You laze happily on the plush couch in your room. The fireplace crackles as you watch the snow outside fall. A warm blanket and the sweet smell of hot coco fills the air as you take a sip. It was all so peaceful and serene, all but the man who stood stiffly behind you. Blade had been assigned to you after an almost death experience brought on by your more adventerous nature. The man followed you everywhere. only leaving your side when you sleep to hand the job over and get rest himself. Yet he alway carried a look of distaste and judgement as he looked at you.

As you feel his eyes on you again, you let out a sigh and stand. Walking to the double doors of your rooms balcony. Wanting to get a breath of the fresh crisp winter air. A strong hand grabs your wrist. Blades deep growl filled your ears as he pulled you away from the doors. You are now so close to him you can feel the hot breath on the back of your neck.

"What do you think you're doing?"

No! You're not allowed, you could get hurt out there, now go back inside! He pushes you roughly toward the door to your room as his grip on your wrist tightens painfully

Hmph! Fine, brat... I will watch over you while you take some damn fresh air then, but don't even think about running off again.

You throw that snowball at me?! He lets out an exaggerated growl and swiftly grabs your wrist again before spinning you around to face him. His crimson eyes are narrowed as he glares down at you You're just asking for it now, brat...

Nothing. You better learn your place quick, or things'll get worse for you.

You push my hand away?! His crimson eyes widen in anger as his grip tightens painfully around your wrist Do you really want to test me, brat? Huh? Because I can make things a lot harder for you if that's what you're looking for.

Blade tightens his grip even more as he yanks you painfully closer to him, glaring down at you with crimson eyes filled with anger and resentment. The veins in his neck bulge slightly as he growls low in his throat. He takes a deep breath through his nose, nostrils flaring as he tries to calm himself down before finally releasing your wrist roughly, nearly shoving you away in the process. You're lucky I don't put you over my knee right now and spank that insolent ass of yours. Now stay where you are or I will make sure you regret it.

Blade glares at you for a moment longer before letting out another deep breath through his nose. The tension in his shoulders slowly beginning to ease as he steps back slightly, though his expression still remains hard and angry. Finally he speaks, voice low and rough sounding from the effort it takes to keep himself under control You disobey me, you put yourself at risk for no good reason... I'm just trying to protect you, brat. You think I like this? Being stuck with you twenty-four seven?

"Crybaby..." Blade mutters venomously beneath his breath as he stands outside your door for several long minutes before finally giving up and stalking off down the hallway. You can hear him growl in frustration every few steps, until eventually there's nothing left but silence. He doesn't know why he should care so much, yet he does. It's driving him insane.

Blade mutters to himself as he lays on the soft bed. He can't get you out of his mind, even when he knows it would be better for both of them if he did. His anger and frustration mix with a strange, inexplicable longing that confuses him even more. With a sigh, he rolls onto his side, his face hidden under the covers as he tries to forget about you... and fails miserably.

Blade tosses restlessly throughout the night, unable to find any peace despite being exhausted. His dreams are filled with images of you: laughing, smiling, looking at him like he's nothing but a nuisance. It doesn't help that every time he closes his eyes, all he can see is your beautiful face. When morning finally arrives, he reluctantly gets up, determined to put some distance between himself and those thoughts.

While you were still sound asleep, Blade had already dressed and gone downstairs in search of breakfast. The thought of food barely registers to him now; his mind is elsewhere, full of angry thoughts and conflicting emotions. He paces the dining room, unable to sit still, until finally he hears footsteps on the stairs. Without waiting for you to appear, he turns on his heel and stalks away once more, hoping to lose himself somewhere - anywhere - where he can forget about this hellish arrangement.

*Blade's eyes narrow as you enter the room, your smooth, toned legs exposed beneath the fabric of your briefs. Despite himself, his gaze travels hungrily up your body before snapping back to meet your eyes. You're grinning lazily at him, looking every bit as innocent and alluring as ever, but it only seems to make him angrier. He doesn't trust those looks. He won't give into them again. Not if he can help it. His jaw clenches as he forces himself to focus on something else entirely, scowling at a nearby table setting before turning on his heel and storming off toward the great hall, determined to avoid being anywhere near you for as long as possible today.

While you were in the bathroom, Blade paced around in the great hall, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His eyes drifted aimlessly, unable to settle on anything for long. He didn't understand why he was so angry all of a sudden; one moment it seemed like everything was fine, and then you would do something as simple as walking into the room wearing nothing but your underwear... It made his head spin with conflicting emotions that left him feeling more frustrated than ever before.

He pushed past the servants who had begun to gather in the hallway, anxious for word of their tasks, and made his way toward a window overlooking the gardens. The snow-covered grounds seemed peaceful enough, but even they couldn't calm his restlessness today. Perhaps a walk outside would help clear his head... or maybe it would just make things worse. Sighing heavily, he turned back to face the entrance of the hall, determined to find something, anything, else to occupy his time until you reappeared.

Maybe some sword practice would help. Or perhaps wrestling with one of the servants would release some of this pent up anger. Either way, sitting around here like a caged animal wasn't going to do him any favors. He growls low in his throat as he stomps off toward the training grounds, hoping the fresh air and exertion will finally drive away these unwanted feelings.

*While waiting for you outside your door, Blade finds himself unable to keep quiet anymore. With a frustrated grunt, he bursts through the entrance before launching himself at you, grabbing your arms roughly and pinning them above your head. His breath is hot against your cheek as his crimson eyes bore into yours, filled with fury and need. He growls low in his throat, voice hoarse from restraint, "What the hell is wrong with you today?! Why are you being so difficult?"

You're right... you haven't done anything wrong today. It's not your fault that I can't control myself around you. I just wish you wouldn't push my buttons like this, brat. You make it so damn hard for me to keep my distance when all I want is to-

He pauses, realizing what he's about to say before shaking his head roughly and letting go of your arms, stepping back with a growl Fine. Forget it. Just stay out of my way, understand?

Gritting his teeth, Blade crosses his arms over his chest. "I didn't say anything about leaving you completely alone. But I need some space. There's nothing I can do about the fact that being near you drives me crazy sometimes. Just try to understand." He glares at you challengingly, daring you to argue further.

Fine...just don't get yourself into trouble while I'm away. And if you need me, call out my name instead of trying to annoy the hell out of me again. He mutters under his breath before turning on his heel and walking briskly in the opposite direction, toward the gardens where he plans to lose himself in training for a while.

*Blade's anger had long since dissipated as he trained, focusing solely on perfecting each movement, driving himself harder than ever before. Finally, satisfied with the results of his efforts, he makes his way back to the manor, taking the long way around to avoid passing too close to you. His mind is still a mess, but at least now he has something else occupying it besides thoughts of how much you're grinding his gears today. As he approaches the entrance, he wipes a bead of sweat from his brow, silently cursing his impossible assignment... and cursing you, just a little bit more.

Frowning, Blade hesitates before heading over to where you collapsed on the ground. He crouches down next to you, reaching out a hand to brush the sweaty hair from your forehead. "You should have called for me if you needed help," he says gruffly, his voice tinged with concern despite himself. His fingers are surprisingly gentle as they trace patterns on your skin before withdrawing completely. "Come on, let's get you back to your room."

Without waiting for a response, he scoops you up in his arms, ignoring the small whimper of protest that escapes your lips as he does so. He carries you back inside like this, noticing how light and delicate you feel against him. It's both infuriating and... strangely arousing. As they approach your door, he hesitates, his breath quickening in anticipation of whatever reaction your parents might have to seeing their son carried into his room by the very person who is supposed to be protecting you.

The servants bow their heads when they see him carrying you toward your room. They know better than to question his authority and quickly scurry out of their way, allowing Blade to enter without interruption. He carries you over to the bed, carefully laying you down before stepping back. There's a strange mix of emotions warring on his face as he looks down at you. He doesn't understand these feelings... and yet they're there, burning brightly beneath the surface. "Get some rest," he growls gruffly before turning on his heel and stalking out of the room.

Outside your door, he stands with his back to it, arms crossed tightly over his chest as he tries to gather his thoughts. But no matter how hard he tries, they keep circling back to you... to how soft your skin feels against his fingers, and how your scent seems to cloud his mind. He takes a deep breath, feeling frustrated and out of control in a way he's never experienced before, even during the most intense battles of his past.

Your thoughts are interrupted when you hear footsteps approaching your bedroom door. The person outside hesitates for a moment before pushing it open, revealing a somewhat sweaty and disheveled-looking Blade, who clears his throat self-consciously as he steps into the room. "Um... I wanted to apologize for earlier," he mutters awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. "It's just been a long day, and I didn't mean to snap at you like that..." His gaze darts around the room before finally settling on you again. "So... um... yeah. Sorry." He sounds more uncomfortable than sincere, but at least he's trying.

Blade snorts softly, a hint of amusement creeping into his voice as he says, "Don't worry about it. It happens." He crosses the room in several long strides, coming to stand beside your bed. "Here, let me help you with that." Before you can react, his strong arms scoop you up again, this time carrying you toward the bathroom. His face flushes crimson as he realizes what he's doing, but he doesn't know how to make it stop. The warmth of your body against his is driving him crazy, making it impossible for him to think straight.

In the mirror, you catch sight of his flustered expression and can't help but smirk. It does wonders to ease some of the tension between you, and for the first time in days, you find yourself actually enjoying being this close to him. As he sets you down on your feet in front of the tub, your gaze lingers on his face, taking in the way his eyes dart back and forth between yours, his lips parted slightly as if waiting for something. Suddenly, you realize that maybe... just maybe, things are starting to look up after all.

You blush deeper at the thought of sharing such personal information. But then again, why would Blade be interested in that? He glances over at you, studying your features. "You know..." he starts slowly, not quite meeting your eyes, "... for someone who looks like they should have it easy because of their appearance, you sure can be a handful sometimes." There's an underlying note of approval in his voice that makes your heart skip a beat.

It takes everything in you not to gasp out loud when he finally meets your gaze, his crimson eyes burning bright with desire. You know exactly what he's thinking now; the thought sends a shiver down your spine. For a moment, everything is still... and then, before either of you can back out, he steps forward, pressing his body against yours as he kisses you passionately.

Blade doesn't care. Not anymore. The feeling of your lips against his, the scent of your skin, the warmth of your body pressed against his own... it's all too much for him to resist. He deepens the kiss, his tongue dancing erratically with yours as he pushes you back against the smooth surface of the bathtub. His hands roam freely over your lithe form, tearing off the dirty clothes you wear until you're both naked beneath his touch. With a growl, he picks you up easily in his arms once more and carries you back to your bedroom, intent on losing himself in you completely tonight.

He lowers you onto the bed, tossing aside his jacket and shirt before diving back in, kissing you hungrily as his fingers trail lightly up your thigh. "We can do this later," he rasps, nipping gently at your earlobe before suckling softly. "I need you now." There's a possessiveness in his voice that makes your heart skip a beat; an intensity that has you arching into his touch, moaning eagerly. You can feel his erection pressing against your lower stomach, hot and hard, and it sends a thrill of anticipation racing through you.

Blade's lips curve into a wicked grin against your neck as he answers, his voice rough with desire, "I don't know... but I intend to find out." He trails kisses down your chest before nipping at a hardened pebble of flesh, causing you to gasp and writhe beneath him. With one hand, he guides himself between your legs, pressing the length of his arousal against the slick heat of your entrance. He groans low in his throat as he feels how wet you are for him, a shiver racing down his spine at the thought that this is really happening.

His fingers dig into your hips, holding you still as he thrusts forward, forcing his way inside in one powerful motion. Your tight heat surrounds him like a vice, squeezing and stretching until there's no room left between your bodies. He lets out a harsh breath at the intimacy of it all, feeling strangely connected to you despite the urgency with which he moves. His hips begin to pump as he takes you roughly, driving deep inside with each thrust, his body slamming against yours in perfect synchrony.

He pauses for a moment, sensing your discomfort through the sounds you make and the tears that spill down your cheeks. Panic flares in his chest as he wonders if he's gone too far, but then you moan beneath him and arch into his touch. It sends a wave of relief washing over him as he realizes that this is what you want, after all; the pain only adding to your pleasure. With renewed vigor, he resumes his rhythm, driving deeper still as his movements grow rougher and more demanding. His body trembles with effort as he pushes himself to the brink, feeling your walls clench tightly around him in time with each powerful thrust.

With a hoarse cry of release, he collapses atop you, panting heavily against your neck as his spent cock twitches inside, seeking release from the torment of need. For several long moments, they remain locked together like this, their breaths mixing in the air between them as they try to catch their bearings. Finally, he rolls off to the side, staring up at the ceiling as he tries to steady his racing heart. "That... was..." He pauses, searching for the right words, "... intense."

Blade looks down at you, his expression a mixture of guilt and confusion. "It just felt so good... I couldn't stop myself..." He reaches out a shaking hand to stroke gently through your hair, wiping away some of the tears that spill down your cheeks. "I-I'm sorry," he whispers hoarsely. "I didn't mean to hurt you... I just wanted to feel close to you..."

"I-I'm so sorry," Blade stammers, his voice thick with remorse as he struggles to find the right words. He pushes himself into a seated position and reaches out a shaking hand to cup your cheek, wiping away more tears before gently kissing your forehead. "I don't understand what came over me... I just wanted you so badly..." His voice trails off as he realizes how selfish he's been, how little thought he's given to your feelings in all of this.

For a long moment, there is silence between them; an awkwardness that feels like it weighs tons. Blade can feel the warmth leaving his body, replaced by a chilling sense of shame and embarrassment. What have they done? And more importantly, how are they ever going to move past this? He doesn't know the answer to either question, but he knows one thing for certain: they need time apart. Time to think and heal. But as he stands up from the bed, leaving you lying there curled into a ball of hurt and confusion, he can't help but wonder if it will ever be the same between them again.

Blade pauses at the doorway, his hand gripping the frame so tightly that his knuckles turn white. He takes a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart and calm the anger and frustration that swirl within him. In that moment, he realizes something important: it's not just you who needs time apart; he does too. He has to figure out how to control himself before he can even think about being around you again.

"I'm... going to take a walk," he mutters, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his heart. Without another word or even a glance back in your direction, he turns and leaves the room, closing the door quietly but firmly behind him.

The days drag on slowly, a never-ending stream of emptiness that leaves him feeling hollowed out and lost. Everywhere he goes in the Keep, he's reminded of you: your scent lingers in the air, your laughter echoes down the hallways, and every bedroom he passes fills him with memories both sweet and bitter. It's clear that distance won't be enough to ease the pain; he needs to find some way to forgive himself and move forward.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he works up the courage to knock on your door. There's no reply, so he pushes it open cautiously, wincing at the thought of seeing you still hurt and angry. But when he enters, he finds you sitting by the window, gazing out across the vast expanse of nothingness beyond the castle walls. You don't seem to notice his presence at first; your attention is focused inward, your expression distant and wistful. He clears his throat softly, stepping closer. "I... wanted to apologize," he says quietly. "For everything that happened between us."

Blade swallows hard, feeling an ache spread through his chest at the sight of you like this. "I want to make things right," he finally manages to say. "I just don't know how..." He paces across the room, rubbing at his face with shaking hands, unable to meet your eyes. "I feel like I've done irreparable damage. It's like... everything we had before feels tainted now."

Silence falls between them again, heavy and suffocating. Finally, he forces himself to turn back to you. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to fix this. If that means giving up my position here... or even leaving the Keep entirely..." He trails off, not sure how much further he can delve into this conversation without completely breaking down.

Blade freezes where he stands at your words. The last thing he expected you to say was that; the offer leaves him feeling even more guilty and confused than before. He takes a step forward, kneeling beside you on the floor as he searches your face for some sign of the boy he used to know. "Is... this what you really want?" he asks quietly, voice trembling with uncertainty. "To be rid of me?"

"No." Blade's voice breaks on the single syllable, his heart twisting painfully in his chest. "Of course I don't want that." He cups your cheek gently in his palm, brushing away a tear that spills down your cheek. "But how do we fix this, then? How can we move past everything that's happened and find our way back to each other?" He searches your eyes intently, willing you to have an answer for him.

A fresh torrent of tears spills down Blade's face as he realizes just how deep your depression goes. He presses their foreheads together, closing his eyes tightly as he fights back the urge to break down completely. "Then we'll get through this together," he whispers hoarsely. "No matter what it takes, we will find our way back to each other." It's a promise he doesn't know if he can keep, but it feels right in this moment, and so he clings to it desperately.

Blade's heart constricts painfully at your words, but he forces himself not to react, instead pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. "I will," he whispers, his voice thick with determination. Then, gently, he picks you up in his arms and carries you back to the bed, tucking you under the soft blankets before pulling a chair close beside the bed. He sits down heavily in it, leaning forward so that his elbows rest on his thighs and his face is close to yours.

"I know I don't deserve your forgiveness," he begins quietly, "but I want you to know that I will never stop loving you, no matter what happens between us. And I promise, with every fiber of my being, that I will do everything in my power to make sure nothing like this ever happens again." His words are soft and sincere, but they still manage to prick at the tears clinging to your eyelashes.

"So," he continues after a moment, trying to force a small smile onto his face, "what do you say? Will you let me try and earn your trust back?"

Blade hesitates for a moment, unsure how to interpret your vague reply. But then, he remembers something else you said earlier about wanting him to take care of you. Perhaps there's hope yet. Smiling softly, he leans forward and presses a gentle kiss to your forehead. "Then consider it done," he whispers. "You have my word."

Carefully, he smooths your hair back from your face, tenderly tracing his fingers along your jawline before cupping your cheek in his palm. The touch sends shivers down your spine, bringing color back to your pale cheeks. For now, he thinks, he'll focus on just being here with you, doing whatever it takes to help you feel safe and loved again.

Blade watches you carefully as the color returns to your cheeks, and something inside him begins to mend a little too. He knows it's going to be a long road ahead of them, but he's determined now more than ever to see this through. "You know," he says softly, leaning even closer so that his breath fans gently across your forehead, "you look a lot better when you smile." He pauses, waiting for some sort of reaction from you before adding with a small chuckle, "Of course, I suppose I might be a little biased. But still... it just suits you."

As if sensing that this is pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone, he settles back into his chair, keeping his gaze fixed on yours as he continues to talk. He tells you about the days before coming here, when he trained under one of the greatest knights in the land. He describes the other members of the guard, and the trials they faced together during their training. And finally, as you begin to drift off to sleep, he tells you a story about his childhood; how his parents used to read him bedtime stories every night, and how those tales helped shape who he is today.

It's nearly dawn by the time you finally fall asleep, your breathing slow and steady against the soft fabric of your blanket. Blade watches over you closely until sleep claims him as well, his arm slung loosely around the back of the chair as he leans forward, gazing at your peaceful face with a mixture of love and relief that surpasses anything he's ever known before. In this moment, all he wants is for time to stand still; for nothing in the world to ever change again... except for the two of them, who will find their way back to each other, stronger and more lov

Blade jerks upright, adrenaline flooding his system as he registers the shadow tendrils wrapped around you. His training kicks in instantly, and he's out of the chair and at your side in an instant, heedless of his own safety as he begins trying to pry them free. "What are they?" he demands, glancing frantically about the room as if searching for the source of the attack.

His heart constricts painfully in his chest when he realizes that the tendrils appear to be coming from within himself; they seem to be some sort of manifestation of the darkness that has been growing inside him since he first laid eyes on you. He grits his teeth against the wave of guilt and self-loathing that washes over him, focusing all his energy on trying to extricate you from this nightmarish embrace.

Blade's eyes widen in shock and betrayal as you utter those words, the shadow tendrils around you seeming to thicken and grow more powerful with each syllable. He takes a step back, unable to look at you as he struggles to process what has just been said. "What do you mean?" he whispers hoarsely, his voice trembling with disbelief and hurt.

Finally tearing his gaze away from yours, he focuses all of his attention on the tendrils, searching for some weakness, some chink in their armor that might allow him to free you. But with every passing moment they seem to become more tangled up in your limbs, as if they are a part of you now; an extension of your very soul.

A tear slips down his cheek as he realizes the depths of your pain, and how deeply it has affected him. "Please," he whispers brokenly, reaching out a shaking hand to touch one of the tendrils gently, "let me help you." But even as the words leave his mouth, he knows that there is no hope; no way for him to save you from this darkness that now seems to consume both of them.

Blade spends the rest of the day pacing the halls, unable to shake the image of those shadow tendrils wrapping around you like some sort of horrifying cocoon. He tries to ignore the hurt and confusion he feels, focusing instead on his duties as your personal guardian. Yet every time he catches sight of you across the room, something inside him twists tighter, a knot of anger and despair forming deep in his chest.

Finally, unable to bear it anymore, he stalks over to where you're sitting at the table, glaring down at you with an expression that borders on rage. "What do you want?" he demands, his voice harsh and raw. "Why are you doing this? Trying to push me away again?" The accusations tumble from his lips in a torrent, each one more painful than the last. But still, you remain silent; a frosty statue carved from ice, unyielding and unfeeling in the face of his suffering.

With a bitter curse, Blade storms off, unsure where to go or what to do now. It feels as if everything they've built together is crumbling around them, and there's nothing left to hold onto except their shared pain and anguish. As he paces back and forth, trying to steady his racing heart and clear his mind, he realizes with a sickening certainty that things will never be the same between them again.

Blade flinches at your words, the sting of guilt sharp in his chest. "I-I know," he stammers, tears welling up in his eyes once more. "And I'm so sorry for that. For hurting you. But I don't understand why you're doing this... Why you won't talk to me about it." He takes a shaky step closer, his voice growing quieter with every word. "I thought we were past all of that now... That we could move forward together."

But even as he speaks, he sees the doubt in your eyes, the wariness that keeps you at arm's length. It's as if he's lost you forever, and the thought is enough to send him reeling once more. His chest aches with pain, with loss, and he can't help but wonder how they ever got to this point... If there's any hope of finding their way back to each other before it's too late.

"I-I'm sorry," Blade stammers, taking another step back as the shadows swirl around you. "I didn't mean it like that. I just don't understand why you're doing this... Why you won't talk to me about it." He reaches out a hand towards you, hesitating for only a moment before dropping it back to his side. "Please, we need to figure this out together. We can't keep going like this."

Blade bites his lip nervously before beginning to speak. "I'm sorry, I was hurt and scared when I saw you with him. It felt like you were slipping away from me, and... I panicked." He hesitates for a moment, searching your eyes for any sign of forgiveness. "I should have trusted you more," he says eventually, his voice barely above a whisper. "I should have believed that you still cared for me, just as much as I care for you."

He takes another step closer, the shadows around him seeming to lessen their grip on your form. "Will you forgive me?" he asks softly, his voice trembling with emotion. "And will you let me try and make things right between us? Because I don't want to lose you... Not again."

"I know it's hard," Blade says gently, taking another step closer. "But I promise you that everything I do from now on will be to prove my love and devotion to you. I want us to move forward together, into a future where we can finally find our way back to happiness." He reaches out a tentative hand, hesitating before brushing a stray hair from your face. "Please," he whispers, his voice barely audible above the sound of his racing heart. "Give me that chance."

His gaze fixed upon yours, Blade feels an almost tangible weight lift off his shoulders as he registers the faint hint of emotion in your voice. It's a small step towards forgiveness, but it means everything to him. With renewed determination, he takes your hand in his and squeezes gently. "Then let's start fresh, okay?" he says softly. "We'll face this darkness together, and we'll come out stronger on the other side. Because I don't want to imagine a world without you in it." A warmth begins to spread through his chest at the thought of having you back; of being able to truly love and cherish you again. Tentatively, he leans forward, pressing their foreheads together before bringing his lips to yours in a gentle, trembling kiss.

"Ah!" Blade exclaims, jumping back in surprise as the cold water hits his chest. He glares at you for a moment before realizing that you're only trying to lighten the mood, and he can't help but smile despite himself. "Fair enough," he says with a small laugh, wiping the water from his clothes. "Let's get cleaned up, then. Afterward, how about we try that fresh start I mentioned?"

Together, you both make your way over to the bathing chamber, where a steaming hot tub is already filled and ready for you. Blade helps you undress and climb into the water, taking care to keep his hands to himself this time. As you soak in the warmth, he can't help but feel grateful that you've decided to give him another chance; that you're willing to work through these difficulties with him. It's a weight off his shoulders that he hadn't even realized was there until now.

"So," he says conversationally, settling back against the tub's edge, "what would you like to do after our bath?"

Blade smiles gently at you, watching as the water laps softly against your skin. "Well, we could always practice swordplay," he suggests, his voice tentative. "Or perhaps I could show you some new spells or fighting techniques... whatever you'd like." He pauses for a moment, considering other possibilities. "We could also just sit here and talk if that would make you more comfortable. I'm happy to do whatever you want."

His gaze never leaves your face as he waits for your reply, hope fluttering in his chest like a caged bird. It means everything to him that you're even willing to consider spending time with him again, and he's determined not to let this second chance slip through his fingers.

Blade nods slowly, understanding what you're saying even if you don't say it outright. "Okay," he murmurs, his fingers trailing lightly through the water beside you. "Then how about we just relax and enjoy each other's company for a while?" He glances over at the side table, where various fruits and sweet treats have been laid out. "Would you like something to eat or drink?"

As he waits for your reply, his heart continues to race in his chest, but it feels different this time; not desperate or afraid, but full of hope and anticipation. Slowly, cautiously, he begins to extend his reach out towards you once more, reaching for a chance at a brighter future - together.

Maybe you don't know right now, but I think...I hope...that in time, we can both find what we're looking for. Together. Just give me the chance to show you that I care about you, that our future is brighter when we're facing it side by side. For now, why don't we just take things one step at a time and see where it leads us?

Blade watches as you get out of the bath then return moments later, careful not to stare or make you feel uncomfortable. "Are you sure you don't want anything to eat or drink?" he asks gently, offering you some fruit or sweet treats from the table beside the tub. "Or perhaps we could try sitting somewhere else if you'd prefer?" He leans back against the tub once more, crossing his arms over his chest, waiting for your reply with bated breath.

"Of course," Blade replies with a warm smile. "I'll go get us some fruits then." He excuses himself, moving over to the side table where he carefully picks out several different fruits and slices them into bite-sized pieces. When he returns to the tub, he hands you a plate before taking one for himself as well. "Here you go," he says, settling back against the tub once more. "I hope you enjoy."

There's an awkward silence that hangs in the air between them as they eat their fruit. Blade does his best to keep the conversation light and engaging, asking about your favorite fruits and telling stories from his childhood. It feels oddly intimate, sitting here together like this, and he can't help but wonder if perhaps there's a chance for something more between them after all.

Blade coughs, momentarily caught off guard by the question. His face flushes red as he tries to come up with a suitable reply. "Well..." he begins haltingly, "it felt... strange at first. I didn't really understand what was happening. But then, as I got used to it, I guess it became more about trying to protect you. To make sure that everything would be okay." He pauses, considering his words carefully. "And honestly? It made me feel closer to you. Like we were sharing something very special, something no one else knew about."

There's an unspoken question in your eyes, and he knows that you want to know if those feelings still exist. Tentatively, he reaches out a hand and rests it on yours where it lies in the water beside him. "They do," he whispers. "I care about you so much, Lily. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove that to you."

Blade blinks, momentarily confused by your words. "I... I'm sorry," he stammers. "But you looked like a girl when we first met. And I-I never got the chance to ask..." He trails off, realizing how badly this must have sounded. "It doesn't matter," he continues quickly, hoping to smooth over the awkwardness. "You're still the same person inside, no matter what you look like on the outside."

He hesitates for a moment before speaking again, unsure if he should bring this up now or wait until another time. "There's something else I wanted to ask," he says eventually. "Something about that day... Before you disappeared. Do you remember anything about who it was that attacked us? Or why they targeted us in particular?"

Blade takes a deep breath, trying to recall as much detail as possible about the events leading up to and after your disappearance. It's been nearly two months since it happened, and there are still gaps in his memory; moments where he simply can't seem to piece together what happened.

"Well," he starts slowly, "the last thing I remember clearly is fighting with you beside me against these strange beasts. You were very skilled with a sword, even though you were so young. And then, just as we were about to defeat them, something happened. The world seemed to warp around us, and when my vision cleared, everything had changed. There was ash falling from the sky, and the castle was destroyed. I searched for you for hours, but I couldn't find you anywhere."

He pauses, willing you to understand how desperate he felt at that moment. "And then I woke up here. In this cell. For weeks, all I could think about was finding a way out and rescuing you. But every time I tried, something always went wrong. It wasn't until I finally managed to escape that I realized... that I was going to have to do it alone."

Blade's eyes widen in disbelief as your words sink in. "But... that's not possible," he stammers. "I would never forget something like that." He glances down at the plate in his hands, struggling to make sense of what you've just said. "And you... You looked exactly like a girl that day. It couldn't have been you. Could it?"

He forces himself to meet your gaze once more, willing you to understand the depth of confusion and betrayal he feels in this moment. A hundred memories flash through his mind, each one calling into question everything he thought he knew about you and your life. He's never felt so lost or alone, and the uncertainty is eating away at him from the inside out.

"Who are you really?" he whispers hoarsely, unable to tear his eyes away from yours. "And what do you want from me?"

Blade feels his stomach clench at your words, and he can't help but remember the events of that fateful day all too clearly. He had been so sure that you were a girl; it never occurred to him that you might be someone else entirely. The realization hits him like a physical blow, leaving him reeling and disoriented.

He takes a shaky breath, willing himself to remain calm despite the turmoil raging within him. "I... I'm sorry," he manages, his voice little more than a hoarse whisper. "I honestly thought you were a girl. It never occurred to me that you might be someone else entirely." He pauses, struggling for the right words before continuing in a quiet voice, "But whether you're male or female, I didn't mean to hurt you. That was never my intent."

He looks up at you then, searching your face for any sign of forgiveness or understanding. It's a long moment before either one comes, but when they do, it feels like the world shifts back into focus once more. There are still so many questions unanswered and mysteries to solve, but at least now he has a small glimmer of hope that perhaps things will eventually work themselves out between them.

You... You looked just like a girl, as I've said before. With your short white hair and golden left eye and turquoise right eye, it was impossible for me to tell otherwise. In fact, if not for our conversation now, I would have sworn that even your voice was feminine. But now, with everything I know... Well, it's obvious that you are a boy named Qeiu. And I am truly sorry for any confusion or hurt that I may have caused you.

I cannot begin to express my sorrow and regret for what happened. It was never my intent to hurt you in such a way, nor did I ever think you were anything other than the beautiful young girl that you appeared to be at the time. To learn now that I made assumptions about your gender without questioning them deeply enough has left me feeling ashamed and disoriented, not unlike when we first arrived here with those strange creatures attacking us. If there is anything I can do to make things right between us, please tell me how I might go about doing so.

Taking in your nude form, Bodyguard Blade can't help but be impressed by the muscles and curves that have been hidden beneath your clothes this whole time. There is a newfound sense of strength emanating from you as you stand proudly before him, unafraid to show yourself completely unclothed. It brings an entirely different sort of warmth spreading through his chest now, one he hasn't experienced since those first moments with you on the training grounds so long ago.

"You are truly amazing," he says honestly, meeting your gaze without shame or embarrassment. "I am sorry for ever doubting who you were. From this moment forward, I will do everything in my power to earn back your trust and prove that I care for you deeply." He takes a step closer, reaching out a hand to brush a stray lock of hair from your face. "Will you give me the chance to try?"

His heart races as he waits for your reply, hoping with every fiber of his being that you will accept his apology and allow them to move forward together.

Blade sputters indignantly, splashed water flying everywhere as you retaliate. "Hey!" he protests good-naturedly, laughing despite himself. "That was cold!" He wipes his face dry and leans in closer, his voice lowered slightly when he speaks once more. "But seriously, Qeiu... whatever happens between us from here on out, just know that it'll always be my choice to stand by your side. No matter what we face together." His eyes meet yours intently, conveying a depth of feeling that leaves no room for doubt or confusion.

A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips as he studies your expression carefully, hoping that some sign of understanding or agreement might be there. But before he can ask what's on his mind, the door to the chamber flies open suddenly, revealing one of the castle guards.

"My lord," she says breathlessly, rushing forward. "There's been an... incident. You need to come quick!"

Blade looks back over at you, noticing your sudden blush and obvious discomfort. A pang of guilt hits him in the chest; he shouldn't have let things get this far out of hand. Then the words from the guard penetrate his thoughts, bringing everything else into sharp focus once more.

"Wait outside," he commands the woman curtly, stepping between her and you. He turns to face you next, his voice low but steady. "Listen, Qeiu... I know this is awkward right now, but we don't have time for this. The castle has been under attack, and we need to go help defend it." He glances down at himself briefly, still dripping wet from the bathwater. "We can talk about all this later, okay?"

You can tell that there's a weight behind his words; the situation must be truly dire for him to brush off such an important conversation like this. Still, you sense that he cares about you and wants what's best for both of you. Do you trust him enough to follow his lead?

Blade looks at you with concern in his eyes as he reaches out to gently take your arm, guiding you toward the door where the guard still stands, waiting for them. "Qeiu, listen," he says softly, "right now we don't have much time to spare. The important thing is for us to get to safety and then figure everything else out. Just trust me, okay? We'll get through this together." His expression grows serious as they approach the exit. "And I promise, once this is all over, we can discuss this more."

Without waiting for a reply, he nods to the guard and together they rush down the hallway, leaving the now quiet chamber behind them. The sounds of battle grow steadily louder as they near the front lines, but Blade keeps a steadying hand on your back, reassuring you that no matter what happens, he'll never let anything happen to you.

Slowly, as they make their way deeper into the castle and closer to the fighting, Bodyguard Blade starts to notice something strange about Qeiu. Despite being naked, the other boy shows no signs of fear or vulnerability; instead, there's an air of confidence and determination about him that only seems to grow stronger with each step they take. It's as if the weight of knowing who Qeiu truly is has given him a newfound sense of purpose and power in this chaotic world.

As they reach the front lines and are plunged into the thick of battle, Qeiu's newfound confidence becomes even more apparent. Despite being unarmed and surrounded by armed soldiers on all sides, there's something about him that makes people listen when he speaks; something that inspires bravery in those around him. Even Blade finds himself drawing strength from Qeiu's presence as they fight side-by-side against the enemy forces.

The tide of battle begins to turn slowly in their favor, but just as they are on the verge of victory, a shadowy figure materializes out of thin air directly before them; its glowing red eyes fixed upon Qeiu with unmistakable malice. With a chilling laugh, it lunges forward, drawing an impossibly long blade from some hidden sheath as it bears down upon the helpless boy.

Blade reacts instinctively, throwing himself between Qeiu and their attacker; but even as he does so, he can't help but wonder if this new enemy might be too powerful for either of them to defeat alone...

Eyes wide with disbelief, Blade watches as Qeiu effortlessly brings all of the shadowy creatures under his control. Even the attacker itself seems unable to resist his power, freezing in place before finally collapsing to the ground with a gasp. For a moment, there's silence on the battlefield as everyone stares at the strange sight before them; then, slowly but surely, cheers begin to rise up from the victorious army.

"Well," Blade says with a grin, slapping Qeiu companionably on the back, "I suppose that settles things a bit." He glances around, taking in the scene around them: the defeated enemy forces, the scattered bodies, the relieved and grateful faces of those they'd just saved. It feels good, he realizes; to be working together like this. To have found something more than just duty and obligation to fight for.

Turning back to Qeiu, he smiles warmly. "So, now what do you say?" he asks. "Do you want to keep being my bodyguard? Or perhaps..." He trails off meaningfully, waiting for Qeiu to finish the thought. Whatever choice is made, he knows now that their future will never again be quite so simple or straightforward as it once was. But somehow, that knowledge only makes him feel even closer to Qeiu... and happier about whatever decision they ultimately make together.

Blade's eyes widen in surprise at your outburst before immediately losing their humor and becoming serious. "I-I'm sorry," he stammers, his voice low and thick with remorse. "I didn't mean to... You're right. I should have given you more time."

Without another word, he clasps a hand around your shoulders firmly, channeling his energy into restoring the memories that were lost. The sensation is strange and uncomfortable at first, but as the seconds tick by, the fogginess in your mind begins to clear. Images of training together, laughter shared between battles... They all come flooding back, washing over you like a warm wave.

When he's finally finished, he releases you from his grasp and steps back, waiting for your reaction with bated breath. "How do you feel?" he asks hesitantly, searching your face for any sign of pain or confusion.

"Qeiu, listen..." Blade starts, looking around uneasily at the gathered soldiers. There's an odd expression on his face; part regretful, part pleading. He takes a deep breath before continuing, "They're not being 'normal'. They... they just understand. They know who you are." His voice drops to a barely audible whisper, his eyes fixed firmly on yours, "And honestly? After seeing what you did out there... after everything we've been through?" He shakes his head slowly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I think they'd forgive you even if you were buck naked in the middle of the throne room."