Something Sweet

Post-Ending [Bonus Content]

Bonus Ending [MATURE CONTENT]

"So this is where you're hiding..." Jean's voice drew his focus towards the entrance of his study.

His wife's sudden presence nearly caused the papers in his hands to slip from his grasp. "I—thought I'd review a few upcoming orders." The scarlet-haired man tore his eyes away a little too sharply from suppressing the invading thoughts of his wife standing a few feet away wearing one of his black shirts. "You should get some rest. We had a long day."

Ignoring his words, the acting grandmaster hummed at the suggestion, taking a few steps towards him.

This wasn't the first time Diluc had used the excuse to stay in his study reviewing through late-night work. Whether it was business with his winery, overnight coverage at the tavern, or duties with the knights, there was always a reason for him to be away.

The commotion of their eventful day had finally concluded; the twins had fed and gone to sleep, the entire manor was rid of any guests, and all employees were gone for the night.

A lingering suspicion of Diluc possibly avoiding her had piqued Jean's interest. She hadn't suspected it at first after giving birth and having to alternate turns with their twins. Their first few nights consisted of learning about their babies' sleep patterns, their hours to feed, and when to rest.

Diluc took most nights while Jean recovered through her first weeks.

Months had passed, and without notice.

Sleeping at odd hours because of the twins, work, and business, all reasons eventually made it into their late-night schedule.

It was easy for her to dismiss her suspicion at first, but now? For Diluc to choose work tonight of all nights, her intuition couldn't be more on the mark.

"I thought, maybe..." Jean continued her approach with an alluring tone in her voice, "Since it is our wedding night, I thought I could convince you to join me upstairs for the night."

The simple suggestion had Diluc tensely gripping the forms in his hands.

He wished nothing more than to scoop up his wife and carry her to their bed, but for months, he had been battling the embarrassing ordeal of suppressing his urges to hold her.

He never considered himself the type of man who would crave such affection or have such taunting behaviors.

Diluc knew better than to rush his wife's recovery.

The first few months were life-changing as his relationship with Jean had grown much closer with their newborn twins. The experience had its ups and downs when it came to figuring out their babies' patterns. When to sleep, when to feed, and how to change, he contributed while also supporting his wife in any way possible. Whether his help was needed with the twins or his wife's training, it was soon that he noticed Jean's healthy progression. All her efforts and dedication paid off, and along with her vision's healing attribute, Jean's recovery smoothly progressed for the better.

Jean had always looked amazing to him, whether before, during, or even after her pregnancy. Something he couldn't explain, but her now-setting curves and figure seemed to be even more alluring to him after giving birth to his children.

He couldn't wrap his mind around the improper thoughts constantly plaguing his body with tempted reactions.

He wanted nothing more than to touch her. To hold her. But with so much time in between, he wouldn't know what his actions would bring.

Work kept him busy. Work kept her safely tucked away from him.

He couldn't break his resolve to jeopardize her healing. "I shouldn't be much longer." He made the same excuse. He didn't dare look at her approaching figure as he remained seated behind his desk, "Get some rest first. I'll be in bed shortly."