It quickly became obvious that the deep sadness Vanitas was feeling might push the two further apart.
In the three days since the market, the young man spoke little, except in response to (Y/N)'s questioning on his injuries, and if he was hungry. Besides these few clipped sentences, he huddled in his room brooding, leaving only to wash and use the bathroom, which oddly seemed to add to his chagrin.
A heavy stack of orders stood undisturbed on (Y/N)'s desk, but she had little desire to file them. Pushing a pencil back and forth, her cheek squashed against one hand, she sorely lamented the uneasy vibe settling over the small shop.
It was obvious that he was missing the sea, his home and probably his family. Much to her shame, it occurred to (Y/N) that she hadn't even deigned to ask Vanitas about his life, his friends, or what his home was like. She reasoned that everything had happened too quickly, that she simply hadn't had the chance, but she knew this was only a thinly-veiled excuse at best.
She sighed unhappily, imagining what it must be like to be taken from a life where everything made sense and was familiar, to waking up in a different form, only half remembering how you'd ended up there.
She pictured the agony of being so close to home you could touch it, but through choices made out of your control, you were unable to return- how unfair that all was.
She sat back in the chair, picturing his wide hesitant eyes, his clear discomfort as they had approached the market, at being in a situation he wasn't prepared for, his serious concentration when faced with the choice of silk or cotton, unwilling to back down from the challenge of choosing.
That took strength.
There was still 19 days left, and (Y/N) decided that if she could somehow make them more bearable for him, if she could ease his sadness just a little, she would do whatever she could.
Glancing up at the clock, she saw that it was 8.40am. Vanitas would be waking up any time now.
She got to her feet, her mouth a firm line.
Wondering if he would be feeling amenable today, (Y/N) made her way to the kitchen, smiling fondly as she placed the old kettle over the fireplace. Vanitas had developed a love for black coffee, and perhaps greeting the day with a cup might ease his foul mood.☆
Knocking gently before pushing the door open, (Y/N) could make out a huddled lump in the dim light of the morning.
Approaching the bed, she saw he had his back to her, but was very much awake.
"I brought coffee, just the way you like it."
He stiffened slightly, before slowly turning his head to eye her suspiciously, like the promise of coffee could be a trick.
He sat up, turning to place his bare feet on the cold wooden floor, reaching out eager hands.
Handing it over, (Y/N) watched as he blew on it, before sipping delicately, a peaceful look crossing his face.
Gently, she sat beside him, busying herself with a loose thread on the sleeve of her dress.
"Listen...I have an idea." She began carefully.
Vanitas's face twitched with mild annoyance, not appreciating the disturbance from his drink.
"I close early today- around 12ish." She yanked the thread away, brushing it to the ground.
"What do you think about going to the beach this afternoon?"
He froze momentarily, the cup part way raised to his lips.
He dropped his hand, resting the cup against his knee with a sigh.
"You don't understand." He murmured, shaking his head.
"Don't understand what?"
His expression was pointed as he pursed his lips.
"How painful this is." He rubbed his face tiredly, the usual fire in him uncharacteristicly dim.
"How could you? You're human."
(Y/N) scowled, swallowing thickly.
"I may be human, Vanitas, but I'm not a monster. You're right, I don't understand."
She eyed his profile. "Because you havent given me a chance to."
He turned, blinking across at her as he searched her eyes.
Despite her reluctance, she decided to hazard a connection, no matter how small. Reaching out, she gently placed a hand on his forearm.
"I don't really have the right to ask for favours but...think about it?" She gave him an encouraging smile, standing to leave. Vanitas said nothing, only looked down into the rapidly cooling coffee swirling in his mug.
YOU ARE READING
Vanitas x Female! Reader ☆ Pure Shores ☆
FanficHaving taken over her Grandmothers Apothecary, (Y/N) makes a small living in a tiny village by the sea. Money is tight and the work is hard, but she survives, never expecting more from a life thrust upon her by circumstance. However, whilst gather...