maid • kaeya

xvi

• third person •

(Y/N) was crying.

She hadn't stopped crying since after breakfast, and she didn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

She missed when she was excited to say goodbye to her father. Because she knew that he would come back quickly and bring her back lots of treats and gifts.

But right now, the only gift (Y/N) wanted most, was her parents.

Luca stared at the floor solemnly, his daughter gripping onto him so tight, sobbing her eyes out.

He knew that she was just pretending to be strong all this time. He knew that this was going to happen right before he left.

"Do you want me to stay, sweetheart?"

(Y/N) shook her head rapidly, gasping for breath.

"Y-You n-need to go..."

"I don't," Luca whispered, his voice cracking. "I don't need to do anything but be your father."

"Don't say that." (Y/N) wept harder, her entire body shaking, unable to calm herself in the slightest.

Why...

Why am I like this..?

"(Y/N)..."

All of a sudden, (Y/N) pulled away from the hug, rapidly wiping her eyes as she turned away.

"You need to go," she repeated. "You're running late."

"Will you promise me something then, sweetheart?"

Slowly, (Y/N)'s solemn gaze met her father's again, the tears apparent in his glossy eyes.

"Promise me that you'll accept the help of others. And... promise me that you'll remember to breathe."

"Promise me that you'll let others take care of you."

(Y/N)'s voice shook, unable to say a word as she fell quiet in disbelief.

Her father approached her again. Her eyes fluttered shut as he wiped away her running tears.

"I know you're scared," he whispered. "I know what it's like to be scared of everyone... But if you could let yourself put a little faith in others, especially the ones who care for you so much, that would mean a lot to me."

(Y/N) sniffled, shaking her head. "I can't..." she cried. "I'm too scared..."

"I know..." Luca sighed, pulling her in again. She wept softly, finally beginning to calm though her sadness remained the same. "I know..."

"I'll write to you a lot, don't worry... You don't have to promise me right now, but if you can try to uphold them, I'll be much more relieved to know that you're doing well."

There was a knock on the door.

"Luca."

(Y/N)'s pupils flickered in a brief moment of panic. Her father shook his head, bringing her attention back to him.

"If you can't take care of yourself, it's okay to let others take care of you, okay? You're not alone, my lovely."

(Y/N)'s gaze fell. Her father ran his fingers through her hair, placing the most loving kiss upon her head. That was all that was needed for her cries to calm completely.

"I'll try..." she mumbled. "I love you Dad..."

Luca's lips curved. "I love you too. Come on, let's head downstairs."

"Dad..."

Luca took her hand, his head tilting.

"It's... not... It's not a dangerous trip... is it..?"