ℬernadette

Kaneki realizes he's fallen for you long before he's willing to admit it to himself.

He convinces himself that he simply enjoys talking to you because you're kind, interesting, or share similar interests. The fact that he keeps thinking about you afterward is apparently unrelated.

If you recommend a book, he reads it. Doesn't matter if it's a genre he'd normally pick up or not. He wants to understand why you like it.

He remembers everything you tell him, carefully storing away even the smallest details for future reference.

Once he becomes aware of his feelings, Kaneki struggles to maintain eye contact with you. He’ll look everywhere except your face, tripping over his words as his ears and cheeks turn a deep shade of red.

He has always been a caring person, but his concern for you grows noticeably deeper. He may not always know the right thing to say or do when you're upset, but he'll do everything in his power to comfort and support you. To him, you're someone truly precious.

He's very fidgety around you. If your hands accidentally brush while reaching for a book or a cup of coffee, he flinches slightly, freezing as warmth rushes to his face. He immediately stammers an apology, heart racing, because even that brief contact lingers in his mind longer than he knows how to handle—and makes it harder for him to keep his feelings hidden.

Kaneki spends a staggering amount of time lost in his own thoughts. Whenever he’s around you, an unending internal debate runs beneath his exterior—questioning whether he should allow himself to be this close, and whether he even deserves the happiness your presence brings him.

He's terrified that his ghoul side will eventually hurt you, or that the world he lives in will drag you down with him.

He isn’t usually possessive, but if someone starts openly flirting with you, he finds himself paying very close attention to that conversation.

Afterward, the jealousy only makes him feel worse. He knows you aren’t his partner and that you’re free to spend your time with whoever you choose, and that awareness leaves him conflicted and guilty for feeling the way he does.

The biggest reason he never confesses is fear. He’s terrified of losing what he already has with you.

If you’re friends, he values that bond more than almost anything. The thought of making things awkward between you is enough to keep him silent.

He would rather keep loving you quietly than risk never being able to talk to you comfortably again.

He also believes there are people far more confident, attractive, and capable than he is.

Even so, there’s a part of him that wonders if, someday, he might finally gather the courage to be honest and confess.

Upon hearing the front door open, Kaneki smiles and sets down the mug of coffee he had just made. He heads toward the entrance, his smile widening the moment he sees you.

He welcomes you back home and you respond with a small smile and thank him quietly.

The response is enough to make him pause. His smile fades, concern settling over his features. Something feels wrong.

Your voice sounds strained, barely above a whisper. Your movements are sluggish, like every step takes effort. Even beneath the dim apartment lights, he can see how exhausted you look.

"What’s wrong?" Kaneki asks, his brow knitting together as he steps closer. "You don't look well."

You shake your head lightly, avoiding his eyes. "I'm fine."

Kaneki doesn’t believe that for a second. He notices the way your hand briefly catches against the wall for support, the slight sway in your posture, how unfocused your gaze seems.

"You don’t look fine." He says softly. "Did something happen?"

You don't answer and take another step forward, and suddenly your legs give out beneath you.

Kaneki’s eyes widen in horror. He shouts your name as he lunges forward, catching you just before you hit the floor. One arm wraps tightly around your waist while the other cradles the back of your head against his chest. The force of it nearly sends him to his knees, panic crashing into him.

"[Name]! Are you okay?!" He yells. "What’s wrong? Can you hear me?"

But your body stays limp in his arms, your eyes closed and breathing shallow with exhaustion. And for one awful moment, Kaneki genuinely thinks he’s losing you.

He carries you to the sofa, fumbling because his hands are trembling badly. He keeps brushing your hair away from your face, checking if you’re breathing normally every few seconds despite the obvious rise and fall of your chest.

The moment he notices how cold your hands are, guilt immediately eats at him alive. His mind starts racing with questions.

Did he miss the signs? Were you overworking yourself because of him? How long had you been pushing yourself this hard?

Kaneki blames himself before anything else.

Desperate to understand, he searches through your bag or pockets for some kind of clue—not to invade your privacy, but because he’s terrified. Empty wrappers. Forgotten medication. Notes from work. Maybe overdue assignments. Every small detail makes his expression fall further.

Once you stir awake, the relief on his face is almost painful to look at. His eyes are watery, and he sniffles quietly like he’s trying not to cry.

"You scared me." He says, but there’s no anger in his voice. Only fear and worry.

As you try to sit up and insist you’re "fine" again, his hands gently press against your shoulders to keep you still, and he tells you that you’re not fine.

The questions come one after another. When was the last time you slept? Did you eat today? How long have you been feeling like this?

If you admit you were pushing yourself too hard, especially for his sake, his chest aches painfully. He already carries a deep belief that the people around him suffer because of him. Hearing that you neglected yourself while trying to help or support him feeds directly into that fear.

After that, he becomes very attentive. He presses the coffee mug into your hands so you have something warm to drink while he prepares a hot meal for you. Even while you eat, his gaze keeps drifting back to you, checking for any sign that you still feel unwell. And once you finish, he asks again if you’re okay, smiling faintly with visible relief if you tell him you are.

If you fall asleep on the sofa afterward, Kaneki carefully lifts you into his arms and carries you to the bedroom. He lays you down gently, tucking the blankets securely around you before sitting beside the bed for a long while, silently watching you.

There’s a haunted look in his eyes the entire time. Because losing people is one of his greatest fears.

And when you collapsed in his arms, he truly thought he was about to lose you.

It’s not something he ever fully recovers from.

They were bewildered seeing her, she was unlike anything they had witnessed before.

☆At first they were very cautious of you, before realizing you were actually very. Very loving to them.

☆Phos loves how soft you and warm you and often cuddles up with you.

☆Whenever they have a bad day, they lay their head against your chest, not sensually, they just know it's a softer area

☆Whenever you're bored phos and you will come up with stories and use their arms to create visuals.

☆They think of you as the only being that ever truly cared for them, just for them, not asking them to change, not wanting them to be more... just them.

☆Phos knows that one day, you'll pass and that they can never get you back. And how they run the day, the day they won't have you caring for them like you always did, like you never existed at all.

☆They decide to spend as much time with the reader, they don't wanna lose her like Antarc.

☆Phos loves kissing it feels so foreign, so weird yet welcome. They feel so close to you, closer than they've felt with any gem. And bonus! They won't crack.

☆Sometimes they treat the reader as very fragile as they don't fully grasp how humans really work.

☆Tries eating food with you but it never works, so they think that food is unenjoyable for you. So they look at you with the most sympathy and pity in his eyes as you eat.

☆They're also very curious about your teeth, the rest of you seems so soft, and yet your teeth look quite a bit stronger.

☆Same thing with the bones under your flesh, your joints as well. Your body is almost akin to the machines the Lunarians create.

☆One time you accidentally hurt yourself, and they saw blood, they were shocked. You told him your bones could break and yet you had fluids in you like the admirabilis.

☆They also love your adaptability and how easily you can obtain knowledge. Like the Lunarians.

☆Phos just really loves their human girlfriend.

𝗞𝘂𝗿𝗼 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗸𝗶

He's captivated by how gentle you are with your child. The way you kneel to fix their scarf, the way your exhaustion never stops you from smiling at them. It's a sight that makes his chest tighten with warmth.

Your child adores him almost immediately. Kaneki, naturally soft-spoken and patient, finds himself helping with homework, reading books aloud, or carrying groceries without even being asked.

He doesn’t realize he's becoming obsessive until he begins structuring his entire week around seeing you.

If you mention your ex-husband even once, Kaneki’s stomach twists horribly. Especially after discovering how controlling and possessive the man still is.

He starts researching him—social media, workplace, habits, friends—anything he can use to "protect" you.

Kaneki convinces himself it’s justified because you're vulnerable. A single parent with an unstable ex? Of course someone needs to look after you.

He becomes deeply attached to your child as well, in a profoundly emotional way. Your child becomes the proof of the life he desperately yearns for.

Your ex-husband notices Kaneki’s presence and hates him at first glance.

Initially, Kaneki tries to avoid conflict, still timid and conflict-averse at this stage. But the moment your ex-husband grabs your wrist too hard or raises his voice around your child, Kaneki’s resolve shifts.

He starts showing up unexpectedly whenever your ex is around.

He develops a martyr complex, declaring, "I can endure anything if it means protecting them." and "As long as they’re smiling."

Secretly, he fantasizes about domestic life with you and your child.

But beneath all that softness lies dependency. You quickly become his emotional anchor. If he senses you’re pulling away, he spirals—sleep deprivation, overthinking, self-hatred—taking it all to the extreme.

If your ex-husband threatens you directly, Kaneki might genuinely consider violence for the very first time because of you.

𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗼 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗸𝗶

Kaneki is far quieter about his obsession now, but infinitely more dangerous.

Unlike before, he doesn’t hesitate to insert himself into your family dynamic. He enters your life already convinced that he belongs there.

Your child still likes him, but now there’s an undercurrent of intimidation—something even they sense sometimes.

Kaneki becomes fiercely territorial over both of you.

Your ex-husband trying to re-enter your life is no longer seen as just an annoyance but as a threat that must be eliminated. He keeps constant tabs on him.

Kaneki justifies every invasive action with claims like, "I’m protecting them," "No one else can keep them safe," and "They need me."

He treats your child gently—carries them when they fall asleep, remembers their favorite snacks, helps calm nightmares.

Domesticity becomes an obsession, no longer just a fantasy. He craves permanence.

If your ex-husband frightens your child even once, Kaneki’s restraint shatters. The scariest part is how calm he becomes afterward.

He will follow your ex-husband or deliver threatening notes to him.

Kaneki would never allow your child to see the uglier parts of him. They deserve normalcy. But he subtly teaches them dependence—telling them to tell him if anyone upsets them, reassuring them he will always protect.

If someone refers to him as "basically part of the family," he treasures that statement for weeks.

Beneath it all, he remains emotionally fragile. The difference now is that his fear of losing you manifests as control rather than self-destruction.

If you ever tried to leave with your child, Kaneki would break down—crying, begging you to stay.

And if you do leave, he’s determined to bring you back. In his mind, the three of you are already a family—and families don’t leave each other.

"Hey, Kaneki?"

The young man looked up at you as you walked toward the sofa, pulling his attention away from the book resting in his hands. His eyes widened slightly, curiosity and confusion flickering across his expression. "Hm?"

You sat beside him, close enough that your shoulder brushed his arm. A small smile tugged at your lips, gentle at first—then just a little too playful to be entirely innocent. "Are you using me for my body?" You tilted your head, watching him carefully. "I mean… is that all I am to you?"

"W-W-What?!" He stammered, nearly dropping his book as he jerked upright. His face flushed instantly, color rushing to his cheeks as panic overtook him. When he managed to calm down, he leaned forward slightly, still visibly shaken. "What do you mean?"

You kept your expression just serious enough to sell it, even as amusement bubbled beneath the surface. "You know… like, you only keep me around because I’m convenient. Or because of how I look." You glanced at him, feigning uncertainty. "I just started wondering…"

"That's not true! I would never think of you like that! I mean—not that you’re not—! You are, but not like that!"

Silence filled the room and lasted a beat, then two.

Your composure cracked. A grin spread across your face as laughter slipped out, light and unrestrained. "Relax. I was kidding."

Kaneki blinked, still trying to catch up. "You were?"

You nodded. "I just wanted to see your reaction."

His shoulders sagged as the tension drained from him, relief washing over his expression—only to be quickly replaced by embarrassment. He glanced down, then back at you, caught somewhere between flustered and faintly betrayed. "That’s not funny…"

He let out a quiet sigh, lifting a hand to cover part of his face. "You really surprised me… I thought I’d said something wrong… or made you uncomfortable without realizing it."

Your laughter faded, guilt taking its place. You moved closer, your voice softer now. "You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m sorry."

"I really don’t think of you like that." He said quietly, lowering his hand to meet your gaze. "You’re important to me."

Your chest tightened. Without thinking, you reached for him, your fingers brushing his before lacing gently through them. "I know." You murmured. "I shouldn’t have made you doubt that."

He slowly relaxed, his grip returning yours—tentative at first, then a little firmer. His thumb brushed lightly against your knuckles. "I just…" He paused, searching for the right words. "I worry about that sometimes. That I might… cross a line without realizing it." His gaze dropped. "The last thing I’d ever want is to make you feel uncomfortable."

Your expression softened even more. "You won’t. You’re too kind for that."

A breath of relief left Kaneki. For a moment, he stayed still, as if unsure what he was allowed to do—then slowly leaned in, resting his head lightly against yours.

"Still…" He muttered, a trace of embarrassment lingering. "Don’t say things like that out of nowhere…"

"I’ll try." A pause. "... But your reaction was kind of cute."

"It wasn’t." He quickly replied, frowning in a way that only made him look more endearing.

Chuckling, you moved a little to make yourself more comfortable. Kaneki picked his book back up, returning to where he’d left off. You watched the pages for a moment before leaning your head against his shoulder.

After a moment, he leaned into you too, a faint smile settling on his lips as he continued reading.

The only sound was the light rustle of turning pages and the faint rhythm of his breathing. It was warm—simple in a way that didn’t ask for anything more.

Every now and then, his thumb would absentmindedly brush against your hand, as if reassuring himself you were still there. You didn’t move, letting the moment stretch, content to just exist beside him without teasing or words getting in the way.

◡│ Unlike their familiarity with combat; connections of this stature troubled them. Suffice to say they think it's easier to navigate a battle with a lunarian than the intricacies of a kinship. You have them utterly defenseless! That's quite worrying.. And uncharacteristic. Since they've little to no experience at all, it's difficult for them to discern what they should be doing for you. Of course they go about checking up on you consistently, asking for deployment near your field more often, reprimanding you more extensively than the rest when met with a sun spot... It has come to your understanding that Bort can only express so much without feeling dismayed by the intimacy.

◡│ So, they do it their own way: Looming over you with a look of rigid focus (✦) was their way of surveilling you with the silent anxiety of you making a misstep, bluntly relaying what you did wrong in a fight (✦) was how they wanted to make sure you didn't do it again, these oddly strained quips they'd drop so awkwardly to 'lighten your mood' (✦) was unbecoming of who they were known as yet telling of how they'd go against it if it meant getting some sort of giggle from you. Bort had an abnormal way of pursuing you, yet what mattered was they were going after you nonetheless.

Laying motionless in the field, grass tickled you through the layer of your uniform — Your training partner.. or more accurately, your partner had insisted for a training session to sharpen your attentiveness. Even so, you found it ironic how a slip-up in noticing the motion to dismantle you had plopped you down onto the damp patch. It was nearly pleasant to be limp like this, you think. Your brief moment of relaxation was interrupted by a shadow casting over you. "You're.. sloppy, hesitant." A crunch rang through you whenever their heels would press against the ground, despite not being able to fully see them, the halt of their pacing made it evident they were staring down on you. "Would you falter like that in front of a lunarian?" The question hung heavily in the air, hovering over your head as if it were trying to suffocate you into answering — Though you knew the intent behind it anyhow. "To waver is to let yourself serve up the opportunity to strike, you can't let them see that window.." a gloved hand moved itself to your view, open palmed and beckoning you to take it. Bort called unto you to stand up, the only difference between how they did it with others being the tight grip of their deft fingers on your forearm whilst they helped you. Assistance from Bort never came without a condition, it came in simultaneous delivery with reasoning. 'If I carry them now it'd only slow me down... Leaving them risks the possibility of their abduction... They shouldn't have tried to handle this, reckless, inattentive to the fight.' were all comments ebony stemmed lustrous had thought before. But no statement of the sort passed through their mind as they motioned their hand forward, the rim of their hand wear loosening while tilting downwards. Diluted irises inked like sepia locked onto your figure, somehow, wide and round unlike the thin appearance of their pupils to most. Greenery riddled with dew nearly consuming you whole before they lifted you, the moist air fanning against the powder of your exterior. To Bort you looked serene, maybe it doesn't reflect in their face nor their words, but what else were they but a gem of action?

◡│ Impassive and strong-headed the lustrous was, you infiltrated their mind like foreign inclusions gradually growing into their system. You were softening them up, as much as they detest that thought, they could never extend the same to you. As time passed, they slowly got up to evaluating how they proceeded with particular actions. They knew their treatment towards you bore its own distinction against other gems, how could they not? Just that.. in closed quarters they were becoming curious as to how to show this contrast better.

◡│ Slowly.. Even if it felt like moving a centimeter a week, they were taking the stride towards you. You knew this, so you acknowledged everything they were attempting to show you. Apart from laborious combat, taxing duties and time-consuming responsibilities they would idly think back to you. Were you a distraction? Yes. A major one at that. Were they going to do anything about it? No, not even a bit. Sunspots dispersed as quickly as they appeared, usually they would extend these fiascos just a few minutes more.. Bort craved the rush of carving their blade through the wax-like figures of each lunarian, just not as much as they craved for the gentler nature of your fingers settling on their features.

◡│ They were changing, they knew that well — A bit at a time, the rough edges of their being were undergoing constant polishing through their own demand. Surface level attributes still shone through more frequently than the milder side that protruded and bloomed into every bit of their inclusions. Most gems would think nothing of it, though the keen eyed knew more than anything else that you were molding their edges with unassuming care.

Your hands rifled through the compartments of Rutile's cabinet, seeking the concealing powder every gem had donned to temporarily covet the transparent features of their anatomy. In your free time, you would remain stationary in the clinic whenever Kongo-sensei had set you aside from the front-lines to aid the short-staffed segment, you suppose it was convenient for this time as you found Bort leaning their back on one of the ceramic pillars, grounded concealer wiped off — Your obstinate other had undertaken a sunspot on their own after the deployed gems were rendered immobile, so here they were, awaiting you to find the crushed porcelain and reapply the lost layers. Your eyes skimmed the entirety of the medical wing, the open arches leaving the scenery of the field ahead to behold itself for the patients, the sun bled through these openings and welcomed itself warmly, effectively soothing whoever needed to take their mandatory rest here. Shelves, cupboards and other storage equipment were set to one side of the expansive area, with a few marble tables and beds standing static. You landed your attention on Bort, who quickly looked back towards the vast size of the scene ahead. "I thought the high and mighty Bort would never find himself slotted back here," silence fell over the health room after your comment. Instead of reclining their body onto the soft mattress, they preferred the cold, sturdy structure that the open windows had provided. It felt safer, less vulnerable, like they were still guarded even in a state of hindrance. Their arms were crossed, one limb still retaining the concealer while the other refracted light through their bare inclusions. "..." Without a response, you moved to the upper level of the wooden cabinet with the use of a stool, their eyes settled on you after they heard the click of your shoes take steps on a wooden structure. "You-" their words cut off when you stepped down with a jar in your hands, the translucent green glass containing what you were looking for. 'They were worried, huh' you thought, subsequently making you smile lightly, enough for them to spot it at least. You carried the same stool towards their side, leveled enough to have you eye to eye while the applicator of the powder was already on their lap. "How'd you know Rutile wouldn't be the one fixing you up?" you hummed. "..There was only one silhouette when I stepped in." they trailed off, carbonado irises slowly tracing the sway of the grass, they opened their lips once more "I knew it was you." this made you feel warm. You wound open the lid of the container, setting the top aside and picking up the brush from their legs. "Too busy to do this yourself then? Perhaps putting on some extra coats would do.." A sigh breathed out from your lips, your body already knew what to do. With a tap of the fine hairs on the brush, you dab it gently onto their arm while anchoring your own to hold their wrist for better support "If I didn't know any better I'd have thought you were reckless.." That made their long black extensions swivel your direction. "Kidding!" you quickly added, moving from their elbows to the base of their arm. You worked your way from their fingers, to the crevices, their collarbone then up to the side of their face which had dissipated in their cover. The hearty lathering of the ground pale particles then began to puff into their exterior. The ebony lustrous had only looked at you once or twice, a sign that they were flustered, even by an inkling. You chuckled as you finished up the part on their features. As you fixed the tools used and placed them on the nearby surface, your hand gravitated towards their cheek and rubbed against the cool texture. They stiffened before looking around swiftly, then easing into your touch. Tough, nearly unbreakable and hardened as Bort was, you had them melting when no eyes could scrutinize.

𝗞𝘂𝗿𝗼 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗸𝗶

He’d prefer cuddling side by side so he can look at you or listen to your breathing as he closes his eyes.

Full-on cuddling might feel too bold at first, so he gravitates toward small contact like holding your hand or lightly gripping your sleeve.

When he’s emotionally drained, he’ll shyly rest his head on your shoulder. It’s a big step for him—something he deeply needs, even if he never says it out loud.

He loves being held but is too shy to initiate. If you hug him from behind, he’ll freeze for a second, then slowly melt into it.

𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗼 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗸𝗶

He instinctively positions himself as a shield—arm draped over you, body slightly angled outward like he’s guarding you even while resting.

He prefers holding you close against him, chin resting lightly on your head. It reassures him that you’re safe and still there.

Unlike Kuroneki, he’s the one pressing his chest against your back. This position also feels like he's protecting you.

𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗶

He loves quiet conversations while you’re curled up face-to-face—little chats, sleepy rambling, or light teasing.

He’s noticeably more physically affectionate, keeping you close with arms and legs tangled together, completely relaxed and at ease.

He enjoys both giving and receiving—resting his head in your lap and letting you nap on him.

He likes to nuzzle your neck, whether he’s hugging you from the front or behind, and shower it with gentle kisses.

If you try to get up for any reason, he’ll lazily pull you back into his arms, mumbling, "Don't go. Stay here."

𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗶

He’s walking home on a quiet evening, a bag of groceries in his hand—the ingredients he promised he’d cook for his squad later.

That’s when he notices you standing alone beneath a streetlight.

When your eyes meet his, he freezes.

There’s an unfamiliar ache in his chest. A strange feeling of recognition he cannot place.

"Hello." He greets with a polite smile. "Um... This might sound strange, but have we met before? It's just that... You seem really familiar."

You smile gently but don’t answer the question directly.

Something about you feels comforting. Familiar in the same way a forgotten dream feels when you wake up.

He walks you home that night despite barely knowing you. It feels natural to protect you.

After that, he starts running into you often.

You always seem to appear when he’s tired or troubled, offering warm conversation and calm that settles the restless fog inside his mind.

Soon he finds himself talking to you about things he normally keeps hidden: the pressure of leading the Quinx, the strange gaps in his memory, the unsettling feeling that someone else used to exist where he stands now.

You listen patiently, never judging. That alone begins to tether his heart to you.

Sasaki's affection grows slowly but intensely. He's kind by nature, but with you his kindness becomes focused—almost devotional.

He cooks for you frequently, insisting you deserve proper meals. Watching you eat something he made fills him with happiness he doesn’t quite understand.

At first, his possessiveness shows itself in small ways.

He notices when strangers stare at you for too long. He subtly positions himself between you and anyone who lingers too close.

When missions take him far away, he worries constantly. His thoughts drift to where you might be, and whether someone might bother you.

One night, while the two of you are walking through the city, he witnesses something impossible.

A ghoul lunges toward you, but you don't move.

Sasaki steps forward to protect you, but the ghoul suddenly collapses mid-motion, erased from existence like dust.

He stares in stunned silence. After a long moment, he quietly asks what you are. This time, you answer honestly.

He goes silent for a long while. Then he laughs softly. "That explains why you felt so… important somehow."

Learning the truth only deepens his devotion.

If the world discovered what you were, people would try to control you. Worship you. Fear you. None of that feels right to him.

To him, you’re still the person who listened patiently while he rambled about books. The one who helped him while he cooked. The one who somehow made the fog in his mind feel lighter.

His protectiveness becomes firmer.

He keeps track of your routines. Walks you home more often. Quietly investigates anyone who shows too much interest in you.

If someone ever threatened you, he would try to handle it himself first. Not because he doubts your power, but because he hates the thought of you having to destroy someone.

In his eyes, you’re pure. Gentle. Innocent.

"You shouldn’t have to carry that alone." He tells you, smiling softly.

Somewhere deep inside him, buried beneath lost memories, something old and obsessive stirs.

Even if he doesn’t remember why yet, his soul already knows.

You belong at his side.

𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿

When he sees you again, his first reaction is irritation.

"… It's you."

This version of him remembers you—at least enough to know you’re dangerous to the distance he’s so carefully built around himself.

You stand in front of him like nothing has changed, like he isn’t deliberately pushing the entire world away.

He hates that. He hates that you look at him the same way you always have—softly, gently, without fear.

"You shouldn’t be near me." He says bluntly. "You'll only be putting yourself in danger. It's reckless."

He expects you to leave. You don’t. Instead, you follow him.

You show up wherever he goes—perched on rooftops while he patrols, sitting beside him during the rare moments he allows himself to rest.

He acts annoyed every time, but he never actually forces you away.

The truth is, he’s waiting for you to give up. Waiting for you to realize he isn’t worth loving anymore. But you don’t stop.

When the weight of everything presses down too hard, you simply sit beside him in silence. You don’t try to fix him. You don’t try to pry. You just stay.

That persistence unsettles him more than any enemy ever has.

"Why are you still here?" He asks.

Your answer is simple: because you want to be.

He scoffs and turns away. "That’s stupid."

His yandere tendencies manifest differently from his other selves.

He doesn’t try to claim you openly. Instead, he tries to make being near him unbearable.

When other people approach you, though, his behavior contradicts everything he says.

His stare alone is enough to drive most of them away. If someone ignores the warning, they quickly disappear from your life.

He tells himself it’s practical. You’re a goddess. You attract attention. Dangerous attention. He’s just eliminating problems. That’s all.

One night, he watches you erase a violent attacker with divine power.

He isn’t surprised. He already knew what you were. Someone far too important to waste time with someone like him.

Despite everything he says, part of him has already accepted something dangerous.

You’re the only person who refuses to leave him behind. The only one stubborn enough to love the version of him he believes should disappear.

And the more persistent you are, the harder it becomes for him to imagine existing without you nearby.

Eventually, protecting you stops being something he pretends is logical. It becomes instinct again.

He still insists you shouldn’t stay with him. Still insists he’s not someone worth loving.

But if you ever actually tried to leave, that cold composure would crack.

Because deep down, the one thing the Black Reaper cannot accept is a world where you finally stop choosing him.

A = Affection

Sasaki is affectionate in a cheerful, natural way. He’s the type to show affection through acts of service—like making you a nice meal or offering a helping hand when you need it. He’s often smiling and playful, showing love through his care and attention to detail. His affectionate moments come in the form of light teasing, hugs, and gentle gestures.

B = Best Friend

As a best friend, he's supportive, dependable, and genuinely fun to be around. He’d be the type to make you laugh even on your worst days, and he’s always ready to offer advice or lend a hand. The friendship likely starts through shared experiences—he'd be there for you during tough times and would probably take interest in your hobbies. His lightheartedness would make him easy to confide in, while his sincerity ensures you always feel heard.

C = Cuddles

He's comfortable with cuddling once he feels safe in the relationship. He enjoys it and is often the one who initiates. When he does cuddle, it’s usually in a relaxed way—lying down, arms around you, just enjoying the companionship. He might also enjoy cuddling after long, stressful days as a way to unwind and reconnect.

D = Domestic

He is surprisingly domestic. He would love the idea of settling down and would take the time to create a stable, happy home. He’s good at cooking and enjoys it, often whipping up something tasty to share with you. His cleaning habits are also solid, as he likes things tidy and organized, especially in spaces where he spends time with others. He’s likely to be a nurturing partner, wanting to make sure everything is in place for comfort.

E = Ending

If Sasaki had to end a relationship, he’d do it with a lot of care. Despite his cheerful nature, he’s deeply sincere and would hate causing pain. He would probably sit down with you, explaining his feelings honestly, taking responsibility for the end of things if needed. While he would feel conflicted about it, he’d want to make the breakup as gentle and respectful as possible.

F = Fiance(e)

He would have a positive view of commitment. If he felt ready, he’d approach engagement seriously and with excitement, not wanting to rush into it but knowing when the time was right. He might take a few years before proposing but when he does, it would be heartfelt and filled with affection.

G = Gentle

He is very gentle, both physically and emotionally. He’s careful with his words and actions, always mindful of how they may affect others. He’s not overly aggressive or domineering, instead opting to listen and approach things with understanding. His gentleness shines through in how he treats his subordinates and loved ones, always striving to be supportive and kind.

H = Hugs

He's a fan of hugs, often giving them freely to people he cares about. He has an easygoing approach to physical affection and enjoys the warmth of a hug. His hugs are likely to be tight, comforting, and reassuring—something you could depend on when you need emotional support.

I = I love you

He wouldn’t rush into saying "I love you," but once he does, it’s a heartfelt and sincere declaration. He’s not the type to blurt it out early on but once he feels certain about his feelings, it’ll be with warmth and honesty.

J = Jealousy

Sasaki has a quiet kind of jealousy, usually more self-reflective than outwardly possessive. If he feels insecure, he might try to hide it with a smile or brush it off with humor. However, inside, he might feel anxious or doubting. If someone gets too close to you, he’ll likely keep it to himself, but his protective instincts may come out when he’s worried.

K = Kisses

His kisses are sweet, tender, and sometimes playful (like when he gives you a big smooch on the lips and says "Mwah!"). He might feel a little shy about initiating them, but once he’s comfortable, he’d enjoy them a lot. He’s likely to favor kissing your forehead, cheek, or lips. He’d appreciate being kissed on the cheek, or even on the lips when the moment feels right.

L = Little ones

Sasaki is great with children. He may not be overly experienced with them but he’s patient and attentive. If he spends time with kids, it’s with a playful, fun attitude—reading to them or helping them with things.

M = Morning

Mornings are peaceful and lighthearted. He’d enjoy starting the day with a cup of coffee, maybe reading something or chatting about whatever comes to mind. He enjoys the quiet moments, and his mornings are about setting a calm, positive tone for the day. He’d be considerate about letting you ease into the day without rushing.

N = Night

He loves winding down at night. It’s his time to relax and recharge, and he enjoys conversations or reading together before bed. He might also offer to cook you something. Nighttime is when his genuine care shows the most, as he’ll want you to feel at peace before going to sleep.

O = Open

He reveals things about himself slowly. He’s open, but not an open book. He tends to be selective, sharing pieces of his past or personal thoughts when he trusts you enough. Over time, as the relationship deepens, he might share more.

P = Patience

Sasaki is generally very patient. He’s not quick to anger, preferring to take a calm, measured approach to conflict. If someone is acting out of frustration or fear, he would try to understand the root cause of their behavior and respond accordingly. He may not always have the answers, but he’ll always listen and give others the space they need.

Q = Quizzes

He is quite attentive and remembers a lot of details about you. He’s the type to recall your favorite things, the little habits you’ve mentioned, or special moments you’ve shared.

R = Remember

His favorite moment is the first time he cooked a full meal for you and saw your eyes light up. Your genuine delight became a cherished memory he often revisits.

S = Security

Sasaki is protective, though not necessarily in a possessive way. He wants to ensure your safety and well-being, whether it's through keeping you out of harm’s way or emotionally supporting them through difficult times. He’d protect you with everything he has. He appreciates when others look out for him, though it might make him feel vulnerable.

T = Try

He always puts in the effort. Whether it’s planning dates, celebrating anniversaries, or doing little things to make your day easier, he genuinely wants to show you how much he cares. Even if the task is mundane, he tries to make it special because he’s determined to make you feel valued and loved.

U = Ugly

His bad habits might include overthinking things or being too hard on himself. He tends to bottle up his emotions, which can sometimes lead to moments of frustration or confusion. He also has a tendency to put others before himself to the point where he might neglect his own needs.

V = Vanity

Sasaki isn’t overly concerned with his appearance, though he does like to look presentable. He’s more focused on his responsibilities and the people around him than on how he looks. Still, he enjoys looking nice for you and would appreciate compliments, though he wouldn’t seek them out.

W = Whole

Sasaki doesn’t feel truly whole without those he cares about. He needs those connections to feel fulfilled. Being alone, or without someone he deeply trusts, makes him feel empty, like part of him is missing. He values the people in his life deeply, and their presence fills a gap in his heart.

X = Xtra

He has a talent for cooking, and it’s one of the few things that genuinely brings him joy and peace. He’s the type to spend hours perfecting a recipe and then share it with those close to him. His dishes are simple but delicious—comfort food that makes you feel like you’re at home.

Y = Yuck

He dislikes selfishness or manipulation. He can’t stand people who use others for personal gain, or those who don’t consider how their actions affect others. He values sincerity and kindness and will distance himself from anyone who doesn’t share those values.

Z = Zzz

He's a fairly light sleeper, but he tends to fall asleep quickly when he’s at peace. He enjoys a comfortable, quiet environment. He usually has a tendency to wake up early, but he doesn’t mind the quietness of the early morning hours.

Particularly, I like to think that Vocaloids have the ability to go through everything that's digital-ish, including your cellphone or any digital alarm clock you have anywhere near you. Therefore, know that both of them will sing for you on your alarms! Especially if you have alarms for waking up — they'll be more than happy to be the ones who will help you get up from bed.

Although they're very good at singing, as expected, they will be very much pleased at hearing you sing as well; whether it's just you singing to yourself or singing in a karaoke, they are the ones who will hype you up the most, regardless of the song you'll be singing or if you consider yourself good at it or not.

They (especially Rin, though), will also try to find songs that the three of you can make covers of. She obviously has a preference for vocaloid and idol trio songs, but she will try everything she has to convince you to make a cover of any song with both of them.

Because music is so important to the both of them, they will probably encourage you to make anything music related. Have you ever made a passing comment that you wanted to learn how to play the guitar? Well, now Rin lent you her guitar, and Miku said she'd be more than happy to teach you the basics. Of course, they wouldn't force you to do it… But they are pretty happy about the idea of helping you and hyping you up.

Having both of them as friends is pretty much the equivalent of having a little angel and a little devil on your shoulder. Who is who? Well, it honestly depends, but most often than not one of them will choose violence for the day.

I also feel like having them as friends, especially if they follow you on your phone all the time, is to have a good time wherever you go. Although they tend to talk a lot, they are pretty easygoing and will try to make you feel better if you feel overwhelmed.

Just like I said, they talk a lot — not only between each other, but they will also insert you in the middle of their talks regardless of whether or not you were listening. Which obviously means that you probably had to answer stupid questions with little to no context and that the both of them would refuse to elaborate.

You will share your hobbies with them! And they will do it together with you!! You have no choice!!!  Regardless of what it might be, they will come up with an excuse with the three of you doing it together. Not always the best excuses, but, hey, it's pretty hard to say no to them!

They also have a tendency to take pictures everywhere they go, Miku more than Rin. Your gallery will always be full of pictures that Miku took of places or things she felt found upon, ran through an editor and put a bunch of filters and stickers and sent to your shared group chat. These might take a bunch of space on your phone, but you'd have to admit, she's pretty good at decorating pictures.

That also means that, when the three of you take pictures together, she will send you the picture with a bunch of hearts around you and Rin and written somewhere "My best friends ever ><". It is kind of cheesy, but you can't deny she's being genuine! :]

While this might seem expected, she is the textbook definition of Kuudere. Sorry :/

Like many other vocalsynths, Uta also feels like she can better express herself with music, however, for her this feeling is a little bit more intense — to the point where she feels like she can only properly convey her feelings (regardless of what those emotions might be) through music.

Because of that, you will always hear her singing, humming or, if the environment allows, playing an instrument. She doesn't intend to bother you or others, so she tends to do these things very quietly. However, if you could take a moment to sit and listen to her singing, it would make her day.

Because of that, too, if you manage to sing with her or play an instrument while she's singing, that would mean the world to her! She would be so unbelievably happy, to the point you wouldn't think it was possible.

While this may be a side effect of being a "robot" in a way, Uta doesn't have strong feelings for things such as her name — although she is quite fond of her nickname "Defoko" — or how she expresses her gender. Because of that, she gets to experiment a lot with it; if you could help her, even if it's just dressing her up, it is guaranteed she will have a lot of fun.

Unrelated to anything else, you will probably need to get used to Uta's siblings! They are much more expressive (at least when compared to her), and much more noisy-er. Koe, Uta's younger sister, will always try to follow the both of you, mostly because she is so curious about what romantic things her sister does with you, while Defosuke, Uta's older brother, acts more like a Dad, and will probably call you "Defuko's Girlfriend" rather than your name… Not because he consciously is trying to tease Uta, he's just not that good with names.

Who will try to consciously tease her (and you, to a certain extent), however, are Teto and Momo. You will have to get used to them as well… Good luck on that!

That might not sound surprising, but Uta actually makes an effort to be "romantic" — or, at least, be romantic to your eyes, since she doesn't have much of a basis of what's romantic or not. So, if someday she catches you saying that you found a scene in a movie or a book or anything else that you found romantic, she will try to recreate it. With varying degrees of success, of course.

She might try a little bit too hard, though, so it's always nice to reassure her that she is enough for you! Maybe even give her a little kiss on the cheek? It's not like she's not going to like it, anyways~

𝗞𝘂𝗿𝗼 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗸𝗶

You first encounter him on a street, just moments before a ghoul lunges to finish him. You move instinctively—faster than he can comprehend—and the attacker disintegrates as if undone by the universe itself.

He stares at you, stunned, as though you are unreal.

You kneel beside him, hands gentle, eyes softer. "You’ll be alright."

He believes you. He doesn’t know what you are, only that you feel warm. Safe. Like sunlight breaking through a long, harsh storm.

After that night, he searches for you constantly, wandering districts, hoping to see you again. When he does, he pretends it’s coincidence—but he’s terrible at pretending.

You tell him you visit often to help those in need. He assumes you’re brave, maybe reckless. He worries.

He falls in love slowly, deeply. You are patient with him, listening without fear when he speaks of being a one-eyed ghoul. You never treat him like a monster.

His yandere tendencies begin subtly. He memorizes your routes, quietly follows when you leave late at night, "just to make sure you’re safe," feels his stomach twist whenever anyone looks at you too long.

One day, he sees you destroy a violent human with your powers—an act that exposes your true identity.

When he confronts you, you do not lie. You tell him the truth. He should be afraid. Instead, he feels relief.

Of course you are divine. Someone so kind can only be holy.

His devotion warps into something dangerous: You saved him and chose to speak to him. Of all beings—human and ghoul alike—you keep coming back to him.

In his mind, that means everything.

He becomes fiercely protective, desperate even. If you are the goddess of creation and destruction, the world will either try to harm you or exploit you.

He refuses to let anyone touch what is his.

His love is gentle in action—trembling hands, shy smiles—but obsessive in thought.

If someone harms you, he will beg you not to touch them. He will handle it himself.

He would burn the world down before letting anyone take you away.

𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗼 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗸𝗶

You meet him again under the worst circumstances—chained, tortured, barely conscious under Yamori’s hands.

You act without hesitation.

The room fills with blinding light and absolute silence. In one breath, Yamori ceases to exist.

Kaneki stares at you, convinced he is hallucinating.

You cradle his face and whisper that he is safe.

After saving him, he asks you if you want to come with him. He needs you by his side, not just because he feels indebted, but because being near you makes the world feel less cruel.

With you, he feels the possibility of hope, and he’s desperate to protect you just as fiercely as you saved him.

His yandere traits have sharpened. He eliminates threats before you even notice them, watches the people you help with quiet suspicion, and resents how freely you give your gentleness.

"They don’t deserve you. You’re too kind. They’d only take advantage." He had said one time, his voice low and soft.

Any organization that even whispers about capturing you vanishes. Anyone who prays for your destruction never sees the opportunity.

He wants to protect you at all costs, ensuring that nothing can ever harm you.

When you help him through trauma—sitting with him during nightmares, grounding him with steady hands—it destabilizes him more than torture ever did.

You see the monster he has become, but you do not look away. You face it with the same kindness you always offered, and he cherishes that more than anything.

He refuses to let you bear destruction alone. If you must erase something, he will stand beside you and watch.

If you hesitate to punish someone who deserves it, he will want to do it instead.

He justifies extreme actions as sharing your burden—carrying your sins so you need not bear them alone.

Sasaki has an incredible ability to notice the little details about you. He pays close attention to everything you say or do because he wants to understand you on a deeper level.

He’s always looking for ways to make your life a little easier, even if it’s just offering to help with small tasks, as a way to show that he’s there for you.

He’ll often check in with you, asking if you’re doing alright, but he’s also very perceptive of your actions and moods.

He can tell when you’re hiding something, but he never pressures you to open up. He simply makes sure you're taken care of in other ways. Whether that’s picking up your favorite snack or running you a bath after a long day, he does whatever he can to ease your stress.

He’ll try to cheer you up with a joke or something silly to break the tension.

He’s constantly reassuring you with warm smiles, trying to make sure that no matter what happens, you always feel loved and cared for.

He tries his best to stay optimistic and cheerful, especially when things are tough. But inside, he struggles with his own identity and the memories that slip through his fingers.

Sometimes, late at night, he might turn to you for comfort, not wanting to burden you but still seeking solace in your presence. He’s not afraid to be vulnerable with you, and that means a lot to him.

He is respectful of your boundaries. He’s careful to never push you beyond your comfort zone, whether it’s in physical affection or deeper emotional matters. If you’re not in the mood for affection or need space, he’ll understand without question. He’ll be supportive no matter what.

His pet names are endearing without being over the top. He might call you "love," "darling," or "honey."

Eventually, he could start calling you "my sunshine" because you brighten his days.

He enjoys being close to you, often with his arm around your shoulders or resting his head on your lap while you’re watching something together. He’ll sneakily pull you in for a side hug or wrap an arm around your waist when you’re walking together, always making sure to keep things warm and cozy.

He loves cooking for you, especially when he can make something comforting like a homemade curry or a simple dish he knows you enjoy. He’ll insist on making it himself, often getting a bit too excited about it.

After a long day, Sasaki likes nothing more than curling up with you to read. He enjoys reading uplifting stories, and sometimes he’ll pick out books just to make you laugh. He’ll read aloud to you with a warm voice. If you’re both feeling sleepy, he’ll cuddle up with you and rest his head on your chest.

He doesn’t like arguing, so if something’s wrong, he’ll be quick to try to resolve it with a calm and collected approach. He might not always know the best words to say, but he’ll listen to you, try to understand, and make sure the issue is worked through. He’s genuinely apologetic if he ever hurts your feelings, and he won’t rest until things are right between you both.

Sasaki doesn’t like confrontation, but if someone crosses a line or hurts you, he’ll be fiercely protective, though not in an outwardly aggressive way.

His response might be a quiet but firm stance. He’ll gently guide you away from the situation or stand up for you with a calm but serious tone.

Even though his own identity is often in turmoil, he’ll always prioritize your well-being. Whether that means taking on extra responsibilities to lighten your load or simply being the one to offer you a shoulder to lean on when the world feels heavy, he’s happy as long as you’re happy.

Kaneki is terrified the first time he finds out you’re in a motorcycle gang. Not because of the bikes, but because you casually mention a street fight like you’re talking about the weather.

"Y-You were stabbed?" He stammers out.

You respond with, "Relax. It barely hit anything important."

You give him your extra helmet the first time you take him for a ride. It’s scuffed, dented, covered in stickers and scratches, and he holds it like it’s a sacred artifact.

He clings to you the entire ride. Not in a cute way. In a "if I let go I will die" way.

You tease him relentlessly for it.

Despite your loud, aggressive energy, you are weirdly gentle with his face. When you touch his cheek or brush his hair aside, it’s slow and careful.

Kaneki worries about you constantly. Every time you come home bruised, bleeding, or grinning like you just survived something insane, he’s hovering with bandages and a shaken voice.

"You really should be more careful..." He would say.

You kiss him mid-sentence, hands slightly firm on his jaw, and reply, "I'm still breathing, though, right?"

You call him "pretty boy" or "bookworm" in front of your gang. They tease him. He dies inside.

But the moment anyone looks at him wrong, your hand is already on your weapon and your tone goes ice-cold.

Kaneki notices. He never forgets it.

He is soft-spoken, shy, and emotionally intense in a quiet way. You’re loud, brash, and physical. Somehow, it works.

You show affection by grabbing his waist, shoving your jacket onto him, pulling him into kisses.

He shows affection by memorizing your injuries and the way you like your coffee.

You’re completely unfazed when he tells you about his ghoul side. If anything, you’re angry that he was hurt and forcibly turned into a ghoul.

Kaneki worries he’s holding you back. You’re reckless, fearless, living fast. He’s cautious and scared of losing people.

You shut that down immediately. "You’re the reason I slow down at all, dumbass."

You never let him ride without holding you. Ever. Not just because of safety—but because you like knowing he’s there, arms tight, heart pounding against your back.

Late at night, when your adrenaline finally crashes, you’re quiet together. You let him trace scars you never talk about. He reads to you until you fall asleep, one of your hands still tangled in his shirt like you’re afraid he’ll disappear.

You and Kaneki have been dating for a few months now, slowly settling into a comfortable rhythm that feels warm and safe rather than rushed.

He is perfectly content staying like this—sitting close, fingers loosely intertwined, exchanging smiles.

Still, every now and then, his gaze drifts to your lips. Each time it happens, he quietly scolds himself and looks away, reminding himself that he wants to move at your pace.

That is exactly what is happening now as the two of you sit side by side on the bed in his room. He holds a book in his hands while you scroll through your phone, laughing at a video you're watching.

At some point, he stops reading entirely. He turns the same page twice without noticing, distracted by the light reflecting off your face and the familiar comfort of your shoulder brushing his.

When you turn toward him, you notice the way his eyes linger just a little too long. You tilt your head, confused, and ask if he is okay.

Kaneki stiffens instantly. "Y-Yeah! I’m fine."

He lifts the book to hide his face, though his eyes are no longer on the page. They keep flicking back to you.

You narrow your eyes, unconvinced, and put your phone down, gently pressing, "Really?"

He lets out a quiet sigh and lowers the book into his lap, fingers gripping its edges. His gaze stays down for a moment before he speaks. "I... I want to kiss you." He looks up then, nervous but sincere. “Is that okay?”

You smile and nod, reassuring him that it is.

He hesitates for just a moment longer, as if making sure you won't change your mind, before lifting a hand to your cheek and carefully leaning closer.

The kiss itself is shy and brief, but full of meaning. Kaneki pulls back almost immediately, cheeks flushed, eyes wide as if checking your reaction.

When you don't pull away, his shoulders relax, a small, relieved smile spreading across his face.

"Was that okay?" He asks.

You nod, giving him a smile. "Yeah. I really liked it."

His smile widens further, and he rests his forehead against yours. "Me too. Your lips are soft and warm. I hope we can do it again soon."

With a chuckle, you say, "Me too."

Kaneki wraps his arms around your waist, pulling you closer and resting his chin on your shoulder, feeling happy to finally have kissed you.

"Happy birthday, Kaneki!" You exclaimed, setting the cake down in front of him, a bright smile spreading across your face as you carefully arranged it on the table.

He looked up from where he sat, his lips curving into a small, grateful smile. "Thank you."

You grinned, stepping back a little to give him room as you started to sing. Your voice was full of warmth, filling the room with an easy kind of excitement. When the song ended, you gave him an eager look. "Okay, now make a wish and blow out the candles!"

He chuckled lightly, his eyes softening with amusement that made your heart flutter. Then, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and blew out the candles.

You reached for the knife, carefully cutting a slice of cake and placing it on a plate, soon cutting another slice.

"Wait." Kaneki called out, lifting a hand toward you.

You blinked, surprised, as you turned to face him. "Huh?"

"I want to feed you." He said, his voice quiet but insistent, eyes soft yet firm.

You raised an eyebrow, a slight frown forming as you looked at the second slice of cake you had planned to serve yourself, then back at him. "I can feed myself, you know. I'm not a kid."

A smile tugged at the corner of Kaneki's mouth. "I know. But it's my birthday. And it's my one request. Just this once?"

You let out a sigh, but you couldn’t help the warmth spreading through your chest. Setting the plate down, you slid it toward him. "Fine, fine. You win."

"Hehe. Thank you. Come sit with me."

You slid into the chair beside him, watching as he carefully scooped up a forkful of cake. He looked at you, his expression almost shy. "Okay. Open wide."

Your face flushed slightly, but you obeyed, your heart beating a little faster as you watched him feed you the bite.

His gaze never left yours, soft. "Does it taste good?"

You chewed thoughtfully, then swallowed before answering, "Yeah. It's really good."

Kaneki’s smile softened even more, his eyes warm as they lingered on you.

The room was quiet for a moment. Then, his voice broke the silence, low and sincere. "Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me. I don't think I've ever felt this... peaceful on a day like this. It really means a lot."

Your heart skipped at his words, your own smile softening. "Of course." You said quietly. "I'm gonna keep celebrating it with you. Every year, every day."

"You've always been there for me. Through everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

Gaze softening, you reached out to gently squeeze his hand. "You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll always be here. I’ll always be with you."

Kaneki’s smile deepened, his heart swelling with love and appreciation.

In that moment, he realized just how lucky he was to have someone like you—someone who never judged him, someone who stayed by his side through it all. You were the one he wanted to protect, the one he cherished, more than anything.

And, as he gazed at you, he knew you were the reason he felt, for the first time in a long while, like everything might be okay.