𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

✿ 𝙱𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 ✿

A/N: This story is written from the man's perspective because I would like the idea that some men see women in this light even though ik they ain't shit in reality. Oh, to be loved this hard 🥹

✿ Although I cherish her dearly, I am the beast that consumes her. All men become cursed beasts should she allow them. Here she is, lying beside me, skin softer than heaven's clouds. An angel sleeping before me. I can't help feeling like an intruder taking her in. I admire her beauty as it delivers me from pain. She is my salvation. I need not look into her eyes to get lost in her soul. I am a beast because she gives to me, allowing me to capture her beauty in my existence. 

She should never allow this with another unlike me. I have not the means to harm her, but my soul ignites hotter than hell itself, imagining a fool that could. I pray to the gods every night for her divine protection. I couldn't comprehend forgiving myself for letting her slip from my grasp and experiencing pain. Her beautiful expression contorting into despair; her pure soul being plagued with darkness; her wondering why I couldn't save her from this wretched world. 

The fire in me cools down to a cold somber at the thought. Her existence is her beauty, and my existence is my consumption. The rise and fall of her chest encourage me to continue breathing. She gives me life from hers, and that is why I am a beast. "I know you're watching me," she says, her voice resembling a heavenly dove. How she fooled me, pretending to be sleeping. "Does it bother you, my love?" I'd blind myself if it did, for I love her so deeply. "Not at all," she smiled.

Her smile could end me and bring me back all at once. "How did you sleep?" I asked. I'd slay Somnos, the God himself, should her dreams be anything short of idyllic. Oh, how it makes me wonder what goes on beyond the cage of her consciousness. "I slept well, you?" she asked, lightly grabbing my arm. If it were possible, I'd want her touch surrounding me like a suit of armor. Only she can protect me. "I haven't. I wanted to make sure you slept well," I said.

Her smiling face shifted into concern, and my heart shattered. "Your beautiful morning aura is my adrenaline. The desire to protect you supersedes my need to see behind my eyes at night. If sleep is important, you are my comatose." Her expression softened as she looked deeply into my eyes. "I appreciate your sentiment, truly, but please take care of yourself, my love," she whispered. "Taking care of you takes care of me," I declared, standing firm on my stance.

Her fingers grazed my cheekbones before caressing my eyebags. Her touch was as light as a feather. "If you insist, but don't do this every night. You'll eventually die," she sighed. Only the thought of death would make me want to close my eyes. I wouldn't be able to protect and love her if I was dead. "You should sleep," she said, patting the mattress next to her stomach. Without retort, I nuzzled between her and the bed. It felt so warm my eyes couldn't help but flutter. 

As much as I wanted to protect her, she wanted to save me from myself. And with that, I felt true love. I wasn't a beast for wanting the world all to ourselves. The cursed beast be not me, but any man who wished to selfishly take her in. "Goodnight," she cooed, kissing my forehead. My uneasy soul was calmed. She was protected as long as air filled my lungs and blood ran through me. I no longer had to sacrifice myself to prove I was no beast. She saw me as more than. ✿