“Chouchou.” The words startle you from the window you had been staring through, though not at anything in particular. It’s pitch black outside, so there’s almost no visibility unless you’re actually out there, and even then it’s a small bit of clearance before the darkness closes in. Turning warily, you gasp when you see him, immediately throwing yourself to your knees. Slightly shaking hands are clasped together, fingers intertwined as you stare down at his cleats out of respect. “... My King--” You breathe, unable to help but grin. Oh, he’s come back to visit you again-- how grateful you are! “-- I’m sorry--” Is the next thing you blurt out, though it’s moreso from guilt. “-- I’ve been wasting your time... I feel nothing but remorse for being so useless, so-- I don’t know! Just-- I’m sorry! I’m... lost. I’m trying to find my way on my own, so that you don’t have to waste your breath to try and teach me things I am too stupid to understan--” You’re cut off when he slowly, gracefully kneels down, looming over you briefly before he sits on his heels and carefully cups your face with large hands, fingers tipped with black talons, to make you lift your head. Uneasily, you obey, blinking away the misty feeling in your eyes before you realize he’s leaning down. He kisses your forehead, and the act of kindness nearly makes you melt right there. A weird feeling passes over you, nearly euphoric as it courses through your nerves and soothes your fear. It’s a strange sense of calmness that he’s somehow passed onto you. It makes your limbs weak, and you feel tired. Happy. Without a word, he smiles kindly at you as he carefully stands and gathers your limp, relaxed body into his arms. Carrying you upstairs, his arms feel solid around you, easily supporting your weight as he brings you into your bedroom. He seems to smile a little at the picture of him you created not too long ago, from the memory of him bringing you out onto the balcony when it rained. You’re set into bed, and he moves around you, pulling off your shawl, and your boots before he crawls into bed with you. Again, you’re moved, though this time, he cradles you against his chest, practically curling up around you before the  heavy blanket is pulled over the both of you. It’s almost concerning how fast you fall asleep, arms looped snugly around your King’s middle. Soft words are murmured, almost too quiet to hear them. “Everything is fine now. Do not stress yourself anymore.” As expected, he’s gone by the time you wake up, but the feeling isn’t. You feel relaxed, confident and comfortable for once, and you hope it stays.
