☆Ife☆

Years of lessons and balls, masquerading as making you a strong leader, and they all went down the drain in just one night.

The exact details of the start of the night were hazy. After all these months away and the hectic events of that fateful evening, what exactly went down was now a blur of fear and anger.

A meeting with your father, King Dimitri, and the king and prince of Philos, the nation to the west. You’d been told it was to be a trade discussion. You’d met the Philosian royals many times over the years. You’d spent several balls and galas enjoying Prince Xavier’s company, finding solace in his down-to-earth attitude that was rare among royals.

But the meeting was more a trap than anything.

You were told- not asked, but told- that you were to marry Prince Xavier. You were appalled, and the prince refused to meet your gaze, staring defectedly at the floor. He’d looked awful, tired and distraught, but you didn’t have time to see to him.

You didn’t think. You didn’t hesitate. You just turned and ran for your chambers, the skirts of your dress billowing behind you.

Your father knew you would hate the idea. You’d come out to him not long ago, revealing that you longed for a wife, not a husband. It wasn’t unheard of in this day and age, but you’d feared what your old-fashioned father and his court would think.

He’d lied to you, said he would take this into consideration. And then he’d turned and promised you to a prince.

A prince you did enjoy the company of, but you couldn’t imagine becoming his wife, and being forced to bear his children as a princess married to a prince would be expected to.

Once inside, you shoved a dresser in front of the doors to your bedchambers, knowing it wouldn’t be long before your father sent the royal guard after you. But you knew you didn’t need to buy too much time.

See, King Dimitri knew you would be upset.

But he didn’t know about your dragon.

You sprinted across your bedroom and threw open the glass doors that led out onto your balcony.

“Sylus!”

Your voice rang out in the cool night air. For a moment, there was only silence.

Then, there was the beating of wings, and a hulking figure dropped onto the balcony rail in front of you.

Only a gem, red veins, and black scales covered her chest. Black horns twisted up from her silvery white hair, and dark wings fanned out to either side of her body. Her red eyes focused on you and you could see her pupils dilate.

“My princess,” she cooed, but her smile quickly faded when she saw the look of distress on your face. “What’s wrong?”

“My father,” you gasped, panting from your frantic escape. “He’s betrothed me- Prince of Philos- I can’t do it, Sylus!”

Sylus’s features hardened and she carefully rested a clawed hand on your cheek.

“You won’t need to,” she promised.

With a deafening crash, your dresser was sent hurling to the side, and several knights in armor rushed into your bedchambers, following by your father and Prince Xavier.

“A dragon!” King Dimitri shouted. “Kill it!”

Sylus growled and her tail wove around your waist, tugging you up and into her arms.

“Hold on,” Sylus murmured, cradling you close and falling backward off the balcony, her wings catching the air.

The last you saw of the castle was Xavier rushing to the edge of the balcony, leaning over the railing and looking on in horror as you were swept away by the dragon. You felt bad for giving him such a scare. There were worse people to spend your life with.

But you longed for love, and you loved your dragon.

She flew you the entire night, heading east to the Taurus mountain range where she lived.

The next six months were the happiest of your life.

It was an adjustment, to be sure. There were things and people you missed. You were used to a very different lifestyle.

But it didn’t take much to adjust to living with Sylus.

You’d known her for years. One night, when you’d felt particularly adventurous and dangerously rebellious, you’d taken one of the horses from the palace stables and rode out into the woods bordering the kingdom’s capital. Alone and armed with nothing but a sword you were still learning to use, you’d wanted to view a projected meteor shower from a lake you knew of.

When you arrived, you’d sat down along the shore, staring at the sky in wonder. You didn’t notice the figure behind you until her claws were at your throat.

At first, you’d been scared. But you calmly spoke to the dragon and explained that you meant no harm, and it was terribly rude of her to bother someone while they were clearly stargazing. Astonished at your attitude, and (you found this out much later) bewitched by your beauty, Sylus spent the entire night with you, watching the sky.

Ever since, she’d made a point to visit you on your balcony. Sometimes she would stay in the area and spend time with you every night. Sometimes she was gone for months at a time. It didn’t matter- you fell, and you fell hard.

It broke your heart to know you couldn’t marry her, but you’d long since decided that if you could at least marry a tolerable woman with whom you could be content with, you would be fine if your time with Sylus was limited to stolen moments.

None of that mattered now, though. You had settled into dragon life pretty well, if you did say so yourself.

Your days were spent reading, painting, singing, learning instruments. You basked in Sylus’s treasures as her hoard’s crown jewel, not the crown of a kingdom that didn’t care about you.

You hunted with your dragon, teaching her new ways to cook. You traveled with her through the mountains, dancing through fields and weaving flower crowns that, according to you, complimented her horns very well.

This life was never what you expected for yourself, but it was an incredible blessing, and you didn’t waste a day.

Well, today was a bit wasted.

Sylus was gone, out for a long hunting trip. While she was gone, you wanted to rearrange her cave’s entryway. She had a habit of dropping smaller treasures as soon as she flew in so she could embrace you when she returned home. There were coins and gems littered about. Then you wanted to finish touching up the instrument area, because you’d been neglecting some of the smaller instruments in favor of the organ you and Sylus had managed to haul in a few weeks ago.

Instead, you’d lounged. All day. You were draped across a velvet couch among piles of gold, eagerly awaiting your dragon’s return. You missed her terribly. You’d spent the morning adorning yourself in all her favorite jewelry and wrapping yourself in a maroon silk robe that almost shimmered in the golden torchlight.

Then you’d done nothing. It was a horribly lazy day, the kind that would have gotten you in a world of trouble in the castle. But you knew when Sylus returned, she would revel in your freedom to do nothing with your time.

Speaking of, you could hear rocks shifting outside, and then- footsteps! Your dragon was home!

You hummed happily and shifted on the couch, positioning yourself in what you hoped would be an invitation to spend the rest of the day enjoying your dragon’s company.

“Down here!” you called, your summons echoing against the stone walls of the cave.

The footsteps grew louder and more hurried. You wondered what Sylus had brought back. Anything would be fine, so long as she was with it. Your heart thrummed with excitement as a figure rounded the corner into the cave, and-

“Prince Xavier?!” you cried out, scrambling off the couch and to your feet, wrapping the robe tighter around your body.

For it was not your dragon standing before you, but Xavier, brandishing a sword and decorated with white, black, and purple armor decorated with Philos’s symbol of yellow stars. His hair had grown longer- it looked like he hadn’t cut it once in the six months since you last saw him. His blue eyes were framed by faint dark circles, but they lit up like the north star when they landed on you.

Xavier rushed toward you, looking like he wanted to embrace you, but he held himself back. His shoulders sagged with relief.

“You’re alive,” he breathed. His lips trembled slightly. “I knew you were alive. Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine,” you assured, reaching forward and taking one of Xavier’s hands in your own. His gaze fell to the floor. “You looked exhausted. Are you injured?”

“Nothing major, only some scrapes,” Xavier replied carefully, his bangs hiding his eyes from you. “I’ve been traveling since a week after you were taken. At first, your father sent the royal guard, but it was obvious a single person would be able to move faster. And the people on the outskirts of Linkon are less than pleased with the king’s rule. I was able to get more information.”

Guilt washed over you. Xavier had been traveling for months, desperately hoping to rescue you without even knowing if you were alive. All the while, you were safe and sound, living your life to the best now that you were free from the crown. You didn’t regret leaving at all, but you wished you’d been able to let Xavier know what was really happening before you fled.

“I’m sorry I left like I did. I’ve known Sylus- my dragon- for years. There was no time, I just… I couldn't risk my father forcing me to stay,” you explained softly. “A marriage to you would not be so awful. I don’t want you to think I left because it was you. But having a husband, and the responsibilities that would come with him- bearing children, continuing the royal line, forever being seen as an accessory to him… I couldn’t do it.”

Xavier nodded, finally meeting your gaze. You sighed with relief when you saw no anger there, only quiet understanding.

“Then you’re not in need of rescuing at all,” Xavier concluded with a wistful smile. “You do look livelier, and you seem safe and happy. If you wish to continue living here, of course I would not try to force you to return.”

You smiled up at Xavier, finally releasing his hand.

“Thank you. You were always so kind to me, Prince Xavier.”

The softness in Xavier’s eyes faltered. A small smile morphed into a small frown, and you tilted your head.

“What is it?” you asked quietly, nervousness starting to press at your chest. Xavier suddenly looked more serious than you had ever seen.

“If I am to leave you to the dragon, I want you to know me for who I am,” Xavier began, taking a small step backward. “For the longest time, I didn’t know why, but I didn’t feel like a prince at all.”

Your nervousness faded, and you were pretty sure you realized where this was going, but you didn’t interrupt.

“I am a woman,” Xavier said, back straightening. “I’ve known for quite some time, but I didn’t want to tell you and make it seem as if I was trying to coerce you into a partnership. I know you’re not the kind of person to mistreat me if you knew.”

You smiled and took one of Xavier’s hands again, rubbing your thumb on the back of her hand.

“But I’m sure the King of Philos is,” you said softly, and Xavier winced and nodded. “What a secret to have kept for so long. I’m sorry you felt the need to- I never would have thought you were trying to coerce me. Thank you for telling me, Xa- would you still like to be called Xavier?”

Xavier’s cheeks flushed pink and she nodded.

“I would, I believe. It is the name given to me by my mother. I’ve grown rather fond of it.”

“Princess Xavier it is, then,” you declared. Your smile faded again, though, at the thought of Xavier returning to Philos. “It’s awful to imagine you having to return to be someone you’re not.”

Xavier tightened her grip on your hand.

“I’m not sure I can-”

A deafening roar suddenly shook the cave. A few clouds of dust fell from the ceiling. The blood instantly drained from your face. In all the excitement and emotion in your reunion with Xavier, you’d completely forgotten that your dragon was due back any minute.

You didn’t have time to warn Xavier or try to placate Sylus. In an instant, a figure burst into the cave. A long black tail wrapped around your waist and yanked you back behind Sylus. Dark leathery wings spread out and blocked most of your view, but you could see Sylus grab Xavier by the neck and slam her to the ground. Xavier’s sword fell to the ground with a loud clatter, and Sylus kicked it away.

“How dare you touch her?” Sylus roared. You frantically grabbed at her tail to try to free yourself.

“Sylus! Stop!” you cried, gasping as you writhed in her hold. “She wasn’t here to hurt me, listen!”

Sylus snapped one of her wings in close to her back, turning and looking at you over one muscular shoulder. Her scarlet eyes were slitted, and she was baring her sharp teeth. You could now see Xavier on the stone ground. Sylus’s legs straddled her, and the dragon had one clawed hand around Xavier’s neck. Xavier was clawing at Sylus’s forearm for freedom, but luckily she seemed able to breathe, and you didn’t see any blood.

“Sylus,” you pleaded, petting at her tail. “Put me down. Let her go. Let me explain.”

Sylus’s back was shaking from how deep her breaths were, but after a few moments, her breathing smoothed out. She nodded slowly, relaxing her tail and letting you slide out of her hold. Sylus released Xavier’s throat and got off her, stepping back and allowing the Philosian to stand.

“Thank you,” you sighed, stepping to Sylus’s side.

Her clothes and skin had blood and dirt on them from her hunt, but you still reached forward, resting your hand on the red gem glittering at the center of her chest until her breathing returned to normal and her pupils somewhat dilated.

“Why is he here?” Sylus spat, firing a glare at Xavier.

“She has come all this way thinking I was in danger,” you explained calmly. “When I told her I left willingly, and that I was safe and happy here, she promised she wouldn’t try to force me to return.”

Xavier straightened her back, facing Sylus head-on. Your eyes widened with surprise. You’d seen more powerful beings crumple under the weight of your dragon’s presence.

“I swear I speak the truth,” Xavier said evenly. “My only concern was for her safety. And seeing that she is clearly safe and happy with you, I would never try to take her away.”

Sylus tilted her head, her silvery white hair shifting and practically shimmering in the cave’s torchlight. You tensed, knowing what was about to happen. You didn’t doubt Xavier a bit, but it would probably still be uncomfortable.

“Let’s see about that,” Sylus drawled.

Her right eye flashed red, and a shiver ran down Xavier’s body. Her blue eyes went wide and her frame stiffened. After a few moments, Sylus blinked, and the glow faded from her eye. Xavier gasped and hunched forward, taking deep breaths. You raised an eyebrow as Xavier’s face reddened.

Sylus’s lips curved into a sly smile, showing off her canines.

“How interesting, princess,” Sylus said, sounding genuinely intrigued.

You looked back and forth between the two in confusion. You knew of Sylus’s ability to read others’ desires, but you couldn’t imagine what would have garnered this kind of reaction.

Sylus turned back to you, looking over you more carefully for the first time since she returned. She ran a hand down your arm, feeling the soft silk of your robe, before pulling away.

“Very well. I’ll prepare my catch. It seems we have a guest for dinner.”

--------

The following winter was one of the coldest in recent history.

Blizzards relentlessly assaulted the mountains and surrounding countryside. Snow and ice made going outdoors dangerous. Attempting to travel meant certain death.

Luckily, you had no need to leave the dragon’s cave.

Sylus had prepared well for this cold season, of course. You had plenty of food. Her extensive hoard left much to be done to avoid boredom, from playing music to simply sorting through the endless treasures.

Your favorite activity, though, was cuddle time.

Sylus slowed down significantly in the cold weather. She didn’t hibernate, but she grew lethargic and was much more willing to lay among the luxurious fabrics she’d collected over the years and conserve her warmth.

The newest addition to her hoard only enabled the habit further.

Xavier, who was not a dragon in any sense, loved napping more than your sleepy dragon. She practically had a sixth sense for when you or Sylus started to feel tired. Before you knew it, all three of you would be piled together, limbs tangled and hearts content.

You were in such a situation now. Sylus was beneath you, one arm cradling you close to her right side, and another cradling Xavier close to her left. You could feel her soft, rumbling snores in your chest as you braided Xavier’s hair. It had grown quickly since she first arrived at the cave, and she wasn’t always the best at taking care of it. You had a feeling that was purposeful, so she would have an excuse to have you brush and braid it.

Xavier was on her stomach, her face resting on Sylus’s chest, sound asleep as well. When you looked over at her and saw the peaceful expression on her face, your heart swelled with joy.

When you finished her braid, you tied it off and carefully set it down, turning in Sylus’s hold to cuddle in closer to your princess and your dragon.

The “proposal” had been entirely unexpected. The two of you were in a car chase deep in the N109 Zone, speeding past the docks and dodging bullets left and right. Your assailants were nothing impressive, and the two of you had been calmly chatting while you reloaded and Sylus wove through rows of shipping containers.

A brief, longing comment about how one of your coworkers was getting married, and how nice it would be that she’d have all her friends there, and suddenly Sylus was turning to look at you seriously.

“If that’s what you want, kitten, let’s get married.”

And, lit up by gunfire and harmonizing with bullets meeting pavement, that was that.

Your adventure in the cathedral was lovely, of course, but you were pretty sure she realized you wanted more than just the private knowledge that the two of you were entwined, inseparable, even though the nature of your relationship felt like it transcended the boundaries of marriage. It hadn’t been a “wedding,” exactly, more an everlasting promise that manifested as something particularly close to matrimony.

You wanted to wear a ring in public, and be able to say you were going home to your wife. Too often in your life(times) had you and Sylus been forced to pretend or hide or conform. This time around, you wanted to be openly and irrevocably hers.

Well, as openly as a Deepspace Hunter and the leader of Onichynus could be, at least.

As much as you wanted to be able to be married to Sylus, the woman in question insisted that Skye would be perfectly fine for now. There really was no other way to be publicly married. Your coworkers at the Hunters Association knew her as Skye the fruit vendor, and even if they hadn’t been introduced and witnessed that truly special night of karaoke, openly marrying a crime lord would get you fired at best and arrested at worst.

(Sylus said it wasn’t worth the risk to reveal herself, but deep down, the two of you knew that one day you would have to face the music. The ruse couldn’t go on forever. But for now there was no reason to ruin the peace you had.)

After some nights spent in Sylus’s office planning and discussing, and some strings that were easy to pull for the head of Onichynus, the two of you were able to put together a small ceremony in a town just south of Linkon. It was surrounded by mountains with blooming flower fields, and Sylus had paid for all the guests’ travel and hotel stays.

There weren’t many people- your friends from your personal life and work at the Association made up a majority of the invited guests. After some insisting on your end, Sylus settled on a guest list of her own, including friends (who were also, to be fair, Onichynus subordinates) like Phillip, Hank, and, of course, the twins.

The two of you opted to avoid bridal parties. You didn’t want the stress of selecting bridesmaids or bridesmen, and Sylus admitted she probably didn’t have enough people she could pick. 

(She suggested hiring some people to pretend to know her, but you shot her down, unwilling to add more layers to the carefully crafted lie that was Skye.)

But you still had Tara with you in your dressing room, helping you adjust your dress and veil, flitting around like a bird to make sure you were ready.

“You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” Tara breathed, taking a step back and clasping her hands together. Her eyes were glistening, and had been all day. She would probably cry through the entire ceremony. “How do you feel?”

You looked at yourself in the long mirror in front of you, taking a deep, shaky breath as you studied your appearance.

Soft white fabric flowed around you, glistening where it caught light. White lace gloves crawled up your arms like vines, and your veil framed your face beautifully. Tara had really known what she was doing when she styled your hair.

There was no room to be self-conscious or insecure. You felt like you were seeing the version of yourself that Sylus claimed to see every day. You were beautiful.

“I feel ready,” you said, wincing when your voice wobbled. “Oh, no. Am I gonna cry?”

“I know I will!” Tara sniffed, wrapping her arms around your shoulders and hugging you tightly while still being careful not to skew your veil and hair. “I bet Skye cries too. You look too lovely not to!”

You laughed, gathering yourself. You found it hard to imagine Sylus crying, especially since it wasn’t her first time seeing you in bridal attire, but you weren’t going to divulge that information to Tara.

“I guess we’re about to find out. It’s time to go,” you noted, gesturing up to the clock in the dressing room.

Tara nodded and carefully picked up your bouquet from a table by the doorway. It was a stunning bundle of dark red roses, complimented with white lilies. After adjusting your arms so you were holding the bouquet just right, Tara picked up a shallow basket of rose petals and opened the door and led you down the hall.

The wedding was taking place in a small chapel of gray stone and many stained glass panels. It was reminiscent of your and Sylus’s cathedral, but a little brighter, and much more tangible this time around.

Plush carpet muffled your footsteps, but you still felt like your heartbeat echoed down the hall as you followed Tara.

You weren’t nervous- there was no reason to be. This was Sylus. No one could make you feel more safe than she did.

But you were excited and emotional. Your Evol thrummed lightly under your skin, as if it was longing to be closer to your other half.

Tara stopped you when you reached a corner, peering around the wall carefully and hopping up and down, her dress swirling around her legs.

“Oh, there she is! Hi, Skye! Yep, I have her all ready to go!” she exclaimed, waving before turning to face you. “Okay, okay, remember: I’ll go first and scatter the rose petals, then when the music starts, Skye will walk down the aisle.”

The twins had offered to be flower boys, but Sylus gently suggested Tara instead, since no children were coming to the wedding. Sylus promised the twins that the reception dance floor would be their time to shine, but later on, she admitted that she didn’t want Mephisto to feel jealous if the twins got to play a role in the ceremony and he didn’t. Neither of you wanted to try to explain the reasoning behind a “fruit vendor” having a mechanical crow.

“The music will pause, then start again, and that’s your sign to come down,” Tara continued. “Are you ready?”

Your heart was beating so hard you thought it might erupt from your chest. Your hands shook around the stems of the roses and lilies. You had never been more ready in your life.

Not trusting your voice, you nodded. Tara smiled and patted your shoulder encouragingly before taking a deep breath and stepping around the corner.

The next few moments felt like a lifetime. Sylus was just around the corner, but you didn’t want to ruin the surprise and see her early. Neither of you had any idea what you were wearing. You wanted your first look at her to be when you stepped into the aisle.

Soft organ notes began to drift down the hall, and you heard the shuffle of footsteps as Sylus walked into the chapel hall and down the aisle. You let the music wash over you like a calming wave, and you felt your heart settle down in your chest.

There was a pause, and then the music swelled again. Your signal.

No deep breath needed, you stepped around the corner, keeping your head bowed until you saw your shoes hit the velvet carpet of the nave’s aisle, lined with rose petals left by Tara.

When you lifted your head, for a half a second, you saw the pews- only a few rows in this small building- with familiar faces all looking at you in wonder. You saw Tara and the twins sitting next to each other in one of the front rows, looking back and forth between you and the altar.

But you only saw them all for a moment, because your gaze was pulled to the love of your life, standing ready for you like a warm welcome home.

Sylus was always beautiful. You often told her so. But the sight before you created a whole new meaning for that word.

She wore a stunning white suit, lined with scarlet and black and detailed with faintly silver embroidery of flowers, vines, and thorns. A white lace cape rested on her shoulders and brushed the ground at her feet. Stitches portrayed roses and daturas, and the white lace was decorated with glimmering red rubies.

Your breath caught in your throat when Sylus lifted her gaze to meet yours. The instant you saw her red eyes, you smiled and continued your walk down the aisle, pulled in like a moth to flame.

The notes from the organ echoed down the hall, and the stained glass scenery around you seemed to come alive in the corners of your vision. True joy flooded your veins as you heard the quiet, happy whispers and gasps when you passed those close to you. You took a moment to glance around, smiling at them.

And when you lifted your eyes back up to Sylus, you almost fell flat on your face.

Tears fell down Sylus’s face, dropping onto her pristine suit. She was still smiling, but her breathing was shaky as her joy overwhelmed her.

You gasped slightly, smiling up at her and mouthing ‘Oh, Sylus,’ finishing your approach. You shifted your bouquet to one arm and took one of Sylus’s hands in yours, running your lace-covered thumb over the back of her hand.

“Are you alright?” you whispered. Sylus blinked her tears away, letting out a small laugh.

“Yes, I’m just… you look beautiful, sweetie,” she murmured, tightening her grip on your hand.

The officiant stood from the front row, wearing a flowing robe. He took his place behind you and Sylus and began the reading of a poem about eternal love that the two of you selected before beginning the vow exchange. Sylus’s tears luckily settled in time to give a shaky “I do” as she slipped a ring on your hand.

“And do you take Skye to be your wife, to have and to hold, to cherish in sickness and in health?” the officiant asked.

(You weren’t sure exactly how Sylus was doing it- well, you were, actually, it was probably just money- but she had in fact arranged for a marriage certificate between you and Skye.)

“I do,” you said, sliding a ring on Sylus’s hand with steady fingers.

“Then I now pronounce you wives. Brides, you may kiss,” the officiant said with a bow of his head, stepping away.

You surged forward, flinging your arms around Sylus’s shoulders and pulling her in for a kiss. The pews erupted in cheers and applause, and the organ music began again.

You parted for a breath, turning to smile at the crowd. Sylus took advantage of your momentary distraction and swept you up in her arms, in a very literal bridal carry.

The crowd got a laugh out of that, cheering and grabbing rose petals from the aisle to throw in the air as Sylus carried you back down the aisle, stopping halfway to press another kiss to your lips. You could hear the twins and Tara cheering the loudest.

“I love you so much,” you breathed into Sylus’s lips, beaming as she carried you out of the chapel nave.

Two more attempted video calls later, she’d called you back (a normal phone call, just audio), apologizing and saying Mephisto had been playing with her phone.

Typical Mephie. No big deal, you’d assured happily, because you could wait to see her in person! No worries to be had.

But Sylus hesitated, which she never did, and that reignited your concern. She’d given some halfhearted assurance that you didn’t need to spend your precious free time with her since you’d been so busy lately, and maybe you should just rest at home and the two of you could do something in a few days?

Sensing something was wrong, you’d put your foot down, insisting on coming to visit her, and that was that.

Now you were walking into the Onichynus base, welcomed not by your girlfriend, but by the twins.

“Mini boss lady! You didn’t have to come all this way!” Luke said, standing in your path when you tried to head for Sylus’s office. (You rolled your eyes at “mini” boss lady, but you had long since lost that fight.)

“Yeah, we heard you’ve had a busy week!” Kieran continued, standing next to his brother. “Don’t you need your rest?"

“I need to see Sylus,” you replied flatly. “I can tell something’s wrong. You two aren’t subtle.”

The twins exchanged a glance through their masks and sighed in unison, stepping aside.

“Yeah, fine.”

“If boss lady asks, just say we did our best.”

--------

Sylus paced in her office, her hands clasped behind her back. She knew you were on your way, but she’d decided there was no way to hide what she’d done.

Her ruby eyes flicked up, meeting themselves in a mirror near her desk. Her trip had been long and tiring, and she’d been looking forward to seeing her girlfriend upon returning home. But…

Her gaze traveled up further, glancing over her silvery white hair.

When she left the N109 Zone a week ago, her hair had been long, almost to her waist.

Now, it was cut short, still with bangs, but short.

She hadn’t really planned on making the change, but her trip involved hunting down some powerful Protocores. And when she finally found them, their energy had caused a flare-up in her Aether Core, dredging up ancient feelings and instincts.

Flashes of flying through the sky, carrying her sorceress in her arms. Her sorceress’s laughter ran through the air, and wind blew through Sylus’s short hair.

It had been long, once, when she was young, before the Abyss. In the battle that led to her chained in oblivion for centuries, she’d been slammed to the ground, then pulled up by her long hair. She’d sliced right through it to free herself.

When she found her sorceress, she’d grown it back out again. One of Sylus’s last memories had been of her sorceress running gloved hands through her white hair, tears streaming down both their faces.

When Sylus had come to, the grief was almost unimaginable. The feeling of her long hair tickling her neck and lower back had been revolting, and the first thing she’d done was get it cut. Impulsively. Without thinking.

It had been lifetimes since she’d kept her hair short. She didn’t hate it, not at all, but it was a big change.

Looking over her features in the reflection, she looked… different. The shorter hair framed her face differently. She wasn’t an incredibly feminine woman to start- she preferred suits to dresses, she felt particularly at home in the boxing ring. And she wasn’t one for feeling self-conscious.

But when it came to you, her feelings, mind, and heart went sideways and upside down.

When the doors to her office slammed open, she tensed, keeping her back to you.

“Sylus, welcome b- back…”

Your voice trailed off and you stood in the doorway in shock.

Your jaw was agape. Your eyes were wide, and whatever grand entrance you hoped to make fizzled out.

Sylus kept her back to you, and you had a perfect view of her newly shortened hair.

“Oh, wow,” you breathed, approaching carefully. You placed your hands on Sylus’s shoulders and carefully turned her to face you.

For a moment, Sylus hesitated. Then she pulled her gaze down to meet yours.

“Hello, sweetie,” Sylus said, forcing a small smile.

You reached up and ran your hands through her short hair. Sylus stilled, but then leaned into your touch. She looked practically ready to purr.

“It was an unplanned choice,” Sylus admitted carefully. You still hadn’t said anything about the new look. “What do you think?”

“I think you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” you breathed, a smile pulling your lips up. “You look amazing. Do you like it?”

Sylus’s shoulders sagged with relief. She reached down and settled her hands on your hips.

“It feels nice. I was concerned you would miss the long hair, though,” she admitted.

You laughed, and the sound settled Sylus’s worries more than any words ever could.

“Of course not. I only ever miss you, when you leave,” you said. “Why? Do you miss the long hair?”

“Not particularly.”

“Then why worry?” you pressed, resting a hand on Sylus’s cheek.

“I just know I’m a bit different from you is all,” Sylus admitted quietly, pressing her face further into your touch. “I know I’m not the most… feminine. And I just…”

Sylus looked away, her cheeks pinkening, and your heart fluttered. Never did you see this side of her, someone uncertain and just as lovestruck as yourself.

“You are my greatest desire, not how you dress,” you said quietly, smiling up at her. “But, if it matters that much, I will admit…”

Your hands traveled down, trailing down Sylus’s arms. Your fingertips ghosted over her skin where her button-down sleeves were rolled up, exposing her forearms.

“I love the new hair. And I love how you dress. When you roll up your sleeves like this…”

You took her hands in yours, entwining your fingers.

“Or when you’re fighting in the boxing ring. Or when you’re wearing that apron when you’re at the forge-”

“You like my apron?” Sylus laughed.

“It shows off your muscles!” you defended, giggling at her expression. “I love when you look all tough and strong. You don’t need flowing hair and flowing dresses. As long as you’re you…”

You reached up and pressed a kiss to her lips, savoring the faint taste of wine.

“I’m happy.”

Sylus’s face was still pink, but this time, she looked more pleasantly surprised instead of nervous.