"I no longer see you as a prisoner," reasoned Mavislin, refusing to look at Matt.
"I refuse. I still want to be employed... Even if my life is on the line, I would still like to continue. How else would I improve? And more importantly..."
The bunny dashed forward, wrapping his arms around the dragoness and pulling her close against his chest. He wore a simple red tunic paired with baggy green trousers, a casual choice since he wasn't expecting combat.
Mavislin could feel the firmness of his abs and muscles pressing against her back, sending a jolt through her that made her heart race as if it were preparing for a cross-country sprint.
Her breath caught in her throat when she felt Mattheos' chin rest gently in the crook of her neck, the closeness between them sparking an unexpected rush of warmth.
"I don't want to leave you alone."
That sentence snapped the last thread holding together the facade Mavislin had carefully maintained for the past decade. In an instant, the dragoness spun around, her arms encircling the bunny with a fierce urgency that knocked him off balance.
They tumbled onto the bed, with Mattheos landing beneath her. Mavislin nestled her left cheek against his chest, snuggling close as if seeking solace in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"I know how painful it is to be alone... I've done it longer than you have. During my lifetime, I've seen more, lost more, and loved more. So trust me, I can tell from your eyes and voice that you are doing your very best not to break down."
"You've done enough as a little girl trying to work her way through life. You may boast about having no emotions but that's not true. You've got them, you just have to have the right situation to rediscover them again," explained Mattheos, gently hugging the girl in his arms.
In that single moment, all notions of superiority and complex hierarchies vanished. There was no commander and no subordinate—only a bunny comforting his little dragon.
No titles, no missions, no burdens of duty or expectations—just two weary souls seeking solace in each other's embrace, sharing a quiet, tender respite from the world outside.
"I know I'm rambling but just hear me out; I've never been affectionate to anyone before and you managed to be the first. I stopped going to clubs or brothels. I stopped my urges to be with women even if they flung themselves on me."
"When my previous lover left me for some rich rabbit, I threw myself into a life of partying and adventuring. I had made my way across the map just by drinking and mixing around with women until your blade met my neck."
"Ever since then, I spent my time with you. Albeit at first it was forced but when I saw how much effort you put forth for me to both get my title and protect my life, I was sold to you."
"I... Don't see you as a..."
"I know. I'm aware of how you feel for me and I have already given up that fleeting dream. Plus, I'd much prefer our bond like this. So please, do not ditch me just like that. I don't want to be your captor nor be out of a job."
"Then who would you like to be? Out of your own free will, you'd like to work for me?" asked the dragoness, her voice soft and sweet, something that was very foreign to the rabbit's ears.
"Normally, I'd say yes but for this time around, I want to do this differently. Listen; I don't want to walk behind or in front of you. I don't want you to lead me or you to follow me. I want us both to be beside each other, moving forward. Is that alright with you?"
"Oh, but in the eyes of the Syndicate, I wouldn't mind keeping my current rank."
Mavislin closed her eyes and sighed before lazily nodding. The rabbit smiled, hoisting the small figure closer to his face.
"Hmm?"
"Abyss told me to remind you that you've got the backing of your whole Division behind you. Whether it sounds absurd or damn near suicidal, we will always support you. Because without your offer to join your department, we won't be where we are now."
"Even though you don't understand our hearts, we will continue to abide by your request. Because you gave us all hope, though in quite an odd way..."
Shadow felt a sense of warmth welling up in her chest as she smiled, nuzzling the rabbit's neck to show her satisfaction with the matter.
"Would you like to sleep with me tonight? Like usual, or is the Viceroy's body a better pillow?"
Mavislin shook her head.