers in the fields. Suffocating for a man who dared not even speak of affection for himself but also a gentle caress to a face and heart that has been nothing but stiff.
You were one puzzle that Fischer can never decipher. Simple yet akin to a sunbeam shower in his life, fraught with cold and dangerous normalcy. The kind of intel that even an intelligence officer himself hesitated to ever give away, so that none of the world may know of your radiance and have it snuffed away.
An Intelligence Officer is only ever special for the intel that they give, not for how they appeared as a person towards others. For once, sincerity bloomed in his heart, overtaking his cold logic for once as if light had found its way to his eyes.
When he lingered a second longer, you awkwardly thought you had trespassed upon his boundaries, an apology had already teetered off your tongue when you gasped lightly at the sensation of his gloved hand reaching up and carefully took the necklace with one heart part pendant into his hand, prompting you to snap your head back towards him in surprise. You've already been bracing yourself for a rejection and yet, was only met with an appreciative acceptance from Puzzle himself.
".... It's lovely, Doctor. You've picked out well. You truly have an eye for such things." Puzzle comments, his fingers now tracing over the necklace, observing it up close. "I... don't usually keep such keepsakes nor tokens from people I temporarily work with." He continues, but then you saw that rare smile on his face, cheeks lightly flushed as if he's mellowing slightly in embarrassment beneath his lilac-colored eyes.
"But... Perhaps, I can keep this one on my person. I'll be sure to treasure it, Doctor." Puzzle says, precise in his manner of speech while the pendant remained in his palm. Being gifted with a heart piece that can only be formed when flushed together... Puzzle can only imagine the implications of such a gesture but didn't dare raise them when he sees your delighted expression.
Your smile was so simple yet bright in his eyes. If he could compose a piece, while he dabbled in his puzzles, he'd definitely call you perfection. A puzzle he's struggled to compute yet marveled at. Anyone who might see, certainly would have something to say about it. But, at this point... To see you happy, is akin to having the same peace of mind he possesses in his retreats to solitude.
".... Doctor, please, allow me." He says, making you blink, your eyelashes fluttering. His shoes tapped on the floor, as he rounded your chair. Puzzle was nimble yet gentle like a bellowing wind that managed to sneak its way inside of the enclosed office. He reaches out for the other half of the necklace off your hands, a quiet permission, to which you granted wordlessly with a dazed expression on your face, letting the cool pendant slip off your hand. Your fingers brushed with his own gloved hand— lingering, and yet you felt warmth radiating off of it, even with the glove that acted as a barrier from a direct contact. You could swear you saw his eyes grow warm too, as he glanced briefly over to you, like an admirer who brushed past his muse down a hallway in stories of romance.
Puzzle doesn't say anything else. He wrapped the necklace around your neck, careful and gentle. He traced his fingers over its chain, letting the coolness of the metallic chain seep in, as he then clasped the necklace close, making you wear it. He then does the same thing, afterwards, to himself.
He loomed over you, leans down and your breath hitched in the next moment when Puzzle magnets the pendants together, forming the perfect shape of a heart, letting it mold together like two reunited hearts that once stood on opposing walls. You have only registered the imagery, when you feel one of his hands reach out to your own, hold it into his, lifted it up with care over his lips— pressing the gentlest of pecks like a gentleman.
There needs to be no other words exchanged, when his action alone spoke a myriad of meanings— all fluttering right inside your heart that sprang into strings of fast beats.
Even if these two pendants may rust in the future, even if he may have to depart one day—
Puzzle would wish, for another chance, to be by for your side again. Not as any other agent, but rather, a companion who can bring you the lengthiest of loyalties that he sincerely gave no other. In the end—
Puzzle was still swarmed over by emotions. Perhaps just this once, like this gift of yours, he'll let his heart be connected to yours even just for a split moment.
notes: no utc. gn!operator!reader. short scenario. pure fluff with phantom bcs he deserves the world. (used his real name like twice)
PHANTOM usually does not show affection that much, but when it's with you and him only in a room, his romantic side will eventually come out.
you miss the feline dearly, and you can't wait to be with him again once the annihilation operation the doctor assigned to you is finally finished. maybe give him lots of hugs and kisses when you return, alright?
he's definitely the type to hug you from behind as you are preoccupied with other stuff. what are you thinking at this hour? take some time to relax with LUCIEN, dear. he wants your attention, but he will not admit it.
you two would even cuddle during rainy days or movie nights! there is something about LUCIEN that keeps you warm and crave more cuddles from him, and of course he knows. sometimes when you two are even hugging, ms. christine will suddenly show up near your feet too.
