Cyrix

And I have been thinking if you want more for the romantic ones? Qif, Olly, Eas are the staple here, but I was wondering if y'all would like someone else too? Perhaps Beldaruit or Utowin? I'm not sure. I could write a romantic Beldaruit, but I doubt I can write an accurate Utowin. I'd have to study up for that.

Idk who else I could add though. The Brim hats are a no go. I know I can't write those. And I think everyone else is the same unfortunately 🫠

Sorry Lulucy, Dadga and Galga...

This is what I have been doing

(but my WHA interest hasn't dwindled!! I will still keep on writing about my dear fathers and loves I can't stop)

When one was underwater, it was hard to tell what the sky was up to. It didn't matter if it was storming or if there wasn't a cloud in the sky. When you were in the Great Hall, you hadn't a clue of it.

So far down, at the bottom of the sea, everyone was far too isolated from the free clouds above.

In the stone maze that the Great Hall was, the coldness of the water seeped into the walls. It clawed it's way deeper, even if most of the witches didn't notice.

Many of your books mentioned the weather. How it acts, how it changes, how it feels. Even how it affects the people living. Could it affect the witches here too? Could the rain above form the sadness in people's minds here?

Could it be raining now? Could it be that's why you're sad?

This perpetual sadness seemed to settle deep into your bones. It became an inseparable part of you. As if it was crawling through your veins, nestled in the pores of your spongy bone tissue.

It felt as if you were melting into your bed, laying there for so long. You thought of doing something. Your spells, work, reading... something. But you couldn't. Physically you could, but not mentally. Something was keeping you tied to your bed.

"Sweetling!" Beldaruit's joyful voice comes from behind your door, "Your dear master is here!"

You didn't even have to get up, the old man's sand illusion let itself in, opening the door and jumping inside.

"I was wondering if you want to come with me to the plaza. Master Bel would buy you some sweets in the cafeteria too!" he beams as his goat horned chair carries him closer.

Beldaruit often wanted to bring you out of your room. Lately, you wished he'd just leave you alone. What were you supposed to do at the plaza? Eat some sweets? You didn't want a cake.

"No... I... you can go without me," you mumble, bring your blankets closer to yourself.

"...hm. You don't want to go? But, sweetling, it will be fun!" the old man tries again, reaching his hand out to you. With his touch, he tries to soothe you and bring you out of your cocoon.

"No, I'm tired," you huff sharply, burying yourself deeper into the blankets. Of course, since your face was pushed into your pillow, you couldn't see the way Beldaruit's face fell. But you could hear the soft sigh he let out.

"...very well, my dear. If you're tired, get some rest. Please. You will feel better afterwards," that joyful voice of his came back, with a little quiver to it, "Master Bel will still buy you something, don't you worry!"

When you didn't reply, his illusion took a step towards your door.

"Sleep well, little one," he whispered as he left, the door closing after him.

Guilt swirled in your heart, annoyance in your mind. Your master sounded so upset. But why should you feel guilty? You just didn't want to go out today. How is that bad?

The grip on your blanket tightened. It's not fair. You were just tired. It's fine if you don't want to go to a stupid plaza!

It was almost pitch black when you opened your eyes, safe for the soft outlines of your bed. Right. You must've fallen asleep.

A creak forms as you sit up. Dehydration pulled at your senses. Overcome with dizziness, you whine softly.

What time is it?

No matter.

Hunger twisted your stomach, but even in your near starved state, you didn't feel like getting up. Sitting like this was exhausting already.

And thus, you lifelessly flop down into the mattress again.

This felt miserable. Why were you like this?

Your stomach hurt so bad.

Pushing your face into your pillow didn't help. It didn't ease the ache in your stomach nor the mess in your head.

What was up with you?

Why were you like this?

Why did it have to be you?

"Sweetling...?" a soft voice appears in the room, sending you into a jolt. You almost instantly sit up and look behind you. A soft glow from the opened door seeps into your room. A silhouette of a certain man on a goat chair before you.

"...my dear... ah, I...," Beldaruit's voice hitched. It was probably the first time you heard it do such a thing. Sometimes it lowered, halted, but it never was so heartbroken.

"I- Master- You're back...," you let out the first thing that comes to tongue, trying to ease the awkwardness.

"Not soon enough it seems...," he said almost imperceptibly, "Here, my little love, I brought you dinner. You didn't come down when the kitchen called you."

The old man came closer, the chair's hooves clicking against the floor before he stopped in front of your bed. He reaches out to your bedside table, turning on the magical lamp, letting in a source of low light.

"Eat, sweetling. You must be starving," the voice still comes so softly as Beldaruit hands you the plate. He doesn't wait for you to protest, to give him the plate back. His chair turns and comes back to the door, not to leave, but to close them.

Your gaze falls down onto the dinner. It was one of your favourites. You could manage this, no? So, you take the fork and try to eat, try to ease your master's mind.

Beldaruit came back to you, watching you eat. It soothed his senses some, but his heart was still full of worry. As he watched you, he felt it spread more and more. How could he let this happen?

"My sweetling, I... I know you... you do not fancy talking about your feelings, to put it simply. But... you see, my little love, I cannot let this go on," his soft voice stammers, "You see, I am your master. And hence, I must take care of you. I am here for you. I am here, for your ails of any kind. Be it bruises, or heartache. Let your master treat your hurts."

Your throat tightened and your jaw tensed. Your mind went blank as your eyes promptly locked onto the plate. You could hear the loud beating of your heart.

A tender touch lands onto your upper back. Beldaruit's hand rubs small circles into you.

"My dear," a painful sigh leaves him, "I know... I know you do not like it, but please... please, talk to me. Even the smallest crumb."

Perhaps your hold on the fork tightened, but not for long, as Beldaruit reached out with his free hand and eased the utensil out of your hand. He waits for a moment, seeing if you look at him.

"Breathe, sweetling. Just breathe. In and out," your master hums as he continues his rubbing, "It's fine. I'm not trying to attack you. You're safe. In your bed. You needn't talk right this second. Let's take it slowly, alright? Hm? My little love?"

Naturally, at the loss of your grip on the fork, your eyes followed it to Beldaruit's hand. And from there, they jump up onto Beldaruit's face. Just for a second. But it was enough to see his kind, and a really concerned, face.

"Please, eat some more. I was only worried you were shutting down, sweetling. Here," his palm opens up again, "Could you try to finish your dinner? Please, for this old man?"

Something in his sweet voice made your head cave a bit, nodding to his request. The fork was put back into your hand. As you began to eat again, you slowly eased into the moment.

Silence fills the room. Beldaruit doesn't urge you on nor does he ask you anything. He lets you be for the moment, just making sure you actually fill your stomach.

"I am sorry, my little love, I didn't bring you any tea. Ah, seems your old man is getting forgetful. Will you forgive him?" he gently jokes while you put the empty plate onto your bedside table.

"...'s fine."

"...are you fine, sweetling?

"... yeah..."

Beldaruit's sigh echoes in the room.

"I am sorry. I... I see that I have made a lapse in my judgement. I mustn't allow you to deflect this. Because," he takes a deep breath,"my little love, you aren't fine at all."

The world came crashing down. There was oppressive pressure on your heart, making it pound so wildly. No. No.

Why must he do this? Why can't he leave it be. Why.

"But that's okay. You cannot simply be fine all the time. Sometimes, you cannot be fine for a long time...," Beldaruit lowers his voice, "It must feel so lonely, right? So wrong. But, please know, your papa is here. And he-... I would never turn you away at this time."

His hands slowly loop around your waist, delicately tugging you closer. Despite his small coaxes into his lap, your heartbeat doesn't slow.

"Please. Let me be the support you need, sweetling. No more running away, okay? My poor heart can't take it anymore," his words turn into a whisper once he manages to settle you down into his lap.

His slender arms encircle you. The hold is tight and firm, but not suffocating.

You couldn't resist anymore. Your face went straight into the crook of his neck. And, without even knowing really when, tears roll down your cheeks, pooling against Beldaruit's neck.

"Oh, my little love... do not hold it in anymore. Cry. Cry as much as you need. I'm right here," he sweetly shushes you, "Oh... my little baby. Your papa is right here."

"I- I-...," you try, but a sob rips out of you.

"...yes? Do not worry, sweetling. I'm listening. There's no judgement here."

"I just- I don't know, M-... It- I-," you choke on your own sniffles, your breath hitching like crazy, "I- I am just- so... so tired and- and just... not- not good..."

Your words were jumbled, shaky and very simple. But that's all Beldaruit needed. He understood.

He understood just how much this must've been affecting you. Being so lost in your own feelings that you couldn't even properly identify. You must've been so lonely. Isolated, even from him.

"Ah, shh, shh. Breathe," he softly says, caressing your head, "I know. It's so tiring, isn't it? But, listen to me, my little love, it'll be okay. You know why? Because now, I am here. Your dear master. And I will never let you fall so far from me ever again."

The cries and sniffles made your body weak. You couldn't even hold onto him properly as your body rocked at the force of your sobs. Your breath often faltered. It was shallow and many times disrupted by you choking on your own saliva.

Beldaruit kept on holding you close. Impossibly close. His hold didn't ease, not even a fraction. The caress to your head never ceased either. It was a rhythmic reminder of his care.

"Shh, shh... breathe, sweetling. Breathe. Deep breaths. We can't have you passing out now," he murmured, pushing your head just a tad to the side, yet still delivering a little peck to your temple.

Thankfully, your breathing managed to even out somewhat. It was a slow transition from the hysterical and shallow hitches into deeper breaths. Still quite affected by your cries nonetheless.

"Hmm... it's okay. It'll be okay. I'll make sure of it. And, to start off! We must get you some warm tea and into a soft bed. Preferably, my bed. I can't leave such a little sweet thing like you all alone tonight, can I? That would be cruel," Beldaruit whispers, trying to bring you out of your sobs, "Shh, shh. Papa will make it better."

The chair suddenly moves, carrying your master and you out of the room. It trudges through the hallways straight to Beldaruit's quarters. The chair doesn't rush.

A lullaby follows you both as Beldaruit hums you a low tune. His hand is everlasting on your head, still caressing you.

"Here we are. Ah, no, no. Don't cry anymore, sweetling. Here... Let me clean up your cute little face," your master takes a napkin once he reaches his bed, leaning backwards to check your face. He brings the napkin to your face, soothing your crying even more as he wipes your tears.

"There... all better, hm? Did your heart lift? Even if just a little bit?"

"Mhmm..."

"Ah, yes? Ah... my sweetling...," Beldaruit is almost breathless, hearing your voice once again, outside of your sobs felt like a victory. It relieved his worries immensely.

"Good! That's how it ought to be. Now, go. Into my bed. You know this part very well. Get cozy, my little love," he ushers you off his lap, "Master will make you some nice lemon balm tea!"

Obediently following his commands, you crawl off his lap and lay on the bed, worming your body underneath Beldaruit's cover. You turn your head and watch as he pulls out his tea set and within seconds brews you a cup of tea.

As if on cue, you pull the cover back, allowing your master to shift himself out of his chair and onto the bed. After a few adjustments, mainly straightening out his legs on the bed, he leans his back into the horde of pillows. You promptly cover him.

"Oh! Aren't you just the sweetest? Thank you, taking care of me when you should be relaxing," he plants a kiss to your head before he hands you the cup of tea.

The soft "thank you", that you give him, makes him beam even more. His smile was widening more and more as you calm down.

"That's better. All better now. See? Master Bel would never turn you away. Never," he hums and kisses your head again. He can't help himself.

The lullaby comes back. Your master hums you the tune while you drink your tea.

Gosh, your eyes were so heavy.

Beldaruit felt the mounting pressure to his side. He knew you were losing your consciousness. But he waited a few moments more.

And when he saw the cup tilting, he took it and put it away. His arm brought you closer.

"Sleep now, my little love. Your papa is here. And he isn't leaving," the words echo in your head as you fall asleep. A tender kiss to your forehead is the last thing you feel.

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˗ˏˋ ★ ― EASTHIES ‼

The first thing you could hear is the soft clanks of dishware, the first thing you feel is the jarring absence of a certain someone.

Promptly, a long, loud whine leaves you as you flip your hand around, trying to find your man. You don't stop until someone takes your hand.

"Yes, yes. I'm here, dear," Easthies hums, sitting down on the edge of the bed. He watches you open your eyes, frowning in displeasure.

"Why did you leave me," comes your upset voice on cue. Easthies keeps his eyes on you, bringing your hand closer and kissing your knuckles.

"Please, forgive me. I went to get breakfast, dear. You see, you wanted to go to sleep so early yesterday, I didn't have the time to properly take care of you. So I must rush it now. Just a bit," he whispers against your fingers before kissing your hand again.

"Rush? You... must you really...?" you groan, curling up around the black haired man. Why must he leave you so much?

"Yes, dear. Really," he sighs and squeezes your palm as he sets it down onto his lap, "The order must be kept. The Pact must be upheld. I won't have it any other way."

He anticipated your mood worsening. You didn't even have to voice your dislike of his schedule, he knew. And he understood as well.

"But," a peck comes to your lips, "I am yours, dearest. And I will take care of you until I am to be called away. Let me nurse you this morning. Please."

God. In the end, Easthies could still baffle you. He was dedicated to the Pact. But he never wanted you to feel unloved by him. Thus, sometimes, his affection comes in strong and very intense waves.

Reaching out to his face, you tuck some of his loose hair behind his ear. He was so beautiful. You could feel your heart soften already.

"Please, do not fight my love, dearest. I would hate to think that I am leaving you hurt in my room while I have to work," he whispers, his deep stare pouring into you. You knew he meant it.

"...fine, but... we eat in bed! I am not getting up!" a dramatic huff and turn to the other side makes Easthies sigh.

"I... I will allow it, only if you promise not to run away from me. To hide from me like this."

"You're the one who left me alone this morning!"

"I was getting our breakfast... I-... My dearest one, please. I will allow anything within reason. You can stay in my bed all day, eat every meal in it, but please, I beg... stay looking at me," the bed creaks as Easthies leans over you, taking your hand and squeezing it once again. He was there.

"So then beg! On your knees!" you smirk and look up at him.

"Hm. Aren't you all jolly suddenly?" he deadpans at you. He did love you, very much so, but he didn't feel like entertaining too many of your theatrics.

"Didn't you say you'd allow anything within reason? You being on your knees for me is hardly out of reason," you point out with a poke to his chest.

"...I suppose so, dear. But you will have to keep this desire for longer. Perhaps," his mouth moves to your ear, whispering in low, very tingly, voice, "if you aren't sore any longer by the evening, I will kneel for you all you want."

Damn this witch! You could feel the shiver that ran down, straight to your core.

"For now though, I think some food is in place," the man lifts himself off the bed and walks to his table. He has already laid everything out, he put quite the effort in it. Alas, yesterday, you were so tired and you pulled him down to sleep too. Normally, he would make sure your legs, and anything else that was underneath a lot of pressure during the night, weren't sore the next day by massaging them for you.

He didn't want you getting up right now. So, Easthies decided to brave the possible crumbs of food in his bed. He'd simply change the sheets once he got back.

"Here you are, love," Easthies hands you a plate. It was a very balanced breakfast, naturally. The Knights Moralis were strict about the diet of their people. And, consequently, Easthies was very adamant about you eating healthily as well.

There wasn't much to complain about though. The cooks were very good at their job and you didn't have to get up and cook it. So, all in all, a win is a win.

As you munch on your breakfast, Easthies sits down opposite to you, setting his plate next to him. But he doesn't start eating, he reaches for lavender oil. Gently, he pushes the blankets off your bare legs before he pours a bit of the oil into his hand.

The massage begins. As always, Easthies is methodical about it, and damn, did it feel like heaven. His hand moves in strokes and circles, switching between one or the other, as he moves from your thigh down to your calf.

Your finished plate ends up on the bedside table, Easthies' one still sits untouched next to him on the bed.

Easthies begins to work on your other thigh, but is startled when a piece of sausage on a fork comes his way. His red eyes run to yours and then to the sausage.

A soft smile comes to his lips before he opens them and takes the sausage from you.

Both of the persons in the Deputies room settle into a nice, warm and cozy atmosphere. You keep on feeding him breakfast, and he gladly takes your offerings as he continues to massage you.

Truthfully, Easthies didn't actually mind when you accused him of being a mean, venomous snake for your own entertainment, but he much more preferred this. A time where both of you can just exist in each other's arms.

˗ˏˋ ★ ― QIFREY ‼

Soft lips touch upon yours. Repeatedly. One kiss, two kisses...

"Mmphh-," your startled sounds are deafened by those same sweet lips kissing you over and over again.

"Good morning," Qifrey's sweet, and quite enthusiastic voice comes in between the kisses, "my love!"

Your hands try to desperately push Qifrey away. In your great pursuit to get some air into your lungs, your hand does manage to grab his face and shove him back.

"Awh! My darling! Do you not want my love? You were very eager to receive it yesterday- ACK!" his joyful teasing is stopped by the fierce pull to his white locks, "Ah! I'm sorry- I'm sorry, darling! Let me go, please!"

With a last one pull to Qifrey's hair, you huff and grant him his relief. He promptly pats his head a few times, the very spot you pulled at. "Ahh... darling, that hurt," he turns to you, attempting to pout at least a little.

"Poor thing," you hum as you flick his nose.

"Poor thing indeed! I was just trying to give you a nice morning. I thought you'd love my lips on yours."

"Oh, I love it. I do. But I also love breathing and not having to suffer through your teasing!"

"Is it that bad?" Qifrey frowns, although he couldn't stop the joking smile from coming back.

"Perhaps... Won't you make it better?" you pout, showing him how to really play the sad little darling. Naturally, your pout wins. Qifrey's heart clenches at the sight.

Not even a second later, his hands wrap around your waist, pulling you snuggly into his side. A soft peck is set to your forehead.

"My darling love," he hums quietly, relaxing just a tad bit as you settle into him. Safe in his side, you nuzzle into his chest. Qifrey didn't interrupt you, letting you make him into the perfect nest for yourself.

A rhythmic pressure of his lips settles against your head. Truthfully, Qifrey couldn't imagine himself stopping his kisses. It was a compulsion he couldn't get rid of. You were just the sweetest.

Slowly, the two of you settle into the doughy nest of blankets and pillows laid upon the mattress. The breathing evens out, and weirdly, even syncs up.

His hand trails down to your thigh, his fingertips unintentionally teasing your skin, making your hairs stand up.

"Hey!" you perk up from your relaxed state.

"Sorry, love. I didn't mean to scare you so. But," his thumb delicately caresses your thigh, "how are you feeling, hm?"

His sweet words allow you to loosen up again. You give him a hum as you nuzzle into his chest once more. He was quite like a big pillow whenever you wanted him to be.

"Hm. I suppose so. Just feeling utterly lazy and in need of my dear husband in my bed today!" leaves your mouth as you tighten your hands against him.

The air stills. An intense quiet follows.

"...h-... husband? My... what are you talking about?" Qifrey's quivering voice comes. His nose buries into your hair. Soon, his whole face follows. The grip around your body tightens as well.

You could just imagine his bashful face. Oh my! If only you could see his sheepish, blushing face! He was just so cute.

"Dear... you have a way of... undoing me in a very specific way... I... I can never be too prepared for the things that leave your mouth," he mumbled into your head, his voice still quivering as if he was the school boy from back then.

Even though all he wanted to do, was to cover himself underneath a ton of blankets, he didn't protest when you moved your head. Similarly, he didn't shift his head to face away from you when you leaned into him, kissing his lips to ease his beating heart.

"So what do you say about my desire?" you ask as you settle back into your previous position.

Qifrey's head lays on yours again, keeping your head underneath his chin. It was no longer out of embarrassment, but out of his own need to keep you close.

"Hm. I suppose, I must applaud your mind for such a wonderful idea. I would love nothing more than to spend my day by your side," Qifrey's voice lowers into a comforting rumble that comes from deep within his chest.

As if on cue, you both shift. Qifrey's gentle hands pull you up onto your side, so you face him properly. In turn, you lift your head, staring him face to face, only an inch of air left between you two.

"Is that so, my dear?" your whisper hits his mouth.

"Yes, my love. It is so," Qifrey leans forward, closing the gap.

Unfortunately, reality strikes.

"Master? Are you there? There isn't any breakfast ready and Master Olly is surely asleep still!" a tiny voice comes from behind the wooden door.

Both of you sigh simultaneously. Your head even drops onto his chest.

"Yes, my dear girl, I'm here. I'm sorry I haven't made you all any breakfast yet. Tell me, Tetia, are you four too hungry?" Qifrey made sure to not let his voice have even a hint of disappointment in it. He was a master. The needs of his four apprentices were his responsibility. It was their right to ask for their needs to be fulfilled. And Qifrey never held it against them. Even if it meant an interruption his private time.

"Ah, well... Coco and Agott are still washing up... but me and Richeh...," Tetia's voice trails off.

"No matter, dear! Do you think you could grant your master ten more minutes? If not, that's fine too. I do not want you to starve," once again, Qifrey's voice is full of love. He wanted to reassure Tetia that he'd take care of them.

"Ah... well, I guess ten minutes is fine. We're not starving yet, master!" Tetia calls, her voice still quite cheerful like usually.

"Thank you, my dear," Qifrey lets out a soft sigh of relief and flops back down, bringing you closer.

Silence passes through the room.

"Let's feed your kids, big boy. I feel bad," you say after three minutes, patting Qifrey's chest.

˗ˏˋ ★ ― OLRUGGIO ‼

It was hard to tell if it was night or the morning. The hoards of things piled up before all the windows made sure there was dark even in the morning, safe for the small streaks of light that managed to squeeze through the cracks in between the books and trinkets.

Your eyes flutter open as you wake to the everlasting breathing of the man beside you. One of the select few stripes of light falls onto Olruggio's face. His very beautiful face, adorned in black scruff of his beard and the visible eyebags he always has.

As you continue your observation, Olruggio barely shifts. Hi hands were wrapped around you – actually, his whole body was. His bare chest was pressed against your shoulder.

The memories of last night come to your mind as your eyes travel his body. His juicy and very squishy pectorals, his arm draped over your tummy. The fact you had his shirt on helps to stretch your memory too.

Giving into your desires, you kiss Olruggio's collarbone. What else were you supposed to do? Such a pretty sight, right before your eyes.

But, even such a sweet act doesn't wake Olruggio. He was still fast asleep, no signs of waking up anytime soon.

It didn't really matter, did it? At least you could stay in this cocoon of warmth.

Your hand goes next, tenderly moving to his chest. Caressing his skin with your thumb became the activity you entertained yourself with. Occasionally, you even poke his pecs.

"Mmm... sweets...," Olruggio suddenly grumbles once you press into him a bit too harshly. His lovely accent was deeper, dripping out of his mouth like a sweet treat.

"What'cha doin'...?" the weary man pushes his face into the side of your face, as if there was much light to hide from.

"Just admiring the pretty man who's laying on top of me," you muse.

A hum comes from him, not bothering with a more profound answer as he kisses your cheek. The huff of breath hits your cheek too as he sighs, acting all bothered.

His soft, and very fake, grumbles stop once your hand moves from his chest into his hair. The soft massage makes Olruggio even hum in pleasure and press himself more into you.

You both are staying in bed. He won't have it any other way.

"Not ready to get up at all?" a chuckle leaves you.

"Never..."

"But I can smell Qifrey's delicious breakfast cooking."

"I'll just... heat it up later. I'm the Torch, eh?"

And that was that. But even then, Olruggio made sure to actually grip your waist now, not just lazily lay his hand over it. He's not letting you leave this bed.

"Don't you worry, love. I'm not leaving you," you try to reassure him.

"Certainly hope so...!" another grumble leaves him throat. With a kiss to your temple, he pulls you even closer, if that's possible.

"Ya don't need to leave... just... need to say with me, alright, sweetheart?" Olruggio continues in his sleepy ramblings.

It was a very cute trait of his. Whenever he was too groggy to be fully awake, or too sleep deprived to function properly, he could get very possessive of you. Which in turn set his mouth off into ramblings about how you should stay by his side forever, never step a foot away from him.

"Why are ya so eager to leave anyway, sweetheart?" Olruggio's fussing still goes on. His grip doesn't ease either. You were staying here.

"I don't want to leave you at all. Just a bit hungry," you give him another head scratch, trying to appease him.

The huff was expected to come out of Olruggio. He loved lazing in bed, especially when he had you in his arms. But if you were hungry? Ah, he didn't want you to suffer, not from hunger, not from harm.

"Is that so...? Here then, sweetheart!" Olruggio startles you with a kiss to your lips. Multiple, in fact. The only reason it didn't turn into a makeout session was because Olruggio was still very groggy, and preferred to give you slow, deep kisses.

You manage to steal a lick to his lips before he pulls away, staring down at you. His gaze switches between your eyes and your lips. Clearly, he created a temptation for himself by kissing you. Now he wanted more.

"You know, your pretty lips taste amazing, but I did mean I am hungry for food," you tease the very starved man before you.

"Mhm... right. Uh...," Olruggio reluctantly pulls away from you and leans over his bed, "Hm, let's see..."

"Are you going to feed me scraps like I'm your dog, beging underneath the diner table?"

"What? No! I still have a bag of those dried fruits Qifrey and the girls made!"

"Mhm, sure."

"Yes! Mhm!" a groan echoes from Olruggio as he's forced to bend down and then pull himself up, back onto the bed, "See? A bag of dried fruit. Unopened!"

And lord behold! A bag of dried apples, oranges and other fruits lands onto your chest. You inspect it and cautiously open it, pulling out a piece.

It wasn't as if you didn't have the dried fruit before. The girls didn't mess them up or anything, they tasted very good. But you weren't sure if this was the breakfast you wanted.

Alas, you eat it. It would do for now. And later, Olruggio would uphold his promise.

Speaking of him, he nuzzles back into you, his head going to its rightful place – buried into the side of your own head. A few soft pecks are left on your cheek bone by him.

The man groans loudly as you push his head a bit up to reveal his mouth. But when you put a piece of dried fruit against his lips, a small 'oh' leaves him, before he eats the treat.

As you reach into the bag again, his hand flies to yours and lovingly swats it away.

"Leave it to me, sweetheart. I'll feed ya," his mumbled words reach your ear as he pulls two pieces out of the bag. One goes to your mouth, the second one to his. And so on it goes. Until Olruggio finds the energy to get up and go heat up that breakfast of yours.

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˗ˏˋ ★ ― QIFREY ‼

The whole day was gloomy and dark. It was pouring cats and dogs outside and the ugly cold from was seeping into the atelier. Of course, Master Qifrey made sure to light up the fireplace, the fire battling the distraught atmosphere that the weather brought on.

While no-one was outright upset in the atelier, everyone felt a bit down with the ongoing dark sky and heavy rain. Especially one apprentice, who was currently sitting at the living room table.

Qifrey, like a right master should, tried to bring some comfort to all of the inhabitants of the house. He made sure to brew a calming chamomile tea and bake some sweet cookies. Doing rounds around the atelier, carrying trays of cups of tea and some plates with the cookies to all the apprentices.

One plate and a cup even made its way to Olruggio's room, who, despite feeling grumpy about being interrupted, welcomed such a sweet treat. One last delivery remained, which was you.

Your dear master knew you were studying in the living room, right next to the cozy, warmth-bringing fire that soared in the hearth. You were a very studious apprentice, eager to learn new spells. And such hard work should be rewarded!

He decided that he would sit with you and share the cookies and tea. Sure, perhaps there was an ulterior motive of getting you to take a break, but who cares? As long as your tummy is filled with sweets and your mouth is smiling, all is good.

"There you are, darling! Still studying, hm?" his soothing, and quite enthusiastic, voice comes from behind you. He comes around you and crouches down.

He hummed as he pushed some of your papers to the side – naturally, he did it gently, to make sure he didn't ruin your work. Qifrey lays the tray onto the table and looks up at you.

He finally had the chance to take a good look at you. Your slightly furrowed eyebrows, your scrunched up nose and the everlasting bites you administered to your fingers. A small frown of his own came onto his face.

"Darling, won't you even look at me? You're studying way too hard," he offered a small smile, but a hint of worry could be heard in his voice. His face softened further once you did look up at him, all confused. "Hi, there. I brought some snacks. I thought we could share them together," he reaches out and pinches your cheek.

Finally broken out of your daze, you look at the plate of cookies. Oh. Sweets!

"Um, sure, I just... I need to...," you mumble as you look back onto your paper. One spell was giving you a hard time. Or perhaps, more like your hand was. Why was it so wobbly? You unconsciously bring your hand back to your mouth, biting away at your nails once again.

"Ah, ah! Don't do that, sweetie," Qifrey immediately reaches out and gently cups your hand with his, blocking it from your mouth, "Biting yourself like that... you will hurt yourself. I can't let you do that, now can I?"

Seeing your furrowed brows he softly chuckles, more out of worry than anything else. "You're biting your hand while you're anxious. It's quite common, don't you worry. But I cannot just let you damage your pretty hands like this!" he tried to ease the atmosphere a bit, just to make sure you don't feel scrutinized.

"Um- But... I...," you slowly look down at your hand. You did bite it quite a lot. Your nails were quite ruined and uneven. A little "oh" escapes your lips at the sight, but a cookie is quickly pushed into your hand.

"Here, eat up! Your Master knows just how to help you," Qifrey ruffles your hair and gets up, leaving you to munch on your cookie. And you do, eating the sweet treat. In the end, you did like them. You weren't so focused on studying anymore.

After a couple of minutes, as you're sipping on the tea, Master Qifrey comes back carrying a small trinket. You promptly look up at him as he sits down next to you.

"Look here, darling. It's a chewing toy. You can bite this instead of your fingers, okay? It will save your hand and your teeth as well," he proudly shows you the chewing toy. It was mostly flat, cut out into the shape of a bunny.

Qifrey looks at your face as you observe the toy, taking it up into your hand carefully, turning it around to inspect it.

"Go on, try it out," he encourages you. With a glance up at him, you bring the toy to your mouth and try biting into it. It wasn't bad at all. Soft enough to partially sink your teeth into it, but hard enough not to bite through it.

You hum before you completely get lost in the sensation. Biting and chewing on the toy.

Qifrey smiles at the sight. You were so cute. Quite like a teething puppy. With a kiss to your head, he leaves you to your ministrations, happily sitting next to you, enjoying his tea while you enjoy the new toy.

˗ˏˋ ★ ― OLRUGGIO ‼

It was no use. Olruggio was trying, he really was, but the sheer inability, of the man before him, to listen and actually understand what Olruggio was telling him, was driving Olruggio mad. He loved to help people, but sometimes, the Unknowing weren't quite understanding of the fact that Olruggio really couldn't bring them the stars from the sky.

"Listen, I understand what you want, sir. But I'm not able to just... magic such a thing out for you. I would be very happy to take on a commission for you, but I'm afraid that I just cannot do it today," Olruggio tried once more, hoping for a miracle.

He could feel your small hands gripping his cloak. Understandably so. The tall man in front of Olruggio was quite loud and a bit aggressive.

This wasn't what Olruggio planned. He wanted to take his apprentice out to the nearby villages for a field trip, to show you more hands on magic. And to also show his life out of the commissions he gets paid for. But quite a rich man – some noble of some sort, was very adamant about getting Olruggio to create an illusion of the night sky on the ceiling of his child, that he could just freely turn on and off for the night.

"Well, you're a witch, are you not? I know you're able to do it, so why don't you just go and do it?" the tall man basically growls at Olruggio, getting more and more agitated.

Olruggio sighs. He didn't want to subject you to more of the aggressive demeanour of the man. While he would like to prepare you for inappropriate and very pushy customers, so you were able to stand up for yourself, he knew this wasn't the right situation.

Your master glanced at you. He could feel your grip on his robes tightening, he could see the slight shiver to your stance and the way you were chewing at your coat.

"Right. Sir, I'm not able to do it today. It's too late. I must go take care of other things," Olruggio puts on a very unconvincing smile, "Here, take the card. You can write to me for a commission!"

He doesn't let the man repeat his demand. Olruggio simply picks you up and leaves. Very quickly. As he rushes through the streets, trying to find a quiet spot, he keeps on glancing at you. You were still chewing on your robes. What was that all about?

Soon enough, he finds a back alley with a bench. With a sigh of relief, he sits you down on it.

"Unbelievable! These mo-... These men are quite insane!" Olruggio groans as he rubs his eyes, crouching down in front of you.

You were still very anxious. That man was so mean. And as a result, you kept on chewing at the neckline of your cloak, trying to self-soothe. Olruggio looks up at you.

"Oi! Stop that. You're gonna ruin your cloak," his hand tugs the fabric out of your mouth. He watches, quite worried, as you seem to get even more nervous.

"...Uh... you alright, sweetheart? What's wrong?" Olly lets go of your cloak, and rather puts his hand onto your cheek, cupping it gently. "...you didn't like the guy, did ya?" he softly hums, his face turning bit solemn.

The shake of your head and your teary eyes stirs something in Olruggio's chest. You were his apprentice, he loved you dearly. And seeing you so distraught because of a man made him angry, upset and worried all at once.

"Com'ere, sweetheart," his voice drops down into a comforting murmur as he picks you back up, letting you bury in his neck, "Shh, it's quite alright. Master Olruggio won't let anything happen to ya."

Olruggio's body was naturally quite warm, and you could feel that even though his clothes. It was so comforting to hide yourself in him. But even so, you still felt scared and you couldn't stop yourself from chewing on his cloak.

Your master noticed that almost instantly, making him frown. What was up with you?

But as he keeps on watching you, he slowly starts to realise that this wasn't really a one off thing nor a new one. He did see you chew on various objects many times. It's probably a coping mechanism or something like that.

Olruggio wasn't sure what to make of it. He hasn't been around children much, other than Qifrey's apprentices and none of them had such a habit. But he was your master and he would take care of you. Always.

"Hey, dear, you keep on doing... that... bitin' stuff, I mean. Could you tell me why?" he asks, trying to see if he could just simply get the answer out of you.

"I... I don't know...," you mumble, letting go of his cloak and pushing your face back into his chest. It was dumb, wasn't it? He already told you to stop.

"Must be an unconscious thing then," Olruggio mumbles to himself, frowning a bit in thought, "Well... suppose it calms ya down, no? You like to bite stuff? Get like a... need to do it, sweetheart?"

A calm, quiet atmosphere of care settles around you two, easing your worries and making you nod.

"Ah... I see. How about this? Master Olly will make ya somethin'. Somethin'... soft, hm? So you can bite something else than your cloak. Otherwise you'll be out of cloaks. All of them will be bitten through!" he plants a tiny peck to your nose before he begins walking, "Don't worry now, sweetheart. It'll take ya home now. No use standing here, waiting for that pest to come find us."

˗ˏˋ ★ ― BELDARUIT !!

Beldaruit was an old man now, having to deal with many apprentices and many people over so many years But still, even after years of work, he could never stop being fond of seeing his apprentices focused on their work.

It was something so sweet and so adorable to him. How their brows creased a bit, how their eyes narrowed, how they seemed to be absolutely unaware of their surroundings. Really, the sight reminded him of a little kitten trying to focus hard on learning how to hunt.

Beldaruit was smiling ear to ear as he observed you. He meant to do a few other things, but seeing you curled up above your paper, trying to figure out a new spell was something dear to him.

As you racked your brain, attempting to create a very new spell, you brought the ending tip of your pen into your mouth. You wanted to impress Beldaruit, or at least gift him something he'd like. But you weren't quite sure what it could be. An illusion of a dragon? Or perhaps flowers made from pristine ice? Or...

Beldaruit's face softens into a look of exasperated love. He has seen you chew on your pen a lot. You do it... quite often.

He takes up his notebook and his pen, quickly scribbling a spell. A delicate bird of light comes to life, flying around the room. After a few turns, the bird flies towards you, straight into your nose, bursting into soft and tickling particles.

You jerk your head back at the unexpected, but not hurtful, assault by the bird. Your head turns to your master after a beat.

"There you are, sweetling," Beldaruit practically coos at you when he sees the light flush of your cheeks, "My, my. How cute you are... come closer, would you?"

"No way!" you immediately protest and plant your palms against your cheeks, "You're just gonna pinch me again!"

"Ah! Such hardships I face! My dearest little student doesn't even want my affections now! What will I do?" he dramatically sighs, but even in his flare, he couldn't stop the small chuckle bubbling out of him.

"Don't you worry, I won't pinch you if you do not wish me to, dearie. But even so, won't you come to me?" he beckons you closer with a soft smile.

Your hands slide off your cheeks, but with an indignant little huff you get up and walk to his horned chair. Beldaruit reached out to pet your head gently. What? He might not pinch you, but he couldn't just ignore such a cute baby like you!

His other hand comes to yours, tenderly taking your pen out of it and rotating it around. The bite marks were prominent on the wooden handle.

"Oh, my sweetling, have you been starving?" your master jokes as he turns the pen in his hand once more before looking at you. You blushed even more. He often teased you about this habit.

"Hm... are your teeth okay? Tell me, have you chipped any of them?" Beldaruit's soft hands cupped your cheeks. While he liked to joke around, there was a very real wordy in his heart for your health.

Your embarrassment slowly left your body as you see his kind expression. When he sees the shake of your head, a sigh full of concern leaves him. His lips set a kiss to your forehead.

"Your master has something better than wood for you!" he offers you a smile as he pulls out a wrapped candy for you. You don't wait even a second before you take the candy. Very happy to eat it.

Beldaruit couldn't help himself, he plants another kiss to your head before inspecting your pen one last time.

"My darling, Master Bel will have to take your pen for a while. I'll get the handle changed out," he says, his voice filled with fondness, "I think we can get you some teething guard on it too."

"I don't need a teething guard! I'm not a baby!" you instantly perk up, glaring at the old man. Such a view made Beldaruit chuckle. Weren't you just the cutest thing ever?

"Ah, I suppose no, not when we're talking about your age... but, sweetling, did you know? You're my baby!" he coos at you, his finger caressing your cheek, "And, my darling apprentice, you mustn't be so embarrassed. I didn't mean to offend you. I just thought that... well, since I, surely, won't get you to stop biting your pen, I might as well make sure it doesn't hurt you."

Another indignant huff leaves your mouth, which in turn makes Beldaruit smile widen.

"Ah. I get it. I won't force you to have it. I just thought it might ease the strain on your teeth, dearie," his hand finds your head once again, ruffling your hair, "Don't be mad at me, my sweet apprentice, I truly didn't mean to offend you."

"Well, I... I don't know! I'm not... I don't think about doing it," you mumble, tugging on your robes.

"That's fine. Truly, it is. I do not mean to chastise you, sweetling. Your biting habit is nothing to be embarrassed about. Forgive this old man, he teases you way too much," Beldaruit's face turns apologetic, "I won't do such a thing anymore. Come, show me your spells and I'll give you more candy. Would you like that?"

With a little puff to your cheeks, you give him a nod. Taking his hand you gently pull him towards your desk, and he gladly follows, giving your hand a comforting squeeze.

You gather your papers and hand it to him. A natural smile comes to Beldaruit's lips. Checking the work of his students was another activity he loved. Watching them grow and better themselves made his heart clench with pride.

As you master happily looked through your work, your eyes fall onto your pen on his chair.

"...Master Bel...? And... the- the teething guard, how would it look?" you whisper, your hands finding your robes again. Your head lowers, hiding from Beldaruit's eyes.

"Oh... probably just some soft material wrapped around the tip of your pen, that's all. Or perhaps just making the whole tip from a softer material. We can go to the pen maker together, how about that, sweetling?" his voice was a soothing sound to your ears.

Your sheepish nod earns you a firm kiss to your forehead.

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˗ˏˋ ★ ― EASTHIES ‼

The soft pink hue spreading through the sky wasn't so pretty when one was forced to see it. Sitting on a toilet, rubbing one's temples, isn't something one wants to do at almost 6 in the morning. But here you find yourself.

Sitting, contemplating and cursing yourself for forgetting the most necessary thing – the sanitary cloths. One would think, that the aching pain in your abdomen would be enough of a reminder that you need to take extra with you, but as it turns out, when there's a will, there's a way, and when there's a need to pack, there's a chance you still mess it up.

So you sit here. Easthies sleeping next door. Comfortable. In his bed. Without you.

Right.

"Easthies?" you try calling for your partner, hoping that perhaps he's as vigil as he is on the battlefield. Unfortunately, your destined one doesn't answer.

A groan rattles from your throat. The next best thing, of course, is taking the nearest small object – a small box, in this case – and throwing it at the door. And, quite naturally, you don't think twice about it.

"Easthies!" comes a bit of a louder whine, right after the soft thud against the door. When no immediate response comes, a long, drawn out groan leaves you, as you lay your forehead against your knees in defeat.

After a few beats, the door opens. "Why are you shouting, dear?" Easthies' raspy voice comes as he stands and just stares at you.

"...I got my bleeding... but I forgot my cloths," you sheepishly say as you sit up a little. Easthies promptly responds with a sigh as he bends down to pick up the box you threw at the door.

"Well, dearest, perhaps you shouldn't throw things around and rather... look inside of them?" Easthies' eyebrow raises as he opens the box and shows it to you. Full of spare sanitary cloths.

Right... right.

Seeing your frozen face, Easthies just sighs again and comes closer, pulling out one of the sanitary towels and handing it to you. "I trust you can do the rest, dear," he hums as he puts the box in its rightful place and simply turns around and leaves the bathroom.

You continue to stare at the stupid, idiotic cloth for a few moments more, before actually using it. But even so, as you work on changing out your soiled sanitary towel for the clean one, your gaze can't help but fall onto the box. Easthies... keeps a box of spare sanitary cloths for you.

Hm.

The sound of water spreads through the bathroom, and the sound of the door opening once again follows. The soft footsteps act as a trigger for Easthies to pull the cover down.

A grunt leaves his lips as you use his hip as a stepping stone for your knee while you crawl through him. But he doesn't protest beyond that, letting you settle into his side once again before pulling the cover up on top of you.

His breathing is soft and rhythmic as he holds you, trying to fall asleep again.

"So why do you do such sweet things while you hate me so much?" you ask, your voice filled with the hint of neverending theatrics.

"...what?"

"Well, you keep stuff in your room for me... but then you so clearly hate me."

"....hate you, love? Where is this coming from?" he sighs, once again.

"You just said it! You hate me!"

"... dearest, are you insinuating that my sighs are akin to me saying... 'I hate you'...?"

"What else would it mean?" the deadpan voice of yours rings in his ears.

His eyes slowly open, his gaze burning into the wall. "Right, what else would it mean," his voice is short, but he relents, "My apologies, dearest one. Do forgive me. I won't sigh ever again."

Sensing that another dramatic response is tickling your tongue, he leans his head down and pecks your lips.

"Cease these silly words. I do not hate you, dear. You mustn't question this, for I love you deeply," he hums, tightening his hold around your waist, "Now, we ought to get more sleep. Seems that we both will need the extra strength today."

Even though his remark was clearly a bit teasing at the end, you couldn't stop the fondness swelling in your heart. The box of sanitary towels wasn't a big gesture, but it was quite comforting. Easthies is a reserved man. A very orderly man. He wasn't fond of publicly voicing his relationship with you, but the small gesture showed that he cares for your presence in his life. That you, indeed, do have a place in his heart.

˗ˏˋ ★ ― QIFREY ‼

A soft voice reaches your ears. It was a comforting hum of Qifrey. And while you'd appreciate it any other day, today wasn't so joyous. The day barely started and the cramps were already there.

"Dear? Are you going to wake?" Qifrey quips, his smile present in his voice. He leans down with the intention of kissing your cheek, but he freezes as you push your face into the pillow with a grunt.

"Oh... oh my... not feeling good?" his eyebrows furrow a bit. His hands gently pull the cover down a little, trying to check on you. Seeing your hand clutch your abdomen immediately clicked in his head. A low hum of realization forms in his throat.

"Oh, love. I'm sorry. You've gotten your bleeding, hm?" his eyebrows crease a bit as his hand lays on top of yours. He leans down, kissing the back of your head.

His sweet little kiss makes you shuffle a bit closer into him, seeking his warmth and affection. A little soft chuckle rattles out of him.

"Oh, I know, sweetheart, I know. You just want some love," he coos at you. He couldn't stop himself from leaning down once again and peppering your head with kisses. Even turning your head, getting your face out of the pillow and moving his barrage of kisses onto your cheek and lips.

"My- mmfnn... my- Qi- Qifrey! Stop!" you yell, putting your fingers against his lips, interrupting his ministrations. He, of course, just chuckles, quite delighted by his own actions. Which earns him a sigh from you.

"My cramps are bad... I don't think I want to do anything today....," you whine softly. Qifrey's eye softens. He kisses your fingers on his lips before leaning back a bit.

"Do not worry, love. You needn't exert yourself today. I'll take care of it. You just worry about feeling better," his hand finds your cheek, gently caressing it, "I'll go and get you some food. And a tincture. I do believe we still have some analgesic tinctures."

With a quick kiss to your lips, he pushes himself up, off the bed. He squeezes your hand, not having the heart to leave you alone without one last gesture of comfort.

You're left alone in the meantime, curled up in the mess of blankets and pillows. The ache in your abdomen felt like it was twisting your guts. At least, when Qifrey was, basically, trying to eat you up, you felt loved despite this haunting pain. But now, alone and abandoned in his bed, how were you supposed to distract yourself?

Your face quickly sours, eyebrows furrowing, lips pouting.

Mean man-thing. How dare he leave?

Well, he did leave in quest to ease your pain, but even then. How dare he not pick you up carry you around? No matter how silly it was, you couldn't fight these feelings your menstruation brought onto you. So for now, Qifrey was demoted into a mean man-thing.

Thankfully, but not soon enough, the doors open. Qifrey carries in a tray, closing the door after himself with the heel of his foot.

"There, my dear, I brought you some pleasantries! There we go...," he hums, his smile still on his lips, as he sets the tray onto the bedside table.

The tray was filled with a plate of canapes, a cup of tea, a glass of water, some sweets and a tincture vial with the painkiller. He picks that one first, opening it and handing it to you.

Instead of taking it, you glare up at him from your nest of blankets. His smike falters, but he isn't disappointed or offended.

"Oh. Have I been away far too long, love? Hm. You didn't like that, I see," he lightly teases, the smile coming back. He closes the vial and leaves it on the tray. The bed dips as he sits on the edge. His hands wrap underneath your arms and pulls you up into a sitting position.

"Hm. I'm sorry, dear. You must've felt lonely," he presses a light kiss to your temple, "Here, take the tincture. You mustn't keep on hurting just because I'm too slow. That wouldn't do at all."

He takes the vial once again and offering it to you. His smile widens a smudge once you take it. Qifrey doesn't still, he promptly reaches for the glass of water too, holding it at your disposal.

You take a deep breath before you gulp down the tincture. It wasn't the tastiest thing in the world. The glass of water comes in handy, thankfully pushing the linger taste out of your mouth.

Qifrey rids you of the burden of holding the used dishes and puts them back onto the tray.

"Come here, love. I believe we have more time. We can spend the morning here," his soft voice eases your slight grumpiness, making you nuzzle up into his side once he settles against the head board.

He takes the plate of canapes, letting you soothe your stomach while also soothing your mind with his presence.

˗ˏˋ ★ ― OLRUGGIO‼

The sky was pitch black already. The sunset was long gone and you were sitting at the table, alone. The atelier was quiet now, even the little tip taps of Qifrey's apprentices stopped.

It was a long day. Your menstruation exhausted you so much. And, over all, it was uncomfortable and highly annoying. And the girls were angels, if they weren't actively putting themselves in danger, but today was just too much. They were sweeties, but a tad bit too loud today.

You would've usually retreated to Olruggio's atelier, curling up on his bed. But he was behind on his commissions due to one taking up more time than he anticipated. So, he has told you that he needs to lock himself in and focus on his work.

Olruggio was a sweetheart too, but you didn't want to intrude into his room, burden him with your period.

As you sit, staring into an empty cup, your head propped up by your hand, you felt the exhaustion deepen. Truly, you could fall asleep sitting up, just like this.

And you almost do, if it weren't for the footsteps of certain someone finally emerging from his atelier.

"Gosh, I'm starving!" he groans as he squeezes his own trapeze, trying to ease the muscle from the stress it endured. He came down the stairs, heading straight to you. Bending down, albeit with a soft grunt, and kissing your head. "Hello, my love. Haven't seen you in long!"

That draws out a little chuckle from you as Olruggio goes to the kitchen, taking a plate and putting all that was left from dinner onto it. He barely heats it up, not being able to wait any longer, before he hurries back to you.

He sits at the opposite side, a grin spreading on his face as he checks the plate before him. You wanted to entertain him with a small conversation, but seeing how he was scarfing down the food, like a starved wolf, you figured it wouldn't have a point.

Or perhaps it would have a point. It would be a provisional slow feeder for him. The prospect of Olruggio being a hungry pup who inhales food like there's no tomorrow made you giggle softly.

He looks up at you quizzically, but that doesn't last long as he goes back to eating. He was so hungry. So much so, that he finishes his plate in record time. He looked quite giddy as he went to return the plate. What's he up to?

You soon find out as he sits down behind you, wrapping his hands around you and kissing the back of your neck.

"Hm, I'm quite tired, darlin', but I wouldn't say no to some... in bed cardio," he hums, as he trails his kisses up your neck and to the side of it.

You put your hand onto his, caressing his knuckles. "Mhm... but, I think we need to postpone your cardio. I've gotten my period," you mumble, a hint of solemn feeling in your voice.

"Oh... well, never-... what. Your period? Sweetheart! Why didn't you- You mean you-," he stumbles over his words as he straightens up, "Why didn't you come to me earlier? Were you hurting? What were you even doing?"

You look back at him, seeing his concerned face. "What'cha look at me for like that?! Where have you been, darlin'? Why didn't you come to me? Have I angered you?" he worries more.

"What? No! No. I just didn't want to disrupt you, honey," your eyebrows crease a bit as you lean towards him and peck his lips.

"Disrupt me?! No- No, darlin', that's not-... When I asked you to keep away from my room for today, that didn't mean you were supposed to hide yourself from me in case of a medical emergency!" he shakes his head, filled with anxious energy.

"Hardly a medical emergency-"

"It's an emergency enough! What were you thinking, sweetheart? Ah! Now I feel like a right jerk. Should've been by your side today... holding you," he almost whined, quite like a puppy, as his hold tightens.

"My poor darlin', you must've felt so lonely," he continues in his upset and worried demeanor as he buries his face into your neck, "Come sweetheart, I'll cuddle you all night. And morning... and afternoon. Whole day. I won't have you suffering no more."

Before you have any time to protest, he picks you up, hooking his arm underneath your legs and waist. He huffs a little, his chronic anemia, sleep deprivation and years of bad habits catching up to him. But he doesn't relent, he was quite determined to pamper you now. So, with a kiss to your lips, he carries you to his room.

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I hope we can soon get more insight into the Beldaruit vs Deanreldy situation