{ VIRTUAL DELUSIONS | PHIGHTING & BLOCKTALES X READER | ONE SHOTS. }

"WHEN STEEL MEETS HEART" SWORD X FEM+ELEGANT!READER

oh my days when will my suffering end (school)
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You had always considered Sword a friend, albeit the awkward, earnest type who tried really hard but sometimes didn't quite know what he was doing. He had a way of sticking to his principles—loyalty, honor, protection—and somehow, despite his fumbling words or cheesy move announcements, he had a presence that made you feel... safer.

Today's team phight was brutal. Explosions lit up the arena in flashes of red and orange, smoke curling lazily through the spawn point, and the shouts of your teammates echoed across the battlefield. Your umbrella-gun—the one custom-fitted with multiple firing modes—felt heavier in your hands, but you had grown used to the weight. You spun it expertly, each shot precise, each movement fluid. Even in chaos, you moved like a dancer.

Behind you, Sword was moving cautiously, his sword clutched tight and his stance protective. You noticed him immediately; his helmet glinting in the sparks of distant explosions, his eyes locked on your figure. "Stay behind me!" he called out, voice a mixture of panic and determination.

You snorted softly, ducking under an incoming attack. Stay behind him? Usually, it was the other way around. More often than not, you found yourself shielding him, stepping in to cover for his flustered moments. Yet here he was, trying to cover you, and the effort alone made you smile. It was endearing in a way only Sword could manage.

The round continued, slowly whittling your team down. One by one, your teammates fell. Smoke blurred vision, and you could hear the panicked breathing of the few who were left. You adjusted your grip on your umbrella-gun, firing quick, precise shots at the oncoming enemies. Each burst had to count—you couldn't afford to miss.

And then it happened. You were surrounded. Three opponents in close proximity, with another two moving in from the flanks. Panic tickled at the edges of your mind, but you forced it down. You had a ranged weapon; you had skill; you could survive this. Maybe.

Suddenly, a blur of movement behind you caught your attention. A hand landed on your shoulder, startling you. Before you could spin around, a phighter who had aimed for your back was knocked aside by a clean, forceful strike from Sword's sword. (Shuriken, you aren't slick) He had somehow moved behind your enemies without you noticing—he always tried to be subtle, but it had worked. The adrenaline of near-death and the relief of seeing him there made your heart hammer.

Sword's chest heaved as he turned slightly toward you, helmet tilted, eyes wide beneath it. "Are... are you okay?" he asked, voice tight and raw with concern.

You blinked at him, heart still racing, then nodded, brushing your hair back and trying to smooth your uniform. "Thanks... thanks to you." Your lips curved into a small, teasing smile. "I think I owe you one."

The round ended, the cacophony of battle giving way to the hum of respawn lights and background chatter. You slung your umbrella-gun over your shoulder, striding over to Sword who was still slightly flushed, still standing stiffly, as though unsure what to do now that the immediate danger had passed.

"Sword," you said softly, your voice carrying over the lingering echoes. "Really... thank you. I don't think I could've handled that alone."

He shifted on his feet, helmet glinting as he avoided your gaze. "I—I'm glad you're safe. That's... that's all that matters," he stammered. His usual composure was gone, replaced by something more raw, something honest.

You stepped closer, letting your hand brush his arm in a fleeting touch. The warmth of his presence made your chest flutter unexpectedly. Leaning in, you pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

Sword froze. His hand twitched near the hilt of his sword. The blush was immediate, a deep red creeping up the sides of his helmet. He coughed, awkward and flustered, but you could see the faintest smile beneath the shadows of his helmet.