#soft shadow

It was quiet in the bakery today—too quiet for Shadow’s usual standards. She was used to working in solitude, but lately, you’d been popping in more often, just to be around. At first, she didn’t know how to feel about your constant presence. She was used to being the protector, the one who took care of everyone else, especially Nova and the others. But you… you were different. You never asked anything of her. You didn’t need her to be strong all the time. In fact, you seemed to want to take care of her.

“Need any help with that?” you asked, stepping into the room, eyes twinkling with that same playful energy that always made her stomach do a small flip.

Shadow raised an eyebrow, glancing over at you. “I think I’ve got it under control,” she replied with her usual cool tone, though there was a subtle softness there. “But thanks.”

You moved closer, already grabbing a spatula to start plating the pastries for her. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed you sneaking into the kitchen at night to bake all this alone. You really think I’d let you work yourself to the bone like this?”

Shadow opened her mouth to protest, but the words never came. Instead, she found herself smiling, despite herself. You never let her get away with it. Whether it was bringing her fresh ingredients or just being there to hold her during the rare moments when she needed it, you were always around, giving her a kind of warmth that she hadn’t known she could feel anymore.

“I’m fine,” Shadow muttered, but her voice lacked the usual conviction. She wasn’t used to someone caring for her in such a way, but it felt... comforting. She wasn’t used to being the one on the receiving end of affection. She’d spent most of her life looking after everyone, trying to shoulder the burden for those she loved. So having you do it for her? It was unfamiliar territory.

You could tell, though. You saw the hesitation in her eyes. She wanted to fight it, to push you away, but she wasn’t quite sure how to anymore. You were persistent, and while she wasn’t sure how to express it yet, she appreciated it more than she could admit.

“I’m serious, you know. If you’re going to keep making these sweet treats, you should at least let me take care of you,” you teased, nudging her shoulder gently. “You’re not a machine, Shadow. I’ll keep bringing you snacks, and I’ll remind you to eat something other than pastries.”

She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “I’m fine, you don’t have to—"

“Oh, but I do. I’m your older sibling now, remember?” you cut her off, winking.

At that, Shadow blinked. For a moment, her usual confident, collected demeanor faltered. The idea of having someone older than her, someone who cared for her as she’d always cared for others, was strange—unfamiliar even. But the thought of it felt... nice. Warm. She liked it, even if she didn’t know how to fully let herself enjoy it yet.

“Older sibling, huh?” she said, the glimmer of a smile playing on her lips. “Don’t get too comfortable. I can handle myself.”

You chuckled and leaned closer, teasing her once again. “Sure you can. But you’re gonna have to get used to the idea of being spoiled by me.”

Shadow's cheeks flushed slightly, her tough exterior wavering for just a second as she tried to hold back the smile that threatened to escape. “Spoiled? I don’t need that.”

“Yeah, well, you’ll get it whether you want it or not,” you teased, lightly ruffling her hair.

For once, Shadow didn’t swat your hand away, nor did she comment on how unnecessary the affection was. Instead, she simply let it happen. Let herself be the younger one for once, letting herself feel cared for without any conditions or fears. The playful banter between you both had become something she’d come to look forward to. In your presence, she didn’t have to be the protector. She didn’t have to shoulder the weight of the world all by herself.

Later, as the evening fell and you both sat at a small table in the back of the bakery, you casually passed her a cup of hot chocolate, a small gesture that made her pause for a moment. Her eyes flicked to the warm drink, her hands wrapping around the cup, feeling the heat seep into her skin.

She didn’t say anything at first, just took a slow sip. But the longer you sat there, quietly enjoying each other’s company, the more her walls began to crumble. Slowly, she allowed herself to relax—completely. The intense responsibility that usually hung on her shoulders, the expectations of being the strong one, melted away, and in its place, there was just... comfort.

“Thank you,” Shadow whispered softly, barely audible but sincere, her eyes meeting yours with an expression that held more than words could convey. She had allowed you to be the one who looked after her, and that, in itself, was a gift.

You smiled warmly at her, happy that she was finally letting herself be cared for. “Anytime, Shadow. Always.”

For once, Shadow didn’t feel like she had to keep everything together. With you by her side, she could finally let go of her burdens, even if just for a moment, and let herself be loved.