𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕕 // Guts x reader (+18)

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟙𝟚 | 𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕞𝕒

Out of the corner of your eye, you catch a flash of purple. Griffith approaches you with a charming smile, his eyes alight with admiration.

"Your performance earlier was truly captivating," he says, his voice smooth and velvety. "I couldn't take my eyes off you."

You offer a polite smile, though inwardly, you feel a pang of discomfort. "Thank you, Griffith. I appreciate your kind words."

He leans in closer, his breath warm against your ear. "You have a remarkable talent. It's rare to find someone who can evoke such emotion through music."

You nod, feeling increasingly uneasy under his intense gaze. "I'm just passionate about what I do."

Griffith’s gaze sharpens with a playful glint in his eyes. "Perhaps we could spend some time together after the party. I'd love to hear more about your passion for music."

You hesitate, searching for a polite way to decline without offending him. "I... I'm not sure that would be possible," you say cautiously.

Before Griffith can press further, he follows your gaze to where Guts is standing, his expression dark and brooding. Griffith clears his throat, straightening his posture. His chin lifts a little higher.
"I think I'll attend to the other guests," Griffith excuses himself and leaves, though not without brushing your arm.

You try to hide the disgust on your face, but you can’t shake the feeling of unease, knowing that his flirtatious advances have only added to the tension between you and Guts. To make matters worse, you catch Sonia glaring at you from across the room, her eyes filled with resentment.

As you subtly try to distance yourself from Guts's gaze, Serpico approaches you, his eyes holding a knowing look. He’s always been perceptive, able to read the atmosphere easily.

"Quite the drama unfolding tonight, isn't it?" he says lightly, though his tone is observant.

You exhale softly, grateful for his timely intervention. "Tell me about it. It’s like something out of a soap opera."

Serpico chuckles, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Indeed. It seems everyone has their own agenda tonight."

You nod, glancing at Guts, still brooding in the corner, and then at Sonia, her jealousy barely concealed. "It's hard to navigate through it all."

"Yes," Serpico agrees thoughtfully. "But remember, you have a choice in how you respond to it. Don’t let the drama overshadow the reason we’re here—to celebrate Farnese’s birthday."

You smile gratefully at Serpico's wise words, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. "You’re right. Let’s focus on enjoying the rest of the evening."

With Serpico by your side, you feel better equipped to handle the tensions swirling around you, determined not to let the drama dampen the festivities.

As if he heard your thoughts a looming presence moves towards you, chaining your attention onto him.
Guts approaches you, his expression unreadable.

"You were... good," he murmurs, his voice barely audible over the noise of the party.

You turn to Guts, surprised by the softness in his voice, so different from his usual gruff demeanor. His eyes meet yours briefly before he looks away, as if unsure how to continue. There’s a quiet intensity in the air between you, something unspoken but tangible.

"Thank you, Guts," you say softly, feeling a strange warmth settle over you. "It means a lot coming from you."

He crosses his arms, his gaze flicking around the room before settling back on you. "Griffith... he's always like that. Charming, always knows what to say." His tone is neutral, but you can sense the underlying tension. "You handled it well."

You shift slightly, sensing the unease he’s trying to keep hidden. "It's... a bit overwhelming sometimes. But I’m fine. It’s just—"

"You're not," Guts cuts in, his voice firm but not unkind. His eyes focus on you now, sharp but full of concern. "You don’t have to pretend with me."

His words hit you in a way you didn’t expect, and for a moment, you’re unsure how to respond. The tension in your shoulders eases as you realize how safe you feel around him. There’s a quiet strength to Guts, something solid and reliable. Standing close to him, the room feels less suffocating.

"I really appreciate that."

Guts’s expression softens just a little. He shifts his stance, leaning in slightly, his presence a comforting weight beside you. "You shouldn’t have to put up with all this... nonsense," he mutters, almost to himself.

"I can handle it," you reply, though there’s a part of you that enjoys his protectiveness. "But it helps having someone like you around. I feel... safer with you."

His dark eyes meet yours again, and this time, there’s something deeper there. Guts doesn’t say anything, but the way he’s looking at you feels like he's offering more than just reassurance. For a fleeting moment, the chaos of the party fades away, leaving just the two of you in quiet understanding.

Guts nods slightly, almost imperceptibly, but you catch it.
"If anything happens, come find me. I’ll be around."

A warmth spreads through your chest, a subtle realization that you enjoy being near him more than you had allowed yourself to acknowledge. His presence, though gruff and sometimes distant, makes you feel grounded. There’s no pretense with Guts, no games—just honesty.

"I will," you promise softly. "Thank you, Guts. Really."

He glances around the room again, as if making sure no one else is paying attention to your conversation.

"Don’t mention it," he says, his voice returning to its usual bluntness, though the softness in his eyes lingers just a little longer before he steps back.

As the distance between you grows, you feel a pang of disappointment, but you understand. Guts is a professional. As he walks away, you can’t help but watch him for a moment longer, feeling the strange comfort of knowing he’s there, watching out for you.

With a deep breath, you turn back toward the party.