Her Protector (Faye gip)

22

Faye sighed deeply, rubbing her temple as she tried to focus on the conversation happening over the phone. It was still early—too early, really—but here she was, standing in the middle of the living room, already deep into a draining call with her mother. Despite how complicated things had always been with her parents, she couldn't bring herself to hang up. Not when her mother actually reached out to her for once. They didn't call often, so when they did, it usually meant something important. She just... couldn't say no, even though the request tugged at all the nerves she tried to keep under control.

"Faye, sweetheart," her mother's voice came through the line, laced with an uncharacteristic softness. "It's been a while. Your father and I... we'd love to see you. Could you come by? Just for a few hours?"

Faye closed her eyes, running her hand through her hair in frustration as she listened. A day off. Finally. She had just been thinking about how she could spend it with Yoko—planning to take her out, spoil her rotten, and make up for all the time they hadn't been able to spend together recently. She had pictured Yoko's delighted smile, maybe a spontaneous trip to a quiet café or a day at the spa... but now those plans were slipping through her fingers.

"Of course, Mother," she replied, the words feeling heavy on her tongue, resignation settling into her chest. "I'll come."

"Well, that's good to hear. It'll mean a lot to your father, too."

Faye gritted her teeth. The idea of stepping back into that house, of trying to maintain the facade of dutiful daughter... Her gaze shifted unconsciously toward the stairs. Would it be different if Yoko were with her? Maybe this was it. Maybe now was the time to let Yoko into this part of her life—the part she usually kept so carefully locked away. Could she?

Lost in thought, she didn't even notice the soft footsteps padding down the stairs behind her until a pair of delicate arms wrapped around her from behind, holding her gently. Immediately, her whole body relaxed. The tension that had been building throughout the conversation ebbed away like a receding tide, replaced by the soothing warmth of Yoko's presence.

Faye glanced over her shoulder, and her heart melted at the sight of Yoko peeking up at her, eyes bleary from sleep, concern etched into every line of her beautiful face. Yoko usually gave her space whenever she was on the phone, respecting the boundaries of work and personal time, but not this morning. This morning, Yoko had sensed something was off, had seen the rigid set of Faye's shoulders, and chose to close the distance between them instead.

"See you, Mother," Faye murmured quickly, ending the call as she turned around fully to face Yoko. Before Yoko could say anything, Faye wrapped her in a tight embrace, burying her face in the crook of Yoko's neck, inhaling the sweet, familiar scent of her shampoo. "Good morning, Princess," she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Yoko's head. "Did I wake you up?"

Yoko shook her head, her arms tightening around Faye's waist. "No... but you looked tense. Are you okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry as she rubbed soothing circles along Faye's back.

Faye looked down at her, surprised by how easily Yoko always seemed to see through her. No matter how many walls she tried to put up, no matter how much she hid behind stoic masks, Yoko could always, always tell. "It's just... Mother called," she confessed, running a hand gently through Yoko's hair. "She asked if I could visit. It's been a while, and I... I didn't know how to say no."

"Why would you say no, baby?" Yoko tilted her head, frowning slightly. "You should go."

Faye sighed heavily, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Yoko's ear. "Today was supposed to be about *my* Princess... I was planning to spoil you rotten today, you know?" she murmured softly, eyes lingering on Yoko's face as if trying to etch every detail into her memory. "Just us, no interruptions."