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There’s nothing more depressing for Rafayel than seeing you sulk into his arms—shoulders heavy, head buried in his broad chest, trying not to let a single tear stain his linen shirt. He notices it all. He always notices when your day isn’t as bright as his gradient-colored eyes. You just got back from your workplace, sitting on his bed.
He cups your face with both hands, gently lifting it so he can look into your eyes.
“Cutie, hey… it’s okay. I’m here.” His gaze is soft, touched with worry, though he tries not to show it.
The moment your eyes meet his, the tears spill over. You can’t hold them back anymore. Everything you’ve been keeping in all day pours out, soaking into his shirt. He lets you cry—doesn’t say a word—just strokes your hair softly, creating a space that feels warm and safe.
“When you’re ready, you can tell me, okay? Or… you don’t have to.”
He pulls you closer this time, leaving no space between your bodies. He presses a kiss to your head, breathing in your scent.
Your sobs begin to slow as you try to steady your breathing. Nuzzling against his chest, you part your lips and whisper softly, “I’m so tired.”
That’s all. Just tired.
Tired of juggling work and a social life. Tired of pretending everything is fine while your whole body aches.
“Rafa… I’m just tired.”
You tilt your head, resting your chin on his chest. Your cheeks are still damp, your nose red, your eyes swollen.
“What can I do to make my Cutie feel better, hmm?”
He lowers his head, brushing his nose against yours.
You let out a soft exhale, sharing the same breath as him.
“I just want you to stay.”
Your voice trembles, a quiet plea slipping through—
“Please don’t ever leave me.”
You can feel the warmth of his breath against your face. He doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he nods slowly, lips curling into a faint, reassuring smile, his gaze never leaving yours.
“Alright…” he finally says softly.
“I know what I have to do.”
With a gentle tug, he pulls back from the brief closeness—only just enough to look at you properly.
“Listen to me, Cutie…”
He threads his fingers through yours, his thumb brushing slow, soothing circles over the back of your hand.
“You know I would never leave you, right?” he asks.
You nod. “…But I’m still scared.”
He lets out a quiet, heartfelt sigh, his eyes never leaving yours. There’s no frustration in them—only understanding, warm and steady.
Once again, you let out a soft plea, your voice trembling as you cling to him.
“Please don’t ever go away…” You swallow, breath uneven.
“At times like this… all my soul searches for is you. Being held in your arms, listening to your heartbeat, breathing in your scent, falling asleep to your voice—please…”
Rafayel stills at your words.
For a moment, he says nothing—afraid that anything he does might make you break further. Then, gently, he pulls you closer, wrapping his arms around your trembling frame and guiding you down until your head rests against the softness of his pillows.
“Hush now…” he murmurs.
His hand finds your hair again, stroking it lightly, soothingly.
“I don’t want you to go away either… not even for a second.” His voice softens, quieter now. “That’s why… I’ve been thinking of a way.”
Your eyes flutter slowly, tears slipping onto the pillow beneath you.
“I’ll make you believe that I won’t leave,” he continues, his gaze steady on yours.
“Because tonight…” His thumb brushes gently against your cheek.
“…I’m going to make you my wedded wife.”
“I’ll recite a vow,” Rafayel whispers.
“A vow so powerful, our souls will melt and become one. A vow so raw, it will settle into every part of you… a vow so honest that breaking it would mean breaking myself.”
His gaze softens as he looks at you, and this time—you see it. Tears gathering quietly in his eyes.
He lifts your hand, pressing a gentle kiss to it.
“No fancy ring. No witnesses. No cake, no wedding dress…”
His thumb brushes over your skin, grounding, steady. “Just me. You. And a promise meant only for us.”
A quiet breath passes between you. He doesn’t let go of your hand.
“I don’t need a ring to promise you this…”
He brings your hand back to his lips, pressing another soft, lingering kiss against your knuckles.
“I vow to stay.” His thumb resumes its slow, soothing circles, as if anchoring you to him.
“Through every tired night, every quiet tear… every moment you feel like you’re too much—or not enough—”
His free hand rises to your face, cupping your cheek as he gently wipes away what remains of your tears.
“I will be here.” He leans closer, resting his forehead against yours, his breath steady, shared.
“If your world begins to fade, then I will color it again.”
A soft exhale leaves him.
“If your steps falter, I will walk beside you—through every lifetime, through every eon we are given.”
His fingers tighten just slightly around yours—not enough to hurt, just enough to reassure.
“I will carry your longing with mine…”
He tilts your chin up, guiding your gaze back to his.
“And I will choose you—again, and again, and again.”
A small pause settles, gentle and full.
He presses a tender kiss to your forehead, lingering there, like he’s sealing every word into you.
“Even if time tries to pull us apart—I will find my way back to you.”
His voice softens, barely above a whisper.
He pulls back just enough to look at you, eyes steady, unwavering despite the quiet sheen of tears.
“I always will.”
His words settle deep within you, warm and steady, wrapping around your heart until it feels too full to hold.
Your chest tightens, not with pain—but with something softer, something overwhelming. Your heart flutters, your stomach twists gently with emotion, and for a moment, you think you might cry again.
But you don’t.
Instead, you simply look at him. Your gaze lingers, quiet and full, meeting his gradient-colored eyes as if you could say everything without a single word—thank you.
Slowly, your eyes begin to close, your body finally giving in to the comfort you’ve been holding back. You remain in his embrace, safe, warm, unmoving. His arms tighten around you just slightly.
“I’ll stay.”
And this time, you finally let yourself drift.