Nothing left to safe

6

"I-.. I can't trust you, Zeph..", you mutter, feeling bad, as he seems to trusts you.

"Oh.. Is- Did I do something?", Zepherus asks, his eyes filled with worry. And is hurts seeing him like this.

"No, Zeph, It's not your fault. It's just- Something happened three years ago. Shortly before I really became a hero. And I want to trust you. I really do want to. But I just can't. I- Sorry, Zepherus, but I cannot trust you, no matter how much I want to. I might be able to one day, just not right now.", you explain, hoping he understands.
Hoping he won't make you leave.
Fearing the end of being called dove the way he calls you that.
And you feel like something inside you is breaking at the thought of it.

"I mean, I do trust you a little bit, just- it's complicated."

"I understand, dove. I might not know every detail, but I know a bit about Venus."

"A-Alright.. How.. How much do you know?", you ask, feeling an overwhelming range of emotions. On one hand, you are relieved, incredibly happy that he is so understanding. But on the other hand, how much can he figure out?
Is he believing the lie that has been told to the public.
"I know she died. I know you were there. I know it was a villain who killed her. I didn't look into it too much. But if you want to tell me what happened, you can."

"Maybe one day.", you say, giving Zepherus a weak smile.

You then take a second look at his plate, the pancakes still laying there, barely touched.

"You wanna finish your pancakes or..?", you ask, redirecting the attention to the breakfast. "Oh, yeah, I'd like to eat them myself. Thank you for reminding me, dove.", he says, nodding to let you know he agrees to change the topic.

"Soo, about your 'Ma', do I need to know anything about her before meeting her? And does she know you're a villain? Should I call you Zepherus?", you ask him, and you feel like the sun is shining brighter.

"There is nothing to warn you about her. She knows I'm a villain and you can call me whatever you want to."

"So I could call you by your name?", you ask, trying to figure out his name. And with that question, you promise yourself to keep Zepherus' identity to yourself.

"I might tell you someday. Wanna keep up a little bit of my mystery act, you know?", Zepherus answers, smiling at you.

And you even smile back.