Soft Spot → Sylus

With You

Night time rolled by, and you have yet to be able to get a well deserved rest. You and Sylus have been relocating to a safe space — a medium sized house by the south border of Linkon City and a No Hunt Zone, which Sylus specifically bought on the spot just an hour ago. Granted, the house comes with its entire furnishing and a stocked pantry, considering the owner had been staying in the house before Sylus bought it.

Initially, you were hoping to relocate to Sylus's mansion, which also served as Onychinus's base. But, Sylus insisted to relocate elsewhere, somewhere unpredictable, to escape the enemy's radar. Besides, Ever Science nearly dominates a quarter of the N109 Zone, considering the illegal experiments they do. Returning to the N109 Zone would be dangerous until the problem's settled.

So, there you are, lounging by the living room, in the same clothes you've worn throughout the whole day. It's nearly midnight, yet your mind is high on alert. You can't even have the luxury of changing your clothes at 10.30 PM. The fear of getting caught off guard during the most unexpected times keeps you in an alert, nearly delusional state. Especially with that distant cries you've been hearing in the distance.

You might just go crazy.

Your gaze wanders around the newly-bought house. Its interior is cozy, almost cottage-like, which is very old-fashioned compared to most housing in Linkon these days. The owner said he's had the house since early 2010s, which was the day he married his late wife. He said it fitted her aesthetic — a dainty, fairy-like woman that loved pastels and wished to live in a cottage by the forest. But, he could only afford much back in the days, so they both settled here until his wife died peacefully in her sleep. 

Gentle hands grasp your tense shoulders, massaging it ever so lightly. "Do you need help changing, sweetie?" Sylus asks softly, leaning down to rest his chin on your head.

Without uttering a single word, you shake your head as a response. Exhaling a heavy sigh, you feel Sylus's gentle hands leaving you, followed by his footsteps. Your husband saunters over, kneeling down in front of you. Compared to you, he has changed into a gray sweater and a pair of black pants. "You should rest, rather than worrying for the rest of the night. You'll need the energy for tomorrow," he raises his hands to grasp your own, his thumb running the palms of your hands. Gazing at your tiresome eyes, you can tell that he's able to see right through you without a doubt.

"I can't," your voice sounds hoarse. You haven't eaten, nor have you drank since you left that food tent from the festival earlier.

The room falls into a comfortable silence. At least for you. You fail to notice how Sylus's gaze softens at your response.

Without wasting another second, Sylus slides one arm under your knees and the other behind your shoulders. Standing up, he carries you in his arms. You don't feel like protesting, so you let him takes you wherever he wants.

With Sylus's long strides, walking through the quaint hallways of the house takes half the time you'd required. He stops at a door by the end of the hallway and pushes it open. Plants, which you assume are fake, decorates half the bathroom's space with its greens leaves and blooming flowers. Sauntering towards the bath tub, he carefully lets you stand on the wooden floor, facing him. Turning on the faucet, his hands then unbutton your blouse, sliding it off your arms, then your pants off your legs, and lastly your undergarments.

"The water's warm," with his gentle grasp on your hand, he raises it to twirl you around, now facing the bath tub.

Carefully, you step in the tub. Leaning back against the tub, you feel the warm water drowning up to your stomach. The tuberose fragrance lulls you into a more relaxed state of mind, your aching muscles gradually loosen as the warm water does its magic.