#lover and deepspace angst

[yv0nn1e]

"'cause i don't feel alive 'til i'm burnin' on your backburner."

backburner — rafayel

summary: in every life, in every timeline, the god of the sea is doomed to sacrifice everything for his beloved, angering the deep sea, and causing lemuria to fall. in every timeline, the sea god's most dedicated follower cannot stop that from happening.

pairing: rafayel x (non!mc) fem!reader

cw/tw: pure angst? and blurry timeline & lore (heavily implied relation to myths and anecdotes from the game, but will have some non-canon twists of my own)

note: have i been gone for 2 years only to come back to write a gut wrenching thought i can't contain anymore about my beloved fishboy? yes.

wc: 2k+

thinking about non!mc reader who can see and remember every timeline she has ever been in. with those timelines being intertwined with lemuria and the sea god, rafayel, her beloved but not his.

non!mc reader starting in the forgotten sea timeline as a lemurian herself whose family is closely associated with the sea god, rafayel. when young, she finds herself unexplainably infatuated with an adolescent version of rafayel himself and his aura. he was just so mischievous and cheeky in a way that it made her admire his bravery and eagerness to just explore the world. she becomes close friends with him and eventually, she realizes the underlying danger she has put herself into.

"when lemurians fall in love with someone, all our senses are committed to perceive them."

at first, she found it sweet. cute even. she adored rafayel. even if she had no oath or celestial bond that bounds her to follow anything rafayel asks, she knows it deep down that she will still obey and do whatever he wants. rafayel, ever so kind, kept her near and considered her as one of the closest companions he's ever had in such a large yet lonely position as the next sea god. their bond was somehow intimate—with her keeping rafayel stable whenever the pressure of lemuria's expectations get to him and rafayel accepting her for who she is whole-heartedly. every flaw, every freckle, and every scale in her body and soul that he could see, he could understand.

but then one faithful day, years after their younger selves have formed their close friendship, a loyal group of humans who simply idolized the god of the sea set out to offer a sacrifice to rafayel. unknowingly, when their mission goes south due to a storm, this sacrifice of theirs manages to escape and unknowingly meet the sea god himself, asking if he were lemurian and for him to help her, only to get teasing from rafayel in response. then everything happens so quickly with a kiss that sets off the mark of their oath. to the girl, mc, it may seem as though she was just trying to survive since legends held tales of a lemurian's kiss blessing one with the ability of breathing underwater. yet to non!mc reader and rafayel, they knew that it was something much deeper. something binding. sooner, the sea god then chooses mc to become his 'devout follower', failing to see that there was already one who was so willing to be in that position. with that, non!mc reader realizes she's already lost rafayel, her beloved. their ever so holy tome (tome of the sea god) states the everlasting bond that the sea god has when he has chosen his devout follower—meaning, he is bound to that very person. every command and ask must never be disobeyed or rejected; otherwise, the bond breaks.

and non!mc reader's heart breaks, especially with that girl down in lemuria and the sea god's ceremony approaching where the sea god, rafayel, and his devout follower exchange vows. jealousy was an understatement. whilst all of lemuria await in excitement, she wallows in the truth that rafayel has undoubtedly chosen mc as his beloved and his bride. before the ceremony, rafayel meets non!mc reader one last time, jokingly teasing her to not worry for he won't forsake his friendship with her which only earns him a soft chuckle and a hidden pained smile. he then thanks her for all those years he stuck by her side, that he could not have gone past the challenges and hurdles of his training and his pursuits if not for her. 

"you mustn't forget to bestow us your utmost protection when you ascend to a higher level of godhood." she jests, trying to make light of the situation and distract herself with some light banter than she hopes might just change his mind and choose her to become his devout follower instead. 

rafayel could not promise her that. with the slight shift of his eyes, flickering a hint of guilt, non!mc reader supposes that she knew that too.

"to love you is a privilege." that i do not have. non!mc reader says to rafayel with a soft smile, her eyes calm yet hurt, somehow helpless too. she is unsure of what he plans to do but something within their conversation told her that perhaps, it would've been the last.

and it was.

outside the temple of lemuria, the civilization starts to shake and crumble. the lemurians run with panic, wondering what could have made the deep sea enraged on such a momentous occasion. as bloodshed stained the waters of the city, non!mc reader stood amidst the chaos, shutting her eyes in disappointment and regret that she could not have stopped rafayel from whatever he was planning to do. that she could not stop rafayel from giving his heart away to his beloved costing him lemuria and his most treasured friend.

non!mc reader remembering her life during the sea of golden sands timeline where she is a guide with abysswalker!rafayel. in this timeline, they strive hard to find a way to restore lemuria and when they find out that the princess of philos has what they need to achieve that, she insists on coming with rafayel to visit her, only for rafayel to refuse. 

she warns rafayel that it's dangerous. that he was already caught once when he was younger. that he was lucky for the princess to be kind enough to let him go. rafayel reassures her by telling him what happened that faithful day when rafayel was gifted to the princess of philos. he told her that one day, he'll come back for her. 

non!mc reader knew that rafayel would only be captured if he wanted to. meaning that he purposely wants to be caught just to see the princess. then it hits her. the princess of philos was the same girl who became the sea god's devout follower in another life. she doesn't know how or why she knows this kind of information but something in her just recognizes the emotional and literal agonizing pain of lemuria falling and her heart being torn to shreds. she then sets out a theory that she may have gained the ability to see her past lives. 

non!mc reader only finds herself becoming angry when rafayel brings the princess to the sand ruins, telling her his plans of reviving their homeland, lemuria. it angers her even more when the princess mentions dreams of the strangely familiar land. that's when she confirms that the princess was indeed rafayel's devout follower. when the princess regains her past memories after the tome reveals the symbols that stated the god of the sea killing his beloved to awaken the seas, non!mc reader knows that she's lost rafayel in this lifetime again. with much love for lemuria, she tries to set rafayel back to the right track, ignoring the fact that the princess was rafayel's beloved and convincing him to just take her heart already and revive lemuria. the princess then wished to return rafayel's heart after it is revealed that in the past life, during the ceremony of the sea god, rafayel had given his heart to mc instead of the other way around. this revelation lights fury within non!mc reader due to the clouding judgement that lemuria had fallen underneath its own god's sacrifice, seeing it as an act of betrayal on rafayel's part. yet, she said nothing. she said nothing even when rafayel refuses to take the princess' heart, even resorting to erasing her memories so that she'd forget this encounter. 

"you are such a paradox, rafayel." she says with underlying venom under her voice as she sits down on a dusty rock. "you wish to revive lemuria and yet you cannot make the one true sacrifice you need to do so."

"perhaps there are other ways." rafayel gently yet assertively says.

"perhaps." she responds which may seem polite and complacent enough, yet anyone with delicate ears can definitely dissect the mockery in her voice.

days later, as their crew prepares to leave, non!mc reader notices the light glow of the fishtail beacon rafayel carries with him. with amund questioning whether or not rafayel and the princess' bond was truly even broken, non!mc reader silently scoffs in irritation, especially when the princess somehow just arrives in their hideout. despite the anger she had for rafayel, her heart gets deja vu with the way the princess declares her wish to follow rafayel wherever he goes, as if swearing she'll be his devout follower in this life too. 

non!mc reader who swears she will not fall for rafayel in the next timeline she falls into when rafayel manages to put her life in death's door on this universe once more.

non!mc reader in the current timeline who, after the tsunami that revealed the reappearance of lemuria southeast of linkon, leaves the sea. leaves rafayel. leaves lemuria and her mermaid form to pursue becoming an actress on land, proceeding to be one of the most popular actresses as rafayel travels around the world, becoming a well-renowned painter who took revenge for those who wronged lemuria and his people on his own, secret ways.

non!mc reader whose heart stops on a windy day, with the sun setting and the waves of linkon city's beaches were playful once she sees rafayel walking towards her with a cheerful smirk. 

"it's been a while. if i didn't know better, i'd think you were avoiding me all this time." rafayel teases to which she shakes her head to ground her thoughts.

"if only i could truly avoid you." she responds with a well-practiced smile, feigning a friendly banter that long calls back to their very first timeline. 

"have you been well?" at this point, rafayel invites her to walk along the shores of linkon city, catching up on the years they've been apart. she could not deny it no matter how much she tries. she was fated to always be next to rafayel.

perhaps, it was also destiny's fault that she inevitably falls for him in every one of her lives.  

"i couldn't be happier." she lies. after the multiple lives she's lived, hiding her true feelings for the man, she's learned the skill of lying so swiftly as if she were actually uttering what she convinces herself was the truth. perhaps that was why she had grown to obtain a penchant for acting.

because in every universe, she has had to act as though she was not broken by the fact that she was undeniably in love with a man who was forever bounded to his beloved.

non!mc reader who foolishly accepts rafayel back into her life when he mentions that he's staying in linkon, even though something in her already knew that he was there for a reason. even though she long realized that rafayel agreed to also leave lemuria to travel the world only to search for his devout follower, his bride, his soulmate.

non!mc reader who is no longer surprised when rafayel introduces his new bodyguard, a young woman with a heart condition. she could only smile at the girl, knowing that rafayel, has once again, found her. that, once again, destiny has shoved it in her face that she was only meant to yearn for rafayel's love, forever by the sidelines.

a celebratory party was held for yn when she just reached a greater height for her acting career. she finds herself walking the shores of linkon at night in her velvet blue dress, the mermaid cut of the skirt softly brushing against the white sands. she adores the warmth of the yellow string lights within the trees and posts, engulfing herself in the solitude and respite she needed. truth be told, despite her love for her career, one of the main reasons she even pursued the thing was to distract herself from the impending doom and painful fate she was destined to go through, like in every timeline she was ever in. to be killed under her own deity's hands. 

"i never took you to be such a loner." a familiar voice takes her out of her trance, eyes shifting from the whispered waves of the beach and towards rafayel.

"just thanking home, i suppose." she responds elegantly, head tilting a bit to point to the ocean.

there was an awkward silence when she turns her body away from rafayel, her back facing him as she hugs herself to give some warmth from the cold brush of the sea breeze. 

"afraid to get in the water?" rafayel gently teases as he walks closer to her, arms already taking off his dark blue blazer, not even giving her a chance to react as he wraps the garment around her shoulders.

taken back, she tilts her head to look at him, eyes slightly wider than normal but not enough to show shock. 

"you looked like a cold fish." rafayel points out, justifying his actions. 

for a moment, she takes rafayel in once more. it's been so long that she's avoided true connection with him to lessen the pain she would have to endure in this timeline. he seemed the same. different yet the same. his purple hair softly brushing against his forehead, bringing out the multiple hues within his eyes, and the glint of different colors making up his skin under the glow of the moon. 

the longer she looks at him, the more she remembers every life she had suffered because of him. 

destiny is far too cruel with fate to let her fall in love with him over and over again.

destiny and fate be damned.

"i love you, rafayel." she didn't expect her voice to quiver but as soon as those words slipped past her lips, her eyes blinked with crystalline waters pooling above them, almost teasing their fall.

"i wish i didn't, but i can't help but fall for you in every life i can remember." rafayel, still taken back with what she said could only stand there.

"i don't know if you can remember but i certainly do, as if they were just memories of yesterday." biting her lips, she lets out a heavy breathe, letting the weight of centuries of pain after every timeline and every life go. "and i am most definitely tired of having to endure those lives standing by your side and keeping quiet of what i truly feel."

"i love you, rafayel, and words can not begin to describe the longing that my heart must go through just by standing next to you. i can not continue moving on from one life to another and pretend as though my heart does not beat for you. as though i am not ready to carve it out and serve it to you if that's what it took to open your eyes. it pains me, so to know that i am destined to a sad ending of being alone, without you. but perhaps, it's high time i fight against it."

non!mc reader who fails, falling in love for rafayel in this life and realizing that she will keep falling for him in every other one that may come.

"destiny had always been my biggest enemy, with you as my greatest regret."

[muqingslover]

Sylus is a proud man. He's got both the strength and the influence to back up his confidence. He knows better than anyone how powerful he is, that's why he never hesitates about anything in his life. When he wants something then he simply has to find a way to obtain it, it's always been as simple as that.

Except, it wasn't like that with you.

You were something that couldn't be placed into a category since the day he met you many, many moons ago.

You were the person who changed everything he was so sure he didn't need to understand and taught an old dragon how to fly by making his heart soar higher than he could ever reach.

But the rule about flying is that the higher you go, the harder the fall is bound to be. And oh did he fall hard.

Still, he could grit his teeth and bear the pain if it meant he would, some day, find you again. In the meantime, he would search for new things to share with you and make himself stronger, better for you.

Sylus is a strong man, but his heart shatters as easily as thin glass. He glues together the pieces each time, well enough that he can go another day without anyone seeing through the cracks, but never quite whole.

There's a room he never allows anyone to catch as much as a glimpse of what lays inside where he keeps the most important piece of his heart.

For the years spent apart, Sylus collected gifts and placed them inside that room he so carefully prepared for you. The piles and piles of wrapped boxes increasing as time continued to pass and he tried to fill the void in his chest by making a home for you.

Sylus never once doubted you'd return to him. However, sometimes, in nights where your birthday weighted heavily in his mind, he'd curl up on the large bed in the room while hugging yet another gift he chose for you. Would you like this one enough to come back to him this time, he wonder.

The tears that escape his crimson eyes are something he'd never acknowledge, being the proud man that he is, but they carried the silent pleas and hopes of a mere lonely dragon, 'Please, my love, come back to me'.

[ Now with part two! ;) ]

[redhrs]

Sharp Edges - Sylus x Reader

synopsis— With 24 hours to steal his brooch, you’re trapped in a battle of wit and temptation. But Sylus isn’t just guarding the prize—he’s breaking your resolve, one touch at a time. inspired by Midnight Stealth.

word count— 2.5k~

warnings— 18+, smut, angst, slow burn, nsfw, drunk sex, hate sex, ennemies to lovers, rivalry, dom!sylus, making out, aphrodisiac wine, fem!reader, reader is confident, teasing, edging, dry humping, unprotected sex, thigh fucking, choking, sylus is needy asf, reader is horny and lowkey desperate, rough sex, porn with plot, voyeurism

minors don’t interact!

🎧 What You Need - The Weeknd

Sylus was getting on your nerves. It had only been a few days since he and his men had kidnapped you, and now, with the auction looming just a day away, you felt restless. Sleep had become a luxury, and peace of mind? Completely out of reach.

He had already put you through so much—choking you, pushing you to the brink by forcing a gun into your hands, making you shoot him. He tried to resonate with you through sheer force, attempting to alter you when things didn’t go his way. A master manipulator, treating you like a puppet for his own amusement, always pulling the strings yet never answering your questions.

You had tried everything to find a weakness, some kind of opening, but it was useless. And what frustrated you the most was him—that unbearable, arrogant attitude. He never missed an opportunity to make you feel weak and naïve, looking down on you with that infuriating smirk. So belittling, so condescending, yet somehow still carrying himself with the grace of an expensive, well-bred gentleman.

Oh, how you longed to watch him crack—to see that smug expression disappear, to make him lose his composure as you took control. Of course, it wouldn’t be easy. He was always two steps ahead. But sooner or later, you would figure him out.

Now was the time to come up with a plan for tomorrow’s auction. You needed that Aether Core fragment—no matter the cost. Even if it meant making a deal with the Onychinus leader, even if it meant playing right into whatever scheme he had in mind. You had come too far to back down now.

Sylus had given you a single condition: find his brooch within 24 hours, and he would allow you to accompany him. You had no time to waste.

・．━━━━━━━━━━━━ † ━━━━━━━━━━━━．・

You woke up early, heading straight to the shower, knowing the day ahead would be stressful. The only small comfort in this whole ordeal was the luxury that surrounded you—your own room and bathroom, a king-sized bed draped in silk sheets, exquisite meals prepared to perfection. A full wardrobe of designer clothes, heels, bags, even an array of beauty products and high-end makeup.

Everything tailored to your tastes. And you hated yourself for even considering how easy it would be to get used to this life… if only Sylus weren’t such a complete bastard. The man was rich, intelligent, and undeniably, painfully attractive. And it killed you to admit—even to yourself—that despite everything, you were drawn to him. No matter how much of a dick he was.

After finishing your morning routine, you applied some makeup—curling your lashes, adding a hint of blush, and finishing with a deep red gloss. Simple, yet striking. Your long, jet-black hair cascaded down your hips, slightly curled at the ends, making you look like a doll. A spritz of perfume, and then you stepped into your wardrobe.

You skimmed over the expensive dresses and gowns before settling on a black silky mini dress, pairing it with kitten heels from YSL. The dress was short, easy to move in, and the heels were just the right height—not too high, but still elegant. You secured a dagger in a garter beneath your skirt, just in case, then slipped out of your room, making your way to the salon for a quick breakfast.

As soon as you pushed open the heavy doors of the hall, Luke and Kieran greeted you.

“Look who’s awake! Did your highness sleep well?”

One of the twins teased, laughing.

“I wish. If only your boss would let me,”

You smiled faintly as you leaned against the counter next to Luke,

“But he has other plans. Today’s going to be a long day, so I’d appreciate it if you two could either help me or—at the very least—not get in my way.”

You couldn’t deny that you had grown quite fond of these two. Even if they worked for him, the man who had become the source of all your current problems, they had never been disrespectful or crossed any lines with you. They just enjoyed messing around.

“Seems like the boss has a soft spot for you,” Kieran smirked.

You sighed, rubbing your temples.

“Kieran, if putting me through trials and hardships every single day is his way of showing affection, then I’d hate to see what he does to his enemies. Either that, or he’s just a bored man who enjoys watching me struggle for his own entertainment.”

Luke chuckled.

“Well, have you ever considered that maybe he is trying to protect you—”

“Nonsense.”

A deep voice echoed through the large room.

“Good morning, Boss!”

The twins called out in unison, a hint of panic in their voices.

You lifted your gaze only to meet the cold, piercing eyes of Sylus. His stare dragged slowly from your eyes, down your body, before lingering just a second too long on your lips. His jaw clenched.

You said nothing, trying to suppress the familiar, unwelcome sensation that curled in the pit of your stomach whenever he was near.

He, too, wasn’t left unaffected. Not when you looked this damn tempting, your sweet scent filling the air around him.

Trying not to let his eyes linger, he shifted his focus to the twins, brows slightly furrowed.

“I’d appreciate it if you two refrained from spouting such idiocies so early in the morning,”

He scolded, voice sharp with irritation. Then, turning to you, his usual teasing expression returned.

“I have important matters to handle today. Make sure to… behave.”

The way he emphasized that word sent a shiver down your spine.

“I should be back in a few hours.”

He sipped his coffee, holding your gaze a little too intently like he was memorizing the sight of you, drinking you in as much as he could.

“Don’t worry about me, boss,”

you snorted, mocking his tone,

“I’ll be good.”

You teased before turning on your heels, heading toward the doors. Just before leaving, you glanced over your shoulder.

“I also have some business to take care of today. Don’t interfere.”

And with that, you were gone before he could get a word in, the sharp clicks of your heels echoing down the hall.

・．━━━━━━━━━━━━ † ━━━━━━━━━━━━．・

“Impossible. It’s not here, or there. I’ve searched the entire damn mansion, and still no trace of that brooch. It’s as if it doesn’t even exist!”

Five hours. You had spent five excruciating hours combing through every possible hiding spot in Sylus’s house, and you were losing your mind. You even searched his room.

“Does he have some kind of secret compartment or chest where he could’ve hidden it?”

You asked, frustration clear in your voice.

Kieran laughed.

“Doubt it. And honestly? We don’t know anything about that brooch.”

You exhaled sharply,

“I should’ve known. I really can’t trust this man, can I?”

A strange feeling settled in your chest—something like disappointment, though you weren’t sure why.

“Listen,”

Luke spoke up, his voice a little softer,

“I know it’s hard to believe, but… the boss does have a good heart. Please trust him. He’s harsh, sure, and acts all tough, but—”

“He cares,”

Kieran cut in.

You scoffed, unconvinced.

“We can’t tell you more,”

Luke continued,

“and we have no idea where the brooch is. But what we do know is when the boss is least guarded. If you haven’t found it by now, it’s probably because he has it.”

“That’s what I thought,”

You muttered,

“But how the hell am I supposed to get close to him? It’s not like we’re close or anything.”

The twins exchanged a knowing look.

“You should definitely sneak into his room while he’s asleep,”

Kieran suggested with a smirk.

“Once he’s knocked out, he’s as defenseless as a lamb. His routine is always the same—he takes a shower, drinks a few glasses of wine while listening to music, then heads to bed.”

And just like that, a plan started forming in your mind. Hope sparked in your chest.

“Thank you for this information,”

You said, determination lacing your words.

“I’ll do as you say.”

“We’ll even prepare a special wine for him,”

Luke added with a grin.

“Something eeextra relaxing. Should help you out.”

They chuckled to themselves before disappearing into the wine cellar.

Later that evening, you ate dinner alone—Sylus was still out. Afterward, you returned to your room, allowing yourself a moment to rest.

Lying in bed, you thought back to what the twins had said. Sylus is a good person.

Was he?

He had been nothing but rough with you from the start, forcing his way into your life, pushing, provoking, and saying strange things like we’re the same. And then there was the tension—constant, suffocating, impossible to ignore.

Every time you tried to understand him, he pushed you away, leaving you with more questions than answers. And what about the flashbacks you had been experiencing? The voices?

Why did it feel like you were connected to him, even though this was supposedly your first time meeting? He knew things about you, details he had no reason to know. Had he been watching you this entire time? The thought sent an uncomfortable shiver down your spine.

“Aah, fuck this. I should sleep it off.”

・．━━━━━━━━━━━━ † ━━━━━━━━━━━━．・

You woke up with a start, your eyes darting to the clock.

8 PM.

Your stomach dropped.

“Shit!”

You had overslept. Sylus was probably already back, and you couldn’t afford to miss your chance.

Throwing off the covers, you sat up too fast, your head spinning slightly. Taking a deep breath, you smoothed down your dress and ran a hand through your hair, making sure it was still presentable. Your makeup was intact—thank God.

Slipping out of bed, you reached under your dress, adjusting the dagger strapped to your thigh. Your heart was pounding, a strange mix of nerves and anticipation tightening in your chest.

You needed a drink.

Without hesitation, you rushed to the dining hall and headed straight for the bar. Grabbing the first bottle you saw, you poured yourself a glass. Then another one. Then a third. The taste of cherries lingered on your tongue, sweet and intoxicating. Maybe it was wine, maybe it wasn’t—you weren’t sure, and honestly, you didn’t care.

Warmth spread through your veins, your earlier tension melting away.

Confidence surged through you.

Everything was going to be just fine.

The room felt different now—darker, charged with a current you couldn’t quite place. Every step you took was slower than the last, your heels clicking more pronounced in the silence of the house. The wine had done its work, easing the sharp edges of your nerves, but leaving something else behind—a heat that pooled in your stomach, spreading through your limbs like fire. The air smelled heavier now, as if it, too, was aware of what was about to unfold.

The sound of running water echoed down the hallway, a soft, rhythmic trickle that called to you. Sylus was showering.

This was your chance.

You reached for the doors handle, fingers slightly trembling, but you quickly steadied yourself, inhaling deeply. He had no idea you were coming. Or maybe he did. After all, he was Sylus. Always two steps ahead.

You pushed the door open, the warmth of the room wrapping around you. You took a deep breath. He wasn’t in sight, but his essence lingered, mixed with the scent of candles filling the air, intoxicating in its familiarity. The room was heavy with his presence, even though he wasn’t yet here.

It was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the plush carpet, the thick curtains drawn shut, and the faint sound of music playing. The atmosphere was so… Him.

Your eyes flicked to the left. An almost empty bottle of wine sat on the small table beside the bed. Was that the same brand you’d been drinking earlier ? You noted the irony, but there was no time to get lost in the thought. Your mission came first.

Moving swiftly, your fingers brushed over the fabrics of his wardrobe, silky materials caressing your fingertips. Next, you moved to the suitcase that’s always with him, rifling through the contents with quick precision. Nothing. You turned to his bed, neatly arranged with perfectly folded clothes, carefully unfolding the silky shirt and inspecting it as if it might hold answers. But it didn’t.

Frustration bubbled up, You checked under his pillows again. Nothing. Still nothing. You bit your lip in frustration, your body heating under the pressure, the air around you thick with an almost unbearable tension.

“Is it up his ass or what?”

You muttered to yourself, the words coming out more desperate than you intended.

Your eyes landed on Mephisto, closely watching you, perched on his usual spot. You couldn’t help the irritation surging inside you. Why couldn’t you just find it? You shook the tiny crow in your hands way too harshly.

“Help me out, damn it!,”

You hissed under your breath.

Could he have taken it in the shower with him? You sighed, not just from frustration, but from the simmering attraction you’ve been trying to ignore.

A vivid, unwanted image flashed—water gliding over his skin, droplets running down his chest, the heat of the shower curling steam around him. His head tilted back, lips slightly parted, hair pushed out of his face, damp and tousled—

No.

You clenched your jaw, shaking the thought away, but the damage was done. Your body couldn’t ignore it, your mind spiraling with thoughts you didn’t want to have. The wetness between your legs was growing by the minute, and before you realized it, you were squeezing your thighs together, desperate to stop the urge as fantasies kept coming to you.

The mere thought of his bare skin and the way his body would feel, moving against yours, deepens the flush that’s already spreading across your cheeks.

You squeezed your eyes shut, trying to force the image away, but it only grew stronger, sharper. Your breath quickened.

Was it the wine? Or was it just him? You couldn’t tell anymore. Maybe both. What the hell was happening to you?

He could be back at any moment and you couldn’t let him catch you like this, all wet and needy.

With a frustrated sigh, you decided it was time to go. You’d return later, once he was asleep— once you were calmer. As you decided to leave, it came to your attention, making your heart drop.

The water had stopped.

The silence that followed was almost deafening, and your heart lurched in your chest. You held your breath, hoping it would stop time. But then you heard it— footsteps. Slowly, coming closer.

Clac!

The bathroom door flung open and you froze, your body stiffening as you held yourself still against the hard surface of his desk. You tried to make yourself as small as possible, hoping you wouldn’t be seen.

Steam billowed out from the bathroom, curling around in a soft cloud, and there he was.

Sylus stood in the doorway, his body half- covered by a towel, slung low around his hips, the soft fabric barely clinging to his frame. His skin glistened, droplets of water catching in the dim light, along the ridges of his abs, disappearing into the towel. His hair hung, damp and darkened with the moisture, a few strands clinging to his forehead. You couldn’t look away, his body almost glowing in the soft, flickering candlelight.

Every inch of him was hypnotic— his broad back, his toned muscles, the way the water made his skin shimmer, the faint scent of his cologne mixing with the fresh scent of the shower. He turned slightly, pushing his hair back, unaware of your gaze and the unholy thoughts running through your mind.

Ring!

You jumped, startled by the sudden ring of the telephone right next to your head. You moved carefully, as quietly as you could manage, inching away on all fours as Sylus steps drew closer. Your heart pounded in your chest, louder than your footsteps, louder than anything.

And then you heard it.

That voice. Deep, velvety, laced with amusement.

“Playing hide and seek, are we?”

Sylus words made you freeze in place. You couldn’t respond. You could only exhale shakily, your body rigid with the embarrassment of getting caught.

Slowly, you turned your head, and there he was— his crimson eyes locking onto yours with a smoldering intensity that stole the air from your lungs. His grin was knowing and confident, as his gaze slid from your face, down to your body then back up again, pausing.

“I’m glad you’re wearing the lingerie I gifted you,”

He teases, his voice dripping like honey.

“It suits you… really well.”

“Sylus, I—“

Before you could finish your sentence, his arm extended and you felt your body lift, weightless, pulled by the unseen force of his Evol. The sensation was dizzying as your wrists were bound behind your back, knees and ankles following suit.

"You've been a very naughty little thing,"

He murmured as he stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. You didn’t move, barely even breathed. The world seemed to narrow until all that was left was him and the unbearable weight of your shared history.

“ I thought I told you to behave.”

He says, his voice soft but underlined with intent. The corner of his mouth pulls into a smirk, eyes glinting with something dangerously familiar. His hand grazes your skin, lingering just enough to make you shiver, and for a moment, you wonder just how far he’s willing to take this.

“Want me to teach you a lesson?”

note— Next part will be up in a few days! Things will definitely take an interesting turn and spice up more and more. Please hang in there~

do not copy, steal or translate my work! reblogs, likes and feedback highly appreciated!

[ellyeanor]

want me instead

zayne x reader (not mc)

synopsis: zayne always thought y/n wanted someone else. but what if he was wrong?

word count: 2.9k

genre: slow burn, angst/comfort, fluff, mutual pining, misunderstanding

note: hey, well... it's my first time writing, so yeah. I'm still finding my way around. by the way, enjoy your reading!

zayne had always been good at keeping his emotions in check. as a surgeon, it was a necessity—staying calm under pressure, never letting his feelings get in the way of logic. but when it came to y/n, all his control unraveled. he had spent years watching her, standing just close enough to be part of her life, but never close enough to have her.

and now, as he sat across from her at their usual dinner, watching the way she laughed at caleb’s story, he felt it again—that slow, aching pull in his chest. the one that told him, no matter how much he wanted her, she wasn’t his to want.

there was a time when it had always been the three of them—zayne, caleb, and y/n.

they had been inseparable as kids, getting into trouble together, dreaming of their futures. but time had a way of pulling people apart.

caleb had left first, traveling the world, chasing adventures. zayne had buried himself in his studies, becoming a surgeon. y/n had stayed behind, running her small café, the heart of their childhood memories.

years passed before they found their way back to each other. their friendship rekindled, and weekly dinners at zayne’s apartment became a routine.

but something had changed.

zayne had changed.

because now, every time y/n was near, it was harder to pretend that she wasn’t the one thing he had always wanted.

and yet, he couldn’t reach for her.

not when he was convinced she still wanted caleb.

zayne wasn’t a fool.

he saw the way y/n’s eyes lit up when caleb spoke. the way she laughed at his stories, leaned closer without realizing it.

and zayne? he was just the observer.

even when y/n stayed behind after caleb left, washing dishes beside him in the quiet. even when her fingers brushed his when she handed him a drink. even when he caught her staring at him, only to look away too quickly.

he told himself it didn’t mean anything.

because to believe otherwise would break him.

the first time it almost happened, they were alone in his kitchen.

y/n had been laughing—soft, unguarded—about something small, but zayne hadn’t been listening. he had been too focused on the way she looked, the way her lips curled when she smiled.

before he knew it, he had reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

the laughter died on her lips.

her breath hitched.

for a moment, neither of them moved.

his fingers lingered, barely touching her skin.

say something, a voice in his head urged.

but he didn’t.

and then, too soon, y/n took a step back, breaking the moment.

and the space between them felt unbearable again.

tonight was no different.

zayne watched as y/n and caleb talked, his stomach twisting at the easy way they fit together.

he told himself he was used to it.

that it didn’t hurt anymore.

then caleb’s phone buzzed. he glanced at the screen, and his face shifted.

“something wrong?” y/n asked.

caleb sighed. “yeah. family emergency. i need to go.”

zayne should have been relieved. but instead, dread settled in his stomach.

caleb stood, grabbing his jacket. “you two stay, finish dinner.”

and then he was gone.

leaving zayne alone with the one person he had spent years trying not to love.

the silence stretched between them.

y/n turned to him, concern flickering in her gaze. “you’ve been acting weird all night.”

zayne didn’t answer.

she stepped closer. “zayne.”

still, nothing.

then, softer. “talk to me.”

he exhaled sharply. “do you still want him?”

y/n blinked. “what?”

“caleb,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. “do you still want him?”

the words tasted bitter.

y/n’s brows furrowed. “zayne, what are you talking about?”

he swallowed, his grip tightening around his glass. “i see the way you look at him.”

she stared at him, disbelieving. “you think—” she let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head. “oh my god. you actually think i want caleb?”

zayne’s jaw tensed. “don’t you?”

y/n stepped forward, closing the distance between them. “zayne.”

he didn’t move.

“i want you to want me.” his voice was quiet, almost desperate.

y/n’s breath hitched.

for years, she had been waiting for him to say something. to see her. and now, here he was—standing before her, raw and vulnerable in a way he never let himself be.

slowly, she reached for his hand. “zayne.”

he flinched, but he didn’t pull away.

 her fingers curled around his. “it was never caleb.”

zayne’s throat bobbed as he swallowed. “what?”

 she stepped even closer, until she could see the uncertainty in his eyes. “it’s always been you.”

his breath caught.

the world around them blurred, time stretching between them like a fragile thread.

“say it again,” he murmured.

y/n smiled softly. “it’s you, zayne.”

and just like that, the walls he had built came crashing down.

his hands cupped her face, hesitant at first—like he couldn’t believe she was real. but then she was pulling him closer, and he kissed her like a man who had spent his whole life waiting.

and maybe he had been.

falling into something with zayne was like slipping into a warmth that had always been waiting.

he was still zayne. still quiet, still reserved. but now, he let her see him.

he let his fingers linger when he touched her. he held her hand absentmindedly. he whispered her name like it was something precious.

and y/n?

she had spent years waiting for him to notice.

now, she would spend a lifetime reminding him that she had never wanted anyone else.

zayne pulled her close one evening, pressing his forehead against hers. “you’re not going anywhere, right?”

y/n smiled, curling her fingers around his collar. “not a chance.”

and for the first time, he believed her.

the weeks after that night felt like a dream, or perhaps, more accurately, like the steady unraveling of something they had both been too afraid to touch for far too long.

for zayne, the shift was subtle. he found himself gravitating toward her more often, his touch lingering just a bit longer than before, his gaze lingering a little too long. he didn’t let his walls fall entirely, but for the first time in years, he let himself believe in something more than duty and work.

for y/n, it was an overwhelming relief. the quiet patience she had held onto, waiting for him to come to her, began to soften the longer they spent together. there were no more walls, no more doubt in her heart—just zayne, finally giving her the pieces of himself she had always known were there.

but even so, things weren’t perfect. the past had a way of lingering.

it was late on a friday night when zayne found himself sitting on the balcony, staring out into the city. the distant hum of traffic seemed far away, and the cold air felt strangely comforting.

y/n had gone home after dinner, their usual routine now more intimate than it had been in years. the air between them was lighter, warmer, but still, zayne felt the shadow of doubt creep in.

they hadn’t talked about caleb yet. the moment had come and gone, and somehow, they hadn’t revisited it.

but it was a question that gnawed at him.

y/n had spent hours thinking about zayne’s question. it hadn’t left her mind. in fact, it had settled into the quiet spaces where doubt would normally creep. he had asked, and she had answered—she had always answered. but in the quiet of her room, in the dark silence, she wondered: had he truly believed her?

she had spent so many years holding onto him, waiting for him to see her the way she had always seen him, but sometimes, she couldn’t help but wonder if she had been too patient. had he only needed to ask her?

and why, despite knowing she wanted him, did her heart still ache when she thought about caleb?

she shook her head. she knew better. caleb was a piece of their past—her past. what she had with zayne was different. deeper.

 but still, it haunted her.

later that night, after she had gone to bed, y/n’s phone buzzed with a message.

zayne: can we talk?

her heart skipped a beat. she had been waiting for this—for him to address the elephant in the room. to talk about caleb. to make sure she was really being honest.

she quickly typed out a response.

y/n: of course. is everything okay?

zayne: yeah, just need to clear my head. i’ll come over in a few.

y/n’s pulse quickened, her fingers trembling as she placed the phone down on her nightstand.

when zayne arrived, the tension between them was almost palpable.

she opened the door, her heart pounding. “zayne, what’s going on?”

 he stepped inside, his usual calm demeanor giving way to something more raw. he closed the door behind him with a soft click. for a moment, they just stood there, neither knowing quite what to say.

finally, zayne broke the silence. “i’ve been thinking.”

 y/n watched him closely, waiting for him to continue.

“i know i’ve been… distant lately,” he began, voice low. “and i want to make things right. i just…” he hesitated, the words not quite forming. “i’m still not sure if i’m enough.”

 y/n’s heart twisted. “zayne…”

“no,” he interrupted gently. “i know i should’ve asked sooner, but i couldn’t—” he paused, trying to find the right words. “i know you. i know what you deserve. and i don’t want to be the reason you feel like you’re settling.”

y/n blinked, stepping closer. “zayne, what are you talking about?”

 y/n’s breath caught. she reached for his hand, her fingers trembling as they wrapped around his. “zayne,” she said softly. “i don’t want caleb. i never did. i was just waiting for you to see me the way i’ve always seen you.”

“i know you’ve been patient with me,” he said, his eyes searching hers. “but i can’t help but feel like i’m not enough, that maybe you still want caleb.”

 a flash of disbelief crossed his face. “but—”

 “i was always waiting for you,” she repeated.“for you to want me the way i’ve always wanted you.”

the words hung in the air between them, heavy with the weight of everything unsaid.

zayne’s breath caught as he processed her confession. and in that moment, all the doubts he had harbored melted away. he closed the space between them, his hands trembling as they cupped her face.

 “i’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “i never should’ve doubted you. never.”

y/n smiled softly, tears welling in her eyes. “i was just waiting for you to come back to me.”

and with that, zayne leaned down, kissing her gently, slowly. it was a kiss filled with the years of longing, the unspoken words, the waiting. it was everything they had kept locked away.

when they pulled apart, he pressed his forehead against hers. “you’re everything to me, y/n. don’t ever doubt that.”

y/n smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek. “i won’t. not anymore.”

the next few weeks were filled with a quiet, steady happiness.

zayne wasn’t perfect. he still had his moments of doubt, of fear. but they were different now. every time he looked at her, it was like he saw her for the first time. he saw her—not just as his childhood friend, not just as the girl who had always been there, but as someone he wanted to build a future with.

and for y/n, it was everything she had ever hoped for.

they still had their routines—the dinner, the late-night talks, the quiet moments when their hands brushed—but now, there was an intimacy that had never been there before.

it wasn’t perfect, but they didn’t need it to be.

they had spent too long dancing around each other, too long pretending that the past didn’t shape their present.

but now, as they sat together on the balcony, zayne’s hand wrapped around hers, y/n knew one thing for certain.

she had waited for him.

And now that he was finally here, she wasn’t letting him go.

the days passed, and things between zayne and y/n began to settle into a routine that felt both new and comforting. there were no more misunderstandings, no more doubts. what they had was real now. it was fragile and beautiful, and every day they spent together was a new discovery.

zayne would come by her café more often, always asking if she needed help, though he knew full well he wasn’t needed. it was as if he couldn’t get enough of being around her, and for y/n, it was everything she had dreamed of.

 there was a moment when everything felt perfect. the soft glow of the café’s lights cast a warm embrace around them as they sat at one of the tables, coffee cups in hand. the laughter that once came so easily now felt more precious. they shared a quiet conversation, the kind that flowed effortlessly between old friends, but now with the tender undercurrent of something deeper.

 “i’m glad we’re doing this,” zayne murmured, his hand brushing against hers across the table.

 y/n smiled, her heart swelling at the simple affection in his voice. “me too.”

“do you ever regret waiting for me?” zayne asked suddenly, his eyes searching hers with a vulnerable intensity.

she blinked in surprise but didn’t hesitate. “no. not for a second.”

zayne looked down, his thumb running over the edge of his cup. there was still a hint of something unresolved in his expression, but she could tell it wasn’t doubt—more like a quiet acknowledgment of everything they had been through. they had both been patient. he had his insecurities, and she had her fears, but now they were here, together.

“do you know what it feels like to finally breathe?” zayne asked, his voice almost a whisper. “like i’ve been holding my breath for years, and now i can just… let go.”

y/n leaned forward, her heart beating faster. “i think i do,” she said softly. “i’ve been holding my breath too. for you.”

for a long moment, they just looked at each other, the weight of everything unspoken hanging in the air. and then, without another word, zayne stood up and held out his hand to her.

“come with me,” he said quietly. she hesitated for only a second before standing and taking his hand. together, they left the café, stepping into the cool night air. it was peaceful, the streets quiet, and the only sound was their footsteps on the pavement.

 zayne led her to a small park nearby, a place they used to go to when they were younger. the same old bench, the same towering trees—they were the same, but everything between them had changed.

zayne sat first, pulling her down beside him. the silence was different now, comfortable in a way it had never been before.

“i think i’ve always loved you,” zayne said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence. “even when i didn’t know it.”

y/n’s breath caught in her throat. the words she had always hoped to hear, the words that felt like they had been buried in the space between them for years, finally came spilling out of his lips. she turned to him, her heart racing.

 “i’ve loved you for so long,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “i’ve just been waiting for you to see me. to see us.”

 zayne smiled, his eyes softening as he reached out to gently cup her face. “i see you now. and i’m never going to let you go.”

 his kiss was slow, full of everything they had both been holding back for so long. it wasn’t hurried, but deliberate, like each moment mattered. each second felt like a promise. a promise that no matter what had happened before, no matter how long they had spent apart, they would make it work. together.

when they finally pulled away, both breathless and dazed, zayne’s forehead rested against hers. “you know, i’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”

y/n smiled softly, her hands finding his. “neither have i.”

for the first time, the future felt wide open. there were no more doubts, no more hesitations. they had each other, and that was all that mattered.

days turned into weeks, and still, nothing changed except for the depth of their connection. zayne was still zayne—reserved, careful with his words—but there was an openness now, a willingness to share the parts of himself he had once kept hidden. and y/n? she was no longer the girl who waited. she was the woman who had finally found the love she had always known was meant to be hers.

they spent their days laughing over coffee, talking about the future, building something new together. they were still figuring things out—still learning to navigate the new dynamics of their relationship—but it was different now. there were no more misunderstandings, no more wondering.

they were there, together, in a way they had never been before.

and for zayne, the realization came slowly, but when it hit, it hit hard. he had spent so many years doubting what he felt, questioning whether he could have her. but now, with her beside him, the weight of all those years faded. what mattered was the present—the life they would build from here and out.

for y/n, it was the same. the waiting, the longing, the wondering if he would ever notice her-it all melted away. now, there was no need for patience. no more doubts. what they had was real.

it was love, in its purest form.

and it was theirs to keep.

[dragongirlpoet]

Corrupt

Sylus x reader (not mc)

Synopsis: Feared, ruthless and agonisingly attractive, Sylus infuriates you like no other. Yet, you work for him. As you immerse yourself in a life of vice with the Onychinus leader, you soon uncover secrets darker than the shadows he wields. Perhaps, just perhaps, you got more than what you bargained for…

Themes: Enemies to lovers, angst, sexual tension, slow burn, violence I Words: 2.1k I Semi made-up lore/cultural facts

“Drinking on the job? Tsk, that’s the third infringement on company policy you’ve made tonight, kitten.”

He took a sip of his whisky — aged in sherry cask, distilled just right with spherical ice. It was how he liked it. I knew, because I was having the exact same drink — his choice of poison at every revel, every meeting, every reclusive night alone. 

Sylus threw me a derisive look, cherry eyes surveying me over the glisten of his glass. 

“Intentions become more blatant, after a drink or two. Or in your case, five.” I challenged the man who’s kept me hired for the past year.

I was grateful. My work at the Hunters Association had turned trite. Clockwork really, — detect Wanderers, eradicate them, aid the wounded. Righteous, lawful, and so…moral.

My heart had staged a mutiny long before my mind resolved for change. And so I left my woe of comfort and dived into the hellfires of felony. He had found me scavenging for Protocore fragments in the N109, attempting to make my mark with abysmal self-made weapons.

Trinkets — Sylus had called them. Indeed I was a stray cat vagrant in the dominion of vultures.

The leader of Onychinus circled me as I downed my glass, eyebrow cocked at my words. His handsome face gave nothing away — a classic Sylus signature. 

“Dance with me?” 

A loaded question. One with threat and agency lurking beneath.

I took his outstretched hand and let him whisk me into the centre of the dapper nightclub — exclusive, accessible only to the most premier, and despicable, of criminals. 

Sylus was one of them. 

With expert grace, he spun me into an embrace, one gloved hand intertwined with mine, the other at my waist. Our steps fell in harmony with each other at once, like missing chords finding solace in a melody. 

“So? What have you heard? You seemed thoroughly engaged with that halfwit over there…” his words trailed away as his gaze dipped to my silver dress. Being his right hand had me acquainted with his quirks — sometimes endearing, more so disturbing. 

The subtle smirk dissipated as soon as it came.

“They have ties with the Ever Group. Something about a nitrogen spectrum…a capsule…Kenshi and his men have been on the hunt for it for a whi…” 

“You look divine in this dress. I had it picked out just for you. Do you not like it?” his impertinence interrupting my mid-sentence. 

I huffed a breath. “It works similarly to a Protocore, quite li…”

“Damask rose, isn’t it? With a hint of honeysuckle…out of all my spies…” he lowered his head, “you’re my favourite scent.” A roguish smile accompanied the wanton glint he cast into my eyes. 

It had always been like this. Sylus would send me on missions, most times by his side. I was never granted the elucidations of tasks, only that I’d to “act as good bait…suss out whatever information you can…kill if you have to…”

I would probe, and he would reply with a curt, “Not safe. Just do as you’re told.” It was in those moments where I thought I’d witnessed fragility in his demeanour. He would catch on, and he would put on his mask of aloof and asshole, like right now.  

I rolled my eyes, vexation apparent on my features. Sylus seemed content that he got under my skin. Not giving me a chance to reply, he twirled me around, the warm velvet of his coat now a flaming singe against my bare back. So that’s why he chose this dress…

“Come on, don’t look so incensed. I heard you. You’re doing a fantastic job, kitten. Always giving me what I need.” The last word came out huskier than intended beside my ear. 

The club was cold. Sylus was conceited. It was a perfect match. As much as I abhorred his arrogance, I welcomed the warmth of his body to mine. 

I remembered defrosting at my fireplace after I’d been caught in a snowstorm. I had sat there for hours, letting the crackling heat appease my frozen limbs. It felt nice, comforting. And with Sylus’ arms now wrapped around me — he was my fireplace.

“I’m just trying to make this spy business enjoyable for us both. Even if you’re unhappy, at least act it. After all, you’re good at pretending, right?” 

There was an edge to his words.

“I saw how you brushed his hand… that spineless leech….unless you were thinking of fucking him tonight?” His hiss was loud enough for the crowd close to us to hear. They turned, throwing us looks of disdain and outrage. I doubted Sylus realised how hard his fingers were digging into my skin.

Cheeks flushed both from the whisky and his risky display of assertion, I shot him a warning glance. “You’re insane, Sylus.”

“So quit then. But do it later, not now, not while everyone’s watching. I don’t want an audience I didn’t ask for.” He was taunting me again, wholly unfazed by the almost furore.

How much did he drink tonight?

Maybe it was the alcohol, but I was in no mood to counter his transgressions. Instead, I snaked my arms back, cradling his neck, fingers threading through his silver head of hair. Sylus stiffened at my touch, likely taken aback by my insolence. 

Soulful, sensual beats reveberated through the club, patrons — descendants of the devil themselves, wives, mistresses — all caught up in the fervour of the music. Couples were fondling and kissing on the monochrome floor. And well, I didn’t find a reason why I shouldn’t join the hedonistic heist.

So into his body I pushed mine. Gripping my hips with his right, his left hand slipped down to my abdomen, tracing the lining of my underwear. As I let my head fall back into his chest, his own came lower to nudge my face, burying his nose in my temple. A flutter flushed in my core.

There was a sort of courtliness to the way Sylus moved, a kind of elegance you could find only in Kings and Queens. Yet the way he was guiding my hips to sway in rhythm to his held such lewdity. To the frolicking outlaws here, we looked very much the part of reigning besotted lovers — timeless, transcendent. 

Enthralled by the song and how Sylus was spooning me like I was his revered ruby, I ground myself indulgently against his leather pants. He grew hard at once, length prodding at my back. 

Our combined excitement was short-lived, though. The silver dress he gifted me caught in the buckle of his belt, hiking the silk up. My black panties were exposed in wondrous glory, earning hungry looks from the men around. 

The Onychinus kingpin tugged my dress down immediately, struggling slightly at the fabric fastened to his metal. His reflexes were swift as the time I aimed a loaded gun at him. 

A loaded gun, one that was now hoisted towards the crowd. He really was insane. 

“Look away, or I won’t hesitate to blow your brains out.” His decree thundered over the booming of the speakers.

Several men smirked, others pretended to ease back into their cavorting. Assault, drugs, murder — it was just another night here at the N109. Being threatened with a revolver? — A mere parlour trick. 

But perhaps that was what Sylus wanted to let on. “Never reveal your hand. Remain powerful by appearing meek.” That was the first lesson he had taught me. 

“Sylus…careful…you could’ve put us in jeopardy…” I cast a concerned glance his way, only to find him polishing his pistol with his coat, his face a nonchalant calm. 

His tone however, was one of annoyance, as if reprimanding a child. “I wasn’t fond of the little show you just put on.” 

I put on a show? He was the one who…I sucked in a breath to abstain from an outburst. He was getting on my last nerve. 

Pretending the best I could, I instead riposted, “Oh no, it’s not for them. I put these on just for you.” 

Two could play at that game. 

I watched the silver-haired devil pin me with his gaze, the dark of his pupils rising up to swallow me whole.  

“I ought to punish you for violating company rules. Seems you’re breaking many of them tonight.” 

“That’s why you hired me in the first place, isn’t it? I don’t play by the rules.”

There was a pause. The music seemed to fade out into a distant void, drowning the chatter along with it. Strobe lights danced around his face, illuminating the reds of his eyes. His right iris appeared to…glow?

A faint disorientation overcame me. In between blinking and regretting what I said, though, I thought I noticed Sylus inch closer — as if a subtle act of want. Only I had the privilege, or burden, to be sentient of his every complexity. 

I regarded his stare as they roved over my eyes, my lips, closing the space between us…

“I want to go home.” I muttered. 

Sylus straightened himself. If he was peeved, I couldn’t tell. 

—

The ride on his motorcycle was spent in silence, save for the roaring of his modified exhausts. I refused to hold him, choosing instead to grab onto the fairing of the tail. So was another night of ambiguous motives and aimless flirtations, one in which I had grown increasingly restless.

“Why is everyone looking for the spectrum?” I asked at a traffic stop.

Silence.

“How is it even related to a Protocore? What’s so danger…”

“You really should hold on to me. I can’t risk my best spy falling off…” once again disregarding my questions, crimson eyes glaring at me through his side mirror.

“What is wrong with you? It’s been a year! And yet you don’t trust me enough with details of your dealings?” I yelled over the muffle of my helmet, my own voice ringing in my ears. 

A low rumble sounded in the distance, quite like skyscrapers being blown apart by covert dynamites. The loud whirring of Sylus’ motorcycle remained, the combined knells throwing us into a pit of trepidation.

“Kitten.” 

I knew that tone. 

Drawing out my gun, I swung myself off the bike and fired. The Protocore-infused bullet buried itself in the recesses of a Wanderer, shredding its power source, erupting shards of alloy projectiles. Some of the pieces lodged themselves into other Wanderers, causing them to convulse violently, teetering on the brink of destruction.

Behind me, Sylus fended off several monsters, his Evol wrapping ominous tendrils around their form. In a mere furl of his hand, they disintegrated into dust, leaving clouds of ash in their wake. 

My weapon was formidable enough, having been altered with a Zenith Core — a deviant design forged by Sylus himself. “I made this just for you,” he had surprised me in my first month of training. “It’ll keep you safe. Though you’ll always be so long as I’m around.”

Another shot was fired, this time by Sylus, barrel of his gun aimed over my shoulder. The creature at my back let out a piercing snarl before it crumbled into pieces. Our eyes met at once, the animosity from earlier now a muted thrum.

Hostility, however, chose to emerge in a different form — more Wanderers. Hoards of them. I spotted Foulwings and Magma Knaves, both species not known to spawn here. 

I unsheathed my blade, but we were ringed in. Their screeches and grunts enveloped the night, like a fathomless blackhole draining all levity.

“There’s too many of them. We need to leave now.” 

In a swift grab of my arm, Sylus tugged me into a whirl of nothingness. Red and black sworls engulfed us, and the last thing I remembered was being thrust in such nauseating force that I blanked out. 

—

“Kitten. Kitten, wake up.” 

I’d have recognised that voice anywhere.

Sylus was staring at me, hints of distress plain in his electric eyes. I was propped up against his arms in the middle of an empty street. It looked familiar, but not quite. Dim streetlamps cast an unearthly glow to the pavements, their shadows prostrate like spindly entities on a night prowl. 

The buildings were far from towering ones in Linkon and the N109, carved instead, out of bricks and stone no more than five stories tall. Rickety signboards flickered on and off, as though a visual alarm to caution that we were not welcomed here.

“Sylus, where are we?”

A deep sense of rue loomed over his face.

“N109 Zone.”

“120 years in the past.”

[everywherenothere]

JESUS CHRIST I KNOW WE ALL FIND SYLUS HOT BUT CAN YOU PLEASE WRITE OTHER THINGS ASIDE FROM SMUT?!!!????

[falling-in-the-void-with-ronan]

HOW WE FEELING ABOUT THE SYLUS EVENT AND THE REVEAL/CONFIRMATION???

[sammys-blinking-and-thinking]

heartbreak

People say your first heartbreak is always the hardest.

for me, they each get worse

a constant cycle of getting attached and being abandoned

over

and over

and over

when will i start being lovable again?

when will things go the way i need them to for once

when will someone come along and finally fix what they didn’t break

[lunarystarry]

ZAYNE GIRLIESSS!!!!!

Go watch the first ep of Love Next Door rn!!!

I wasn't wrong about it being so zayne&mc coded show like imagine in a AU where zayne and mc grew up together, went to the same highschool together, etc, but just like in the current canon timeline they haven't seen each other in YEARS then they met again when they're adults.

I swear the ml and fl dynamics remind me so much of them 😭 just like zayne the ml I'm guessing fell for the fl first when they were kids 🤭

The ml is literally Zayne if astra doesn't exist and he doesn't lose control of his evol from time to time 🤗 the scene where the ml is receiving an award reminds me of that official chibi Zayne art where he's so awkward about it lol

And also I can see MC behaving like the fl idk why 💀 like MC is already chaotic as she is but crank that up to a 100

Unpopular opinion but the 2nd couple is definitely Dr Greyson & Tara coded (if you don't know the context, the world underneath I don't remember which one or the name but it is theorized that the hunter Dr Greyson is crushing on is Tara)

And here's just a lil something I put together 🫣

[yv0nn1e]

WE NEED A PART 2 to that backburner fic of rafayel

IT IS SOOO GOOD

not really a part 2 but i might think abt writing another part? 😈

[at-wicks-end]

anyone here who plays love and deepspace

[redhrs]

Sharp Edges, Part 2 - Sylus x Reader

synopsis— With 24 hours to steal his brooch, you’re trapped in a battle of wit and temptation. But Sylus isn’t just guarding the prize— he’s breaking your resolve, one touch at a time. inspired by Midnight Stealth.

word count— 2.9k~

warnings— 18+, smut, angst, slow burn, nsfw, drunk sex, hate sex, ennemies to lovers, rivalry, dom!sylus, making out, aphrodisiac wine, fem!reader, reader is confident, teasing, edging, dry humping, unprotected sex, thigh fucking, choking, sylus is needy asf, reader is horny and lowkey desperate, rough sex, porn with plot, voyeurism

minors don’t interact!

🎧 Coming Down - The Weeknd

Next thing you know, you're thrown onto his bed, your face pressing against the mattress with a force that knocks the air from your lungs. You try to sit up, but his Evol is restraining you, holding you in place, preventing you from moving as you want.

You give in, your body half-resting on your knees, half-laying down, your face turned toward him. The feeling of helplessness churns something inside you, and yet, you can't deny how much it turns you on. It frustrates you, but you can't tear your eyes away from him.

You catch glimpses of his still half-naked figure, your gaze traveling down his body, breath hitching at the sight of his growing bulge.

"What are you doing? Let me go"

You whisper, your voice barely audible, anticipation in it more than you care to admit.

Sylus doesn't answer right away. Instead, he moves closer, walking with slow, measured steps as he grabs the silky pants and shirt lying on the bed. He turns to you with a sly grin, his eyes never leaving yours.

"I should be the one asking you that"

He taunts,

"What are you doing in my room, this late at night? Want to tell me a bedtime story?"

A low, dark chuckle escapes him—devoid of amusement, laced with something far more dangerous.

Then, without a word, he turns away, the towel slipping from his waist in an unhurried, deliberate fall, baring every inch of him to the dim, flickering light.

You roll your eyes, but it’s a weak attempt at defiance. Your gaze betrays you, dragging over him, catching on every sharp line and glistening muscle.

"Don't pretend you don't know why I'm here"

You scoff, your voice steadier this time, but the rapid beat of your heart betrays you as the tension in the air thickens.

You shift, turning your body onto your side so you face him. Your wrists, tied behind your back, are starting to ache from the pressure of his Evol, but you don't care. You're lost in him, your entire focus on his figure as he moves, the grace of his every motion burning into your mind.

When he glances at you from over his shoulder, a sly smile spreading across his lips, something in your chest tightens. You know he's aware of the effect he has on you, and the way he looks at you, almost taunting, makes the heat between your legs grow stronger.

"Look at you"

He says, stepping toward you,

"All caught up in the spider's web. What are you gonna do now? Crawl around looking for the brooch?"

He's right in front of you now, his presence overwhelming, his scent invading you, intoxicating and all-consuming.

You whimper involuntarily as his finger trails up your leg, moving slowly, teasing, until it reaches the dagger, the one your dress no longer hides. He stops there for a moment, his eyes scanning you, and you can feel the weight of his gaze on your lower body. The way his eyes linger on the black lace of your thong makes your pulse spike, and you see the hunger flash in his eyes.

"What a cute knife"

He purrs, his voice low and taunting,

"Were you hoping to intimidate me with it?"

He uses the dagger to push your hair away from your face, the cold metal against your heated skin making you shiver, before tossing the blade aside onto the floor. Without a word, he settles on the bed, lying on his side as his fingers trace a slow path along your cheek.

His velvety voice drapes over you like silk, his fingers tracing slow, deliberate paths across your skin.

“You’re playing a dangerous game”

He murmurs, his gaze never leaving yours,

“I’m curious to see how far you can go.”

"So you lied. Making me believe I can find that damn brooch in twenty-four hours while you're just entertaining yourself watching me struggle."

You snap, your voice sharp as frustration bubbles over,

"I knew I couldn't trust you. But I didn't think you were a man of cheap words."

Sylus expression darkens, his brows furrowing as he grabs your jaw, his grip tight and possessive. His thumb glides over your lower lip, firm and slow.

"You should watch your mouth, kitten"

He says, voice cold and dominant.

“Don't say something you might regret."

You’re laying on your back now, knees raised, looking directly at him as he hovers over you, his finger playing with your lip. Your heart races as you feel your sense of self-respect and dignity slipping away.

Before you even realize it, you find yourself grazing your teeth over his thumb, biting down just lightly enough for him to feel it. The tension between you snaps in an instant, and Sylus almost loses control when he feels your tongue brush against his finger. His eyes darken, and you can feel the raw desire that flickers in him, just barely contained.

His hand slips to your throat, curling just enough to coax a soft moan from your lips. His breathing is uneven now, heavy with the weight of restraint, his hard cock aching under the tightness of his pants.

"Why are you so harsh on me?"

You whine, your lashes fluttering up at him, feigning innocence though every movement of your body betrays you.

“I know you love watching me struggle, but this time… can you just let it go? Please?”

He should push you away before he loses himself completely. But the way your part lips glisten, the way you squeeze your thighs together, trembling under him, your eyes clouded with lust like you need him just as much— He’s biting his lip so hard it could tear the skin apart.

Sylus exhales sharply, his grip on your throat loosening just enough for his fingers to drag along your skin before he pulls away. His entire body is wound too tight, his self-control fraying with every second you spend under his touch, looking at him like that.

He needs a drink.

His hand moves blindly to the side, fingers swirling around the wine bottle resting next to the bed. He brings it to his lips without a second thought, tilting it back as he takes a long, burning sip. A few drops escape, rolling down his jaw, his throat, trailing over his collarbone before disappearing into the hollow of his chest.

His tongue swipes over his bottom lip, eyes glinting as they settle back on you. The wine does nothing to cool the fire in his veins. If anything, it makes it worse.

And you—gods, you watch him like you want to taste the drops that slipped past his lips. Like you’d rather drink from him instead.

"You've got 10 minutes"

He finally speaks, his voice low and raspy.

"Find it. If you don't... well, I'll leave you to think about your failure."

The invisible force binding you vanishes in an instant, and the sudden freedom almost feels strange. You take a breath, sitting up slowly, rubbing at the faint marks on your wrists.

You stay still for a moment, as if grounding yourself, but your mind is already elsewhere. You glance at Sylus. He's leaning back against the headboard, the wine bottle now resting loosely in his grip. His lips are slightly parted, chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm, but his eyes— they watch you with sharp amusement, glistening with anticipation, waiting to see what you'll do next.

You could take the safe route, pretend like your body isn't still thrumming from everything that just happened. You could walk away, put some distance between you two before you lose yourself for real.

Or…

Your decision is made before you even fully process it.

You shift forward, swinging a leg over his lap until you're straddling him, your knees sinking into the mattress on either side of his hips. The change in position wipes the smirk right off his face. His amusement flickers into something darker, something heavier, and you can feel the tension coil between you like a live wire.

"Really?"

His voice, deep and husky from the wine, rakes over you—rough, consuming—making your whole body tingle, the low vibrations of his tone heading straight to your core.

“You want to play this game?”

His hands remain at his sides, though you can see the way his fingers flex, resisting the urge to touch you.

"What are you talking about ?"

You tilt your head, playing dumb.

One of your hands comes to rest on his chest, the heat of his skin seeping into your palm. You can feel his heartbeat beneath your fingertips, strong and steady, but there's a hitch in the rhythm as you drag your touch downward.

"If the brooch’s nowhere to be found,"

You whisper, letting your fingers skim lower,

"then it has to be on you."

You trace your finger along the wine stains on his skin, keeping your eyes locked on his.

Sylus swallows, his Adam's apple bobbing as his lips curve into a wicked grin.

"Oh, so you’re going to search me then?"

"That's the plan"

You say confidently.

He exhales a slow breath, his hands moving to your waist, settling there with a grip that's too firm.

"Well,"

He smirks, his tongue swiping across his lips,

"be my guest."

As your body presses against his, every part of you acutely aware of the heat radiating from him. Your fingers wander over his torso, each movements intense, teasing. You take your time- almost too much time, well aware of the way he watches you, unblinking, the hardness of his boner pressing into you as he pulls you even closer.

Sylus seizes your thighs, his fingers sinking in with a possessive, unyielding grip. The way he forces them more open, claiming the remaining space between you, leaves your mind dizzy and your pussy throbbing with anticipation and need.

"You think you'll find it this time ? Or are you just getting distracted by the view?”

You meet his gaze, a sly smile curving your lips as your fingers trace the waistband of his pants, continuing their exploration.

“I’ll find it”

You lean in, lips brushing over his ear,

“But aren’t you the one getting distracted here, Sylus? I can feel it, you know.”

With a subtle yet provocative shift of your hips, you grind into him, just enough to draw a low grunt from the man. His eyes flutter shut, the sharp spike of pleasure evident on his face as his breath catches in his throat.

Your smirk as you glance at the hardness of his throbbing cock underneath you. Your heart skips a beat when you look back up, the sight of his flushed face, head tilted back slightly, revealing the intensity of his desire. His eyes are nothing but deep, dark pools now, the red completely consumed by blown pupils, a raw hunger in them that you feel throughout your whole body.

“You look like a mess, Sylus.”

“Yeah?”

He laughs as if he’s savoring the moment, the corners of his lips curling into a dangerous smile,

“You really think you’re in control here, don’t you?”

You can’t suppress your moan as he press himself into you, a slow, intense thrust making soft whimpers escape from your mouth. You unconsciously lean in his touch, moving with him to feel the undeniable evidence of his arousal grinding against you.

Overwhelmed by the heat of the moment, you try to regain control, attempting to slow the intensity building between you. Your hands move feverishly across his body, touching every inch of him with urgency as time is running out.

“Where the fuck did you hide it?”

You pull on his hair, your voice sounding more indecent than desperate.

Hungry and determined to make you lose focus, Sylus tilts his head, planting heated, urgent kisses along your neck, each one deeper, harder, as his thrusts match the intensity. His grip on you is tighter, nails almost scratching the exposed part of your back.

“Mmh, I don’t know baby”

He grunts, one hand finding its way under your dress, playing with the fabric of your underwear. The sharp snap of the elastic makes you gasp, the sensation turning your head into a mix of pleasure and frustration. You tilt your head back as his lips move higher, nipping and sucking, dangerously close to your ear.

"Why don't you try lower?"

He suggests, his teeth grazing your lobe, the warmth of his breath mingling with the wetness of his lips.

“You— Fuck, I hate you so bad”

He chuckles as he suddenly let go of you.

“Your eyes and body seem to say otherwise though.”

Sylus leans back against the bedframe, watching you with that infuriating, knowing smirk, chest rising and falling in an unsteady pace. The loss of contact makes you ache, the need almost unbearable. He sees how you struggle to keep it together when you already look this wrecked, when he’s barely even touched you.

You decide to ignore him for your own sake, your fingers slipping lower, brushing along the fabric of his pants. When your hands graze the pocket that’s the closest to his throbbing member, you feel his muscles tense up beneath you, a sharp inhale escaping his lips.

"Careful"

He warns, his voice rough, nearly unrecognizable— wrecked with the same need and desire you feel burning inside of you.

"You might find more than what you're looking for."

You scoff, trying to keep your façade. You can’t loose focus now that you’re so close.

You go through the second pocket, palming him, then you feel it.

Your pulse hammers in your throat, but you don't let him get to you. Not now. You adjust, focusing, your fingers slipping where they need to be.

Just as you touch the edge of the brooch, his hand snaps around your wrist, yanking you closer, and suddenly you're pinned on top of him. The brooch is in your hand, but his own is wrapped around yours, trapping it against his chest, blocking you from opening it. His other arm wraps around your waist, keeping you right where he wants you.

"Got what you wanted?"

He taunts, voice dark and velvety, his breath warm against your lips.

Your frustration spikes, boiling over into something hot and reckless. You struggle against his grip, but it's useless—he's stronger, and worse, he's enjoying this. You glare down at him, chest heaving, every part of you burning with anger.

“Sylus, I swear if you don’t hand me that fucking—

“I’ll give it to you”,

He leans in, his lips ghosting over yours,

“But first, you’re going to take care of the mess you’ve made.”

You let out a laugh in disbelief. You are the one to blame now?

"Aah, I really do hate you"

The words leave your lips like a curse, but he just watches you, amused, infuriatingly patient. His gaze flickers—your eyes, your lips—slowly, like he’s waiting for you to snap.

And you do.

Your lips crash into his—raw, desperate, as you’ve lost the last shred of restraint. Your fingers twist into his hair, yanking him closer, and Sylus groans into your mouth, low and satisfied, like he knew this would happen, like he was just waiting for you to give in. His grip on your wrist loosens, the brooch slipping from your fingers long forgotten, as you go for his neck instead, pulling him closer, like you want to consume him whole.

He kisses back just as fiercely, teeth catching your bottom lip, hands roaming your body with a hunger that makes your head spin. And when you finally break for air, panting and dazed, you feel him smirking against your swollen lips.

You don’t wait long before the both of you are at it again, your hands snaking up to tangle in his hair, pressing yourself into him, deepening the kiss, moans and obscene sounds filling the room. You feel him give in—just a little—his arms sneaking around your waist to hold you against him, almost unable to think straight as you drive him to the edge of control.

“Despise me, huh?”

He purrs, his voice a dangerous mix of teasing and challenge as his thumb brushes across your bottom lip.

“I’d love to see what you’d do to me if you loved me.”

You take in two of his long fingers with your mouth, sucking them off with a slow, deliberate motion, your eyes never leaving his.

“Earn it, and maybe I’ll show you.”

do not copy, steal or translate my work! reblogs, likes and feedback highly appreciated!

[angelltheninth]

Love and Deepspace Men Pining For You

Pining: Zayne, Rafayel, Xavier, Sylus, Caleb x Fem!Reader

Tags: fluff, angst with a happy ending, love confession, jealousy, kissing, friends to lovers, pining

Ko-Fi | Rules | Fandoms and Characters | Commissions

A/N: Someone needs to take my phone away before I go crazy over these guys. Unless it already happened and I didn't notice.

Zayne is always surrounded by all kinds of attention from women but the only woman he wants the attention of is you. Because he's popular he gets that he might have to be more clear about his intentions with you. It's not just him teasing or being playful when he asks you to those lunch dates, it's not just him wanting to fluster you when he touches your cheek with his fingertips. That is him being completely serious about wanting to date you, wanting to be your boyfriend. You being his girlfriend would make him the happiest man in the world. And if he was your boyfriend he would make sure you never want for anything, he would do anything in his power to make you happy and keep you safe. Kisses would be includes, but they would be more of a bonus to the relationship, a welcome one.

Rafayel feels his whole body flushing when your hands touch. What started as a simple admiration for you has developed into so much more, it's not just about him wanting to be the main subject of his artwork, but the only woman he wants to be his lover. The courtship starts with him painting sceneries that he knows you like and then gifting them to you, they're on small canvases so you can take quite a few of them. Every time he notices you talking to some other guy he gets this adorable pout on his face that he hides by quickly turning on his heel and storming off. Often asks you for whet he should draw next, saying how much he values you and your opinion. He's confesses by saying he's always liked painting beautiful things and to him there's no one more beautiful than you.

Xavier thinks over every little thing you do together, carefully combing through your interactions to try and figure put if you like him too. It could be that he's just imagining things and his affections are one-sided. He would hate that of course but his primary goal is to make sure you're safe and happy. As he finds himself thinking more and more of you when he's away he gets scared. Scared that something bad might happen and you won't ever get to find out how he feels about you. Before he's set to leave again he envelopes you in a tight hug, telling you that he will come back for sure, because there's a woman he loves and he will get back to her one way or another. He doesn't kiss you as he leaves, that should be saved for when he comes back, and it is.

Sylus doesn't hold back once you catch his eyes, he saw you and it doesn't matter who saw you before him. He wants you for himself now, he wants to win you over and wants you to only look at him, to only think of him. Very flirty from the beginning and therefore a little hard to read at how genuine he's being with his advances. After a few nights spent together he can't stop thinking about you. Waking up to you is the best part of his day, as is falling asleep next to you. He wants to hold on to those feelings forever, wants to hold onto you forever. Every kiss from you makes his mind go wild in ways he never experianced before. He never expected to fall for you, or that you would return his feelings past the desires you felt for each other, but he did fall, deep and fast and hard, and he's taking you with him.

Caleb has been pining after you for years, before you went your separate ways. You were the only one who kept him going though all these years and now he finally has you back. He doesn't intent to let you go again, or to let any other man have you. The kisses he gives, the touches he makes, the words he speaks leave no room for doubt of his feelings but he also doesn't want to force these feelings onto you. Every day he tells you how much he loves you, hoping that one day he'll hear it back. When he does he honestly thinks he's still dreaming, that you aren't even there, that you were never real, that you can't love the man he is now. But you can, and you do, and just like him you never want to let him go again.

[naomihatake]

I find solace in your arms

⠀⠀⠀⠀➺ pairing: sylus x fem reader / love and deepspace

⠀⠀⠀⠀➺ tags: established relationship, hurt/comfort, angst & fluff, third person pov

⠀⠀⠀⠀➺ summary: Skyhaven brought new nightmares to the young hunter. When she came back to Linkon, the only person that came to mind was Sylus — a safe and stable presence in her tumultuous life.

⠀⠀⠀⠀➺ content warnings: allusions to abuse, suicidal thoughts due to overwhelming emotions (they don't follow the entire narrative), insecurities, they're both trying to heal each other

⠀⠀⠀⠀➺ word count: 1.9k

⠀⠀⠀⠀➺ theme song: “Runaway” by AURORA

⠀⠀⠀⠀➺ A/N: Sylus's vulnerable moment came out unexpectedly when I started writing this. However, I like how it turned out, because it makes me feel like there's balance in the way they try to comfort each other. To me, they're beautiful that way. In this narrative, she views Caleb like a brother/best friend.

Skyhaven has been an exhausting and scary place. Linkon had its own dangers, the N109 Zone was a shit show, but Skyhaven might've ruined her perception of danger. Just like pain tolerance, her sense of danger had changed in the span of a few months. 

Sylus — he was the only one she could think of when she arrived back in Linkon. It was all a blur, from the airport to the N109 Zone. What mattered was to see him, whose name she heard in Skyhaven. Hearing about Onychinus was a danger in itself; it meant someone was after Sylus. 

‘There's always someone after me, kitten,’ he'd say. 

He was anxiously tapping his fingers on his knee as he sat on the couch in his office. It wasn't hard to guess that he was equally distressed after being in no contact with her for a few weeks. 

She came back to her senses when she crashed in his arms, when she felt his gentle and warm embrace envelop her like a protective shield. She's missed him, Gods, how much she missed him. 

“I wish that whoever kidnaps me next time, they just kill me instead,” a sob broke from her lips. “I wish they wouldn't toy with me, I wish they wouldn't keep me alive for longer. Sylus, I'm so tired.” 

No matter how much she loved Caleb, his behavior had been unsettling. 

The dam had broken and before she knew it, she was shaking in the arms of her beloved. And like the devoted lover that he was, he held her tightly, despite the aching heart beating painfully in his chest. As if he knew, as if he could feel her heart shattering. Instead of pushing it away, he let it happen, he let himself hurt as well, with the hope that it'll steal away some of her pain. 

“Don't say that, darling,” he whispered softly against her ear, fingers tightening on her shoulder. “Don't.”

“But it's the truth,” she whimpered against his neck. “I can't. I'm too tired to keep myself together, it's too much. I wish you were my enemy so that I'd disintegrate into thin air. I wish—” but she couldn't continue any further, her cries intensifying. 

It was silent. Except for the small whimpers when she ran out of breath, except for the broken words, no other sound escaped her lips. With her fingers tightened into the collar of his maroon shirt, she bit at her own lip. 

It was a lot. It was too much, the pain, the despair, the hollow in her chest that's just been reopened for the hundredth time. 

For months, he's been her everything. He still was her everything, but a small piece of her soul had been broken and never put back together by that one person — Caleb had broken her for the second time. 

She hurt Sylus with her stupid words. The realization hit her when his hold onto her tightened. Just like that, her arms curled around his shoulders and she hugged him with firmness, despite the broken pieces of her heart that beat weakly between their chests. 

“I'm sorry for saying that,” she shook her head, closing her eyes as another tear ran down her face. “I shouldn't have. I know you only care about me. I promise I know, Sylus.”

His breath shuddered when she spoke his name like that, in that sad and mournful tone. Pressing his nose against her hair and swallowing her scent deep within his lungs, it was hard to hide his own despair. His very soulmate was breaking in his arms and he wasn't even sure how to mend her broken pieces back together. 

“It's not you talking,” he reassured her in such a gentle tone. “It's the grief and the pain. You don't have to explain yourself.”

“But I can't cause you suffering just because I'm in pain.” Another broken whimper. 

“And even if you do, I'll gladly accept it for as long as I can hold you for a little longer.”

If only she had hated everyone, it would've been easier to go through with her life. It would've been easier to handle it, it would've been easier if it wasn't for her beating heart and her stupid, pitiful soul. If it wasn't for the life living inside that body, it would've been easier. 

Sliding one of her hands down from his shoulder to his chest, she pressed her fingers against his body. Feeling that very same life beat under her touch ruined something within her as a shard was put back into its rightful place. Sylus was there and he was breathing, he was right next to her, holding her like no one else has. Caring for her in ways she's only dreamt of being cared for. 

“I'm one mind away from killing whoever has put you through this.” His solemn tone was filled with a promise. 

“I wish I had it within myself to let you do it. But I can't,” she shook her head. 

Her hair tickled the side of his neck and he let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through the strands. 

Love was, indeed, the most painful thing he's ever felt. It was painful for the way he had to watch his beloved cry in his arms when he could do nothing to help her, when he could do nothing to properly solve the situation. Never once in this life has he ever felt so helpless, all because of her. She had twisted his life, had knotted the threads and he couldn't undo it anymore. Truthfully speaking, he'd never wished to undo those knots, even if it hurt. 

Had she asked him to kill someone, he would've. Had she told him to ruin a city, he would've. Had she pleaded with him to burn the whole world to the ground, he would've. 

But she didn't and that was the hardest part of them all. Instead, she asked for a kindness that wasn't even alive, a kindness reserved to a few things. Stray cats and lonely children, mourning people and that hurt dove she's helped once. The mechanical crow and the twins. Her. 

Multiple times, she had tugged at his heart in a way he didn't even believe it was possible. Sometimes, holding himself back from torturing a man was a sign of kindness — in his life, in that business, mercy was the highest act of kindness. On a normal day, he wouldn't have cared, she wouldn't have cared either. But this time, she did. 

So Sylus was left helpless while his soulmate silently cried against his chest. 

“Don't let go,” she murmured softly, voice hoarse. 

“That's how little you think of me, sweetie?” his soft whisper brushed against her ear. 

Her only answer was the tightening grip onto his shirt. Another sigh escaped his lips. 

Raising her head, she cupped his face in between her palms with a tenderness that stole his breath. She looked at him with a love so gentle, and for a split second he saw that white haired woman with red eyes. In the reflection of her glassy eyes, he saw the reflection of a monstrous dragon that resembled a human far too much. 

Sylus didn't realize when he said her name in a reverent tone. It slipped so easily, despite the low number of times he's used it.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” he whispered. 

Instead of answering, she continued to admire the beautiful man that was holding her so dearly. Running her thumbs over his cheek bones, dipping a little into the dark circles under his eyes, she treated him the way one would treat glass. 

It tugged and clawed at his heart, ruining every piece of him and putting it back together. He recognized that stare from a life of long ago. His breath hitched. 

“I've never missed you as much as I did in the last weeks,” she cracked a small smile. 

Sylus removed one of his hands from her waist and placed it at the side of her neck, cupping the warm skin in his palm. Something flashed in her eyes — fear. 

All she could think of was that gloved hand (she once found comfort in) grip at her throat. 

His hand raised like he's been struck and his gaze mirrored hers. However, she pressed his hand back where it was. 

“It's not you,” she assured him. “I promise. It has nothing to do with you.” 

He was hyper aware of his own breathing, a little laboured and quick, heart beating faster. 

“Sylus.” It snapped him out of his head. His eyes were, once again, focused on her. “It's alright. I trust you.”

“I've also missed you, kitten,” he hummed instead, trying to avoid her gaze for a little while. 

I trust you. How long he's dreamt of hearing those words, how long he had hit that boxing sack with pure hatred for his own self. 

Usually, he would've teased her. “How much did you miss me, hm?”, “Really, kitten? Let me show you just how I missed you too”, “I feel honored to know you've thought of me, sweetie”. 

However, at that moment, teasing didn't seem like a good answer. Too shallow to fit. The loving words slipping from her mouth — from between those pretty, sweet lips — twisted another claymore straight through his chest. 

“Love.”

Their gazes locked together once more. Sylus was surprised to hear that pet name — it wasn't unusual, but it was rare enough to make his heart skip a beat or two, or more. As if she had heard his thoughts, she leaned in closer, their breaths mingling together. 

Peace had settled around them in a thick cloak. The planet stopped rolling and the hands of the clock stood still, its sound nowhere to be heard. 

She read right through him, could feel the avoidance in his gaze and gestures, the way there was something he tried so hard to hide — and he failed, because she knew better than that. Before her eyes didn't sit a fierce beast, but rather a kind man. 

They ached to kiss, to feel each other's lips, but there was something greater burning inside their hearts, something that swayed in the small space between them. Something that could only be seen and felt when they stayed so close, stripped of all walls and shields, as they were each other's protection. 

“Are you sure you won't let me destroy whoever brought you back to square one?” he arched his eyebrow. 

The answer was obvious, Sylus was just trying his luck once more. If she had decided to do something, nothing could change her mind. The sadness in her eyes reappeared. 

“I'm sorry, Sylus.”

Once more, she hid her face against his neck, arms curling around his waist. 

“There's no need to apologize, sweetie,” he hummed. “You should rest.”

“Will you chase away my nightmares?” She's been having plenty in the past weeks. 

“Always, kitten.”

Even if for her he couldn't be the ‘big, bad mafia boss’, he will act like it if he has to. His sole reason was to protect her from whoever threatened to destroy her peace. 

“I promise I'll chase away yours in return.” 

There was no moon in the night sky. Clouds had covered every surface of it. 

Outside the window, a dove with pretty white feathers tilted its head as it stared at them with curiosity. 

A/N: The dove, yes 🥰 I'm referring to the dove MC saved in Nightplumes, the one Sylus took care of. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can find it on YouTube or you can get the 5stars card in the wishing well, I think.

When he takes his hand away from her after she flinches, the reason why she tries to comfort him is because she knows there's still remnants of some insecurities. Sylus has gone at her pace the entire time and he is fully aware of how brutal he's been in the beginning, when they first met. However, each one of them has their own triggers, as you can see.

If you have any thoughts, you're free to leave a comment <333 Thank you for reading!

[peanutpinet]

BABE!!!! We absolutely need a second part to Little Things, we need to know how their relationship develops and see Sylus fall in lover with reader's soul. PLEASE BABE PLEASE!!!

Welcome to My World - Sylus x Fem Reader (Sequel to Little Things)

Request: Craving for a sequel to this w/ reader actually going back to her world and sylus just defying all odds shshshshs these kinds of fics are so interesting love em <3

A/N: Just a lil something for those who wanted to see what would Sylus be like if he were to actually come out of the screen and into our world (still having his evol but is not addressed). Also if anyone is a Kpop fan, I just want to say, do have a listen to Aespa’s Welcome to My World. It embodies this fic so much and am putting some of the lyrics into the story! I hope you guys enjoy!!

Disclaimer: I do not own the images nor the characters or you (the MC). All images were taken from Pinterest.

Also, if you haven't read Little Things, the "first part" of the story, do have a read. Will be link here. But you don't have to read it and can just read each of these fics seperately

Warnings: Fluff but mainly ANGST, Isekai Theme, Will be Going back and Forth between LADS universe and our universe, slow burn because Sylus is tryna find you :))

Funfact: I remembered the TV Show: Westworld and how the characters of the game gain conciousness when writing this fic

Songs to listen to: NCT Dream - Broken Melodies, Aespa - Welcome to My World, NCT Dream - Like We Just Met

N109 Zone - 01:48 AM

It was in the middle of the night. When all are asleep, people in the N109 zone, those in the shadows have only started to wake up and get on about their day, including Sylus. Slowly awakening from his slumber, Sylus saw the girl that was beside him, fast asleep. Her chest was rising and falling in a steady motion; indicating that she was in a deep sleep.

Smiling to himself, Sylus decided to scootch a bit closer and caressed the girl’s cheek. But as he did, the girl immediately grabbed his wrist tightly and jerked awake. “Who the fuck…w-where am I?!”

Hearing the girl’s words, Sylus knew. “You’re not her…”

Real World - 09:28 AM

You woke up with a pounding headache but slowly regained your consciousness, you noticed how the bed wasn’t as big nor was it as warm as when you were used to. Jerking up, you took in the room you were in. The bright white ceiling was the first thing you see, the smell of alcohol and blood was faint but you could smell it, and then you heard a beeping noise which made you turn and saw that your hand was hooked onto a monitor and an IV drip.

Whipping your head around, you search for your phone until you find it and immediately look at the date when you suddenly get a notification from both Instagram and Twitter mentioning the new update for Love and Deepspace.

“I’m back…” you sobbed yet your fingers glided across the screen of your phone, pressing the game that you swore you were in

As the game loads, you see the cutscenes of all of the characters and can’t help but feel emotionally overwhelmed whenever you see Sylus’ cutscenes.

Once the game loaded and you could hear that cafe jingle along with those familiar red eyes, you tried to see whether or not anything had changed in the game other than the new updates but when you clicked on his tall figure, the lines he said were nothing out of the ordinary. Even in the text message icon, you couldn’t text him like you did when you were in the game.

“Was it all just a dream?”

“Y-you’re awake!!” you heard someone talk and as your eyes looked at the doorframe, it was the nurse

You soon found out that you had been in a coma for a little over 2 weeks yet it felt like you were in the game for 2 months, maybe even more. Your best friends came to visit you every day and now that you’re awake, they were bombarding you with food, life updates, and all.

For once, you actually didn’t feel as lonely as you were when you appeared in the game.

Maybe it truly was all just a dream…

From a distance, a black crow was watching your interaction with your friends from a tree that was just outside of your window. After some time, the crow eventually fled and flew away from the tree.

N109 Zone - 04:18 AM

Sylus was beyond pissed. He took MC to where he took you in the beginning to get your evol and aether core checked but additionally, he wanted to know if you were truly not in the MC’s body. Sylus’ worker questioned as to why he brought MC again to check her evol and aether core, confusing the Onychinus’ leader.

Even when the two came home, the twins didn’t notice any difference from MC. What’s wrong with everyone? You’re not MC and it goes the other way as well. Why were the twins pestering MC who to Sylus, was not you.

“But boss, Miss Hunter and you have known each other for over 2 months now. What do you mean she’s not her?” Luke questioned, genuinely confused at his boss’ attitude

“She’s not. Have you forgotten who taught you both how to cook the simplest meal? The one that bought you those bulletproof vests?” Sylus demanded, something, anything about your sudden disappearance or at the very least, anyone other than him remembering your existence

“It’s Miss Hunter, though?” Kieran replied, making Sylus groan. “Just, leave me alone for the next few days” Sylus left the room and walked past MC who grabbed his wrist, making his brow arch in confusion.

Sighing, Sylus turned to see MC. “What is it that you want?”

“Where are you going? I went through all the trouble to get the N109 zone and I want answers regarding the aether core” MC demanded but Sylus just chuckled and used his evol to remove MC’s hand from his wrist

“You already have the aether core you’re looking for. Why don’t you go back and ask your doctor about that? I have other matters to attend to. Like why are you here instead of her” Sylus mentioned, walking away until MC talked to him

“You’re always mentioning her but you never mentioned her name. Who are you exactly talking about and what does it have to do with me?” MC questioned and this time, Sylus grabbed her by her neck and pinned her to the nearest wall

“Don’t tempt my patience. I only have so much left ever since your attitude shows up instead of something else I want. From here on out, I could care less about your little quest. You can even have that brooch you’re wearing to get in and out of the N109 zone without getting harmed. But I want you to leave. Go back to your doctor, that fish man of an artist, or fake hunter for all I care. When I come back to this place, I hope that you’re not here anymore. Or you’ll hurt even more” Sylus warned, releasing MC as he went who knows where.

Sylus went into his car, the car that you love to drive in. Though you were just a soul in MC’s body, he could immediately tell the two of you apart. What scent do you like, the small trinkets that you would buy to keep his things more organized, some small keychain plushies that he would put on his keys which is in contrast to his scary look.

You might just be a soul that just so happens to be in MC’s body, the body of a person he should’ve been interacting with, the one he should’ve been bound to. But why does his heart feel incomplete? Why does his soul long for your own.

Gripping onto the steering wheel, Sylus looked at the plushie you put in this car. It was a koala, one of your favourite plushies, because you told him that you looked like a koala when Sylus carried you around. “I swore to you that if this were to happen, I would find you. Regardless what happens, I will find a way to get back to you. Our stories’ unfinished, sweetie. Wait for me. I’ll do anything to get back to you”

Real World

It’s been several months since you woke up. You still played the game but not as often anymore. You got a job at your friend’s office as a secretary. It pays well, you and your friend are roommates, life has been going fairly well that you barely played the game that provided you comfort.

One day, however, there was a bouquet of red Carnations mixed with pink Camillas on your desk with a note attached to it. “I hope this gets to you. If this ever reaches you, it means that I’m another step closer to seeing you again. There’s this uneasy feeling I’ve been feeling since you were gone. I promise I won’t stop finding you”

Confused, you asked everyone, including the delivery man who delivered the flowers to you but no one knew where it came from. It didn’t even mention your name and only a description of you.

Brushing it off, you thought it must’ve been some kind of prank until several more flowers reached you. One after another, there were notes along with the flowers which all made your heart clench because whoever this person was, it seemed that either you left a very deep impression on them or this was some sort of stalker.

“Did the first one reach you? I’m getting closer”

“I hope that you’re eating well. Wait for me”

“It seems that you’ve forgotten about me once more. No matter, I’ll be sure to jog your memory once we meet again”

Another year has finally passed and the bouquet and notes kept on coming until you saw the flowers and notes that came in. Instead of the usual red Carnation or pink Camillas or even sometimes Forget me nots, this time it was a bouquet of black and red roses with a note of a familiar handwriting and scent.

“I’ve finally found you. You said that you were worried about me finding the real you but to me, you’re just as perfect as your soul. Your face, your body, it matches your soul perfectly. And even though you might’ve forgotten about me, I assure you that my love for you is still the same like we just met. Perhaps in the game, I would allow you to go live your life without me because it’s safer for you. But here, looking at you, I can feel myself coming alive once more. Whether you try to move on, I know that there’s a lingering feeling behind your pretty head thinking of the possibility. And you would be correct, sweetie. I’m fulfilling my promise to you. For there is no love greater than mine.

P.S: we should thank Mephisto for always managing to find you when I couldn’t

-Sylus”

You were in shock. Sure, there was a small voice, hidden behind all your to-dos, your schedules, your wants, likes, needs. A faint voice telling you of the possibility that perhaps Sylus was the one to send you all those flowers and notes but you were in your world, the real world. You would lock that faint voice and never think about it again. You were realistic. There was no way that a fictional 3D man would send you all of that.

And Mephisto? He’s a bird. A mechanical bird that is tied with Sylus. Everything seemed ridiculous. You couldn’t think straight for the rest of the day until your boss called you for a sudden meeting outside of the office and at a restaurant.

The restaurant was filled with high-class people, some were doing business with another while others were simply finding ways to spend their money. Suddenly, it reminded you of the time when you were in MC’s body and Sylus would take the two of you out to dinner.

Remembering Sylus, the flowers, and the note, you decided to excuse yourself to the restroom but in reality, you decided to log into the very game you downloaded to seek comfort. The nostalgia was coming back. They made a new update and introduced a new male character. Once your game loads, Sylus is still in the game and when you poke him, thinking that he’ll respond like how he would when a player hasn’t logged in for so long, he surprises you.

“You’re probably wondering why am I not responding to you in a way that you expect. Well, why don’t you check my messages on the message feature, sweetie?” Sylus mentioned and immediately, you went to open the message feature in the game and once again, you were shocked with what you read on the screen that you had to cover your mouth.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it, kitten? I’m sad that you’ve forgotten about me but I’m genuinely happy with how you’re living your life so far”

“But if I were to tell you that I want to be apart of your life here, would you accept me?”

You were given the chance to answer him, to reply to this sudden message but your boss had already called you back and unfortunately, you had to go back to the table and sit beside your boss.

As you were about to sit down, you heard that familiar soothing voice that always calms your nerves; especially when you’re in the N109 zone. “Is this your secretary that we’ve been waiting for?”

Immediately, you looked up and met with those soft bright red eyes behind small glasses. The white hair you’ve gone through with your fingers was styled like how you first met him. The figure sitting in front of you was wearing a soft grey sweater and black jeans.

And that smile, that smile that you’re so used to seeing everyday is now showing in front of you again. “Pleased to meet you, sweetheart. Shall we begin the meeting?”

Throughout the meeting, you tried your best to pay attention and jot down all the notes you needed. You struggled for a moment and even towards the end, you stutter your thank you and goodbyes until the white-hair man called you.

“Waiting for someone, sweetie?” you heard that damn voice as you could feel all hairs on your skin stand up

Turning around, you finally got a good look at him. All of his 190cm height was towering over your figure. Your actual real-life self and not the MC you created in the game.

On one side, you wanted to talk, to question him if all of this was just another one of those visions you used to have. On the other, you wanted to jump at the man in front of you. To cry in his arms as he holds you close. But nothing. You were frozen in your spot as this Sylus look-alike smirked at you and held his index out which suddenly a black crow rest on.

“Is, is that…” you managed to utter, making the man in front of you chuckle

“Mephisto. An actual crow this time” he said, extending his hand out so the black crow was within your reach

Extending your own index out, the black crow, Mephisto went onto your index and you instinctively stroke its head. “We never stop looking for you, you know”

You look up to see those eyes that once were filled with rage now filled with sadness. Sighing, you tried to remind yourself that this is the real world, not your game.

“I'm sorry, sir. You must've gotten the wrong person. I don't think we’ve met before this meeting today. Your bird must be very friendly to have gone on another person’s hand” you mentioned, intending to return the black crow, still not believing that the man and bird in front of you are who you think they are

But instead, the man in front of you turned and took something from his pocket. “Is that so? Well then either you don’t want to remember what we’ve been through or Mephisto might’ve gotten the wrong person. Then how about we reintroduce ourselves to one another?”

“I’m Sylus, this is Mephisto. We were from a faraway land called the N109 zone. For the past year, I've been building my multimillion security tech company” Sylus mentioned, extending his hand out, revealing the brooch that you once wore as a promise to Sylus to stay by him

Shocked to see the brooch, you stutter at your words but Sylus noticed this and gently took one of your hands which you didn’t deny. “I meant what I said and I’m keeping my promise. My only regret is I couldn’t come find you sooner”

“H-how? This has got to be a joke. You’re not real. You’re not actually here. I must be dreaming again. I’m going mad” you started to lose your mind but Sylus pulled you into a hug

“Tell me this isn’t real then. Tell me that you don’t see me. Tell me that you don’t feel this warmth we both have wanted for a long time. Tell me you don’t want this and I’ll gladly walk away from you so that you can continue to live your life as is but don’t expect me not to want to be a part of your life. Don’t think that even if I walk away today, I won’t try my best to still keep an eye on you” Sylus stated, whispering into your ear, kissing right below your ear

Taking in his calming leather scent, you slowly sob in Sylus’ chest as he strokes your head, calming you. “You’re such a stubborn crow” you finally hug Sylus, indirectly accepting him back into your life

“I know. But it’s worth it. I finally get back to you. Though I can’t offer you as much as I would when we were in the N109 zone, I do promise you that I will be here this time. I’m not letting you go that easily. So, you’re willing to let me back?” Sylus asked, making you chuckle

“Welcome to the real world, my world, Sylus” you said, getting on your tiptoe to give his cheek a kiss but instead, Sylus turned his head, held your neck and leaned for an actual kiss

A/N: Ngl, I was simping over my own writing of this. Where can we find an irl Sylus T^T

[kykyonthemoon]

Dream Of The Grassland

In the grassland full of breezes, you by chance become Sylus's bride-to-be. Yet you no longer remember anything that ever happened between the two of you and find yourself falling for him all over again.

── .✦ Sylus x Female Reader|MC

♡︎. Tags: R16, MDNI, suggestive themes, fake engagement, memory loss, light angst with a happy ending, a little hurt/comfort, fluff, pet name - kitten.

♡︎. Word count: 4k5

── .✦ Masterlist ♡ Request a fic - currently closed.

── .✦ Ky Ky’s notes: This story is based on his Grassland Romance card.

This is also my entry to Love and Deepspace - Wander In Wonder Fan Art Contest. I really appreciate all your support on my X <3

When you opened your eyes, you found yourself standing in the middle of a vast prairie. The green welcomed you, into the wind’s embrace. But the voice that just called your name from behind was not at all pleasant like the nature here.

You turned around. A completely unfamiliar face said to you:

"Let's go. Don't stand there anymore. It's late!”

You did not like her at all. 

Giving her a glance, you turned and spurred your horse forward, where the yurt roofs of the neighboring tribe created a brilliant red line on the horizon.

That was where your group of people were headed. That was where your betrothed was waiting.

Except that it was not truly your betrothed.

Tribes on this grassland often intermarry to strengthen harmony. And as the daughter of the chief of a small tribe, you were expected to marry the most powerful warrior in the neighboring region. The official wedding would be held in Tala, where every tribe on the grassland was gathering to attend the festival. 

The problem was, you were not the chief's daughter at all.

You did not remember who you were anymore. All previous memories were like a white mist engulfing you. You only remembered your name, since before being swallowed by the grassland, you had heard someone calling it so earnestly. You did not know where you came from. Narat, the girl who had just urged you to go faster, found you and brought you back to her tribe. As for you taking the place of the chief's daughter, that was another story.

The chief of the clan only had one daughter, and she already had a lover. Because he loved his daughter so much, he begged you to take her place. You had no history, no memories, no attachments. For you, life would be the same regardless of wherever you went. When you witnessed the young woman cry till she nearly collapsed because she wanted to be with her beloved, somehow you felt her pain as well.

But you did not want to marry someone you had never met. You only agreed with them since you had your own escape plan.

When your group arrived at the Kael tribe, the sky was a vibrant crimson. After a brief greeting ritual, you were escorted to a yurt and instructed to wait there alone. But you had no intention to follow their order. You hastily grabbed your luggage and sneaked away. Everyone was hurrying to another place to greet guests, so no one paid attention to you. You spotted your horse drinking from the trough and was able to take him away without causing any alarm.

But as you were ready to climb into the saddle, you heard multiple sets of distant horse hooves approaching. Afraid of being caught red-handed, you had to leave the horse there and hide behind the piles of straw. The men of the Kael tribe just led their horses into the stable, laughing and praising one of their warriors.

You had faintly heard the name Sylus. You were impressed by this name since you had heard Narat's group mention him, your betrothed. Aside from that, you felt an unusual feeling, as if you had some connection to that name. In any case, you had no plan to run into him, especially in the middle of a runaway.

You crept out from behind the mound of straw to investigate. The group of men began to depart. The last person leaving was the tallest, and he appeared to have heard you foot on a dry branch of wood nearby. He paused, his head turned to your hiding place.

You curled up, as if holding your breath. His slow, powerful footsteps grew closer and closer. That enormous dark shadow fell on you, and you gradually lifted your head.

Eyes as brilliant as two rubies stare at you. A look of astonishment crossed that person's face, but it was swiftly replaced by a joyous smile. 

"Were you here all this time, kitten?" 

He spoke up. You became a little bewildered and immediately stood up. In comparison to him, you suddenly felt quite small. You took a step back, and before you could say anything, he grabbed your wrist hard.

“Since I found you now, let us go home.” 

You attempted to get away from him, shouting: “Let me go! Do I even know you? I am... the bride of Kael's mightiest warrior - Sylus! If you dare to offend me…”

He released his grasp somewhat, but then drew you even closer to him. You lost equilibrium and leaned into his arms. He grinned and replied:

"Oh? Really? How convenient. I am Sylus.”

Having said that, he lifted you onto his shoulder and carried you back to his yurt like a bag of rice.

In the yurt, you confronted Sylus, the Kael warrior and your betrothed. You used your fist to start the conversation, but you immediately understood why that man was honored as Kael's strongest warrior. The only thing you could do was give him a few scratches on his face and body. He refused to fight back, instead constantly evading attacks until taking advantage of your weakness to pin you down on the bed with both hands bound and placed over your head.

"It's only been two weeks since we've last seen each other and you're already so aggressive?" Sylus said. His muscular body covered yours, obscuring the light in the yurt.

"I don't know you!" You yelled furiously. Danger was all you felt from this man, the one who compelled you to stay. “Let me go! I don't want to be here! I don't want to be with you!”

Disappointment was clearly visible on Sylus's face. He looked at you for a long time, as if his expectations were all in vain. When you felt his hand loosen somewhat, you took the opportunity to break away from him. Sylus grasped your waist fiercely and threw you back into the bed. But this time, you were able to seize the dagger he held at his side.

Red.

Drop by drop, each scarlet and burning drop seeped from Sylus's chest, where the tip of the dagger had just penetrated. Blood ran down your quivering palm and dripped across your pale face. Sylus's flaming pupils gazed down upon you. Pain. Disappointment. His lips opened slightly but no words came out. Instead, you stammered and said:

“I… I…”

Sylus removed your shaking hand from the hilt of the dagger. The corner of his mouth twisted slightly. A bitter smile. 

“I didn't expect you to do that, again…”

He gripped the dagger tightly and pulled it out. Blood splashed on your torso and the dagger was thrown to the ground.

Sylus had been looking for you for a long time.

He and you were not originally from this meadow. Both are from somewhere else. Another planet. And he was still seeking for you.

You sat on the bed, mindlessly dressed in spotless fresh apparel. You witnessed Sylus wipe blood from his exposed upper torso beneath the light. Your face turned crimson. You attempted to turn away, but your gaze remained fixed on the wound that was closing on his chest. Like a miracle.

"I won't die that easily." Sylus said. The towel in his hand was drenched with fresh blood. "I won't die without you remembering who I am."

Since encountering that gemstone, or the protocore fragment, you had lost all of your memories and been transported to the grassland. Sylus was also drawn here, with you. The person calling your name was him. The person searching for you everywhere was him. But the person who wounded him was you.

You felt a little guilty. Because Sylus's reaction when he met you again made you believe he had dreadful intentions for you. That made you fear and loathe him so much. Meanwhile, he had no idea that you had forgotten everything. He was quite miserable when he realized that you no longer remembered who he was.

"Sorry…" You murmured.

Sylus inhaled deeply. The wound you caused him was not life-threatening, but it was fairly torturous. He asked: 

"Now that you've heard my part of the story, what do you want to do next?"

You remained silent. There was a tint of confusion on your face. 

“Living a simple, free life in this grassland is not a bad idea.” Sylus said. “If you want, you can go anywhere. You can even leave the Kael tribe. But I'm determined to follow you no matter what. After all, you are my betrothed.”

"You do realize that I'm not your true betrothed, right?” You frowned. “Besides, don't you want to return to your real world?”

“Do you want to?”

A moment of silence passed between the two of you. You did not remember anything in that world to feel a single tint of nostalgia, but would choosing to stay here forever be the right thing?

“You don't have to answer right away.” Sylus saw your struggle. “I have a hunch that the gemstone in Tala is what we need to find. Perhaps if I manage to get it, your memories will return, and we'll be able to go back. Thus, you now have a better option than to traverse the grassland by yourself—which is to help me get the gem.”

You looked up at Sylus for a moment but still did not say a word. Everything he had told you was both strange and familiar at the same time. 

“There are still a few weeks left before the festival takes place. Perfect time for you to consider what you want to do next. Now, sleep."

Sylus said nothing more. He quietly spread a blanket on the ground, next to the bed where you were sitting, then lay down.

In your temporary role as Sylus's betrothed, you reside in the Kael tribe. Before their formal marriage ceremony, two engaged individuals might share a home freely. However, Sylus appeared more aloof following the evening of your initial encounter, during which you stabbed him in the chest. It appeared as though he was allowing you more time to truly recall your previous connection before traveling to the grassland. 

Every day, Sylus would practice fighting with other men in the tribe.  You went to herd sheep and embroider with Tarna, a new acquaintance you made in the tribe. She showed you how to sew a little pouch for the person you loved. In the grassland, every time a woman set her eyes on a man, they would give him a pouch as a token of her love. 

"A lot of girls have wanted to give their pouches to Sylus since he came here!" Tarna said. She had just demonstrated to you a sample of the pouch she intended to present to her lover in another tribe. 

"Is that so?" You made a random comment.

“But they dare not do so, because Sylus already has a betrothed—you! Actually, the strongest warrior in the Kael tribe was someone else. Sylus had taken that position from the moment he arrived. Upon hearing of your marriage, he became enraged and declared that he already had a lover. He intended to call off the wedding. But after you appeared, Sylus didn't mention it anymore."

Tarna's yurt's curtain billowed in the wind. Before your eyes, the black and crimson threads mingled together. You took them off while your heart was so confused still. Who else would be the girl Sylus was always looking for; the girl he claimed to be his lover? Even though he never mentioned it, was it conceivable that before coming here, the memory you had lost was the love story with him?

In the afternoon, you found Sylus at the stables. You said you wanted to ride with him, but the fact was that you wanted to get away from here for a while. While riding on horseback, you seemed to remember something. 

On a deserted highway, Sylus and you, on his motorbike. The wind remained as severe as it was here.

The two of you stopped by the stream to rest for a while. Drops of cold water slid down Sylus's face, neck, and chest. He wiped his face, noticed you were gazing at him, then grinned.

"Your hair is all messed up," he remarked. "Let me fix it."

You were silent and simply sat with your back to Sylus. He meticulously unraveled and brushed your wind-tangled hair. His rough hands were clumsy and at times hurt your scalp. You caught two reflections in the water. His eyes were always compassionate towards you. These past days, he was never far away for you. Even if you were unable to recall what had happened before, in the little time you had been together, you had most likely learnt to trust him, and even developed some complicated feelings for him. 

“Sylus…” You spoke up, then hesitated again. 

“What's wrong, kitten?”

You exhaled. You had intended to ask him some questions earlier but were unsure of where to begin. So you redirected it to something else.

"I wonder, how many girls have their hair braided by you?"

Sylus snorted. His facial expression became more relaxed. He replied:

“Do I look like someone who braids women's hair very well? But I can practice every day, if you allow me.”

Your cheeks heated. You hastily covered it with both hands, although in Sylus's position, he wouldn't have seen your blushing face. You added:

“Tarna said that many girls in the tribe wanted to give you their pouches.”

“They should know that I already have a betrothed. I will only accept her pouch.”

Sylus stared at your reflections in the water. You did the same, and suddenly, your gazes met. You hesitantly looked aside, yet lips unable to conceal a smile. Your hand wandered to find the pouch you had just finished embroidering, which was hanging by your side. You had no intention of giving it to Sylus so soon, though.

In the following days, Sylus frequently departed early and returned after the sun had completely set. He competed and practiced hard for the forthcoming festival. You were also used to living here. If you could not retrieve your memories, staying here as a girl of the grassland would not be a terrible choice. Especially when you had Sylus.

Evenings on the grassland were often the time when tribe members gathered together around a large campfire. You found Sylus sitting alone in a far corner, watching young men and women dancing to the music. You came closer and sat down next to him. 

“How is life in the grassland? Do you like it?” He asked.

You raised your head to look at the stars. “It feels free.” 

Sylus grinned quietly beside you. The two of you did not say anything for a long time. Then, you broke the silence:

“What was my life like before?”

“Let's see… You're a very busy Hunter. You don't have time to sit and look at the stars or hang out with the sheep like in here. You always go headfirst into danger, working until you're weary every day. You always try to do your duties well... But sometimes, you would be like any other normal girl, craving a walk in the park full of red leaves, or delicious roasted chestnuts."

Hearing it, you could immediately see the cozy scenario. You inquired again:

“So what about you, Sylus? Were you... also by my side like this?”

Sylus gazed at you for a minute. The smile on his face was melancholy.

“I was afraid this place would separate you and me. But now, it brings you closer to me than ever. I can see you every day. I can share a yurt with you. There's more. I can call you my betrothed.”

Sylus remarked the words “my betrothed" in the language of the Kael tribe, halting briefly to examine your expression. Your face went crimson in the light of the fire. You turned fast away. 

“If you ask me, at this moment, I will tell you that I don't want to return to that world anymore," said Sylus.

Because in that place, you and Sylus fought against each other. In that place, Sylus and you could not have such simple moments like these.

“But I…” You responded reluctantly. “I want to go back… I want to reclaim my lost memories… It's not fair that you're the only one who remembers everything that happened between us…”

You slowly turned towards Sylus. When you looked into his deep eyes, you knew just what to do.

“I want to remember Sylus and how special he is to me. I want to reciprocate what you have done for me with full memories of us, not with just patched stories.”

You believed that throughout your time in this grassland, a bond that was hard to put into words had formed between Sylus and you. You wanted to get to know him in a formal way; the Sylus in the grassland, the Sylus in N109 Zone, each and every of Sylus's identities.

It seemed that he was also considering the possibilities that could happen between the two of you. 

“Understood.” He replied briefly. “I shall win that gem. For you.”

You grinned and grabbed Sylus's hand to join the couples dancing blissfully together. Under the moon and stars, beside the fire and in the laughter of everyone, Sylus and you were like a genuine couple.

Sylus had become accustomed to sleeping on the floor since you arrived. As it was extremely cold at night, you might sometimes find him curled up in a corner. At this rate, he would undoubtedly become ill before reaching Tala. So you suggested:

“Sylus. Come here.” 

He widened his eyes as he watched you retreat deeper into the corner of the bed, leaving an empty spot for him.

"Unless you prefer to lie on the ground, of course." You shrugged, pretending to act like you did not care too much. 

Sylus's massive body quickly sank into the bed. He twisted his lips and responded, "And there I thought you would never ask."

You cracked a smile and cuddled yourself into the covers. That was your first time lying so close to Sylus. The warmth emanating from him offered you comfort and safety. He carried the aroma of grass, wind, and sunshine. You unintentionally drew closer to him. Your fingertips brushed his chest, where you had once stabbed him. That place was completely healed without a scar.

“I remember you said… ‘one more time’… Have I done the same thing before?” You lifted your eyes to gaze at Sylus. “Have I hurt you before?”

Sylus's half-closed eyes gradually opened wide. He looked at you. His breath warmed your cheeks. 

“You shot me. In the same spot.”

The fingers placed on Sylus's chest curled up. He grabbed them before you could withdraw your hand. He continued:

“If we go back there, there's a good chance you'll do the same thing and point your weapon against me. Do you truly want that to happen?”

"I…"

For a moment, the only sound was the wind flowing around the yurt. Sylus said:

“I really like the people in this grassland. They are always honest with each other. Love. Hatred. It would be great if we could be as straightforward as them.”

You closed your eyes tightly, then slowly opened them. You replied:

“Well then, from now on, let's be honest with each other.” 

“Huh? Do you have something to tell me?”

Sylus's eyes met yours, and that half-smile of his felt so much like a tease. You hesitated for a moment then decided to follow your heart:

“I… like having you by my side. Like these days. Even if we are no longer here and must face each other in the real world, I will still be me. You are still Sylus. The time spent here will not vanish, right? I guess I would still like to be close to you. Like this moment…”

You paused and gazed up at him for a long time. You could not recall the past, and the future was unknown. But you knew in that very moment, what you wanted was Sylus. That was all.

You slowly turned around and leaned against his dominant chest. You could hear your heart, Sylus's heart. They were beating at the same rhythm.

You started kissing him. And Sylus responded by dragging your entire body on top of him. Your kisses landed on his face, neck, and chest, particularly where you once injured him. Sylus's physique was sensitive to your every touch, yet he calmly observed what you desired to do to him, wearing his so distinctive alluring half-smile.

The endless night in the grassland suddenly became cold no longer.

All of the tribes came to Tala for the celebration, which was filled with excitement. After several skirmishes amongst the warriors, Sylus emerged victorious, as predicted. Amid the cheers of congratulations from the tribes, you rushed to his side and were lifted into his arms. 

“Are you running to me so quickly in fear that another girl will give me her pouch?” Sylus taunted you by making your cheeks sparkle in the sunset.

“What are you dreaming about? I'm just glad that… we won the gem!”

Sylus carried you with one arm, the other hand at some point reached into your garment and took out the pouch embroidered with the image of a crow that you had made for him. He held it up high where everyone could see it and said to you:

“So this pouch isn't yours?”

“How did you?… Give it back to me!” You tried to reach for the pouch, only to lose your balance and leaned entirely on Sylus. 

“Why do you want it back? To give it to someone else?”

You blushed. The pouch was originally made for Sylus. Only him. But it was your intention to give it to him later, when you were certain of how you should name the feelings you had for him. Yet he found the pouch so quickly. He held it tightly in his palm and said:

“Whoever takes it, keeps it. It's mine now. Don't even dream of giving it to anyone else."

Sylus carried you in his arm to receive the prize. Your cheeks became scarlet, and you failed to say anything more the entire time. Following that, the largest festival on the grasslands took place. Sylus brought you to a secluded spot, holding the prize in his palm.

The sparkling ruby ​​radiated charm as if calling your name, and you knew it was time for you to return. Yet you were still attached to this place. Somewhere inside you, you were trying to cling to every blade of grass, every wind here. Were you ready to leave this free life, leave Sylus?

Sylus's soft fingers delicately brushed your cheek. He gently caressed your face. 

“Are you ready, kitten?” 

You met his eyes. 

“I still have one more thing to do before we go back…”

“What is it?”

You stood on tiptoe, one hand tugging Sylus's neck down close. You sealed his lips with a kiss. So deep. Time seemed to stop. The stars halted revolving. You just broke away from him to catch your breath before erasing the silver thread that existed between the two of you with another kiss that was a little more eager.

Your other hand rested on the ruby he was holding. Your fingers and Sylus's were interlaced with the gem in the center. You started to resonate with it. The gem heated up and gleamed. Soon, Sylus's warmth slowly left you.

When you opened your eyes, you found yourself standing in Sylus's armory in N109 Zone. 

A tear rolled down your cheek. The memories that the protocore fragment had stolen from you were all restored. You searched around.

“Sylus?”

He was not there. Where had he gone? Did he let go of your hand? Was he still in the grassland, living a free life with no attachment? Without you? That thought clenched your heart. Yet you felt the protocore fragment was very close. You followed its energy source to the exit.

Standing by the entrance was Sylus. The red gem was in his palm. Almost immediately, you ran to his side. Without waiting for any words to be spoken, you flung yourself into Sylus, arms tightly wrapped around his neck and legs around his waist. He was taken aback, but then began spinning around with you in his arms. The cold armory suddenly became so cozy.

You did not dare to believe that that dream of the grassland was a real thing, until you buried your face in Sylus's neck and inhaled the scent of grass, wind and sunshine. He whispered into your ear:

“Good to see you again, kitten.”

“It's good to see you again, Sylus…” You whispered, before squeezing him again. 

After that, Sylus put you down. His palm opened and the ruby was revealed:

“Here you go. Spare me the trouble and don’t casually resonate with it anymore.”

You held it tightly in your hand. The vast grassland and the days with Sylus were just like a dream. Time in this world remained constant. Yet your heart had changed.

You looked up at him and said:

“Sylus… What would happen after we leave the grassland?…”

“Perhaps people of the tribes would spread the story about the Kael warrior and his betrothed. They would say that the couple used the ruby to travel to another place, and lived happily ever after.”

You were amazed that Sylus could come up with such an answer. Nevertheless, it brought you contentment. You prompted another question:

“Say… What if we don't meet up because of my missions, or because we need something from each other? Basically, we can meet up just because…”

“We want to see each other?”

Surprise after surprise, you stared at him for a moment. Then you nodded. Sylus grinned. He took out a pouch with a crow embroidered clumsily on it.

“Since I have your most prized possession, I should return the favor, right?” Sylus replied. “We did agree to be honest with each other back in the grassland. It's my turn now.”

His massive hand reached out in front of you. He said:

“Red autumn leaves and roasted chestnuts. I can already imagine a walk in the park on a beautiful day like this. What do you think, kitten?"

You smiled and sheepishly held his hand. At that moment, a bright crimson glow surrounded your and his wrists. Sylus scowled as he noticed the Evol Linkage between the two of you again at this point.

“Hmmm. Should we postpone our outing?”

You shook your head. Your fingers were intertwined with his even tighter.

“Actually I know a place that offers a buy-one-get-one free deal!”

Sylus smiled. “Let's go then.”

Without waiting for him to ask for more, you drew him forward. You were once worried about your connection with him being exposed, and you never dared to admit how much you desired to be with him. Yet, at that moment, you were ready to tell the world the story of you and Sylus.