sorens safehaven

“Sorry baby I got held up,” you bat your lashes at him, glancing at the man following you, he stares right back at you. 

“Do you have business with the Farspace Fleet?” His voice is sharp around the edges, eyes narrowing as he addresses the man. He quickly shakes his head ‘no’ and turns on his heel. Caleb can't help but scoff, his arm swinging over your shoulder and turning the two of you to walk the opposite direction. “Are you okay?’ the colonel asks you, his voice gentle as he smiles down at you, soft violet eyes catching your own. 

“I am now, I can't thank you enough,” you breathe out, willing your erratic heartbeat to slow down. “Sorry for getting all on you colonel,” you blush, smiling when the taller man laughs at your words. 

“No worries, I'm glad to help,” he pauses for a second, “and you can just call me Caleb.”

“Thank you so much Caleb,” his name feels nice on your tongue, “I’m y/n, can I buy you a drink or something?” 

Caleb’s mind short circuits for a second, his whole life he’d rejected everyone's advances, he always had MC by his side. But now she's in Linkon and thinks he’s dead, he's not the same Caleb she loved. His heart unclenches when he meets your shy gaze. 

“Do you like coffee?”

Conversation seemed to flow easy between the two of you after a couple minutes, soft laughter leaving your lips, blushing when you see Caleb laughing alongside you. 

Caleb frowns when you beat him to the bill. “This is my thank you for helping me out,” you shake your head, “no way you were gonna pay.”

“Alright, alright” he sighs dramatically, “I’ll just have to get the next one.” You cock your head slightly. 

“Next one?”

“Would you wanna get dinner with me?” Caleb finds himself wanting to make you flustered more, cute he thinks. 

You debate it for a moment, you didn't exactly put yourself in the dating scene as much as you wanted, what's there to lose? 

“I would like that very much,” you finally say, your smile widening when Caleb lights up. 

Months later the leaves turned shades of orange and pink, your hand in Caleb's as the two of you walked in the park, a small breeze brushes past the two of you making you shiver slightly.

“Don’t” you groan, seeing the look on your boyfriend's face. Caleb bites his tongue, a smirk on his face as he silently shrugs his jacket off and drapes it over you, pulling you in by your waist.

“Told you to bring a jacket,” he taunts, laughing when you launch yourself at him, a small ‘oof’ leaving him as you smack his chest. 

“Caleb?” The feminine voice makes the two of you stop and turn to face them, she was gorgeous, and she matched the description Caleb gave you of his first love. You felt your blood go cold, head spinning as you looked at Caleb. His mouth was agape, eyes sparkling as he stared at her, hand dropping yours instantly. Your heart clenched. 

“MC,” he breathed out, he said her name like it was something holy, had he ever said yours in that tone?

“Oh my god it's really you,” her eyes watered, she didn't hesitate to run into his arms, and Caleb caught her like it was second nature. His eyes closed, burying his face in the crook of her neck, memories flooding back. 

You stood there awkwardly, he had explained the situation to you, how were you supposed to react? While, yes, it sucked seeing someone hold your boyfriend so deeply, she was also just discovering he was alive. You bit your lip, insecurities creep up on you, finding yourself comparing yourself to her when you hadn't even introduced yourself. 

When they finally pull away, you stare at Caleb, he quickly moves away from her, clearing his throat, “pips this is y/n” he gestures to you. MC smiles at you, waving before focusing back on your boyfriend. 

“What the fuck happened?” she scolds, smacking him roughly and Caleb smiles down softly at her, like you weren't standing a couple feet away. 

You suddenly feel out of place, your throat tightens up as you shift your weight on your feet. “I’ll um- I’ll let you guys catch up,” you speak up, only then does Caleb tear his gaze from her and focus on you. 

“I’ll text you, okay?” he gives you a tight lipped smile, the same he gives cashiers and kind strangers. You don't say anything, turning on your heel and wrapping the jacket tighter around you. 

“Who was that?” you hear her say, ears twitching back to listen out for Caleb's response. 

“Just a friend of mine.”

You let the stray tear fall from your eye when you finally reach your car, taking a deep breath before driving home, alone. You leave Caleb’s jacket in your car, stomach twisting as you imagine what they're doing, is he still staring at her like that? 

“Just a friend of mine,” the words echo in your head, anger and sadness brewing in your chest, a bitter taste in your mouth as you try to eat dinner. The same dinner you and Caleb had cooked together earlier. 

The buzzing of your phone tears your blank stare from the tv, a random show you didn't care for filling the silence of your apartment. 

[new messages from caleb <3]

Sorry about earlier I get how weird that must've been for you :/  I appreciate how understanding you were, thank you so much Shes pretty shaken after i told her everything so shes spending the night at mine I’ll text you tomorrow ?

You stare at your phone, heart breaking further as you reread the messages. She's spending the night with him? A new message makes you focus on your phone again. 

Wanna go to that bakery you like tomorrow ? my treat :3

Your heart softens, maybe things won't change, he's still your Caleb. With shaky fingers you reply to him. 

its okay,, i hope everything works out between you guys Bakery sounds good tomorrow :3  Get some rest i love you

Goodnight, see you tmrw :P

You wait for him to say I love you, but it never comes. You don't let yourself ruminate, instead you get off your couch and head to your bedroom, eyelids heavy as you try to sleep, ignoring the growing pit in your stomach. 

The next morning you stare at the ceiling for a handful of minutes before finally getting up and checking your phone. Caleb always sends you a good morning text, he was always awake before you were. You bite the inside of your cheek when there's no new texts from him. It's fine, he must've been emotionally drained from yesterday, it's good that he sleeps in, you reason, shooting him a quick ‘good morning :)’ before continuing on with your day. 

You deep clean your room, trying to ignore the anxiety gnawing at you as you continuously glance at your phone. You’d made it to your living room when your phone buzzed, practically leaping at it to see the notification. Caleb. 

meet at the bakery at 2? sorry i slept in  also is it okay if mc comes along ? 

You feel nauseous as you read the second text. Were you being irrational? You had to be kind, you had to be understanding. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. 

It wasn't bad, it was worse. You smiled at Caleb, instinctively going to wrap your arms around him, he moved back slightly to evade your embrace, eyes shifting to mc. He caught the way your face fell, the way your smile wavered as you swallowed thickly before turning to the girl by his side. You ignored the way your eyes stung as your boyfriend pulled a chair out for her, sitting next to her. You sat alone across from them.

“It's nice to see you again,” you spoke, giving her a small wave, “are you doing okay?” Your genuine concern made Caleb's heart ache. You were so kind, and he knew you didn't deserve this. 

Time seemed to pass terribly slow, your words were rare and movements careful as you picked at your favorite pastry, appetite reduced to nothing as you listened to MC and Caleb reminisce on their past. 

“I had forgotten how good your breakfasts were,” she smiled, turning to you, “have you ever tried the fried eggs he makes? I had them this morning and god it was like a part of me came back to life.” 

“Did you guys wake up early today?” your voice soft, glancing up from your plate and at Caleb. He opens his mouth to speak but MC beats him to it, 

“Yeah, Caleb has always woken up before me, he woke me up with breakfast at like 9 this morning,” she gushes. “How long have you been friends for?” 

Your stomach hurts, heart aching as you nod at her words, Caleb stares at you apologetically, eyes swimming in, remorse? Guilt? You couldn’t pinpoint it. “Only a couple months, I wouldn't know him as well as you,” you reply, "I'll be right back,” you excuse yourself. You hear Caleb's chair scraping the floor, heavy steps hot on your trail as you rush into the restroom, closing the door and locking it quickly before he can stop you. 

“Baby please let me explain,” he pleads through the door. Your ears are ringing, eyes burning as you try to regulate your breathing. What the fuck was happening? How can someone who made you feel loved one day make you feel like day old garbage the next?

You send a text to your friend quickly, begging her to call you in two minutes as a way out. She replies quickly, asking where you were. 

Caleb retreats back to the table with MC, a smile on his face when he sees her. “She’s fine, I think the coffee didn't sit well with her.”

“She’s your girlfriend, right?” It's not a question, MC wasn't stupid. Caleb lets out a deep sigh, running his hand through his hair before replying. 

“I didn't think I would ever get you back, I thought you wouldn't love me for who I am now.” MC stares at Caleb, he can't help the way his gaze softens as he looks at her, he can't stop the flutter in his chest when she reaches for his hand and he doesn't even try to pull away. He lets his fingers intertwine with hers.

“I love even the worst versions of you,” she replies softly, squeezing his hand. Caleb almost leans into her, forgetting where he was. He’s only pulled out of his trance when you pull the chair out from the table and take a seat, making him quickly pull away from MC. 

“Sorry about that,” you mumble, “was I interrupting something?” Caleb is quick to shake his head. 

“Y/N dont you like cats? MC has a stray cat she feeds-” Caleb's words are cut off by your phone ringing. 

“Sorry I have to take this,” you mumble, answering quickly, expression morphing into shock and faux concern. “You’ll be okay, I'll be there soon okay?” You hang up quickly, gathering your things before turning to the pair in front of you. “I have to go, my friend needs me, see you guys around,” you rush out, not daring to look back as you exit the bakery, rounding the corner and rushing into your car, pulling out of the parking lot and speeding down the street. You pull over as your vision blurs, parking on the side of the road as broken sobs leave your body. 

Your friends pick you up, taking you back to their place and having one of them drive your car to theirs. You don't answer any of Caleb's texts or calls for the next two days. 

You go through the motions as you get home from work, heart empty as you toss your keys haphazardly on the entrance table. You barely make it to the shower, hot tears blending with the searing water on your skin. You're glad the steam has fogged up the mirror, pulling a large t-shirt over you, hair still dripping wet as you trudge out into the living room. 

A knock on your door has your stomach dropping, you didn't need to check to know who was on the other side of it. With a deep breath you open the door, red rimmed eyes meeting Caleb’s purple ones. 

Caleb’s breath caught in his throat as he saw you. “Can we talk? Please?” He’s holding a bouquet of flowers in his hands, tulips. You didn’t like tulips, but he always got them for you.

Maybe it was how utterly emotionally drained you were already, but you opened the door further, stepping aside and letting him in. He doesn't hesitate to walk inside, setting the flowers down and letting his arms wrap around your waist, pulling you closer. You let yourself melt into his touch, body tensing when you smell her perfume.

“You wanna talk, so talk,” you state, voice shaky and cold as you sit on the couch, pulling your hand away from Caleb’s as he tries reaching for it. 

“I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting the last few days, everything has been so hectic. I care about MC so much, and having her back feels strange,” he fumbles out, “I care about you too, it's just there's a lot of stuff that she and I need to talk about and work through.” He scrunches his face up, pinching the bridge of his nose before taking a deep breath and speaking again. “I promise I’ll do better, I already set boundaries with her and she's staying somewhere else. I love you y/n, I know I’ve been a shitty boyfriend and I am so fucking sorry but I promise I’ll do better.”

“You called me your friend,” you say softly, eyes focused on a loose thread of your t-shirt. 

“What?” Caleb feels his heart pound against his chest, he can hear the blood rushing through his ears. 

“When she asked who I was, you said I was your friend.” He had never heard your voice so small. You turned to look at him, bags under your eyes as you stared at him. 

“I panicked, I didn’t know how she would react and-”

“What about how I would react?” You question, your eyes still focused on him, he breaks eye contact first. 

“I cleared it all up with her, I promise you I’ll do anything for you to believe me.”

Would you cut her off if I asked? The question rests on the tip of your tongue, you don't ask it, too afraid of what the answer might be. 

“I need you to prove it to me, I can't just be okay because you say what I want to hear,” you finally say. Caleb lets out a relieved sigh, he places his hand over yours cautiously, intertwining your fingers when you don't pull away. 

“I will,” he whispers, “it's only me and you.”

You don't say anything, searching his face but only finding remorse. When he pulls you into him slowly you don't pull away, letting your lips move with his, relishing in the feeling of his body heat radiating onto your exposed thighs. You don’t pull away as he deepens the kiss, pushing away the images of them together as you tug his shirt off, fumbling with his belt buckle. 

“Lillies,” you breathe against his flushed skin, “I’ve already told you before my favorite flowers are lilies.” You're both moving around, completely undressed as you look him in the eye. 

“Okay, lilies” he mumbles, letting out a low groan as he slowly enters you, lips catching yours as he swallows your moans with his every thrust, eyes fluttering shut. 

“I love you” you moan, your lips still pressed against his as he lets out a soft whimper, “I love you so much Caleb.” Your legs wrap around his waist, holding him closer against you, letting your nails leave deep red marks on his back, an attempt at claiming him as your own. You don't see the faint marks left by another that morning.

“Fuck baby, I’m so sorry,” he pants, “don’t deserve you.” He nuzzles his face into the crook of your neck as he finishes with a soft groan, holding you against him tightly. 

You stare at the ceiling, fighting back tears as he pulls out of you slowly. He didn't say it back. Caleb stands to get a rag to clean you up, but you give him a soft smile, “I got it.” He furrows his brows, about to protest when you close the restroom door in his face. 

Two weeks, you’d decided. You’ll give Caleb two weeks to show you he’s choosing you. 

But as the days pass you feel your resolve growing weaker and weaker. You noticed the way his eyes glimmered when staring at her, but never at you. You noticed the way his eyes had never crinkled as he smiled the entire time you’d known him, but they do with her. You noticed the way his ears would flush when they’d brush hands, the way he’d force himself to look at you instead. You noticed how he invited her everywhere, even when it was meant to be just the two of you. When was the last time you'd held his hand? The last time he kissed you with love and not lust?

You decided to surprise him one day, your feeble attempt at making him remember the spark you'd felt upon your first encounter. You caught a train to skyhaven and made your way to his place. You’d bought a new plane model, one he hadn't gotten yet, hoping to build it with him. The sun was shining brightly between the clouds, hope still burning in your heart as you knocked twice on the front door. You bounced on the ball of your heel, smiling as you recalled the fond memories with Caleb, having built a handful of planes with him as date nights, kissing him when he let you add the final piece, giggling as he praised you gently. 

When his front door opened, MC’s eyes met yours, smile dropping the second they did. You felt your heart fall, your stomach twisting as you gave her a small smile. “MC, I didn't know you were here,” you hope she doesn't catch the tremble in your voice. 

“I thought Caleb told you I was staying here for a couple weeks?” She cocks her head innocently, “I offered to get a hotel but he insisted I stay with him, isn't he so sweet?” You force a smile on your face, knuckles white from how hard you were gripping the model plane box. 

“Must have slipped my mind,” you say quickly. 

“Did you need something?” she asks, you realize she's wearing Caleb's shirt, you can see a hickey peaking out by her collarbone, your mouth feels dry. You shake your head, blinking quickly before taking a step back. 

“No I was gonna tell him something but it can wait, don't tell him I stopped by.” You turn away before she can reply. 

“Pips, who is it?” Caleb calls out, emerging with his sweats hung low on his hips, no shirt on. MC turns to him with a sweet smile, the one that always makes him melt. 

“Some sales people” she responds, her hands sliding up his chest as she leaves a kiss on his adams apple, “where were we?” Caleb thinks he smells your perfume. 

“Was that Y/N?” He mumbles against her lips, violet eyes staring into hers, she pouts as your name leaves his lips. 

“Does it matter?” She grumbles, hands sneaking under the hem of his sweatpants, “You think she knows about us?” Caleb bites back a whimper as her hand wraps around him, languid strokes make him lose his train of thought. 

“Maybe,” he breathes out, “she won't break up with me anyway,” he moans out, head thrown back as she presses a wet kiss to the sensitive spot on his neck, "she's too nice to do that- cares about me too much.”

You gave the model plane to the first kid you saw, sitting on the train and staring out the window as the scenery flew past you in a blur. The last bit of hope in your heart had been extinguished, stomped out until no embers remained. He loved her in a way you knew he would never love you. Nothing would change that. 

Three days later he picks you up for a date, a bouquet of flowers in his hands, tulips. The same kind as always. They weren't your favorite. You put them in water nonetheless, forcing a smile on your face as the two of you drove to the restaurant he’d made reservations at. Caleb tried to make small talk with you, giving him short responses and only half listening to his words. When he mentioned MC you turned your attention to him, listening to him gush about how she was promoted at her job. 

“What are her favorite flowers? Does she like tulips?” You ask, hoping you were wrong. Caleb's smile seems to grow as he nods. 

“They are! How'd you know that?” He doesn't see your face steel over, oblivious as he changes the topic to something a rookie said at work today. 

He was never going to choose you. It was never going to be you. Your mind blanks for a second, a shooting star catches your eye as he parks the car, getting out and opening the door for you. You don't move. 

It's a funny thing when someone gets an epiphany, some jump for joy while others scramble to take action, lest their idea slips their mind. You seem frozen in place as your mind seemingly resets. 

“What the fuck am I doing?” you laugh dryly, eyes meeting Caleb's for the first time this evening. You can't stop the incredulous laughter that leaves your mouth, “Oh my god what the fuck am I doing?” You repeat yourself, a hand covering your mouth as you smile in disbelief. 

“Baby? Are you alright?” Caleb’s face contorts in panic, reaching out to you only to pull away when you smack his hand “Hey what-”

“You were right,” you say, a smile still on your face as you turn to him, getting out of the passenger seat and standing next to him. 

“Right about what? You're scaring me, you need to calm down, you're not thinking straight,” He glances around, grateful no one is around to see the state you were in. 

“I deserve better.” You state, your voice wasn't small and apologetic, there was no kindness left in your words. “I don't know why I stayed when I realized you were choosing between me and someone else.” You shake your head, “I deserve to be the only choice, I deserve someone who wouldn't even think about entertaining another while they're with me.” Caleb opens his mouth to speak, you cut him off before he can. “I should have never been a choice, I should have been the only one,” you spit out. “Only me and you right?” venom drips from your words, Caleb flinches slightly. 

“Did you say that to her while you fucked her too? After you lied to me about her staying somewhere else?” Caleb’s blood goes cold, face paling as the words leave your  mouth. 

You held out hope, you tried harder, he did nothing to change. He prioritized her the second she came back, he ran to her the moment she let him. He made a fool out of you, played you in plain daylight, and you all but let him. When did you become okay with being second best in your own relationship? When did you settle for less than you deserve? 

“You were a good boyfriend for a bit there, but I don't deserve this shit.”

Caleb feels his throat tighten, he never thought you would actually leave him. He wants to tell you that you aren't a second choice, but he can't bring himself to lie to you any longer. He wants to convince you to stay, tell you he’ll do better, but he knows you deserve better. He knows he can’t let go of MC, he needs her, he loves her; It will always be her.

He doesn't try to chase after you when you walk away from him, hailing the first cab you see. Caleb thought he would feel relief, knowing he and MC didn't have to sneak around anymore, but as he watches your cab drive away he feels sick. A sinking feeling in his stomach as he realizes you weren't coming back. 

It took you a while to get over Caleb, countless nights spent sobbing in your pillow and picking yourself apart. You’d go through the motions everyday; Go to work, come home, cry, sleep. It was a never ending cycle of you and your insecurities. 

Your sadness slowly turned to anger, going out drinking with your friends as you worked through your emotions. Your friends were there to pick you up and piece you back, reminding you of your worth. It took three months for the memories to not leave a bitter taste in your mouth. You even found yourself feeling a bit grateful for the experience, vowing to never lose sight of your worth. 

Slowly you’d reintegrated back into the world, hanging out with friends and visiting new bakeries and restaurants. It felt nice feeling free, knowing you didn't have to worry about anyone betraying your trust. 

The AC feels nice against your skin, walking slowly around the art pop up your friends had invited you to. You’d heard the artist's name in passing, familiar with a couple of his more famous pieces. When you pause in front of a particularly interesting one you feel someone’s presence next to you.

“Seems kinda pretentious doesn't it?” The man stares at you, a playful smile on his lips. You smile back at him, focusing back on the painting before humming. 

“I like it,” you reply, “kinda reminds me of a seagull choir or something,” a small chuckle escapes your lips. “You’re pretty harsh on yourself, don't you think?” 

The artist's smile only widens as he follows you to the next painting. “I should've known better than to try and be mysterious,” he sighs out, you laugh. “Well since you know my name I think it's only fair I get to know yours, don't you think?”

“You saying I owe you something just because you're famous?” you quip back, biting back a smile as his eyes widen, waving his hands quickly. 

“No! God no!” your laughter makes his panicking cease, jaw dropping slightly as he laughs in disbelief. “Oh you’re evil,” he smiles. You half expect him to thank you for attending and leave, but he follows you to the next painting. 

“I’m y/n” you finally say, leaning closer to the painting and humming in appreciation, “I really like this one, my compliments to the artist.” 

Rafayel smiles, chest puffing out in pride as he moves closer to you. “You can have it if you want, it'll only cost you a date with me.” 

You scoff at his words, there was no way that was happening, you weren't nearly ready for a relationship. “Right,” you reply. Rafayel pauses, did he just get rejected? At his own art show?

“Was that a yes?” He asks, walking quickly to catch up next to you, leaning against the railing and staring at you when you grab a brochure and look at him. The painting he’s willing to give you is worth a couple million. 

“I don't have room in my apartment for a painting that big,” you evade, flipping the brochure open before moving onto the next installation. “It was really nice meeting you, I love your work” you smile sweetly, Rafayel feels his knees buckle. 

“What if I made you a smaller painting? One of a kind, one that fits in your apartment?” He stands in front of you, it's the closest you've ever seen him. You're suddenly aware why there's so many people swooning at his very move, his blue eyes stare into yours, you can see flecks of red in the lower half of them. 

“One of a kind painting by Rafayel himself?” you gasp, “I could buy a house with that kind of money” you tease. 

“I’ll give you all the money from this exhibition if you agree to go on a date with me.” 

“Yeah okay” you say, the playful smile on your face slowly drops as he smiles back at you. 

“Okay done, what bank do you use? I don't know exactly how much I'll make, it can take days for people to negotiate- I'll just send you the higher ballpark number,” he replies, not missing a beat as he pulls out his phone, typing away. “Also what’s your favorite flower?”

“Wait, no I was just joking!” Now it was your turn to panic, quickly running to his side to try and stop whatever he was doing on his phone. Your eyes narrow at him when you see the screen, it wasn't even on. “You’re evil” you echo his words from earlier. 

“I’d say we’re even, cutie” the term of endearment has your face flushing, “your favorite flower?” he questions again, head tilted to the side as he awaits your response, the motion causes his purple bangs to cover his eyes ever so slightly. 

“Lilies,” you reply, a pang in your chest as memories flood in. 

“What time should I pick you up?”

You finally don't have a remark for him, mouth opening to protest, only to close it as his eyes glimmer at you. It must be from the lights shining on the paintings, you reason, there’s no way he's looking at you like that. There’s a reason you hadn't thrust yourself onto the dating scene, heart still fragile, insecurities still waiting to pounce. 

“I can’t,” you finally say, tearing your gaze from his and placing the brochure in his hands, “I’m really sorry.” Rafayel furrows his brows, watching as you walk towards the exit. He takes a step forward, ready to chase after you, Thomas grabs his arm, pulling him towards the patrons who he’d kept waiting while he flirted incessantly with you. 

A week later your phone buzzes while you're at work, casually sneaking a glance at it before your eyes go wide, slapping a hand over your mouth as you quickly excuse yourself outside. 

[RAFAYEL QI has sent you $10,000 dollars]

your daily limit is only 10k, i’ll send you the rest tmrw or i can give it in cash when we go on our date?

You’re scrambling to try and contact him, calling his office number and being greeted by an exhausted voice. “This is Thomas, what can I help you with?”

“Hi, is there any way I can speak to Rafayel? It's urgent,” you bite your bottom lip, frowning when the man on the other side of the line laughs at you. 

“And who is this? His long lost lover I presume?” His condescending tone makes your fists clench. 

“Tell him it's y/n,” you snip back, bouncing your leg as you watch the cars drive past. There’s a brief pause on the line and a minute later you hear Thomas’ voice. 

“Are you still there ma’am?” He seems much more respectful now than before. When you respond he lets out a sigh of relief, “Apologies for my attitude, Rafayel has asked me to give you his number so you can contact him directly, do you have something to write it down?” 

You dial the number right after hanging up with Thomas, knee still bouncing anxiously as it rings once before being answered. 

“Did you get your money, cutie? I can give you the rest cash if you'd like, it'll take a couple days for me to send-” 

“Are you insane?” you hissed, “I thought you knew I was joking! How did you even get my bank information?” Rafayel is smiling on the other line, leisurely brushstrokes on his canvas as he listens to your scolding. 

“I’m a man of my word, I don't intend on letting you slip away from me so easily,” he pauses for a second, “it's not everyday that someone sees the seagull choir inspiration behind my painting y’know.” You can't stop the scoff that leaves your lips, it only eggs him on. “One date is all I'm asking, please?” 

“Why do you want to go on a date with me so badly?” You question, confidence wavering since the first time you'd met him. 

“You’re beautiful, witty and funny, what more could a guy want?” He laughs.

His first love, you think, pushing the thought to the back of your mind. You let out a sigh, staring up at the clouds before biting your lip. He got his happy ending, what's stopping you from finding yours?

“You can pick me up tomorrow at 6 o’clock, I hate when people are late” you finally say, “I’ll text you my address.” You bite your bottom lip when you hear Rafayel thank you. 

Rafayel shows up the next day at 5:59 PM, knocking on your door the second the clock hits 6 pm. You can't help but roll your eyes, smiling as you open the door. He's holding a bouquet of flowers, pink and white lilies. 

The date goes well, much to your dismay, falling for his charms more than you anticipated. The two of you sit on the hood of his car, parked by the side of the highway overlooking Whitesand Bay. A comfortable silence falls over the two of you, the ocean breeze makes Rafayel's purple hair seem model-like, like he was made to be by the ocean. 

“Can I ask you something?” His voice is soft, eyes focused on the waves breaking on the shore. You let out a hum for him to continue. “Why did you say you couldn’t come on this date with me?” There’s a brief pause, “you don’t have to answer, I’m just curious.” 

You debate not answering, figuring it was much too soon to trauma dump and bring up exes. His index finger brushes against where yours rested on top of  the car's hood. You steal a glance at him, his ears are flushed.  

“My ex was in love with someone else,” you say plainly, sitting a little straighter, “He told me he only loved me, it was obviously a lie seeing as though he fucked her a couple days after telling me that.” You don’t tear your gaze from the ocean, letting its rhythmic sounds keep you grounded. 

“As embarrassing as it is, I tried to make it work, let myself believe his empty words. My insecurities were eating me alive and it was just a bad situation. When I finally realized how stupid I looked I left, realized I deserved better than that.” 

Rafayel turns to look at you, dumbfounded on how someone could treat you so terribly. “I didn’t want to rush into anything and make the same mistakes, I’d like to think I know my worth now, but you know how it goes.” You shrug, as if you hadn’t just bared your heart to him. 

His hand finds its way over yours, intertwining your fingers and giving it a soft squeeze, his eyes flickering to your hands before settling on your face, unwavering when you look at him. “Give me one chance and I’ll show you the kind of love you deserve to know.”

The moonlight illuminates his features beautifully, the slope of his nose, curve of his lips, the color of his eyes. Your breath hitches as his gaze intensifies, honing in on you. “Please, let me be the one to show you,” his voice is gentle but firm, it sends a shiver down your spine in the best way possible. 

You nod, swallowing the lump in your throat before speaking up, “okay,” you whisper, “one chance.” Rafayel smiles softly, using all of his willpower to not kiss you on the hood of his car. 

You’re greeted by a bouquet of lilies the next day at work, a note in cursive sitting between the blooms. 

“Thank you for last night, I hope to see you again soon- Rafayel”

The gesture makes your cheeks flush, your phone buzzing in your pocket. 

[1 new message from Rafayel]

Did you get my gift? :3 

yes they’re beautiful thank you so much I’m shocked you remembered i like lilies lol

how could I not? they’re your favorite flower <3

Your cheeks burn as you lock your phone, embers of hope burn in your chest. What if it’s different? What if it’s worth a shot? You know your worth now, you won’t let yourself be treated as second best, not anymore. 

Rafayel romances you hard. He takes you to dinner, sends you packages, and flowers to your home and at work, and shows up when you’re about to take your lunch break in his fancy sports car. “My horoscope said to appreciate the beautiful things in life, can I take you to lunch?”

You try to fight it, try to keep your words sharp and tone light. Slowly you find yourself wanting to let your guard down, letting your eyes linger on him for a second longer, embracing the flutter in your chest when he takes your hand in his to lead you through a busy street. 

It’s scary to let yourself be vulnerable after being hurt viciously. But how beautiful is it to be loved? How wonderful does it feel to know you will be chosen over and over again? 

And so you stop fighting it, heart pounding in your ears as Rafayel talks about a painting he was working on, telling you he’d found a new muse to inspire him. 

“Someone new?” You feel the familiar pit in your stomach, eyes scouting the beach to see which way would be better for you to leave him. The sense of impending doom creeping up your spine, you should’ve known better, you would never be enough. 

“Yeah, met them at an art pop up, I’m totally head over heels for them,” he smiles, eyes moving from the moon to your face, his smile morphing into a frown when he takes in your panicked features. “What’s wrong?” 

“I’m sorry- I think I just got the wrong impression about this” you shake your head, blinking rapidly and moving to stand up. Rafayel grabs your wrist and pulls you down, causing you to lose your balance and land on top of him. 

“You’re my muse,” he states, “it’s only you.” His eyes glance at your lips, you notice. Your heart is still pounding, your ears ringing. “Can I please kiss you?” His breathing is shaky and you respond with your lips on his. 

It’s electrifying to be kissed like you’re someone’s lifeline, to be held like they never want to let you go. His grip on you is bruising, like he’s finally letting himself free of any restraint as his tongue moves against yours. 

“Been wanting to do this since our first date,” he growls between kisses, lips still pressed against yours, pulling you impossibly close to him. “Please be mine, only mine,” his voice is desperate, whiny almost. 

When you finally pull away from him your face is flushed and gasping for air, hair messy as you stare down at him. Your cheeks burn, hyper aware of the growing hardness beneath you. 

“I had something more romantic planned out next week,” he admits, shyly looking to the side, you grab his chin and force him to look at you. “Would you do me the honor of letting me be your boyfriend?” 

And when he’s looking at you like the greatest treasure in the sea, like you hold his heart in your hands, how can you say no?

“Yeah,” you breathe out, a smile on your lips as you place a gentle kiss to his nose. Rafayel can’t contain his happiness, a grin on his face as he pulls you against him, the two of you laughing loudly as you roll around in the sand. 

You’re still a bit guarded around him at first, grateful with how patient he is with you, never once pushing your boundaries or pushing you for answers. Instead he shows you how much he cares about you, still buying you flowers (always lilies), taking you on surprise dates and buying you the things you mention in passing. 

You open up to him about Caleb after your two months together, and it all seems to click for him. 

“Last name Xia?” he asks, you nod, brows furrowed. 

“How did you know that?” 

“The girl he cheated on you with, was her name MC?” You feel your blood go cold, you give him a slow nod. “She’s supposed to be my bodyguard,” he chuckles dryly. 

You go quiet, maybe you should’ve stayed cautious, you should’ve moved cities or countries, or-

“I’ll fire her, I can get the information I need some other way,” he shrugs, taking his phone out and sending an email before you can even process his words. 

“I don’t want to get in the way of your work,” you finally sputter out, you suddenly feel small, the evil voice in the back of your head growing louder. 

“It makes you uncomfortable for me to work with her, yes?” He watches you carefully, only continuing when you nod ever so slightly, opening your mouth with a rebuttal, he cuts you off before you can. “She played a part in hurting you in the past, yes?” You bite your bottom lip, nodding once more. “Then why would I want someone like that to work for me? I would do anything to make sure you’re comfortable, cutie.” 

Your eyes burn, your bottom lip wobbles as you wrap your arms around him. Rafayel is stunned for a second, quickly reciprocating your embrace and rubbing your back. 

“I love you,” you whisper, face buried in the crook of his neck as you say the words, half hoping he didn’t hear you. 

Rafayel holds you tighter, you feel his body relax beneath you. “I love you so much,” he breathes out, neither of you daring to move. When you finally pull away you feel lighter, your heart seems fuller as you look at Rafayel. He giggles and blushes when you press a myriad of kisses on his face, a sloppy wet one right on the mole on the apple of his cheek. 

You let your walls down, showering him in love and allowing yourself to be clingy. You let yourself love to the fullest, it’ll be scary, but you’re willing to try. 

When you bump into Caleb two years later you don’t hold any resentment towards him.

“Y/N?” the familiar voice makes your head whip around, Rafyel turns and looks as well.

“Caleb? It’s been a while!” you smile softly at him, he looks tired. “How have you been?” His colonel uniform is just as pristine as it was the last time you’d seen him.

“I’ve been alright,” his eyes flicker to the man next to you, a pit in his stomach when he notices the two of you holding hands. It should’ve been him, he should’ve fought harder, he should've been better. 

“Oh this is my boyfriend, Rafayel!” your eyes sparkle when you say his name, the purple haired man puffs his chest out a bit, holding his hand out, Caleb puts his hand in Rafayels, biting his tongue when your boyfriend's grip is bone crushing.

“Nice to meet you,” Rafayel smiles, Caleb notes the way his eyes narrow at him momentarily.

“Likewise,” before he can say anything else you speak up.

“How are you and MC?” your eyes hold no ill intentions, and Caleb’s knees buckle as he remembers how kind you were, kindness he used against you. 

“We aren’t-” he pauses, eyes flickering over your face. You were so happy. Caleb’s eyes catch the necklace you’re wearing, a starfish and the letter ‘R’ dangling off a chain. He notices the cardigan you're wearing is a size or two bigger than what you usually wear, it must be his. 

You were doted on, you were first choice, loved unconditionally. You deserved that.

So instead of telling you the truth, that he and mc didn’t work out and he regrets his decision every night. Instead of telling you he’d do anything to get you back, he’d do whatever it took for you to give him just one chance, he swallows his words and gives you the best smile he can.

“We're doing good, I’m glad you found someone you deserve,” he hopes you can’t hear the waver in his voice, his eyes don’t dare glance at Rafayel. He can feel the daggers being sent his way without looking.

When you say your goodbyes Caleb has a bitter taste in his mouth, his head spinning as he watches you walk away, forcing himself to tear his gaze from you.

You smile up at Rafayel, giggling when he presses a sloppy kiss to your cheek. “Raf!” you gasp as he picks you up, carrying you to the car before setting you down gently in the passenger seat. His eyes soften as they look at you, face flushed as you hold his gaze, “I love you,” he mumbles. You smile widely at his words, kissing his lips gently, laughing softly when he melts into the kiss. 

You were thankful to Caleb. If it weren’t for him, you’d still be settling, you’d brush off your hurt for the comfort of others and never put yourself first. It wasn't forever, but you found yourself and your worth. 

Rafayel talks about a new exhibit he was putting on, every painting inspired by you. His words seem to fade into the background as you stare at him, a soft smile on your face. You found your forever, and you’d never have to worry about settling again.

XAVIER (Word count : 553)

When Xavier arrives home, he expects to find you where you usually are - curled up on the couch with a book or out on the balcony with a cup of tea, chatting away to Puffball.

Instead, the apartment is empty.

Maybe you're still at the restaurant.

Or perhaps you stopped by the convenience store on the way home.

He checks his phone.

No missed calls.

No messages.

He tries calling you.

No answer.

A few moments later, a message appears on his screen.

Staying with a friend tonight.

His brows knit together.

It's unlike you to ignore his calls.

Even more unlike you to spend the night elsewhere without saying anything beforehand.

Maybe you'd run into someone while waiting for him and simply lost track of time.

That's the only explanation he can think of.

…

The next day at the Hunters Association, Xavier doesn't see you once.

Normally, that wouldn't mean much. The two of you work in different departments and rarely cross paths during the day.

Still...

He can't shake the feeling that you're avoiding him.

His suspicions are confirmed during a meeting with Captain Jenna.

You don't look at him even once.

When the meeting ends, everyone files out except you.

You stay behind to speak with Captain Jenna in private.

Xavier waits outside, hoping to catch you afterward.

He wants to ask what's wrong.

Before you emerge, he's called away on a mission.

The conversation will have to wait.

…

When he returns home that evening, he never expects to hear the words that leave your lips.

“I can’t do this anymore. It's over, Xavier.”

The words hit him like a blow.

“I can't be with someone who's still haunted by his past,” you say quietly. “Jeremiah told me about MC... a long time ago.”

“I can't compete with a past love you're still hoping to find again.”

Xavier opens his mouth to argue.

To tell you that it isn't like that.

But the words die in his throat.

Because somewhere deep down...

He knows there's truth in what you've said.

…

Two years pass.

At first, Xavier begs you to come back.

He promises he'll do better.

He tells you he misses you.

Each time, you turn him away.

Eventually...

He stops asking.

…

As always, Xavier spends most of his free time asleep.

But ever since you left, sleep has brought him no peace.

Each time he closes his eyes, he dreams of Philo.

Of the queen.

Of MC.

The memories intertwine, yet with every passing night, the differences become clearer.

The queen.

And the MC of this world.

They are not the same person.

They never were.

His thoughts find their way back to you.

His gaze falls to the cream-colored envelope resting on his bedside table.

Jeremiah had long since accepted that he would never return to Philo.

Instead, he'd built a new life on Earth.

Now, he is getting married.

Xavier should be happy for his friend.

He is.

If only the bride weren't you.

His fingers tighten around the wedding invitation.

Your names, written side by side in elegant gold lettering, blur as his vision stings.

Only now does he finally understand.

He spent so long chasing the person he'd lost...

That he failed to see the one who had chosen to stay.

ZAYNE (Word count : 995)

Just as Zayne is gathering his things to leave the hospital and meet you, Yvonne catches him to let him know that MC has arrived.

He immediately calls to cancel your date before hurrying to MC's side. Her injuries are only minor - nothing serious - but with her condition, he'd rather be safe than sorry.

After treating her, the two of them end up talking in his office until her hunter watch sounds with a mission alert.

Seeing how much time has already passed, Zayne decides not to go home after all and instead stays behind to finish some paperwork.

As a result, he returns home much later than expected.

He finds you curled up on the couch.

You must have waited for him until you fell asleep.

He carefully scoops you into his arms to carry you to bed. As he looks down at you, he notices your furrowed brows, the tear tracks staining your cheeks, and the faint shiver that runs through you.

He lays you down gently, pulls the blanket over you, and presses a hand to your forehead.

You don't have a fever.

Perhaps you're simply having a bad dream.

...

The next morning, Zayne wakes to find your side of the bed empty and cold.

He wanders into the kitchen, only to find a note waiting on the counter.

Gone out to run errands.

A small frown crosses his face.

Today is his day off.

You took the day off as well so the two of you could spend it together.

He doesn't dwell on it. Instead, he has breakfast, gets himself ready for the day, and decides he'll cook your favorite meal for lunch to make up for yesterday.

Whatever errands you had to run, surely you'd be home soon.

...

You don't return until evening.

“Where have you been? I was worried sick.”

He keeps his voice calm, careful not to sound accusatory.

You don't answer.

You don't even look at him.

Instead, you keep your gaze fixed on the floor.

He takes a step toward you.

You step back.

“My love... what's wrong?” he asks, concerned.

“Don't call me that,” you whisper.

Without a word, you walk into the kitchen.

Zayne follows, stopping on the opposite side of the island.

Taking a shaky breath, you finally speak.

“We've been together for three years, and I still feel like you've never truly let me in. You keep me at arm's length. You never let me see what you're really feeling.”

“I see,” Zayne replies, adjusting his glasses. “Is this about yesterday?”

“This goes beyond yesterday.”

“You feel neglected,” he observes. “Is this because of how much I've been working lately? We can discuss my schedule.”

“In that case…” Your voice sharpens as you finally meet his eyes. “Why don't we discuss yesterday's emergency?”

“MC looked and sounded perfectly fine to me.”

Zayne blinks.

When did you stop by the hospital?

Before he can respond, you continue.

“Tell me... why does she get to see the warm, gentle side of Zayne while I'm stuck loving an ice sculpture?”

“What are you trying to say?”he asks quietly, already fearing the answer.

“I'm done trying to melt your heart... only to have mine frozen instead in the process.”

“Judging by your words…” Zayne says after a long pause, “...it would seem you wish to end our relationship.”

He states it as a fact.

“Yes,” you whisper.

Another heavy silence settles between you.

“Is that it?” you ask, tears spilling over. “Aren't you going to ask me to stay? Aren't you going to fight for us?”

Zayne walks around the kitchen island, stopping only a few inches away.

His eyes are dark with emotions he refuses to show, yet his expression remains composed.

“If I ask you to stay,” he says, “it would serve only my selfishness... not your well-being.”

...

Several days pass.

As always, when Zayne doesn't know how to deal with his emotions, he buries himself in work.

One evening, he returns to an apartment that no longer feels like home.

Without you, it feels sterile.

Like another wing of the hospital.

Removing his glasses, he reaches to place them on the coffee table.

He misses.

They slip from his fingers and fall to the floor.

As he bends to retrieve them, something catches his eye beneath the couch.

...

Zayne doesn't know where you've gone after leaving him.

Still, he has a feeling you've returned to your parents' house.

Before long, he's standing outside their front door.

Only after knocking does he realize how late it is.

Perhaps everyone has already gone to bed.

The door opens.

Your eyes widen ever so slightly when you see him standing there.

Before you can close the door, he raises the sonogram he'd found beneath the couch.

“When were you planning to tell me?”

You take the sonogram from his hand.

Without hesitation, you tear it in half.

“This no longer concerns you,” you say firmly.

“You are carrying my child. Of course it concerns me.”

“There is no child.”

You shake your head.

“Not anymore.”

“I had an abortion.”

Your words strike him harder than any physical blow ever could.

He simply stares.

You wouldn't...

But the look in your eyes leaves no room for doubt.

“I wanted every last piece of you out of my life.”

You meet his gaze one final time.

“Goodbye, Zayne.”

The door slams in his face.

...

Years later, a familiar sound catches Zayne's attention as he walks down the street.

A laugh.

One he hasn't heard in years.

He turns.

There you are.

Your smile is bright.

Beside you walks another man, his hand intertwined with yours, looking at you with unmistakable adoration.

The way Zayne should have looked at you.

Your free hand rests protectively over the curve of your pregnant stomach.

A chill crawls up his spine as frost spreads across the back of his neck.

That could have been him.

That should have been him.

RAFAYEL (Word count : 719)

When Thomas stops by Linkon University to deliver Rafayel's forgotten ID badge, he barely says a word. His expression is a strange mix of disappointment and disbelief.

Rafayel doesn't think much of it.

Thomas is always on his case about something - deadlines, interviews, exhibitions, or unfinished paintings.

...

When you don't return to his studio at Whitesand Bay, he doesn't think much of that either.

The two of you don't live together.

You still have your apartment in Linkon City, and since you work there, it's far more convenient for your daily commute. You usually only stay at the studio on weekends.

However, when the weekend comes and goes without you showing up, he begins to find it odd.

What's even stranger is the silence.

Normally, you would call to remind him about his deadlines, text him to stop bullying Thomas, or nag him to take a break and eat something.

This time...

Nothing.

He checks your Moments first.

No new posts.

Then he calls you.

The call doesn't go through.

He sends several messages.

None of them are delivered.

Finally, he calls Thomas.

Thomas swears he hasn't seen or heard from you since the day he returned Rafayel's ID badge.

...

Rafayel punches the passcode into the keypad outside your apartment.

Incorrect password.

His brows knit together.

He tries again.

The same result.

He knocks.

No answer.

The apartment is silent.

Just then, your neighbor steps out of the apartment across the hall, a trash bag in hand.

“I don't think she's home,” he says casually. “Haven't seen her for a few days.”

He walks away toward the elevator, leaving Rafayel standing alone in the hallway.

...

"Breaking news from Linkon City. A massive surge of Metaflux has triggered a high-threat Protofield in the downtown shopping mall."

The reporter's voice crackles through the radio in Rafayel's car.

"We now go live to our Hunter correspondent at the scene."

Rafayel instinctively turns up the volume.

"A high-ranking Wanderer breached the downtown perimeter earlier today. The Hunter Association has secured the area. The Wanderers have been neutralized, and all civilians have been evacuated."

Before the report continues, his phone begins to ring.

Without taking his eyes off the road, he reaches for it on the passenger seat.

Unknown number.

He answers.

“Am I speaking with Mr. Rafayel?”

“Yes. Who—”

“This is Asko Hospital. Your number was listed as the emergency contact for one of our patients, Miss Y/N.”

The color drains from his face.

Without another word, he jerks the steering wheel and speeds toward the hospital.

...

Rafayel all but sprints to the reception desk.

“I'm Rafayel,” he says between breaths. “I received a call about my girlfriend.”

“Your girlfriend was among the civilians caught in today's Wanderer attack,” the nurse explains gently.

Before he can ask another question, he hears a familiar voice.

“Rafayel.”

MC approaches, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“I was one of the Hunters at the scene. I recognized her and rode with her in the ambulance.”

“Is she okay?” he asks immediately.

MC lowers her eyes.

“I... don't know.”

“They took her straight into surgery.”

...

Rafayel and MC wait outside the operating room in complete silence.

Finally, the doors open.

The surgeon steps outside.

“Is my girlfriend okay?”

The doctor's expression says enough.

“Your girlfriend used her own body to shield a child from falling glass after the Wanderers shattered the skylight.” The doctor says.

“I'm sorry.”

“Her injuries were too severe. They caused damage to several vital organs.”

“We couldn't save her.”

Behind him, hurried footsteps echo down the hallway.

Thomas.

“I came as soon as you called,” he says, breathless. “What happened? Is she okay?”

MC silently shakes her head.

Thomas lowers his gaze.

After a long moment, he reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulls out a photograph.

“I found this in my office at Flux Arts.”

Rafayel accepts it with trembling hands.

It's a photograph of the two of you.

Turning it over, he immediately recognizes your handwriting.

I'm sorry I wasn't the one you chose to be your muse. I wish you all the best.

His fingers tighten around the photograph.

His knees give way beneath him.

A single tear slips down his cheek.

Halfway down, it transforms into a pearl before rolling across the hospital floor.

SYLUS (Word count : 711)

Sylus is greeted by the blaring sound of music - if it can even be called music - the moment he steps into the base. It pounds through the halls, loud enough to give him a headache.

“Luke. Kieran. Turn that noise off,” he calls.

“That isn't us, Boss,” the twins reply in unison as they walk up behind him.

“Boss-lady's home,” Kieran says.

“And she's in a really bad mood,” Luke adds.

“That's putting it lightly,” Kieran mutters. “She trashed her bedroom.”

Following the music, Sylus heads toward his room.

He finds you there, rock music blasting from your phone as you practically scream the lyrics while drinking wine straight from the bottle.

Leaning against the doorframe, he crosses his arms.

“Having fun?” he calls over the music, his tone laced with amusement.

You turn to face him.

“Well, well, well…” you slur with a crooked smile. “If it isn't Boss-man.”

His amusement fades at your mocking tone.

Pushing himself off the doorframe, he walks over and switches off your phone.

“How's MC?” you ask.

“Oh... or should I call her Kitten?”

You take another swig of wine.

“Or maybe Sweetie?”

“You're drunk,” Sylus says, reaching for the bottle. “What brought this on?”

You stumble backward before he can take it.

“Sooo…” you drawl, swaying slightly. “What did little Miss Hunter need the big, bad leader of Onychinus for this time?”

Your smirk is sharp.

“She needed help recovering a stolen Protocore,” Sylus replies evenly.

“Riiight…”

You nod exaggeratedly.

“And that was more important than picking your girlfriend up from work? Or at the very least sending someone else in your place?”

Your voice hardens.

Before he can answer, you hurl the wine bottle at him.

Sylus doesn't even bother using his evol.

He simply steps aside.

The bottle smashes against the wall behind him, glass scattering across the floor.

“No more explanations disguised as excuses.”

“No more expensive gifts to make up for your absence.”

“I'm not another deal you can close.”

Your finger jabs toward his chest.

“For your sake…”

“I hope MC is worth it.”

Without waiting for a response, you storm out.

...

EVER has always been a thorn in Sylus's side.

They interfere with Onychinus' operations whenever they can and have made hunting him something of a pastime.

Lately, however, things have changed.

For the past several months, EVER has become unusually aggressive, launching increasingly frequent ambushes against his operations throughout the N109 Zone.

Sylus built his authority by taking control of illegal evol weapon and Protocore trade.

Now, someone is systematically dismantling that control.

Every investigation ends the same way.

Nothing.

Whoever is orchestrating this leaves no trace behind.

So Sylus decides to become the bait.

He stages a fake operation, intending to lure the mastermind into the open.

...

“Aww... you went to all this trouble just for little old me?”

A familiar voice drifts across the rooftop.

“You shouldn't have.”

Sylus turns.

There you stand.

Or rather...

A blurred outline of you.

Black-and-crimson mist coils around your body - his evol - but it never makes contact.

You click your tongue.

“Hello, Mephie.”

You give the mechanical crow a cheerful wave.

“It's nice to see you again.”

“How are the twins?”

Sylus ignores the question.

“So…”

“You're the thorn in my side.”

“What exactly is the game here?”

He takes a slow step forward.

“Was I really such a terrible partner that you joined EVER just to get revenge?”

You shrug.

“You know what they say.”

“Revenge is sweet.”

Tilting your head, you smile.

“Don't you remember the last thing I said before I walked away?”

Sylus's eyes darken.

His evol lashes out toward you.

Once again...

It passes harmlessly through your figure.

From the day you met, Sylus knew you were an Evolver.

He even knew your Evol belonged to both the Simulation and Spatium classes.

But never once had he seen you use it.

Until now.

“You had no problem playing games with my heart.”

Your voice echoes around him.

He can no longer see you.

“It's my turn now.”

The voice comes from directly behind him.

He spins around.

Nothing.

Only silence greets him.

It would seem Sylus has made himself a new enemy.

One far more dangerous than he ever imagined.

S-Rank Evol: Spectrum.

CALEB (Word count : 794)

Caleb has spent several weeks on a mission deep within the Deepspace Tunnels.

The day he returns, the two of you have plans to meet for dinner.

What he doesn't expect is for MC to show up at HQ.

She knew when his mission would end, but he never imagined she'd come to surprise him in person.

He quickly sends you a message, making up an excuse for why he can't make it.

He knows you wouldn't be happy if you found out the real reason.

...

After spending the entire day with MC, Caleb drops her off at the train station before finally heading home.

Your abrupt hang-up from earlier keeps replaying in his mind.

It wasn't like you.

The memory has been nagging at him ever since.

“Baaabe, I'm home.”

Silence.

“Babe?”

Still nothing.

He walks into the bedroom.

The wardrobe door is wide open.

His fingers trail across the hangers.

Empty spaces stare back at him.

Several of your clothes are missing.

A knot forms in his stomach.

He rushes into the bathroom.

All your toiletries are gone.

He calls you.

Once.

Twice.

Again and again.

No answer.

He opens the tracking app on his phone.

Location unavailable.

You turned it off.

He immediately checks your car's GPS.

Disconnected.

He didn't even know you knew he had been tracking your location.

Trying to think clearly, he runs through every place you might have gone.

Then it hits him.

The bar.

The place where the two of you first met after Gideon dragged him out for drinks.

Without another thought, he grabs his keys and leaves.

...

Sure enough, your car is parked outside.

Caleb makes his way through the crowded bar until he finally spots you sitting alone.

He slides into the seat across from you.

You let out a tired sigh.

You should have known this would be the first place he'd look.

“Babe…”

He reaches across the table.

You pull your hands away before he can touch them.

“Don't call me that.”

“I tried to be understanding,” you say with a bitter laugh. “Growing up, the two of you only had each other. Of course you'd be close. Of course you'd want to be the perfect big brother.”

Caleb immediately knows who you're talking about.

“I'm done feeling like the third wheel.”

Your fist slams onto the table.

“I kept trying to convince myself I was imagining things.”

“But even a blind person could see how hopelessly in love with her you are.”

Caleb says nothing.

The words catch in his throat.

For years, he'd buried those feelings.

Longing.

Yearning.

Wanting MC to be more than just the girl who grew up beside him.

Believing those feelings were wrong, he'd convinced himself they would disappear if he moved on.

Then he met you.

He truly cared about you.

But no matter how hard he tried...

He could never love you as deeply as he loved her.

He just never imagined you'd realize it.

A tear slips down your cheek.

“I deserve someone who chooses me first.”

Your voice barely rises above a whisper.

“And that's something you'll never be able to do.”

You stand.

Caleb rises with you, gently catching your wrist.

His grip is loose.

Almost pleading.

“We tried,” you say softly.

“But it's time for me to let you go.”

Standing on your tiptoes, you press one last kiss to his cheek before walking away.

...

Years later, Caleb wanders aimlessly through one of Skyhaven's parks.

You used to come here together all the time.

As he passes a large tree, he notices a little boy staring up into its branches.

Following the child's gaze, Caleb spots a kite tangled high above.

With a flick of his evol, gravity shifts.

The kite drifts gently down into the boy's waiting hands.

“Thank you, mister!”

For a moment, Caleb is struck by how familiar the boy's eyes look.

“Caleb!”

Both he and the boy turn toward the voice.

“Mama's calling!” the boy exclaims, waving happily. “Bye-bye!”

He runs across the grass.

Straight into the waiting arms of a woman.

Caleb recognizes you instantly.

You kneel to hug the little boy, smiling as another man walks over carrying three ice cream cones.

The resemblance between the man and the child is unmistakable.

Caleb watches the three of you walk away together.

A bittersweet smile touches his lips.

Things with MC never worked out.

In the end, she chose Zayne.

And you...

You found the happiness he could never give you.

As the laughter of your family fades into the distance, Caleb is left standing alone.

Exactly where his choices had led him.

He had spent so many years yearning for someone …

… that he ended up losing the woman who truly loved him.

VALKO (Word count : 673)

Valko's ears perk at the sound of a rustle outside his office.

He ends the call and pulls the door open, only to stop when he steps on several chocolate bars scattered across the floor beside a fallen plastic bag.

His eyes widen.

He strides down the hallway, just in time to catch a glimpse of your devastated expression as the elevator doors slide shut.

By the time he reaches the lobby, you're already gone.

He stands there, trying to make sense of what just happened.

Then it clicks.

You must have overheard his phone call.

He drags a hand down his face.

This is bad.

…

Over the next few days, Valko calls and messages you repeatedly, desperate to explain.

You ignore every single one.

He gives you another day, hoping you simply need space and that you'll reach out when you're ready.

You never do.

So he decides to come to you.

You live in the student dormitories on Linkon University's campus.

Avoiding security, he slips onto the grounds and circles around to the side of your building until he reaches your window.

After glancing around, he picks up a few small pebbles and tosses them lightly against the glass.

Finally, the window slides open.

Your eyes widen.

“What are you doing here?” you hiss.

“I didn't have a choice,” he whispers back. “You wouldn't answer me.”

He gestures toward you.

“Move back.”

Taking several steps away from the building, he crouches before launching himself upward.

Using his claws, he catches the windowsill and effortlessly pulls himself inside.

Normally, you'd giggle whenever he did this.

Today...

You don't even smile.

Your arms remain folded across your chest.

The playfulness vanishes from Valko's face, leaving behind only quiet seriousness.

“We need to talk.”

You sit on the edge of your bed.

The dorm room suddenly feels much smaller with Valko standing inside it.

“There isn't anything to talk about,” you reply quietly, refusing to meet his eyes.

“You heard my conversation at the office, didn't you?”

You nod.

His wolf ears immediately droop.

Without another word, he kneels in front of you and rests his head in your lap.

You don't push him away.

Silence stretches between you before he finally speaks.

“I'm sorry.”

His voice barely rises above a whisper.

“I really wanted it to be you.”

He means it.

Your scent had always been uniquely comforting to him, carrying the fresh, earthy fragrance of a forest - the very place wolves instinctively consider home.

He had convinced himself that if he stayed by your side long enough, Perhaps the mating bond would eventually awaken.

But, fate had chosen someone else.

“This doesn't have to be the end,” he says hopefully. “ We can still be friends.”

A sad smile tugs at your lips.

You reach up and gently scratch behind his wolf ears.

…

The two of you tried to stay friends.

But as Valko devoted himself to pursuing his fated mate while you buried yourself in your studies, the gap between you widened until the two of you drifted apart.

Now, the only reminder that either of you still exists comes once a year in form of a simple birthday text.

…

Valko absentmindedly scrolls through your Moments.

After graduating from university, you achieved your dream of becoming a wildlife biologist.

Every new post shows you somewhere different in the world, surrounded by forests, mountains, oceans, and the animals you've always loved.

You look genuinely happy.

As for Valko...

He spent months trying to convince MC to accept the mating bond between them.

She refused.

She told him that, as a human, she would never accept someone simply because fate declared them soulmates.

If she ever loved someone...

It would be because she chose them with her own heart.

Now, staring at your smiling face on his screen, Valko can't help but wonder...

What if he had done the same?

What if he had rejected fate...

...and chosen the woman who never needed an invisible bond to stand by his side.

Part 3 - 1/2 & 2/2

Tag list: @aurorab-0-realis @pandulce13 @sailorstar9 @violet-19999 @mariahuchiha90 @chaoticmoontimetravel @madnesslusy @angelichiaro @druidofstars @sojulvrr @asian-woody @anon34570 @laz4k @kawaiivillainess98 @brailsthesmolgurl @needsumcomfypillowstosleep @radishpadfish

XAVIER (Word count : 499)

You glance at the phone resting on the restaurant table once again.

No missed calls.

No new messages.

The text you sent still sits unread.

Earlier, while you were waiting outside the Hunters Association headquarters, your boyfriend, Xavier, had messaged to say he needed to finish some reports and told you to head to the restaurant without him. He'd meet you there as soon as he was done.

You hadn't thought much of it.

As neat and organized as Xavier was, paperwork had never been his favorite task, much to Captain Jenna's frustration. Besides, with his light evol, he could teleport to you in seconds.

But now, more than thirty-five minutes have passed since you arrived.

He is nowhere to be seen.

You have already finished both of your drinks and the appetizers.

At last, your phone vibrates.

A new message.

Sorry. A last-minute mission came up. Meet U at home later.

You let out a quiet sigh.

You aren't angry.

As a fellow Hunter x albeit one who works in data processing and analysis - you understand how unpredictable the job can be.

After paying the bill, you leave the restaurant and begin the walk back to the apartment you and Xavier share.

As you stop at a crosswalk, a familiar figure catches your eye.

Silver-blond hair.

A hunter's uniform.

Xavier.

But he isn't alone.

Walking beside him is his partner, MC.

Their pace is slow and unhurried. Though you can't hear their conversation, they're smiling.

They certainly don't look like they've on a mission.

Without hesitation, you follow them from a distance.

The two of them disappear into the Twinkle Toys arcade.

You trail after them, stopping just inside the entrance.

It's close enough to see them standing shoulder to shoulder at a claw machine, laughing as they take turns trying to win a plushie.

Completely carefree.

You turn around and quietly walk back outside.

Your feet carry you down the street on autopilot.

Xavier lied to you.

He wasn't on a mission.

Or if he had been, it had ended long ago. Instead of meeting you, he'd chosen to spend time with MC.

This isn't the first time you've seen them together.

Every other time, you'd convinced yourself it was nothing more than coincidence.

MC is his work partner.

She also happens to live in the apartment below yours.

There were plenty of reasonable explanations.

Or at least, that's what you'd kept telling yourself.

Before you know it, you've wandered to Philo, Jeremiah's flower shop.

He greets you with a warm smile.

The moment he sees your face, it disappears.

You don't have to say a single word.

He already knows Xavier is the reason.

Time and time again, Jeremiah has warned him that this MC wasn't his MC - the queen he'd loved back on Philos.

If Xavier kept chasing the past, he would lose the person standing beside him in the present.

Judging by the emptiness in your eyes...

It seems that day has finally come.

ZAYNE (Word count : 535)

You are almost at the bakery when your phone rings with an incoming call from your boyfriend, Zayne.

His voice is as calm and measured as ever.

“An emergency came up at the hospital, so I won't be able to join you. I'm not sure when I'll be done, so don't wait for me.”

The call ends before you have a chance to respond.

As the head cardiothoracic surgeon at Akso Hospital, emergencies are simply part of the job.

Since you're already nearby and the hospital isn't far away, you decide to stop by the bakery anyway. Even Zayne can't spare the time to enjoy something sweet with you, at least you can leave him a small treat to brighten his day and satisfy his sweet tooth.

When you step into Akso Hospital, you nearly bump into Dr. Greyson.

“If you're looking for Dr. Zayne, he's in his office,” he says as he hurries past.

You make your way there, only to pause outside the half-open door.

A woman's laughter drifts into the hallway.

Then comes Zayne's voice.

Soft.

Gentle.

The kind of tenderness you've only ever heard him use with one person.

MC.

You know she's Zayne's childhood friend, someone he'd recently reunited with after years apart. You also know she's a Hunter with an Aether Core embedded in her heart, making Zayne her primary physician.

By the sound of things, though, she seems perfectly fine.

When you'd first met MC, you'd been genuinely excited. You'd wanted to hear stories about what Zayne was like as a child.

But over time, you couldn't ignore the way he looked at her.

Or the way he spoke to her.

It wasn't the concern of a doctor for his patient.

Nor was it simply the affection of one friend for another.

It felt like something much deeper.

You quietly turn around and leave.

...

When you unlock the door to the apartment you and Zayne have shared for nearly two years, you're greeted by silence.

The apartment feels cold.

Sterile.

Empty.

You sink onto the couch, your gaze falling to the sonogram in your hands.

Today, at the bakery, you had planned to tell Zayne you were pregnant.

You are around ten weeks along.

Judging by the timing, you must have conceived that night when the two of you attended one of his senior colleagues' birthday parties. You'd both had a little too much to drink - Zayne especially, considering what an incredible lightweight he is - and neither of you had been as careful as usual.

The positive test caught you off guard, but it didn’t frighten you.

You and Zayne have been together for three years. You both have stable, well-paying jobs and a spacious apartment. You know he'll take responsibility.

More than that, you know he'll make a good father.

At least...

Those had been your first thoughts.

Your hand trembles, and your voice quivers ever so slightly as you speak into the phone.

“I'd like to make an appointment at your clinic, please.”

You have no intention of trapping Zayne with a child, let alone bringing a baby into a relationship that already feels forced, or raising that child as a single parent.

RAFAYEL (word count : 500)

You give yourself one last glance in the bathroom mirror before heading out for work.

Just as you're about to leave, your phone rings.

An incoming call from your boyfriend, Rafayel.

“Pleaseee tell me you're still at the studio.” His voice is a whine the moment you answer.

“I am. I was just about to head out,” you reply.

“I think I left my ID badge there. I can't find it anywhere,” he complains.

As a renowned artist, Rafayel occasionally teaches art classes at Linkon University. The badge isn't just an ID, it also grants him access to the campus and its studios.

“Can you look around for me? Thomas is already on his way,” he pleads.

Before you can answer, he hurriedly adds, “I've got to go. My students are here.”

The call ends.

You check the time.

You still have some time to spare, so you decide to look for the badge before Thomas arrives.

The problem is, Rafayel isn't exactly the tidiest person.

You search the studio from top to bottom, checking every place you can imagine he'd absentmindedly leave his badge.

Nothing.

Eventually, your attention settles on a door.

A door that's always closed.

Locked, in fact.

A room Rafayel has never let you enter, not even when he's with you.

For the first time, it's standing slightly ajar.

He must have forgotten to lock it in his rush to leave this morning.

You slowly push the door open.

The room beyond is filled with paintings.

Portraits.

Every single one depicts the same woman.

You recognize her face, yet you can't place where you've seen her before.

You wander farther inside, your eyes moving from one canvas to the next.

Then your foot bumps against something on the floor.

You look down.

Rafayel's ID badge.

You bend down to pick it up.

Just then, you hear Thomas calling your name.

You don't answer.

A few moments later, he finds you standing in the middle of the room.

His eyes widen.

“Rafayel…” he breathes. “Every time I ask how his paintings are coming along, he brushes me off. But... look at all of these.”

His gaze sweeps across the room before suddenly stopping.

“Wait a minute…”

His expression shifts to one of genuine confusion.

“Why are all of these paintings of MC?”

MC.

The name finally makes everything click.

She's the Hunter who'd come to Rafayel's studio not long ago while investigating a lead involving a painting. After a Wanderer attacked the studio, he'd insisted on hiring her as his personal bodyguard.

The same MC he'd been spending so much time with lately.

Always "for work."

Rafayel has only ever painted one portrait of the two of you together.

You'd always felt something was missing from it.

It lacked…

The passion.

The spark that seemed to exist in every other painting he'd created.

Now you know why.

Without a word, you place Rafayel's ID badge into Thomas's hand.

Then you turn around and walk out of the studio.

SYLUS (word count : 423)

You stand in the lobby of the office building, staring out through the floor-to-ceiling windows as you search the pouring rain for a familiar car.

Or a familiar face.

Your workday ended long ago.

You check your phone again.

No missed calls.

No messages.

You've already tried calling your boyfriend, Sylus - the man who was supposed to pick you up - but the call went straight to voicemail.

You tried the twins.

Luke.

Then Kieran.

Neither of them answered.

You can only assume something involving Onychinus has come up.

With a sigh, you hurry out into the rain and flag down a taxi.

He eyes you warily when you ask to be taken to the N109 Zone.

You promise him a generous tip.

A heavy sigh escapes your lips as the taxi pulls away.

You hardly ever ask Sylus for anything.

Yet the one time you do - something as simple as picking you up from work, especially when the forecast had warned of heavy rain - he lets you down.

You'd come to the office building for a meeting with a client alongside a colleague, and the two of you had shared a ride.

Unfortunately, she'd had to leave early.

That's why you'd called Sylus.

There wasn't exactly another way for you to get home.

No bus runs into the lawless N109 Zone, and no sane taxi driver would willingly drive into a place where danger, illicit trade, and powerful Wanderers coexist.

The taxi drops you at the edge of the district, refusing to go any farther.

Fortunately, you managed to reach Hank.

As one of Onychinus's members, he runs an auto repair shop and agreed to drive you the rest of the way to the base.

When you arrive, you're surprised to find Luke and Kieran there after all.

“Where is he?” you ask, your voice sharp.

The twins exchange a nervous glance.

One look at your expression is enough.

“Boss-man is helping Miss hunter with a mission,” they answer in unison before making a very quick escape.

Of course.

You should have known.

Whenever MC - a.k.a Miss hunter - calls, Sylus drops everything to go to her.

You make your way to your bedroom.

The two of you have always kept separate rooms.

The moment the door closes behind you, something inside you finally snaps.

One by one, you pull out every dress, every piece of jewelry, every gift Sylus has ever bought you, tossing them across the room.

You don't want any of it.

You're not something that can be bought.

CALEB (Word count : 419)

You smile to yourself as you park your car outside the restaurant where you're supposed to meet your boyfriend, Caleb.

He's finally returned from another long mission, and after weeks apart, the two of you are looking forward to sharing a hearty meal together.

Just as you lock your car, your phone vibrates.

Caleb: Something came up. Rain check? I'll make it up to you, I promise.

You can't help but sigh.

This isn't the first time.

As the colonel of the Farspace Fleet in Skyhaven, Caleb shoulders an enormous amount of responsibility.

You've always understood that.

Still, disappointment settles heavily in your chest.

Not in the mood to eat alone, you decide to head back home.

As you drive through the city, two familiar figures catch your eye.

Caleb.

And MC.

They're strolling leisurely down the sidewalk, Caleb wearing his signature boyish grin.

Your fingers tighten around the steering wheel.

You quickly dial Caleb's number before pulling over to the curb.

Through your side mirror, you watch him take a few steps away from MC as he answers the call.

“Hey,” you say, forcing your voice to remain light. “Where are you?”

“Didn't you get my message?” His voice is quiet. “I'm still at HQ.”

You don't let him finish.

The call ends.

Caleb and MC aren't biologically related. They were both adopted by Josephine and raised together.

You'd never questioned their relationship before.

You had accepted how close they were.

For the longest time, you'd always thought of them as siblings.

Until you started noticing the way Caleb looked at her.

The quiet longing in his eyes.

A yearning you never realized he was capable of.

A want that was never directed at you.

The kind of love that couldn't be mistaken for familial affection.

Like she was home.

You unlock the door to the apartment you and Caleb share in Skyhaven.

The first room you walk into is the guest bedroom.

The room is kept ready for MC whenever she stays over.

Every time she stayed over, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were the outsider.

As though you were the one intruding.

Like the third wheel.

You move into your bedroom and pull a suitcase from the wardrobe.

Without hesitation, you begin packing.

Clothes.

Toiletries.

Everything you can't leave behind.

When the suitcase is finally full, you take one last look around the apartment.

Then, without looking back, you walk out the front door.

This time...

You have no intention of ever coming back.

VALKO (word count : 467)

You look up at the towering EonCore Tech building.

You've been here a few times already, yet you still can't get used to its sheer size.

The reason you're here is simple.

Your college classes ended early because one of your professors had to leave unexpectedly, so you decided to surprise your boyfriend, Valko, at work.

You greet the security guards and receptionist as you pass, flashing the access badge Valko had given you before making your way to the elevator.

His office occupies the top floor.

As the elevator ascends, you glance into the plastic shopping bag hanging from your wrist.

Earlier, you'd stopped by the convenience store to pick up a few of Valko's favorite snacks - chocolate bars and chocolate milk.

You still can't wrap your head around how he can even consume chocolate.

Considering he's a wolf hybrid - a fact you only discovered by accident during a camping trip - you'd assumed chocolate would be dangerous for him. Wolves are, after all, closely related to dogs, and chocolate is toxic to them.

Apparently, that rule doesn't apply to him.

The elevator dings.

As the doors slide open, you come face to face with a young woman dressed in a Hunter's uniform.

She offers you a polite smile before stepping into the elevator.

You watch the doors close behind her.

She must have come from Valko's office.

After all, it's the only room on the entire floor.

You wonder what business a Hunter had with him.

Making your way to his office, you notice the door is slightly ajar.

You raise your hand to knock—

Then stop.

“Grandma, I found her!”

Valko's cheerful voice carries into the hallway.

“The one I've been searching for. I found my mate!”

The word mate catches you off guard.

You know that a mate is, simply put, a destined soulmate chosen by fate.

You don't fully understand what that bond means to Valko's kind, but you've always thought of it as their version of true love.

You and Valko have been together for nearly a year now.

Is he finally going to introduce you to his family?

“She just left my office, so I guess it's more accurate to say she found me,” he says with a chuckle.

Your smile falters.

Something isn't right.

“Her name is MC.”

Your name isn't MC.

The plastic bag slips from your fingers, chocolates scattering across the floor as your knees threaten to give out,

He's talking about the woman.

The stranger you'd just passed in the hallway.

You turn and run.

You repeatedly stab at the elevator button until the doors finally slide open.

The moment you step inside, the doors begin to close.

Through your tear-blurred vision, you catch a glimpse of Valko standing in the doorway, his face etched with concern.

Part 2

“helloooo im still on the call y’know,” your friend brings you back to reality. you giggle, apologizing before focusing at the task on hand once more. “what’s his address? send it, let’s see what kind of neighborhood he lives in,” your friend wiggles her brows at you and you immediately screenshot the house and send a link over.

your fingers move quicker than your eyes, too used to her contact being the first to pop up on the share button. you’d forgotten how often you’d been sending things to caleb.

“did you get it?” you ask, already scrolling down the street of his house in skyhaven.

“no? you haven’t sent me anything yet,” she replies easily. the color drains from your face as you open your message app.

[1 screenshot sent]

[1 link attatched]

all sent to caleb.

“oh my god, I’m so fucked dude,” your eyes widen, heart falling through your ass as the one word you now dreaded the most appeared in conversation. read.

“why what happened?”

“I sent him his own address. I’ve never once been over.” the mortification is obvious in your face, your friend immediately mirrors your expression.

“maybe you can unsend it?”

me: oh my god i swear this isn’t what it looks like

“he read it- fuck he’s typing oh my god I’m so fucked it’s so over for me, I’m so fucking—”

caleb :P : i live in the next house over not that one. 104, not 105

“holy fuck,” you mumbled, heart racing as you read his text over for the nth time, your friend shrieks over the phone. okay maybe you’re not completely done for.

caleb sits in bed, smiling at his screen.

you’d finally taken the bait, followed the trail he’d left of himself online. pretty posed pictures, a perfectly curated account. everything you liked and everything you wanted. he put just enough information for you to find everything you’d wanted if you dug juuust a bit, if you were like him. and now he knows you were like him.

caleb is relieved, shutting the live feed off from the camera he’d installed in your bedroom. you’ll be over at his tomorrow, he’ll make sure of it.

masterlist

So, when you sneak out of your shared bedroom and into the kitchen, you don’t think much of it. It’s almost like routine when you search for a plate through his cabinets, judging how organized his mugs are. A matching set of Spiderman mugs, which you could only guess are for Luke and Kieran, sit in front of all the fancy ones. Contrary to popular belief, it’s so characteristically Sylus to have his priorities lie in the heart that settles beneath his sleeve.

The night, however, is uncharacteristically quiet. Luke and Kieran are sound asleep instead of causing their usual ruckus, and the last time you saw Sylus, you had to slowly take his hand off of your waist to avoid waking him up. A damning part of you wishes you could ask him to cook with you, but he’s tired, and the last thing you want to do is to add to his persistent exhaustion.

Under the dim lights of the base’s kitchen, your only company as you make yourself some food is the thoughts stuck in your head. 

“I hope I don’t burn this place down by accident,” you joke as you turn on the stove to make some eggs. “That would sure be a price to pay.”

The eggs begin to take form on the pan, and you use the spatula as a makeshift microphone every five seconds for the song softly playing from your phone. Lyrics are sung in whispers and dance moves are done in silence, but the eggs sure appreciate the impromptu performance. They turn out perfectly, so you turn off the stove to place it into a plate.

But before you can turn around to enjoy your meal, you feel strong arms wrap around your waist and hear a familiar hum of amusement. 

“Performing without me, beloved?”

“Sylus!” you gasp, looking back as he places gentle kisses on your shoulder. Sleep coats him beautifully, his hair sticking up in all directions and the flush of his cheeks making him glow under the dim lights. “How long were you watching me?”

Sylus doesn’t answer for a while, burying his face in the crook of your neck like that place is the only home he would ever want to live in. Draconic instincts, you could say, but it might just be his exhaustion getting to him.

But eventually he does, and his answer makes you roll your eyes playfully. “Mmm… I don’t know. Time passes by mindlessly when I’m with you.”

“Hmph. I think you just want to avoid the question.”

He chuckles, deep and happy. The sun’s bright rays are incomparable to his amused smile. “Do I avoid your questions, sweetie? I thought you liked how much I entertained them.”

“Hmph,” you huff again before tasting your culinary masterpiece. With a soft hum of satisfaction, you take a small piece of your meal before placing it close to Sylus’s lips, the question of Do you want to try this? remaining unsaid yet loud in its sincerity.

And Sylus, of course, tastes it without hesitation.

“So, what woke you up?” you ask, knowing damn well he can’t answer your question while he’s chewing. “I thought I was doing a good job staying quiet.”

“I…” His hands caress your waist as he chews, the movement grounding the both of you. “I felt the sudden emptiness and wanted to see what happened to you.” Sensing your heart drop, he lets out a soft chuckle before adding, “And your beautiful singing voice lured me in like a siren.”

“Flattering.”

“And,” Sylus continues, “I heard you talking about burning my place down. I couldn’t let that happen, could I?”

“I said no such thing!”

“I trust your decisions, sweetie, but I have to admit I questioned that one.”

“Ugh,” you say with absolutely no frustration. How could you be, when the love of your life looks absolutely enamored by a terrifying, hypothetical decision you would never make?

The next few moments can only be described as peaceful. There is only the soothing music on your phone to interrupt what would otherwise be silence as you continue eating your meal. Sylus occasionally asks for a bite, and you could only deny him for a few seconds before giving in to his playful demands. The meal is devoured in mere minutes, but you find yourself still wanting more food.

Would it be too greedy to ask Sylus if he could cook?

“Sy…” Turning around, you find his cheeky smile softening as he braces for whatever question he would entertain next. “Could you… could you cook something for me, please?”

You pat his hair down to soothe the inevitable rejection. He’s tired, you’re tired, and the only task this night will allow next is going back to sleep in his cozy bed. 

But you should’ve known better than to assume he’d ever deny you any pleasure you want. Instead of the inevitable no, Sylus cups your cheeks and asks, “What do you want me to cook for you, beloved? I have plenty of options.”

Surprise befalls you as gently as snow. You look at his face to search for a hint of sarcasm, only to find utter adoration. “We don’t have to. I mean, you must be tired.”

“I’m never tired when it comes to you.” Sylus reiterates his point with a tender kiss on your forehead, which you’ve noticed in recent hangouts is his favorite place to kiss you. Perhaps the gesture is as significant as the way he arranges his mugs, but the meaning of it is lost to you regardless. 

You’ll open that door someday. You possess the key to his heart already anyway.

The rest of the night only belongs to the both of you. As Sylus prepares the meal of your choice, he’s hit by playful remarks about the peculiar way he arranges his mugs and the heart he wears on his sleeve. You’re swinging your legs on the countertop as his remarks feel nothing short of sincere, and when the meal has been made, he hands it to you while politely bowing like a devoted knight.

Under the dim lights, accompanied by the love of your life, you feel welcomed in this place you now call home. 

a/n: i'll have to admit, writing this fic has made cooking so much more fun recently. I got stuck a couple of times writing this, so while I made myself meals, I sang in the same way MC did and asked myself, "What would Sylus do in this situation?" lol

thank you for reading! any form of interaction is appreciated. take care :)

he grabbed your hair in a makeshift ponytail, pulling you towards him until the back of your head rested on his shoulder. “want me to slow down? nah, i know you love it when i fuck you like a whore.”

tears spilled from your eyes as you searched for something to grab onto for comfort; the edge of the headboard, bedsheets, even his arm—anything to ground you as he fucked you within an inch of consciousness. xavier laughed as he watched you struggle, pressing down on your lower abdomen and moaning when your walls tightened around him. “say it. fuckin’ say you’re my dumb cum slut”

he punctuated each word with a bruising thrust, finally pushing you over the edge as you screamed out your safe word “bluebell”. his movements stopped immediately, the grip he had on you now gentle and holding you steady.

sobs wracked through your chest as he slowly withdrew from your throbbing hole, sitting you against the headboard before grabbing a tissue from the bedside. he wiped your tears and the sweat from your face before brushing your hair from your face, letting you calm yourself before daring to speak.

when your cries finally morphed into hiccups and eventually sniffles, xavier grabbed the cup of water next to your bed and watched you eagerly gulp it down, chuckling before stroking your hair.

“okay?” he questioned, voice a full 360 from just minutes ago. you nodded, beginning to apologize only for xavier to shut you down immediately. “hey, i was pushing it. i’m sorry, thank you for using it. why don’t we jus’ sit a bit, yeah?”

you nodded, appreciating the kindness and understanding from your partner. xavier sat next to you, letting you rest your head on his shoulder as he stroked up and down your arm, listing the new plushies available in the arcade near your house to help ease the tension in the air.

ㅤꨄ︎ zayne

you vision went white as zayne drew another orgasm from you, wetness shooting from your cunt onto his eager face as his fingers continuously rubbed that one spot he knew all too well.

his lips attached to your clit, sucking vigorously as his long digits began to scissor inside your hole once more, your hips trembling under his grip. he laughed against your cunt, giddy at the reactions your body so easily gave him. “so easy for me, huh? don’t even have to try and i have you creaming on my tongue”

you whined his name, hands desperately trying to push away his head from your overstimulated core only for him to grab both wrists with his free hand. “you begged me to cum and now you’re complaining?” he scoffed, pulling his fingers out only to suck them into his mouth before roughly shoving them into you again. “we’re done when i fuckin’ say so”

“z-zaynie…please, need a break” you sobbed, heartbeat thumping in your ears as you felt another mind shattering orgasm coming. your cries only fuelled his ministrations, climax suddenly washing over you with your legs going limp as uncomfortable shocks ran through your body. just as you thought he was finally finished, zayne began slapping your cunt, drawing more spurts of fluid from your entrance. the cruel overstimulation had you screaming out “lilac” before you even knew it, zaynes insistent movement ceasing at once.

he wiped his hands on his pants, quickly moving up towards you and pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. “hi sweet angel. i’m so, so, so sorry, tell me what you need” he muttered between small pecks, pulling back to see tears welling in your eyes. his heart ached as he realized your current state was because of his actions.

“j-jus’ need a sec” you hiccuped, reaching for him and pulling him towards your side. “don’t wanna stop, just need a breather”

he let out a sigh of relief, nodding and quickly slinging an arm around you as you curled into him. your body trembled while the rise and fall of his chest soothed you, nerves slowly easing as each second ticked by. zayne stayed close to you, brushing his fingers through your hair and taking up the space you allowed him to.

ㅤꨄ︎ raf

your throat bulged with rafayels cock as he rutted into your mouth, groaning when your nails raked down his thighs. your head hung off the edge of the bed, the slap of his heavy balls against your face with every thrust making you dizzy with lust. you felt his length still inside your throat, a large hand stroking the outline of his huge cock over your neck.

“m-made for this, right? fuck you take it so good” his needy voice moaned, palms roughly slapping your tits before he started his movements again. “loosen up for me princess, breathe through your nose like i taught you”

you tried to follow his instructions, lungs burning as your nostrils flared with effort, trying to inhale any air you could. your hands began to shake as you started to push his hips away, unable to suck in any air with his steady presence over you. he laughed before withdrawing his cock from your lips, pupils dilating while watching you gasp for air.

just as you felt your body begin to calm down, rafayel slapped the tip of his length against your lips, motioning for you to open your mouth for him once more. you shook your head desperately, hoarse voice rumbling out “tulips” twice before he finally understood you.

rafayel immediately helped you up, a hand steadying your back as you continued to even your breathing. you pulled his looming body towards you and inhaled the familiar floral scent of his laundry, forehead resting atop his flowy shirt. the tightness in your chest eased as he stroked your back, apologizing for going too far. you sat like that for a few more minutes until finally moving back at the feeling of his body beginning to shake.

your eyes flitted up to find rafayel crying, his long fingers quickly swiping away the tears before apologizing. “i’m sorry, jus’ feel so bad i pushed you.”

you chuckled at the endearing display, pulling him next to you on the bed and trying to ease his overwhelming emotions the same way he did you.

ㅤꨄ︎ caleb

you watched with bated breath as caleb increased the pace of the bullet vibe inside of you, messy cunt dripping onto the sheets under you while your limbs pulled at the restraints he had you tied in.

he’d edged you three times already, punishing you for “laughing too hard” at your coworkers joke. this wasn’t new for the two of you, one of caleb’s favourite things to do being you tied up, begging and crying for him to let you cum. the sound of your voice pitching up while tears trailed down your face was simply music to his ears.

today though, you felt yourself rapidly approaching your limit, body beginning to shake uncomfortably as he ruined your climax once again with an evil grin.

“awww, what’s wrong pips? ya mad i’m treating you like a whore? maybe you shouldn’t act like a free-use slut then, hm?”

the mean words had your cunt squeezing around the vibrating toy buried between your walls, an intense burn running through your nerves as he raised the intensity to the highest level.

“wanna hear you tell me why im punishing you. let me hear you say you’re a brainless cockwhore”

a sob ripped through your throat at the cruel tone in his voice, body twisting as you tried to get away from the stimulation. his raucous laugh was your last straw, the word “sunflower” falling from your lips making him turn off the vibe completely.

you continued to shake as he untied your restraints, massaging the tired muscles as blood flowed back into them. caleb crawled towards you after soothing the red skin, gently laying your head on his chest and lightly patting your back. “did too much, i’m sorry baby” he whispered against your scalp, letting your breathing steady before finally sitting you up.

he wiped the tears on your lash line before grabbing the cup of water on your bedside table, letting you sip it slowly. after he was sure you were fully calm and back in your body, caleb asked you what you needed next, letting you lead his movements in a way you wanted.

ㅤꨄ︎ sylus

the sharp sting of sylus’ hand against your ass had you screaming, blood-red skin tender to the touch with each heavy hit he landed on you.

you intended for the night to end this way, hoping your teasing touches and annoyed glares would be enough to make him “punish” you. sylus knew this of course and was glad to fulfill your wishes, but he was unintentionally taking out his work stress on you as well. the month had been slow and while he didn’t have to worry about money, he still did. he was always concerned he wouldn’t be able to give you the life you deserved, so any time business was slower, his worries crept to the front of his mind.

his jaw tensed as you began to squirm in his hold, trying to wriggle out of his harsh grip to no avail. he scoffed at your movements, stroking the burning skin on your ass and watching how you flinched with every touch. “pretending you don’t want it when i can see how wet you are.”

you unconsciously squeezed your thighs together, shame filling you as you questioned whether or not you were sick for getting off to this. your train of thought was interrupted as he landed four consecutive slaps to your upper thighs and each cheek, a hoarse scream falling from your lips before you began to continuously mutter “roses” under your breath.

you weren’t sure if he’d even be able to hear you (he was old asf his hearing was leaving fr) but sylus immediately turned you over and cradled you in his arms, making sure to avoid the sensitive skin on your bottom. tears continued to flow down your face as he soothed you, mumbling ‘what a good girl you were’ and how he was ‘sorry he went too far’.

you let him carry you to your bedroom and lay you on your front, applying a gentle analgesic to the tender skin on your behind. after you were settled sylus climbed in next to you, gently rubbing your back and letting your brain quiet before asking what you needed next.

ㅤꨄ︎ valko

valko tugged the leash attached to your collar, pulling you along as he walked to your bedroom. “t-too hard” you tried to speak, quickly cut off by another harsh pull on your throat.

“dogs don’t fuckin’ talk—you wanna speak, you’re gonna bark like the bitch you are”

you were the one to bring up petplay, asking if it was something he’d be into. valko immediately agreed, listing off the reasons why he’d be the perfect pup until you corrected him and said you wanted to try it this time.

he easily fell into the role of a dominating owner, rough movements indicating he’d been imagining this for a while now.

you watched as he sat on the edge of the bed, waiting until you crawled between his knees before giving you your next instruction. “let me see your pretty tongue, puppy”

you hesitantly stuck out the muscle, eyes widening as he spit on it. you were about to swallow it until he roughly grabbed your tongue between two fingers, shoving another two digits down your throat and smirking as you took them eagerly. your eyes rolled back as he touched the back of your throat with ease, gagging when he pushed further.

you expected him to withdraw them at the first sign of resistance, but valko continued to tease your throat, forcing his fingers down and encouraging you to take them until you felt yourself preparing to vomit.

a gurgled version of “lilies” fell from your lips, valkos eyes widening before finally relenting and letting you swallow down your nausea. he stared in surprise as he realized he’d gone too far, apologies quickly falling from his lips before he scrambled for a tissue to wipe your face with.

you laughed at his antics before stroking his cheek, letting him know you just needed a break. he loosened your collar to give you more room to breathe, moving to get you a cup of water and letting you gulp it down before letting you lead the way.

© all work belongs to @luvyizhou on tumblr, 2026. do NOT use, repost, or feed any of my work into AI or other websites.

“Cutieeeeeeee.” The voice was pitched high and whiny, vowels elongated until they lost all shape and meaning.

You blinked, turning away from the booths and stalls scattered around the plaza in front of you, and glanced at the man to your left. The mid-afternoon sun glinted off his short lavender hair, turning the strands into tendrils of violet flames. His eyes were equally luminous, a palette of constantly shifting blues and pinks and purples, and his profile was poetically perfect.

Usually. But right now, those fine, elegant features were twisted into the most petulant pout you had ever seen.

“Raf, what’s wrong?” you chuckled in bewilderment.

He’d been all smiles just a few minutes ago, when he dragged you to a food booth selling donut holes on skewers. He had bought half a dozen flavors and insisted on trying them before you, to “make sure they’re worthy of passing your sweet lips, cutie.” You’d blushed, swatting his arm, but allowed him to be your taste tester, and he dutifully handed you each skewer once they passed his very thorough inspection.

You’d thrown the last stick away less than five minutes ago, sat down on this stone bench less than two minutes ago, and now he was slouching there with his arms crossed, his lower lip jutting out dramatically.

“I’m bored,” Rafayel huffed as he tipped his head, exhaling sharply to blow a strand of purple hair out of his face.

“I’m sorry, who was the one who wanted to sit down?” you laughed. “I told you not to wear those shoes.”

You glanced pointedly down at his shiny, brown leather shoes. They were, admittedly, very handsome. And ludicrously expensive, of course. The high-quality leather was imported from another distant country, and the intricate patterns carved into the sides and across the top were done by hand, by some master shoemaker in a very remote village, who only made like five pairs a year, so they were insanely sought after.  

Rafayel had of course bestowed upon you this very important information when he came strutting into your apartment this morning, like a peacock. He’d done a whole fashion walk across your living room before whirling around and asking for your thoughts (and applause.)

You honestly told him they looked very nice, before reminding him that the two of you were planning to do a lot of walking this afternoon, and maybe it wasn’t the best time to test out a new pair of shoes.

He’d waved off your concerns with a flourish, but the pair of you had barely made it into the park before he’d thrown himself down on a bench.

“It’s not the shoes,” Rafayel still insisted, stretching his long legs out so he could admire them in the dappled sunlight coming through the canopy of leaves above. “Master Eldrin’s work is perfect, without flaw. Each curve rides the line between sensual and practical, and every stitch is strong, confident, unshakeable. The leather is so soft and supple, it feels like-- like warm buttered glued to my skin.”

“Gross. What kind of metaphor is that?” You wrinkled your nose but couldn’t help but smile at his— mostly— poetic wording. He was always such an artist.

“See? That’s what I mean!” he groaned, slumping further on the bench. “I’m so bored that all my creatively is oozing out of my ears, along with my brain.”

“Hmmm.” Tilting your head, you pretended to inspect the side of his face and neck, even reaching up to flip his hair out of the way. “I don’t see any brain matter…”

“Cutieeee, don’t tease me,” he whined and grabbed your hand between his agile fingers. “I’m seriously suffering here!”

He batted those multicolored eyes at you, looking for all the world like a kicked puppy.

“Alright, alright,” you chuckled, intertwining his hand with yours. “I don’t want my poor fishie to suffer anymore, so let’s go.”

You stood up from the bench, expecting him to follow, but he remained seated and frowning as he tugged you back toward him.

“Go where?” he asked.

“Uh…” You raised an eyebrow, glancing over your shoulder at the plaza full of booths. “To the art festival?”

“Noooooooo,” Rafayel groaned like he’d been mortally wounded and clung to your hand like it was the only thing keeping him on this mortal plane. “That sounds awful.”

You stared down at him incredulously. “What are you even talking about? You brought us here. You’ve been yapping about this festival for weeks!”

“Yeah, but that was before I saw how boring it is,” he said as he glared past you at the multiple vendors and customers winding their way through the stalls.

“Raf, we haven’t even reached the artists yet,” you tried to reason with him. “You got distracted by the food stalls.”

“They’re the only good things here,” he scoffed. “Actually, we should get some more donuts before we leave. The strawberry ones.”

“We can’t leave, we just got here,” you protested with a frown.

“I’m just trying to save you the disappointment, cutie.” Rafayel suddenly jumped to his feet, and he tucked you against his side like he was trying to shield you from danger. “Don’t look. Those flat, ugly colors and uninspired works will make your eyes bleed. Mine are stinging even at this distance. I don’t know how those people call themselves artists.”

A couple walking past at just that moment turned to give Rafayel reproachful glares, and you winced and mouthed an apology before elbowing your companion in the side.

“Ow!” he yelped and stared down at you with wide eyes. “What was that for?”

“For being rude,” you huffed, and before he could argue, you changed the subject. “Look, we don’t have to stay for long, but I don’t want to leave yet. I got all dressed up, and I rarely have time off, so I just want to have a fun, relaxing afternoon.”

“We can have fun on our own,” he insisted.

You arched an eyebrow. “Doing what?”

Rafayel blinked, and you could tell he hadn’t thought this far ahead, but he doubled down anyway.

“Whatever we want.” His smile was sly as he wrapped an arm around your waist, trying to reel you in, but you batted him away.  

“I want to go to the art festival,” you insisted. “So, unless you have an actual, better idea than that—”

“We can do a picnic!” he blurted out.

You paused, considering him. “A picnic?”

“The most lavish picnic you’ve ever had, Miss Bodyguard,” he added with that cajoling smirk you hated and loved in equal measure. “I can have anything your heart desires delivered right to us. We’ll have a whole feast, spread out on my private beach, and then we can just spend the rest of the day relaxing and having fun, as you wished.”

It did sound very tempting. You knew Rafayel would spare no expense, and the beach behind his studio was pretty, but…

“Hmm, as nice as that sounds…” you said as you half turned back to the art festival.

The artist made a choked, offended noise. “You can’t tell me a boring festival sounds better than that!”

“Doesn’t sitting on a beach, alone, sound more boring?” you laughed.

“Of course not!” he immediately shot back. “First, I wouldn’t be alone, I would have you, and your company is vastly superior to… theirs.”

He flicked a dismissive hand toward the crowd near the booths, but when your head started to follow, he caught your chin and guided your eyes back to his. He was also much closer all of the sudden, his crisp scent, edged in salt, invading your senses.

“And there are many things we can do besides sitting,” he continued in a low voice that made something in your belly flutter, and his eyes dropped to your mouth before flicking back up. “For example, we can lay down and work on our tans. Though, you may have to… shed a few layers of that admittedly very cute outfit. Just so you don’t get any weird tan lines, of course.”

Your face felt hot now, and it had nothing to do with the summer sun. You tried to come up with a response, but your thoughts were slow, sluggish, derailing completely when Rafayel looked at your mouth again.

A tiny smirked tugged at his own, and then he was abruptly stepping back and dropping his hand from your face. You swayed there, suddenly cold and off balance, but he just tucked his arms behind his back and rocked back on his heels, still wearing that damned smirk.

“We can also go swimming.” His tone was normal again, casual, almost innocent, but you knew better. Your eyes narrowed, but he continued talking like he couldn’t feel your glare. “There’s a reef not too far off shore. We can swim down to it, hunt for sunken treasure, see all the cute fishies. If you’re lucky, I might even show you my true, amazing, awe-inspiring form.”

You had to admit, that last part was tempting. He’d mentioned his other form before, and you were insanely curious. Depictions and descriptions of Lemurians were varied and highly contested. Rafayel said they were all wrong, too, but you could never tell if he was joking or not.

You’d asked, once, to see it, suggesting he use his large bathtub that could probably fit half a dozen people. But he’d just smirked and said he wouldn’t fit, and you’d quickly changed the subject to hide your intense blush.

So, needless to say, you did want to see his true form, but…

“C’mon, Miss Bodyguard,” his voice interrupted your thoughts. “What do you say?”

He stood there looking so very smug, so you felt a little pleasure in cutting him down to size.

“Mm, pass,” you said flatly, stepping around him and walking toward the festival booths.

Rafayel squawked behind you like a seagull, and you heard his long, leaping strides as he ran to catch up to you.

“Cutieeeeeee,” he whined again, but when you just kept walking, he huffed and darted into your path.

You tried to step around him a second time, but his long fingers caught your shoulders, forcing you to stop.

“Just give me one good reason,” he said. “Give me one good reason why this festival is better than my incredible, genius idea, and I’ll happily admit my defeat and escort you to every booth you want.”

You highly doubted that, but you decided to play his game.

“Fine.” You crossed your arms over your chest. “I want to go to the festival because there’s a much less likely chance I’ll drown.”

Rafayel blinked at you. Then blinked at you again. He was staring like he was waiting for something, and you matched his expression as you waited for his response.

“Is… that supposed to be joke or something, cutie, because I, uh, don’t get it,” he finally said with an awkward chuckle.

“It’s not a joke,” you huffed, squirming until his confused gaze.

There was a reason you’d never mentioned this before. He’d told you so much about himself, about Lemuria, and you knew you should have said something, but it always felt so ridiculous, and the longer time went on, the bigger the secret felt.

Now, there was nowhere left to run, so you took a deep breath and confessed.

“I can’t swim, okay?”

You were staring down at his stupid shoes as you spoke, and you braced yourself for his teasing. When the silence continued to stretch, heavy and unbroken, a knot tightened in your gut.

Finally, you couldn’t take it anymore, and you lifted your face, expecting Rafayel to be choking down a bout of laughter.

Instead, he looked… horrified? His eyes were wide, his face pale, his mouth half agape.

Your heart skipped a beat as you quickly glanced over your shoulder for the Wanderer that must have appeared, but there was nothing. Just the park and the crowd of festival goers moving around the two of you like a river over stones.

Frowning, you turned back to Rafayel, who still looked like he was going to be sick.

“Raf?” you asked tentatively.

He jolted out of his stupor, blinking rapidly as his eyes refocused on you. Clearing his throat, his tongue darted out to wet his lips, and when he spoke, his voice was a harsh rasp.

“If this is a prank…”

“Why would this be a prank?” you scoffed, fighting the heat in your cheeks. “It’s embarrassing enough as it is.”

“You… really can’t swim?” he asked as he stared at you intensely.

You shrugged, kicking at the ground. “I mean, I can kind of doggy-paddle for a while. Maybe like a minute. Does that count?”

Rafayel swayed on his feet like you’d dealt him a physical blow, palming his forehead and looking faint.

“This is…” he muttered and shook his head. Then he shook it more vigorously and straightened up, and when his eyes met yours again, they were twin aurora flames. “Nope, this isn’t right. This is wrong on an actual, cosmic level. I cannot abide this. My soulmate can’t not know how to swim, what kind of Lemurian would I be?”

He’d used this word before, soulmate. Most of the time, it was said in a silly, joking manner, like when you both got the same drinks at the café, or when your outfits coincidentally complimented each other without any coordination.  

A few times, though, he’d said it in quiet, private moments, moments where a joke didn’t fit, and he said the word in a tone you couldn’t quite decipher. He always moved on quickly when that happened, and you always found yourself wondering if there was another layer to the joke you just weren’t getting.

Right now was one of those latter moments, but before you could even think to question it, Rafayel grabbed your hand and started dragging you after him.

“Rafayel!” you protested, your shorter legs struggling to keep up with his clipped pace. “What are you doing?”

“We’re going home, and I’m teaching you how to swim,” he said with a finality that you’d only heard him use with people who had really pissed him off.

He didn’t seem angry at you, though, more the situation, which was ridiculous, but you’d long since accepted the fact that the artist could be more than a little ridiculous at times.

“Raf, it’s not a big deal—” you tried to argue.

“On the contrary,” he cut you off. “It’s the biggest deal ever. I can’t exist in this world one more day knowing you can’t swim.”

“A lot of people don’t know how to swim,” you huffed defensively.

“Sure,” Rafayel agreed as he weaved through the crowd heading to the festival, towing you in his wake. “But you can’t be one of those people. Not while I’m around.”

His tone left little room for argument, but you tried to carve some out anyway, feeling that old sense of dread crawling up your spine. 

“I-I don’t even have a swimsuit.” Okay, that was a weak attempt, but Rafayel had already reached the edge of the park and was using his other hand to call a car.

“I’ll order you a dozen to be delivered to the studio,” he said without looking up from his phone. “They’ll be there when we arrive.”

“You don’t even know my size,” you grumbled.

Rafayel pulled to a stop at the curb, and you stumbled before finding your balance. When you looked over at him, his eyes were skimming over you in turn. Slowly. Intensely. Until every inch of your skin was prickling.

As his gaze finally met yours, he smirked and squeezed your hand.

“Wanna bet?” he asked in that low voice that struck you low in the gut.

You huffed and turned away, trying to ignore the fire in your cheeks, and Rafayel chuckled under his breath.

Just then, a car pulled up in front of you, and Rafayel finally pocketed his phone.

“Here’s our ride,” he said, letting go of your hand to open the door. Then he bowed with a flourish. “After you, cutie.”

You scowled and considered high-tailing it back to the festival, but you knew it was a futile endeavor. When Rafayel got in these weird, intense moods, nothing could persuade him.

So, you sighed and marched forward, but you still shot the artist a glare as you slid into the backseat of the car.

“I still expect a picnic,” you said. “Several courses. With multiple kinds of dessert.”

Rafayel grinned, the afternoon sun dancing in his rainbow eyes. “Already ordered.”

~*~*~*~*~

“Maybe we could just—”

“Nope.”

“Okay, but what if—”

“Nu-uh,” Rafayel cut you off again. “You aren’t talking yourself out of this one, cutie. We already ate a delectable seven-course picnic, and we tanned while we let our food settle. I held up my end of the bargain, now you must hold up yours.”

“I never signed a contract,” you argued, digging in your heels.

“Your agreement was implied when you ate, hmmm, half a dozen oysters, several crab legs, those fried squid balls, the seaweed salad… oh! And three slices of cake.”

You scowled and crossed your arms, but the pose felt less intimidating in your new bathing suit. It was thankfully a more modest piece than some of the bundles of floss Rafayel had ordered, but you still felt exposed and prickly with anxiety. Your toes dug into the warm sand, like that could keep you anchored to the shore, but now the lavender-haired artist was tugging on your hands with that annoying, charming smile of his.

“C’mon, Miss Bodyguard,” he teased as he led you, step by step, toward the rock outcropping on the edge of his private beach. “I’ve seen you face down a horde of Wanderers without breaking a sweat.”

“Yeah, because I have a gun in my hand,” you deadpanned before glancing nervously over his shoulder at the approaching waves. “I can’t shoot the ocean.”

“I mean, you could, but the fishies wouldn’t be very happy,” he chuckled, but when you shot him another glare, he sighed and finally came to a stop at the base of the outcropping. “Okay, seriously. Why are you so worried?”

“I…” You mouth opened, but nothing came out. Swallowing tightly, you tried again as your hands tightened around his. “I don’t like being in situations I haven’t prepared extensively for. And the ocean is dangerous. One wrong move, and…”

Your voice trailed off as your eyes darted to the waves crashing against the rocks, but then Rafayel shifted until his face was all you could see.

For once, his expression was uncharacteristically serious, and his eyes held yours steadily.

“The ocean can be dangerous,” he agreed. “But nothing is going to happen to you. I’ll be right by your side the entire time. Don’t you trust me?”

“Of course I do, but--”

“But nothing,” he interrupted. Then he saw your still uncertain expression, so he lifted one of your hands to his bare chest, pressing it flat over his heart and that strange tattoo he refused to tell you about. “I, Rafayel, son of Lemuria, vow that no harm will befall you in these waters. On my life I do solemnly swear.”

For a moment, you thought he was just being overdramatic again, but to your shock, his skin began to glow beneath your hand. Gasping, you shifted your fingers just in time to see the warm light fade into the dark ink of his tattoo.

“What… did you do?” you breathed, eyes flicking up to his.

“I made an ancient, unbreakable vow with the sea,” he said as his gaze bored into yours, and you suddenly felt like the entire world beyond his swirling eyes didn’t exist. “If even a drop of your blood is shed, my life is forfeit. I will dissolve into nothing more than seafoam on the waves.”

You gaped at him with horror, until his lips twitched up at the corners.

“Don’t worry, though,” he said in a lighter tone. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

Making an offended noise, you ripped your hand away from his chest, only to bring it right back in a light slap.

“You jerk,” you grumbled. “I almost believed you.”

“When have I ever lied to you, cutie?” Rafayel laughed, but his smile was strange, almost sad.

Then you blinked, and he was suddenly catching your hands again, tugging you forward, and sweeping you off your feet.

“Raf!” you squealed as you instinctively clutched his shoulders. “Put me down!”

“No can do, sweetheart,” he said as he started to climb up the rocky outcropping with ease. “Can’t have you cutting those adorable little toes on these rocks! Seafoam, remember?”

“I’ll turn you into seafoam!” you threatened, struggling in his grasp, but he just pressed you tighter against his chest.

“Sure, but first you’ll learn how to swim,” he shot back as he crested the top of the rock.

“Raf! Rafayel!” You doubled-down on your struggling as he approached the sea-side edge of the outcropping, and your heart was pounding in your ears, fear metallic on the back of your tongue.

He finally came to a stop but didn’t set you down, and he said your name multiple times until you looked up at him with wide eyes.

“I-If you throw me from here, I s-swear—”

“I’m not going to throw you,” he said in a calm voice. “We’re going to jump, together.”

“That’s not much better!” You renewed your attempt at escape. “Do you know how deep that is? I’m going to drown! I—”

“You aren’t going to drown,” he sighed for the millionth time today.

“How do you know?” you snapped mindlessly, the animal in your brain screaming to run and lash out.

But Rafayel just smiled, slow and easy, with the salt-tinged wind ruffling his purple hair.

“Because of this,” he said.

Then he ducked his head and kissed you.

The touch of his mouth shocked you so much that you abruptly went limp. He’d always been touchy-feely, ever since you met him. He was constantly holding your hand, playing with your hair or fingers, tugging you into his side. He’d even kissed your cheeks a couple times when he was particularly excited, like when he finally figured out a problem he was having with a painting.

He had never actually kissed you, though, not for real. There had been a couple moments when you’d thought he might, but they were gone so quickly that you always told yourself you were imagining things.

Now, his lips were pressed firmly to yours. You could taste the strawberry frosting from the cake on them, feel their warmth against your own. That warmth traveled through your whole head, down your throat, and into your chest until you felt like you were swallowing the sun.

Then, as quick as he appeared, Rafayel pulled back.

You blinked owlishly at him, speechless in your shock, and his aurora eyes lingered on your mouth before rising up to meet your own.

“I imagined that going a little differently,” he murmured nonsensically, and he was so close still, his breath mingled with yours. “But… I’m not complaining. Now, hold on.”

“W-What?” you asked as your synapses started firing again.

Rafayel grinned, and without saying another word, he sprinted forward the final distance and jumped off the outcropping, with you in his arms.

Your shriek was snatched away by the wind, and you barely had time to panic before you hit the water. The coolness after the hot summer sun was its own shock, but it wore off quickly, and you instantly began to thrash.

“Calm down,” Rafayel’s voice sounded in your ear, slightly muffled but still perfectly clear. “I’ve got you.”

Your brain registered the words but didn’t pass along the message to the rest of your body. You continued to flail, surrounded in a mass of disorienting bubbles, until strong hands caught your arms and pinned them to your sides. Your legs kicked double time in response, but then longer and more muscular legs locked around your own.

The affect was instantaneous. You sank like a stone.

Panicked, you snapped your head around until you saw Rafayel’s face. Anger and betrayal warred inside you, but they faltered when they saw his smile.

“Relax,” he laughed, a few bubbles snaking out the corners of his lips. “Take a breath.”

Your anger overrode your good sense, and you opened your mouth.

“You idiot, I can’t brea—” You cut yourself off as realization struck you, but instead of choking on water, feeling the burn in your lungs as they filled, you felt… nothing.

Well, not nothing. Your chest still felt very warm, like it did when he kissed you.

Stunned, you looked down, expecting… well, you didn’t know what. But your body looked normal. It looked the exact same as it always had, except now, you were somehow breathing under water.

“Are we done fighting now?” Rafayel asked in a teasing tone.

You lifted your head and gaped at his still grinning face, and you fought against the instinct to keep your mouth closed to ask the burning question on the tip of your tongue.

“W-What… how…?”

“Lemurian perk.” Rafayel smirked as he finally let go of your arms, raising one hand to brush his thumb along the corner of your mouth. “It’ll last until we surface. This way, I can teach you how to actually swim, without you worrying about stupid things like drowning.”

You just stared at him incredulously, but when he moved to fully let you go, you flailed and clung to him like an octopus.

“Wait! D-Don’t go.”

“I’m not going far,” he chuckled. “But it’s a little hard to swim without using any limbs.”

He had a point, but you still refused to release him.

“C’mon, cutie, what are you still afraid off?” he asked, and while there was still a teasing undertone to his words, they were also warm with reassurance.

“I-I don’t know,” you admitted shyly, still trying to wrap your head around the strange sensation of talking— breathing!— underwater. You could feel the water entering your mouth, but then it just seemed  to… disappear, and you could talk normally, even if the sound was slightly muffled to your ears.

This was so weird.

Suddenly, a finger jabbed your forehead, and you jolted.

“Tell your brain to stop eating itself and focus on me,” Rafayel said with a mock-stern expression. “Your lesson is about to begin. Now, I’m going to let go of you, okay?”

He waited until you shakily nodded, and then he released his hold on you. It took you a few more seconds to do the same, but you finally let go, and then the two of you were floating opposite each other.

Nervously, you glanced up at the surface, which seemed so high above, and a twinge of fear wound through your veins again. But then you took a deep breath, reminded yourself you could take a deep breath, and the anxiety slowly faded.

In its place rose a quiet awe, and you turned your head in every direction to take in the sights you never thought you’d see. Distantly, you also realized the salt-water wasn’t stinging your eyes like it should, so you could see perfectly clearly, and you wondered if that was more Lemurian magic. You decided to keep your questions to yourself for now and just enjoy the crazy experience.

Most directions were nothing more than a blue wall, but on one side you could see a shadow in the distance, rising up from the sea floor.

“That’s the reef I was talking about,” Rafayel said when he followed your gaze. “We can see it later, once you’ve mastered the basics.”

“That basics?” you asked as you turned back to him.

The artist’s grin this time was full of sharp teeth, and you could have sworn his eyes flashed a glowing blue for just a moment.

~*~*~*~*~*~

To your great shock, Rafayel was a strict and exacting teacher. You’d never seen this side of the aloof and, at times, downright lazy artist. Normal Rafayel was practically allergic to any type of movement that could even be construed as exercise. You’d actually seen him go over a day without eating because he forgot his phone in another room in the studio, and walking thirty feet to fetch it and order dinner was “wayyyyy too much work.”

Swim-Instructor Rafayel was a different man entirely.

He had you running drills until the muscles in your arms and legs were nothing but gelatin. Sure, the fear of drowning had vanished, but now it was replaced by a fear of being stuck in the ocean until your kicking form was absolutely perfect.

Eventually, though, the sun began to set, and the already darker waters became too dark for your weak human eyes. When you swam into Rafayel for the tenth time, he finally sighed and said the lesson was over for today… once you swam up to the surface.

“I don’t think I can make it,” you groaned as you floated limply in the water.

“Guess you’ll be stuck down here then,” he said, starting to kick upwards.

“Wait!” You lashed out, grabbed his ankle, and dragged him back down, using the momentum to propel yourself up. 

Rafayel’s laughter floated up with you, and even though your limbs felt heavy as lead, you kicked your legs and moved your arms as the Lemurian taught you, and before long, you reached the surface.

It felt like you were inhaling ice when you sucked in your first breath, but the sensation quickly faded into a cool lull spreading through your chest. Your lungs still worked perfectly fine it seemed, which you were grateful for.

Wiping the wet hair out of your eyes, you treaded water like a pro, bobbing along the gentle waves. You grinned and looked around for Rafayel, eager to show him how well you’d internalized his lessons, even up on the surface.

But the water was empty around you, stretching out in every direction.

“Raf?” You frowned as you turned in a circle.

No response.

“Rafayel!” you called out a little louder.

Still nothing.

Just when you were starting to worry and about to duck your head back under the water, a splash off to the side startled you.

You turned in that direction… just in time to see a massive, purple-blue tailfin slip back into the waves.

Fear struck you like a lightning bolt. You’d barely seen any sea life all afternoon, just a few schools of small fish that kept their distance. You weren’t even sure if there were actually sharks in these waters, but that’s the idea your brain latched onto.

What if it had already gotten Rafayel? And now it was after you.

Your eyes darted to the shore, where your picnic blanket, clothes, and more importantly, your gun were still laid out. The strip of beach seemed impossibly far, but you might be able to—

Your thoughts were derailed when that fin broke the surface again, but this time, it was so close that water splashed into your face. You yelped, backpedaling in the water, and when you wiped your eyes, you saw a massive shadow circling around you, its radius growing smaller and smaller.

Every muscle in your body locked up, but before terror could completely seize you, that tailfin broke through the water again. It was right in front of your now, and as the sunset glinted off the purple, blue, and pink scales, familiarity struck you in the chest.

All at once, your fear dissolved, like the seafoam on the waves, and a smile broke out over your face despite yourself.

This time, when the tailfin slipped back into the water with another splash in your direction, you laughed, sucked in a deep breath, and ducked back under the waves.

Without the Lemurian magic, the salt-water stung your eyes, but you didn’t care. Your blurry gaze immediately locked onto the huge tail in the corner of your vision, and you spun and kicked as you chased it.

Muffled laughter reached your ears, and then that hazy, purple shadow whipped around, and suddenly Rafayel was floating in front of you with a grin.

He looked different, though, and not just because of the tail.

Ink or some kind of markings wove across his chest and up his neck, tangled with smatterings of scales in the same blue, purple, and pink hues as his tail. Small patches of darker blue scales sat under his eyes and across the tops of his cheekbones, like iridescent freckles. His galaxy eyes were mostly the same, but they seemed to glow with an inner fire that made you feel warm despite the cool sea. His ears were also elongated and ethereal, like fins fanning out from the sides of his head, and when movement caught your attention, you realized he had gills flaring on either side of his neck.

He was so beautiful that your eyes ached from more than the sea water.

As you floated there staring at him, though, a flash of uncertainty crossed Rafayel’s face, and some of the light glimmering in his eyes and on his scales dimmed.

You couldn’t have that, so you opened your mouth to tell him what you really thought…

Except you forgot you couldn’t talk or breath underwater currently, and all you succeeded in doing was sucking in a mouthful of water and choking.

Rafayel’s eyes bulged out of his skull, and his powerful tail propelled him through the water before you could even blink. His strong arm wrapped around your waist, and then he was dragging you to the surface, which thankfully wasn’t very far this time.

Still, you coughed and sputtered once your head broke into the air, and you would feel embarrassed if you weren’t too preoccupied hacking up salt water.

“Are you okay?!” Rafayel’s frantic voice broke through the cacophony of your coughing, and when you blearily lifted your head, you saw his worried face inches from your own.

He still looked so otherworldly, like something out of a children’s fairy tale, with his finned ears poking out of his wet lavender hair. The last rays of sun caught the scales under his eyes, and without thinking, you lifted a shaky hand to touch them.

The Lemurian flinched minutely at your touch, but when you shifted to cup his cheek, he relaxed slightly.

“Cutie,” he sighed. “Don’t scare me like that, I—”

“You’re beautiful,” you blurted out in a hoarse rasp, and when he blinked at you in confusion, you cleared your throat and tried to clarify your random statement. “That’s what I was trying to say, before I nearly drowned.”

“I told you, you’re not drowning with me here,” he grumbled as he clutched you a little closer, and you realized he was still holding you up while the pair of you bobbed along with the waves.

You also noticed that despite his petulant tone, a blush was streaked high across his cheeks, and to your delight, even his finned ears flushed a darker indigo.

“What’s wrong?” you teased. “You’re not usually one to shy away from a compliment.”

Rafayel pouted, his blush deepening, but before he could respond, you felt something brush against your legs. It was hard, solid, and a little coarse, and you glanced down to see his tail lazily waving back and forth in the water as it kept you both afloat.

You followed the hypnotic movement for a moment, but then Rafayel nudged your chin up with his finger.

“You’re staring, cutie,” he muttered.

“Can you blame me?” you laughed and shook your head. “You’re— I don’t know what I was expecting when you told me about your true form, but this… this blows every expectation out of the water. No pun intended. You’re incredible, Raf.”

“Really?” You’d never seen that tentative, earnest smile on his face, and you were seized by the sudden urge to kiss him silly. 

You nearly did, too, but then you reminded yourself that the kiss earlier had just been so he could share his people’s magic with you, nothing more. A kernel of disappointment unfurled in your chest, but you swallowed it down as you smiled back at him.

“Now you’re just fishing for compliments,” you scoffed as you lightly splashed him with water.

“If they’re from you, I’ll fish all day long,” he shot back with a grin before his expression sobered. “I, um… I actually haven’t shown many people this form. Not even Thomas knows about it. So I just… I don’t know.”

He trailed off with a helpless shrug, and your heart swelled with so much warmth that you couldn’t stop yourself from leaning up and pecking a quick kiss against his cheek. His scales were rough beneath your lips, but not unpleasantly so, and your mouth tingled as you pulled back.

“Well, I feel very honored,” you said honestly, and to lighten the mood, you threw in a joke. “Don’t go showing anyone else, so I can remain the only special person to witness this Rafayel masterpiece.”

His cheeks and ears darkened again, but a smile tugged at his lips.

“You got yourself a deal, Miss Bodyguard,” he said before his face took on a mischievous look. “But only if you beat me back to shore.” 

He made to let go of you, but in a déjà vu moment, you threw your arms around his neck and clung to him like there were suckers on your skin.

“Noooooo,” you whined. “I’m so tireddddd. Didn’t you say the lesson was done once I reached the surface?”

Rafayel smirked, but his arms slowly wrapped around you again.

“I guess I did say that, huh?” he drawled as his fingers drew patterns up your spine.

“You did.” You nodded smartly. “So, instead of Swim-Instructor Rafayel, why don’t you be Raft Rafayel and carry me back to shore?”

“Hmmm, you sure drive a hard bargain, cutie,” he chuckled. “But I am a gentlemen, soooo…”

As he spoke, his body suddenly shifted, and you yelped as you were lifted out of the water. When things settled, Rafayel was floating on his back, with you sprawled out across his chest, and his massive tail acting as a rudder as he steered you back toward the beach.

“How’s the weather up there, Captain Cutie?” he asked as he tucked both of his hands behind his head to act as a pillow.

His tail was so strong that he didn’t even need his arms to swim, and now you were the one fighting a blush as you tried to find purchase on his slick chest.

In an effort to not think any inappropriate thoughts, you sat up slightly, cupped your hands in front of one eye like you were looking through an eyeglass, and squinted.

“The seas be fair,” you replied in a terrible pirate accent. “And I think I see some treasure, just on that beach over there!”

You pointed to where the abandoned picnic blanket still lay, with an assortment of leftovers from your earlier feast, and after all that swimming, you thought you deserved a few more slices of cake.

“Mmm, I dunno,” Rafayel drawled. “I think an even greater treasure is much closer.”

You frowned and dropped your fake eyeglass, about to ask what he meant, but when you looked down at him, he was smiling up at you so softly that something in your belly flipped.

“I-I think my first mate might need to get his eyes checked,” you joked weakly.

His smile widened, and his eyes never left your face.

“Actually, Captain, I think I’m seeing clearly for the first time in ages.”

You blushed, swatting at him half-heartedly, and he laughed but stopped teasing you as he finished swimming back to shore.

Soon after, the pair of you were stretched out on that picnic blanket while the last rays of sun slipped below the horizon. As dusk settled over the beach, you finished your last bite of cake and turned to the man beside you. He’d traded his tail for legs again, though there had been a harrowing moment when he stepped out of the surf naked, and you’d squeaked and darted back into the studio to find him a new pair of swim trunks.

Now, the last of the sea water was drying on his chest, and your eyes dipped to the marking above his heart, the one that had glowed when he made his bogus vow earlier.

“So, is this a Lemurian marking, then?” you asked as you reached out, but you stopped just short of touching his skin, your fingers hovering a hair’s breadth away. “What does it mean?”

Rafayel turned away from the horizon and looked down. His face did a complicated dance, too quickly for you to name all the moves and emotions. When he looked back up at you, he was smiling, but you could have sworn there was a shadow of sadness hiding in the depths of his rainbow-colored eyes.

“Sorry, cutie,” he murmured. “But I’ve got to save some secrets for myself, or I’ll lose my cool, mysterious aura.”

You scoffed and pushed him away, but when he whined about being bullied after working so hard to teach you how to swim, you caved and let him pull you back in.

Somehow, you ended up laying with your head on his chest while he reclined back on the blanket and pointed out the constellations that were just starting to dot the sky.

With his heartbeat in one ear and his soothing voice in the other, you smiled as you traced a single finger over that mysterious tattoo.