A Series of Rune Factory 4 One-shots

Relax! (Frey x Vishnal)

Vishnal could say with complete confidence that he loved Frey. She was his princess—in both a literal and emotional sense. He loved being around her, doing every little thing he could for her. She was strong, beautiful, and a bit reckless, and she did so much for everyone in Selphia. In exchange, he pampered her, made her food(to the best of his ability), cleaned for her. He'd do anything to make her life easier since he knew she already worked so hard. He knew she wasn't truly of royal blood, but he felt that she should be treated like she was. She deserved it.

His feelings on this matter were so strong that he was shocked to the bone when she asked him something he actually found himself not wanting to do.

"Vishnal!"

She was leaning over him in the morning, a bright smile on her face. That alone was enough to startle Vishnal; he was always the one waking her up, never the other way around.

"I've got our day planned out!" she said, kneeling beside the bed and using it as an armrest. "Are you ready to hear all about it?"

He sat up slowly and rubbed the last of the sleep from his eyes.

"Yes?"

"Since you always do such nice things for me, I want to repay you! So today, you're not going to lift a single finger, okay? I'll do everything for you." She smiled, and Vishnal blinked.

Frey? Do everything for him? No, no, no. There was no need to... No, he didn't deserve it. Not only that, but to have her do this when she was already so busy... No, no, he couldn't possibly let her do it.

But then... If he told her no, would it upset her? That was the last thing he wanted.

"Princess, I don't know if—"

"Oh, that's right! We're dropping formalities today as well, so no more calling me Princess."

"Well, but it's not so much of a formality at this point and more like a pet name—"

"No buts," she said, raising her hand to stop him. He pressed his lips together, holding back a frown.

She then grabbed hold of his hand, lacing her fingers together with his.

"I wanted to thank you for everything you do for me. Won't you let me?"

"I'm extremely grateful that you feel this way, Prin—er, Frey. However, all these things that I do are to thank you for what you do for me. So, I couldn't possibly—"

"Vishnal..."

He feel like somebody had punched him in the gut and forced all the air out of his lungs when she said his name like that. So quietly, so full of raw disappointment and sadness. It felt like it was literally hurting him to hear her like that. He couldn't bear the sound.

He hung his head, sighing.

"Alright. I will not lift a single finger. I'll let you do everything for me," he said, though extremely reluctantly.

Frey's eyes lit up, and she threw her arms around him in a tight hug. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder with a sigh. Vishnal thought that maybe it would be alright. It could be a nice experience. It had been so long since he'd even thought of having anyone do something for him. It was fine. He could probably even enjoy it.

~~~

He could not enjoy it. Not one bit. Every moment was a struggle. He had a hard time holding himself back from helping her get his clothes, since he always kept them hidden away so that she'd have more space for all of her stuff. She ran around the entire castle looking for his stash of clothes and other items, refusing his help all the while.