Nympha

“Chill out cutie, we still have 5 minutes until the new year, that’s when the real fireworks begin.” He sighed dramatically as he set down a bowl of chips on the table. “However, I do wonder, you humans watch fireworks each year, no? Why are you so excited for it then when it’s pretty much the same thing every time?” 

“It’s not the same! Besides, I don’t really think it’s the fireworks that matters the most, but who you share them with. They are like… an art piece you get to see only with someone special, a little something to start your new year off brightly and with a bang.” You explain to Rafayel patiently as he looks at you, seemingly very interested in your explanation.

He hums for a moment, before leaning against the kitchen counter. 

“Ah I get it, so for you it’s a form of art?” Rafayel asks.

“I suppose, yeah. But you are the artist here so you probably know more about this.”

That appears to be the answer he wanted to hear because he thinks for a moment before smiling, looking at you again.

“Then it’s settled, I will paint today’s fireworks as a little memento to remember this special memory by. That way we will both forever remember our first new year together.”

You were about to respond when you heard the countdown start from the speakers and you immediately pulled Rafayel with you as you made your way to the windows of his studio.

“Oh, there it is Rafayel! They will start now!”

“I know, I know cutie, no need to pull my arm so hard.” He laughed as he managed to get you a glass of champagne from the table you passed.

You took the glass eagerly and then looked up at the sky, counting with Rafayel as the numbers soon reached zero.

Then, thousands of colours exploded in the sky. Red, green, yellow, purples and blues, all appearing to be the start of your new year to share with your boyfriend - a perfect way to start the year for an artist, if you ask me, to be surrounded by colours.

Rafayel was as amazed as you, admiring the sky and the beautiful hues of sparkles on it. Eventually though, his gaze landed on you once again, where it usually belongs. He lifted his glass, and spoke to you: 

The pout adoring the face of your boyfriend was comical, but you knew he was serious. You really felt bad for not telling him earlier, but Sylus was a valuable person to have on your side to help with cases in the Hunters Association. 

“No, no it’s not like that! We are just… working together, that’s all. I go with him to auctions sometimes, he gives me intel, that’s it! You know I love you raffy, I wouldn’t do that to you.” 

You hoped he wouldn’t take it the wrong way, you truly loved your boyfriend after all. He was funny, kind, caring and he loved you to bits, you knew that, so you felt guilty now when he got so worked up over it.

“I know that, obviously I’m better looking than him, you have much better taste than that.”

He huffed, as if offended at the idea that you worried he might actually think you were going out with Sylus. 

“What I am worried about though is that it’s unsafe, miss bodyguard. I thought a seasoned hunter would know better than to go looking at shiny gems with the big boss of the organisation your team is hunting down.”

He crossed his arms now, head tilted as if he was judging you instead of being worried and suddenly, Rafayel's big studio felt much too stuffy.

“I know, I’m sorry… but he isn’t trying to hurt me, I promise. And I’m careful around him, the association has my location at all times when I’m with him, so they know where to look if something happens.” 

You tried to reassure him gently, and you hoped he would go easy on you.

Rafayel looked at you for a moment, his expression trying to be stern, but he sighed and softened after a moment, coming up to you. 

You blinked in confusion as your boyfriend wrapped his arms around your body like an octopus, head on your shoulder, yet arms wrapped around your waist like a vice to keep your body pressed against him.

“... Rafayel? What are you doing?”

“Keeping you to myself, duh. You didn’t think I would let you off that easily, right?” His expression looked innocent and gentle, but knowing Rafayel, he probably really didn’t plan to let you go for a good while.

You relaxed into his hold, shifting slightly to lay down on the couch and pull him on top of you, his head resting on your chest, arms still tightly around you. It felt peaceful like this, and the situation seemed to be under control, he just seemed to be happy to have you all in one piece as he showered gentle kisses to your cheeks and the corner of your mouth.

What broke the nice atmosphere was your phone.

You both looked down at the phone next to you. On the screen?

A call from Sylus. Right, you were supposed to go meet him up a while ago.

Rafayel however, seemed to have a different plan as he took the phone, refused the call with a look of disgust and then promptly threw it somewhere onto the carpet. 

“Rafayel, sweetheart-”

“Nuh uh, you are not going with that guy. Why are you thinking about someone else while you are with me, anyways?” The expression on his face made you accept that you wouldn’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

“I still didn’t get my apologies, you know. I was so worried about you and as it turned out, I had every right to be because suddenly you are besties with some white haired guy with a motorbike.”

“I think I should get some apologies, no? Likee… you should go with me to my next exhibition aand stay with me for a few days, sounds like a fair deal to me.” He tightened his hold on you, nuzzling into your neck as if there was no better place to be.

“I think you just want to cling to me the entire time.”

So now, you sat on the couch in his studio as he worked, peacefully reading a book while your fur baby roamed around. You made sure he would be careful, but a cat was a cat and yours was an affectionate kind - Rafayel learned that quickly.

He was just working on a piece for his new collection, focused as ever, when he felt a tug at his pants. Surprised, he looked down… just to see your cat, nuzzling into his leg with a quiet purr.

“What are you doing, little guy? Shoo, you are distracting me. A painter needs his focus.” He sighed, gently moving the cat away with his foot but he stayed still for only a moment, before going right back to circling around the ladder Rafayel was working on and bonking his leg every now and then.

“Cutiee! Your little monster is touching me!” He shouted, still attempting to move the cat away with no success.

“Be nice to him, Rafayel. He just likes you.” You said back from the couch, still reading your book peacefully in hopes your boyfriend would handle it.

“Well I don’t like him, come get him please?”

With a sigh, you had to leave your book alone and go get your cat.

Another time, while you were out shopping, Rafayel had to stay with the small critter alone. It was peaceful for a moment.

Rafayel rested on one end of the couch, sipping his tea and scrolling on his phone while the cat stayed on the other end, playing with a little toy. 

That peace lasted only about 5 minutes.

Like a typical cat, he got bored eventually and decided to jump onto the small coffee table. Rafayel looked up, not sure what he was doing.

“That’s not a place for you to rest on, you know. Better get down.” He said, still not really sure how to talk to him.

Your cat though? Didn’t listen, rather he seemed very interested in your mug that sat on the table.

Rafayel watched him, his gaze focused and sharp on the moving fur ball.

“Don’t you dare.”

Then the cat moved the mug. And then again. While purring happily.

Next thing he knew, Rafayel shot up and caught the mug that could have fallen. He was sure that you wouldn’t be happy if your favourite would get broken, it was something you made during your date after all.

He set the mug down on the table and looked at the cat.

“You-!” He held the cat up with both hands, annoyed as he glared at it like he was his personal enemy.

Your cat only tilted his head and meowed adorably, nuzzling into his hands.

“...”

“... You are so lucky that you are cute and belong to her.” Rafayel sighed, relaxing a bit as he looked away for a moment.

Another time, the both of you were sitting on the bed, watching a movie, cuddling nicely. Your cat was next to you, content as you were petting him with one hand while Rafayel held the other. 

However, as soon as you stopped petting him to focus on the movie more, the cat moved. Going through your lap, sitting on Rafayel's legs instead. He looked mortified.

“Miss bodyguard, I need protection. He’s touching me.”

“Calm down Rafayel, he’s just a little affectionate, he won't bite your leg off.”

“You don't know that! Cats can be very mean too, ya know, even more than humans sometimes.”

“Okay, and was he mean to you? Did he scratch your furniture or something?” You asked, knowing the answer already.

Rafayel thought for a moment as he looked at your cat, now happily asleep on his lap. It didn't feel bad, to his surprise. 

“... No.”

“Exactly, he's a nice kitty, and he's important to me, so try to get along with him, okay?” You answered softly, the focus shifting from the movie to your boyfriend.

He sighed, but he didn't move the cat from his lap at all.

It was time for you and your cat to return to your apartment now that everything got fixed. You were still out signing some papers and inspecting the building while Rafayel stayed with your cat.

The both of them sat on the couch, your cat napping softly. Rafayel could have been painting, but he didn't really feel like it, rather he looked at the cat as if it was the greatest puzzle in his life.

Eventually, he reached over to pet the cat, which purred happily at the gesture. How could he not when the cat was your friend? Sure you gave him some affection but maybe it wasn't so bad, even if he left cat fur over his canvases.

The cat slept cutely, all curled up into a loaf, fur soft as always since you took care of it. When he felt Rafayel rub his head, he nuzzled into the touch.

“... You know, you aren't so bad, little guy.”

When you returned to Rafayel’s studio to get the last of your things and your kitten, you found an unusual sight.

Rafayel was sitting on the couch, scrolling on his phone, while his other hand was petting your cat that rested on his lap. 

You blinked twice in surprise. Nope, everything is still in the same place.

Rafayel looked up, noticing your expression of surprise.

“Cat got your tongue, cutie? You know, this little fur ball isn’t so bad, I wouldn’t mind it if you ever needed to stay here with him again.”

Boxes of your things waited as you busied yourself cleaning the furniture that had to stay, it felt as if you were brushing away memories while cleaning the dust off the shelves. The same shelves that held your books, your trinkets from Rafayel and the newest addition - the small painting of your engagement, because of course he would somehow manage to capture that moment too.

Now it was all sealed away in boxes, but it didn’t feel like the end, just like another beginning.

A doorbell is what makes your thoughts pause. Already knowing who it was, you moved to open the doors.

“All packed up and ready for your new house, my wife?” He asked as he leaned against the doorframe with his usual charm.

“Your fiancee, love.” You corrected gently as you invited him inside.

“Not for long.” He brushed off with a confident smile as he entered and took in how empty your apartment looked.

“Everything packed? Clothes, food, gifts from your lovely soon-to-be-husband?”

“Yes, everything. I checked three times.” 

“Great, let’s pack all this into the car then, yeah? Leave allll the heavy lifting to me, cutie.”

An hour and a half later, you stood in Rafayel's home, or rather, your home now too.

The previously cluttered and artistically put together studio now was cleaned, Rafayel made sure to give you lots of space for your belongings. Clearly sacrifices were made, you knew that when you saw the shelves that previously held his supplies were now emptied, just for you. The brushes that would be everywhere on his floor along with paint stains? All cleaned. 

Sunlight from the big, open windows of the house spilled onto you as you unpacked your clothes into your side of the closet in the bedroom. It still didn’t feel real, that you two would actually exist in the same space all the time now. No more needing to drive to see your dramatic fishie.

“Ookay, this should be the last box!” Rafayel panted as he set down the last box containing your supplies, slightly exhausted from carrying all the boxes inside but happy nonetheless. “I feel like a crushed fishie after this, some of them were really heavy…”

A soft laugh filled the space of the previously too big and empty house, it made Rafayel smile slightly as he heard you approach. 

“Really? Wasn’t someone saying how easy it was and that they don’t need any help?” You teased as you leaned over Rafayel who was now dramatically slumped over the couch, one hand resting on his eyes as he looked as if he just ran a marathon, but if anything it just made him look more hot.

“What kind of a man would I be if I allowed my future wife to carry her own things? I think I deserve a reward, ya know, like… right now.” He pouted, opening his eyes just enough to stare at you with those pretty violet eyes of his.

With a soft hum, you only hesitated for a moment before leaning down and giving him a small kiss on the lips. That didn’t seem to satisfy him though as he quickly pulled you onto him, so you both laid on the couch and he showered your face with kisses.

“Rafayel!” You laughed, a sound he could never get enough of.

By the end of the day, all your things were in their rightful places, often right beside his.

Towels now came in a pair, so did the toothbrushes, mugs, and clothes. All matching yet distinctively different, but yours, together.

Rafayel admired you from the doors to the bathroom as you worked on your skincare routine, it felt unreal to see you right there, being in the same space that earlier belonged only to him, but felt much too empty. Now he could smell your scent, hear your little hums as you got ready for bed and he couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky he was to experience this, such a normal thing yet it made him so happy.

After a while, you caught on to his gawking.

“Hm? Am I taking too long?” You asked, not wanting to disturb his usual routine if he did want to go get ready now too.

“No no, keep going. You just look nice like this.” He muttered as he continued looking at you as if you were the most exquisite art piece he ever laid his eyes on.

“... Thanks but I’m literally in my sleepwear though?-” You were confused, you had a pair of shorts and a shirt on, your face and hair was wet and messy. There was nothing good looking about that.

“I mean, you look nice here, so domestic and comfortable, mine.” He moved closer now, both hands resting gently on your waist as he looked down at you with so much adoration you weren’t really sure what to do.

“I can’t believe I will get to see you like this daily.” He sighed as he leaned in to gently kiss your temple.

With the bedside lamp turned on and the sounds of the ocean coming from the open windows, you felt truly at peace, especially since you got to lay right next to him. Rafayel had one of his arms lazily around your waist, while the other played gently with your hair. You on the other hand nuzzled into his neck, one hand resting on his chest where you could feel his heartbeat. 

“... It feels weird that I don’t need to go back to my place tomorrow.” You muttered, already somewhere on your way to dreamland as the warmth of your future spouse made you feel sleepy.

“I know, it doesn’t quite feel right, does it? Buut we have more than enough time to get used to it, cutie.” Rafayel said, his voice soft and warm, not with his usual dramatic spark but genuinely happy.

“... You have really pretty eyes.” You muttered out of the blue as your lovely boyfriend was focused on a painting of you. You were merely supposed to model, but when you saw those dawn coloured eyes glancing at your figure every now and then, you felt as if you were in a trance.

The moment those words left your mouth, you felt your cheeks heat up and your boyfriend stopped painting as he looked at you, a bit surprised but mostly very proud of himself.

“Oh do I now, cutie? Us Lemurians have better genetics, ya know, that’s probably why. Do you want to take a closer look?~” Rafayel said teasingly as he then inched closer to you, abandoning his idea for the painting for a moment for the sake of getting a reaction out of you.

The other time though, it doesn’t always come out so nicely, even if you meant well.

“You shouldn’t paint in the dark like this. It’s bad for you.” You said drowsily as you paddled into the art studio and of course, saw Rafayel there, still painting. You were waiting in bed but he never showed up so you went to check and that little comment slipped past your lips quicker than you could realise.

Rafayel was caught off guard by your voice at this hour, his paintbrush almost slipping from his grasp as he turned around, yet he soon sighed slightly as he realised it was only you. He started wiping his hands on a nearby rag to clean off the paint as he then spoke.

“You are still up, cutie?”

“Mhm, someone left me waiting. Painting in the dark isn’t healthy, you can go blind, you know.” You whispered as you inched closer to him until your head rested at his shoulder.

“Ah, how honest, my love. You wound me sometimes.” He sighed dramatically as he wrapped his arms around your waist.

“Wait, I didn’t mean that-” You protested, stressing instantly that what you said didn’t come off right, but Rafayel interrupted you then.

“I know, I was just joking, you silly jellyfish. I appreciate your concern for me, miss bodyguard. I guess I’m just not used to having someone wait for me when I was on my own for so long… Anyways, let’s go to bed together now, yeah?”

Sylus

It was late into the night, but about midday for Sylus, when you first heard him beckon you closer.

It was just supposed to be five minutes, a while to spend with your beloved before going to sleep since you needed to wake up early the next day for your job. Although those five minutes turned into an hour and your mind went sleepy in only a matter of time.

You observed Sylus while he worked, signing deals and reading papers. His brows gently furrowed as he adjusted his glasses, his eyes skimming words on the page as he did his best to focus. When you stared at him like this.. you noticed something.

“... Your hair looks very pretty like this.” You muttered out sleepily, your face resting on one hand that leaned on the table.

Sylus blinked, surprised, before putting down the papers for a moment.

“Oh? Well thank you, sweetie. What has gotten into you so suddenly?” He asked with a smirk.

A gentle shrug is all he got. “Nothing, I just think you look good without even trying to.”

“Ah, so the way to charm you is by not trying? Noted.”

Sylus was just about to go back to his papers before you interrupted softly.

“Also… You have been sitting like this for hours by now. You should rest your eyes a bit.” You expressed your concern gently, it didn’t feel nice to see your partner overworking himself like this.

The papers in Sylus’s hands paused, before he set them aside again gently while the man himself looked at you with a tinge of surprise and also softness.

“Am I making you worry about me, kitten? Or is this just an excuse to get me to cuddle with you before you fall asleep?” He asked, his voice clipped with a teasing gist yet also happiness and a sense of relief, maybe he was looking for an excuse to stop working too.

“Hmm.. both? Come before I fall asleep at your desk.”

“Alright, I suppose if a feisty kitten expresses her wishes then I have no right to deny.” 

Warm softness from the pillows welcomed you as Sylus set you down on the bed while he laid down next to you, not daring to go under the covers because he knew he wouldn’t be able to leave you then. Exhaustion took hold of you faster than you thought it would, but it shouldn’t be a surprise since you rested in your boyfriend's warm arms.

Before sleep took you fully thought, you heard one thing.

There was Rafayel, in his studio as you expected, working on what you assumed to be another commission for Thomas, who still had to nag the dramatic artist for art pieces so often. 

“Hm? Ah, there you are cutie.” Rafayel said gently as he heard the floor creak under your soft footsteps as you approached. “Why are you awake? Even the sea gulls are still asleep at this time.”

“Well, a certain someone left me all cold and alone.” You huffed sleepily as you wrapped your arms around his waist and peeked at his work.

It showed the beach in the morning light, all golden and pretty yet so nostalgic at the same time.

“I know, I know, what a grave mistake I made.” He sighed dramatically, pouting briefly before he leaned in to kiss you. It was sweet, gentle, a fantastic good morning in your opinion.

“Buut I was working on a new masterpiece. I saw how the light reflected on the sand and just couldn’t help myself.” Rafayel mused as he continued to add a few more brushstrokes of light onto the canvas, completely unbothered by you clinging to him - he was used to it already.

You hummed and watched the artist paint for a while. He was so focused on his work, you almost felt bad for disturbing him, but he needed his beauty sleep too, and most importantly : you needed a cuddle partner.

“Come back to bed with me?” You squeezed his waist a bit tighter as your head rested on his shoulder.

Rafayel paused at that, thinking for just a second before you could see that gentle smile of his you adored.

“Of course, if my dear wife asks then who am I to disagree?” 

Back in the bedroom, it didn’t really take long for you to get sleepy again now that your human warmer was by your side. Rafayel, in the meantime, stayed awake for a little while longer.

“If I could, I would wake up everyday early just to see you like this.” He whispered, gently brushing your hair away from your face.