Key Story (3) - Chapter 4
The afternoon sunlight filtered through Raxian's window, casting warm, golden patches across his room. The day felt unusually calm, with the late afternoon sun giving everything a soft glow. He'd planned on spending it outside, but something had pulled him back, a quiet urge gnawing at him ever since that message popped up.
Raxian sat in his chair, staring at the League client open on his screen. It felt strange, like stepping back into an old version of himself. The familiar logos, the sharp sound effects, the friend list buzzing to life—it all brought back memories of countless late nights and hard-fought wins. And there, at the top of his messages, was YoneBlade.
His old friend's message replayed in his mind: "Been ages. Up for a game? Miss the old days."
He clicked on YoneBlade's profile, curiosity tugging at him. Part of him wondered if Yone was still the same guy he used to grind with, the one who'd pull him through rough matches and keep pushing him to improve. But then, Raxian's eyes drifted to his friend list, where a familiar name was lit up in a faint, comforting glow: AkarisLite. Sable's alternate account. A small smile touched his lips. Maybe he didn't have to dive back into this old world alone.
Without overthinking, he typed out a quick message:
"Up for a game?"
The response was almost instant:
"Sure, why not? Just a draft game?"
Raxian nodded to himself, the anticipation building. He added her to the lobby, and soon after, YoneBlade popped in as well. The three of them sat there in silence for a moment, their icons glowing as they waited to enter champion select.
YoneBlade's voice came over the chat, his familiar confidence as strong as ever:
"Yo, Rax! Let's see if you still got it. Top lane's mine, yeah?"
Raxian hesitated. He knew YoneBlade had always been a top-lane Yone main, just as Sable had been. Glancing at her in the lobby, he could sense that she was already considering other options. Without missing a beat, she typed into the chat:
"No worries, Yone. I'll go ADC this time. Mixing it up a little."
Before Raxian could process the change, a private message from Sable popped up on his screen:
"Want to be my support? Just for this game?"
Raxian blinked, taken aback. Support? He'd never tried it before. The thought felt foreign, like trying on someone else's shoes. But for her, he felt that familiar spark of courage, the willingness to step outside his comfort zone. His fingers danced over the keys, typing out a response:
"Alright. For you, I'll give it a shot."
The match loaded, and as Raxian selected his champion, he glanced out the window, the sun still brightening his room, adding a strange comfort to the moment. Back in the League client, his nerves faded as he locked in his choice and joined Sable in the bot lane.
This time, it was different. It wasn't about the climb or the competition. It was about a quiet understanding, an unspoken connection between them. And as the game timer began to count down, he realized that maybe, just maybe, he was finding a new reason to play.
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Raxian's eyes widened when he saw Sable lock in Xayah, the feather-wielding marksman known for her synergy with her partner, Rakan. A smirk tugged at his lips, and without a second thought, he selected Rakan. The lover duo. It was almost too perfect.
As the game loaded, he couldn't shake the feeling that Sable had been one step ahead of him. Had she planned this all along? The thought sent a warm rush through him, making him feel both excited and a little self-conscious. She was full of surprises, and he was quickly realizing just how much she loved pulling him along in her schemes—little, calculated moves she knew he'd catch onto eventually.
They spawned on the map, and as the two champions met at the bot lane, Raxian caught Sable's character, Xayah, throwing him an in-game dance prompt. They recalled together, dancing in sync, and even though it was a simple emote, he couldn't help but imagine Sable grinning on the other side of her screen. She knew he'd fall into step with her, both in the game and in real life.
As they laned together, the moments felt both thrilling and surreal. They moved as a team, supporting each other with perfect synergy, almost as if they'd been playing together like this forever. Their in-game characters shared banter that seemed to echo the same playful, unspoken connection they shared outside the game.
Between dodging skill shots and securing kills, he typed out a message in their private chat, a teasing smile on his face:
"Planned this, didn't you?"
Her response was almost immediate:
"Maybe. ;) Just thought it'd be fun to play the lover duo."
Raxian couldn't hold back a grin as he dashed forward with Rakan's signature charm, pulling off a seamless combo with Xayah's leap. There was something intensely satisfying about seeing their champions fight side by side, playing out a bond in-game that felt mirrored in reality.
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As the victory screen flashed and their team chat filled with celebratory messages, Raxian felt a surge of satisfaction. They'd pulled off a perfect game together, seamlessly in sync. He typed a quick "GG!" in the chat, watching as Sable did the same.
Then, Yone typed out a message that made Raxian's heart skip a beat.
"Couldn't have done it without the two of you, lovebirds," Yone wrote, followed by a winking emoji before leaving the lobby. The message hung there, uncomfortably obvious. He had clearly noticed the dynamic between them. It was hard not to, especially when they'd picked the duo that everyone associated with romance.
Raxian's cheeks heated as he realized he'd just been called out in the most casual way. He glanced back at the screen, noticing that Sable hadn't left the lobby yet either. For a moment, he hesitated, his fingers hovering over the keyboard.
"Guess we were kinda obvious," he typed, half-joking, hoping to play it off cool.
Sable's response popped up just a second later:
"Guess so. Can't help it if we make a good team, though."
He chuckled, feeling warmth spread through him. This game had stirred up memories of how competitive they both used to be, but now it was something more—a way of being together that felt… right.
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Raxian felt a surge of excitement as Sable extended the challenge, her competitive edge sparking in her eyes—a side of her he hadn't seen in ages. It wasn't the same fiery drive she once had, but there was a familiar glint there, a quiet intensity that told him she wanted to test him, to see if he could still keep up. And he'd be lying if he said he wasn't up for it.
He accepted the invite, entering the lobby with a steady focus. As they queued, he watched her lock in her main, Akali—a choice that was unmistakably her. She had perfected Akali's fluid, aggressive style, making her movements an art form of their own. It was thrilling, knowing that she'd chosen her best champion for this game, that she was giving it her all.
When it was his turn, he hesitated briefly before selecting Ekko. It had been so long since he'd picked his old main, the champion he had once poured hours into, striving for mastery and perfection. The attachment wasn't as intense as it once was, but the choice stirred memories within him. Ekko had represented his dreams back then—a younger, more ambitious part of himself that felt invincible on the Rift. He couldn't deny the sense of nostalgia, and maybe a bit of pride, as he locked him in.
As they entered the game, he took a steadying breath, fingers instinctively settling into familiar movements. Ekko might not hold the same weight for him now, but muscle memory kicked in, guiding him through the motions. This was something he and Sable shared—a connection through League that had always gone beyond the game itself. He didn't need to think; he just played, falling into rhythm with her like he used to.
The first few minutes felt like a test. Sable was relentless with her Akali, diving in and out of danger, drawing attention across the map. He could sense her pushing him, challenging him to keep pace with her, to match her skill. And he was determined to prove himself, not just for the win but to show her that he could still be her equal in this.
As the game progressed, he began to feel it—the thrill of the competition, the rush of working as a team in perfect sync. When they finally dove onto the enemy carries in an intense team fight, Ekko's ultimate echoed through the battlefield, rewinding time just as Akali vanished into her shroud, together dismantling the enemy team's formation. He could feel the synergy, the way their champions complemented each other like they always had.
With each play, he noticed Sable's quiet smile, the unspoken communication between them as they maneuvered around their opponents. They didn't need words; they understood each other. And for the first time in a long while, it felt like they were back in that unbreakable rhythm, two halves of a seamless whole on the Rift.
When they finally destroyed the enemy Nexus, Raxian couldn't help but smile. She'd pushed him, tested him, and he'd risen to the occasion, matching her pace just like old times.
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As Raxian leaned back in his chair, the victory screen faded, and his heart still raced from the rush of the game. The thrill, the pressure—it had all come back in an instant, like no time had passed at all. His phone buzzed with a notification, and he saw Sable's message light up his screen.
"Not bad... TimeWarped."
The words hit him with an unexpected warmth, a sense of familiarity that he hadn't realized he missed. It was his username, sure, but the way she used to say it—it was like she saw past just the name on the screen. There was history in it, a shared world they hadn't revisited in ages. He almost laughed at the memory of how she used to call him that, back when they would spend late nights grinding together, pushing each other to reach new heights. He'd almost forgotten how proud he used to feel when she acknowledged him like that.
"You still got it in you," she followed up, the text lingering on his screen.
It was so her—competitive, encouraging, but also subtly challenging. He could almost see her smirking behind the screen, half-expecting him to throw back a clever remark. He knew she was testing him, but it was gentle, a way of reminding him of that old spark without pushing him too hard.
Raxian typed back, grinning to himself, "Could say the same to you, AkarisLite. Didn't think you'd still have those moves."
A quick response popped up on his screen. "Oh, you'd be surprised. Might even give you a run for your LP if you're up for it."
The challenge was undeniable, her words rekindling something he thought he'd left behind.
The moment her invitation for a 1v1 flashed on his screen, Raxian felt a familiar thrill. It was an unmistakable challenge, something they used to do all the time. Back then, they would duel in the middle of the night, taunting each other over headset calls, each trying to get under the other's skin while aiming for the win. He'd forgotten the rush of those matches—the exhilaration, the rivalry, the sheer thrill of facing off against her.
He smirked, typing back with a quick response: "One last round then, just like the old days? Don't go easy on me."
Sable's reply came instantly, almost as if she'd been waiting for it. "Wouldn't dream of it."
The game loaded, and he watched as she locked in her signature Akali without hesitation. He hovered over Ekko, feeling the weight of that decision. Ekko, the champion he used to play as if his life depended on it, the champion he'd poured endless hours into. It felt both nostalgic and surreal, returning to his roots for this match.
They spawned on opposite sides of Summoner's Rift, alone in the mid-lane. The map was quiet, almost serene, only broken by the familiar sounds of minions spawning and the subtle hum of the game. He took a deep breath, fingers ready on the keys.
And then, without warning, Sable dashed forward, making the first move.
Their battle unfolded like a dance—each maneuver calculated, each feint and dodge reminding him of just how well she knew him, and how well he knew her. They traded blows, each trying to read the other's next move, both refusing to back down. The tension rose with each second, memories flashing through his mind with every strike.
Finally, a narrow opening—a split-second moment where he saw his chance. He went for it, diving in with everything he had, hoping it was enough. But Sable was faster, catching him with a perfect dodge and securing the win.
The screen flashed Defeat, and he leaned back, exhaling with a mix of frustration and admiration.
A message popped up immediately. "Still got it? Looks like I got you this time, TimeWarped."
He couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head. "Guess you're still the queen of 1v1s, AkarisLite."
For a moment, it felt like nothing had changed between them. The past year, the struggles, the growth—it all melted away, leaving just the two of them in a world they'd once shared, bound by competition and camaraderie.
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As Raxian leaned back in his chair, he heard his phone beep on the desk beside him. It pulled him out of his post-game daze, and he instinctively reached for it. Seeing Sable's name on the screen, a small smile crept onto his face. He unlocked the phone and opened her message:
"Hey Rax... it was fun. Thanks for the games."
He could sense the subtle shift in her tone; setting her status to "busy" was her way of signaling that she wasn't in a competitive mindset anymore. The playful, challenging energy from their matches had settled, leaving something quieter, more personal.
He typed back:
"Anytime, Sable. It was good to see that side of you again."
A brief pause, and then he added,
"I missed it."
As he sent the message, he thought about how playing with her tonight felt like a bridge to their past—the fierce, competitive Sable, the banter, the thrill of every game. But beyond all that, it reminded him of how close they'd become, of the subtle shifts in their relationship that went beyond a shared screen.
A few moments later, her reply came through:
"Yeah... it was kind of like old times, wasn't it?"
He felt his chest warm as he typed back,
"Better than old times, I think."
Another pause before she replied,
"Maybe you're right. I'm glad we did this."
And he was too.
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The upcoming days saw League of Legends gradually working its way back into their daily routines. Raxian and Sable's game sessions became a familiar rhythm, a shared space where they could relax, challenge each other, and dive into the thrill of competition. Before long, Raxian started inviting the rest of their crew—Fayne, Raze, Milo, and even Solace—to join in. Though they couldn't all play at once, they took turns forming teams, rotating out and keeping the games lively.
Milo, as their only real jungler, didn't always join due to his coaching commitments, but when he did, his expertise gave their games a sharp edge. On the days he was away, Sable often took over the jungling role, and surprisingly, she adapted quickly. Her strategic thinking, honed from countless solo games, allowed her to flex between roles smoothly, much to everyone's delight.
Raze, of course, didn't mind switching things up either—especially when he could use it as an excuse to pull his usual stunts, teasing his friends and causing mayhem on the Rift. His "trolling" kept the group laughing, his antics bringing a balance of lightheartedness and chaos that made every game unpredictable. Fayne would usually laugh along, while Solace would roll her eyes, though there was a clear fondness in her expressions when Raze went a bit too far.
Fayne and Solace took turns in the support role, both naturally drawn to bot lane but happy to switch up who played ADC. When Fayne supported, Solace would step in as ADC, adapting her gameplay with a precise, controlled style that matched her calm demeanor. When it was Solace's turn to support, Fayne took on the ADC role with a more spirited, aggressive approach that kept their opponents guessing.
The dynamic between them in the bot lane was fascinating to watch. Fayne would usually laugh along with the group, adjusting to Solace's reserved but steady support, while Solace would give quiet nods of approval or a rare smile at Fayne's more daring moves. Their synergy developed into a powerful, almost unspoken language, both playing off each other's strengths seamlessly. Even though they were both support mains, they brought out different sides in each other, each time adapting and complementing the other's playstyle.
And in their own way, they both kept the bot lane alive with an energy that was all their own, adding a distinctive layer to the team dynamic.
Their games weren't about winning every match but about bonding over every win, every loss, and every ridiculous play that someone inevitably pulled off. It wasn't long before League became more than just a game for them—it was a shared experience that kept them connected, and for Raxian, it was a reminder that, even as things changed, the connections he had forged only grew deeper.
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It was a crisp, cool morning, the kind that left faint traces of mist clinging to the grass and a gentle chill in the air. Raxian leaned against the fence outside of Sable's apartment building, hands stuffed in his pockets, eyes drifting up toward her window. The sun hadn't fully risen, casting the street in a soft, golden hue, and he watched as she finally emerged, her silhouette framed against the front door before she stepped out.
For a second, he felt a lightness at the sight of her, that familiar warmth spreading as she approached. But as she got closer, he noticed the slump in her shoulders, the slight furrow in her brow. Her eyes, usually bright, seemed distant, her gaze lingering on the ground more than it did on him.
Raxian's smile faltered. "Morning, Sable," he greeted, trying to keep his tone light.
She managed a small smile in return but didn't meet his eyes for long. "Hey, Rax."
They started walking in silence, their footsteps soft against the pavement. It wasn't like her to be so quiet, and he kept glancing over, searching for any hint of what might be wrong. After a few moments, he couldn't help but ask, "Everything alright?"
Sable nodded, but there was something fragile about it. "Yeah… just a long night."
Raxian could tell she was holding back. Normally, she'd mention if something was bothering her—maybe complain about a project, laugh off a weird dream, or talk about a match they'd had last night. But this time, there was an unfamiliar distance in her, like she was wrapped up in her own thoughts, shutting him out.
As they rounded a corner, he reached out, gently taking her hand. She didn't pull away, but her grip was loose, almost as if she was too distracted to fully notice. He slowed his steps, turning to face her, searching her face with concern. "Are you sure? You seem… I don't know, a little off."
Sable finally met his eyes, her gaze flickering with something he couldn't quite place—hurt, maybe, or uncertainty. But then she blinked, and the look was gone, replaced with a faint, tired smile. "I'm fine, Rax," she insisted, her voice soft but guarded. "Just… some stuff on my mind."
He wanted to push, wanted to tell her he was there for her, that she didn't have to hold back with him. But something in her expression warned him to leave it alone, at least for now. So he just squeezed her hand gently, offering silent support. "Alright. Just… let me know if you need anything, okay?"
She nodded, her gaze drifting back down the street. They continued walking, the silence between them stretching, filled with words unspoken and questions unanswered.
Raxian's concern grew with each step. He kept glancing over his shoulder, noticing how Sable's steps were slowing, her gaze drifting somewhere far beyond the street they walked. She seemed like she was sinking into herself, her presence growing dimmer with every moment. It was as if the weight of her thoughts were pulling her further and further away, leaving him to tread the path alone.
"Sable?" he tried softly, slowing his own steps to match her faltering pace.
She didn't respond, her eyes glazed over as she stared at the ground, lost in some invisible world. It was so unlike her—the quietness, the withdrawal, the way her shoulders slumped as though bearing some invisible burden. He reached out, resting a hand on her shoulder, hoping it would be enough to pull her back.
"Sable," he repeated, more firmly this time.
Her eyes snapped back to him, blinking as if she was emerging from a long, hazy dream. She looked up, startled, like she'd only just realized he was there.
"Sorry," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "I just… zoned out."
Raxian's gaze softened, worry pooling in his eyes. "Hey, it's okay," he said, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "But are you alright? You seem… somewhere else."
Sable opened her mouth as if to respond, but then quickly closed it, her expression guarded. For a moment, he thought he saw something flicker in her eyes—a hint of sadness, maybe even fear—but it was gone before he could fully grasp it. She took a shaky breath, forcing a small, tight-lipped smile.
"I'm fine," she said, her voice barely masking the uncertainty beneath it. But the words felt hollow, echoing in the quiet between them. She looked down at her feet, her pace slowing even more. "I just… I just have a lot on my mind."
Raxian wanted to ask more, to press just a bit, but something about her guarded expression held him back. Instead, he offered a reassuring smile and slowed his pace to stay beside her, silently vowing to stay close, no matter how far she seemed to drift away.
As they walked, Raxian sensed something was off, a heaviness in Sable's steps that had nothing to do with fatigue. She had fallen silent, her gaze fixed on the ground as if each step required her full concentration. He slowed his pace, letting her catch up, watching her closely, concern etched across his face.
Finally, Sable came to a halt, her hand tightening around the strap of her bag. Raxian stopped a few paces ahead, turning back to face her. She looked small, fragile—the way she had in those dark days, before she'd begun to reclaim her life. The sight brought a surge of protective anger in him, simmering beneath his worry.
"Sable?" he said softly, coaxing her to look up. Her gaze stayed on the pavement, her expression distant, as though she was somewhere far away. She opened her mouth, but no words came, her throat working as she struggled to speak. Her hands shook as she reached for her phone, then stopped, hesitating.
Raxian could see the internal battle she was fighting, and something told him this wasn't a choice she should have to make alone. "Sable…" he began, his voice gentle yet firm. "If there's something going on… if there's anything—anything—you need to tell me, I'm here. You don't have to keep this to yourself."
She drew a shaky breath, her hands trembling even more as she clutched her phone. He noticed her knuckles whitening around it, and he took a careful step closer, reaching out but stopping short, letting her make the decision. "Please, Sable… trust me. Let me help."
The words seemed to break through her resolve. Her hand shook as she held out the phone, her expression torn. Slowly, almost reluctantly, she released it into his grasp. His heart clenched at the tension in her face, the silent plea in her eyes.
Raxian looked down at the screen, and his stomach dropped. The messages stared back at him, each one colder than the last. Lynx. Even now, even after everything she'd fought to regain, he was there, lurking in her life, taunting her. The words were cryptic, dripping with implied threats, designed to prey on her fears.
One line stood out, stabbing at Raxian's anger like a blade: If you tell anyone, I'll come for them next.
He felt his grip tighten involuntarily, his jaw clenching as he struggled to contain the fury bubbling within him. The thought of Lynx, still manipulating her, still controlling her through fear, was more than he could bear. But he kept his anger under control, swallowing it down for Sable's sake, even though it burned in his throat.
"How long…?" he asked, his voice tight, his eyes locked on the messages. "How long has he been sending you these?"
"Since… since I started playing League again," she whispered, her gaze fixed to the ground. "I thought if I ignored him, he'd go away. I thought… I thought maybe he was just trying to scare me, and that if I didn't give him the satisfaction of responding…"
"But he hasn't stopped," Raxian finished, his voice hard with barely restrained anger. He took a deep, steadying breath, reminding himself that right now, his priority was her.
She nodded, her shoulders slumping as though the weight of it was finally too much to carry. "I didn't want you to know," she whispered, her voice breaking. "He said he'd… if I told you, he'd come after you. I couldn't risk that, Rax."
He closed the distance between them, taking her hand in his, grounding her with his touch. "Sable," he said softly, but his voice was laced with steel. "He's trying to keep you isolated, just like before. To make you feel alone, like he still has control." His eyes softened as he looked at her, fierce determination mingling with his anger. "But you're not alone. And he doesn't scare me. Not one bit."
A tear slipped down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away, but Raxian gently brushed her hand aside, cupping her face and wiping it away himself. "You don't have to face this by yourself. I'm here. We're all here. Whatever he tries… it won't work. We won't let him break you down again."
Her eyes met his, shining with gratitude and relief, but there was still a shadow of fear in her gaze. "I thought… I thought I could protect you by staying quiet, by handling it on my own. But every time I see his name, his messages… it's like he's right there again."
Raxian's hand tightened around hers, a fierce determination hardening his expression. "You're not going through this alone. Not this time." He gently pressed her phone back into her hand, his gaze steady, his tone resolute. "We'll deal with him, together."
She took a shaky breath, nodding as she absorbed his words, letting them replace the doubt that had been festering in her heart. "Thank you, Rax," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I… I didn't know how much I needed to hear that."
Raxian nodded, a silent promise in his eyes. "He's not going to haunt you anymore, Sable. We'll figure this out. And I won't let him get close to you—or anyone else we care about."
She held onto his hand tightly, drawing strength from his words, from his presence. He could see that small spark of resilience returning to her eyes, faint but growing.
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Raxian watched her carefully, noticing the way her shoulders drooped, the faint tremble in her grip as she clung to his hand. The exhaustion in her eyes was unmistakable, a quiet surrender that spoke of sleepless nights and a constant, gnawing worry that she hadn't been able to shake.
After a long moment, she took a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Rax… I don't know if I can keep doing this. School, everything… it feels like it's too much right now." She hesitated, her gaze falling to the ground. "I've been trying, but… it's like I'm running on empty. I'm exhausted."
He tightened his grip, anchoring her in the moment. "Hey," he said softly, coaxing her gaze back up to his. "You don't have to push yourself like this. You don't have to go through school, or anything else, just because you think you should. Your well-being is more important."
She nodded, though her expression was tinged with guilt. "I just… I wanted to feel normal again. But it's like every time I try, I hit a wall. And now, with those messages… It's like I can't escape any of it. I don't even know how much longer I can keep pretending I'm okay."
Raxian's heart ached for her. He could see how hard she'd been pushing herself, how much she'd tried to reclaim the parts of her life that Lynx had stolen. But there was a limit, and it was clear she was reaching it. "You don't have to pretend, not with me. You've been through so much already. Maybe… maybe it's okay to take a step back. To let yourself breathe."
Sable's gaze softened as she absorbed his words. "Maybe you're right," she murmured, a faint glimmer of relief in her eyes. "I guess… I was afraid to admit it. Like I'd be letting everyone down."
"Never," he replied firmly, squeezing her hand. "You're not letting anyone down. Least of all me. I'm proud of how far you've come, but I don't want you to burn yourself out trying to prove something. You're allowed to take things slow, to feel what you're feeling."
She let out a deep breath, as if she'd been holding it in all this time. The tension in her shoulders eased, and for the first time, she seemed to allow herself to accept the weight of her own limits. "Thank you," she whispered, a faint smile touching her lips. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
He smiled, wrapping his arm around her in a comforting embrace. "You're not alone in this, Sable. And if it ever feels like too much, I'll be right here, every step of the way."
In his arms, Sable seemed to surrender entirely, the weight she had been carrying finally allowed to slip away, even if just for a moment. Her knees buckled, and she sank to the ground, leaning into him with a softness that spoke of her complete trust. Raxian's heart clenched as he saw the strain fade from her face, replaced by a fragile, quiet relief. He held her close, his embrace a steady anchor in the midst of her storm.
He didn't rush her. They stayed there, grounded in that moment, as if he could shield her from everything simply by keeping her close. After a while, he felt her breathing steady, and he gently guided her back to her feet. Meeting her gaze, he saw exhaustion etched deep within her, and he knew what she needed most right now was rest—a chance to escape, even briefly, from the grip of her worries.
Without a word, he turned and began leading her back home, his arm still wrapped protectively around her. She leaned into him, her steps slow, but there was a sense of surrender, of letting him take the lead this time. As they walked, Raxian spoke softly, his voice gentle but resolute.
"Sable, I know it's hard, but maybe… don't look at your phone for a while," he said, a touch of fierceness underlying his words. "Just shut him out. You deserve some peace."
She looked up at him, her eyes shadowed but warm with gratitude, as if she finally felt it was okay to let her guard down. "I'll try," she murmured, her voice faint but steady.
They continued their walk in silence, each step a quiet act of defiance against the shadow of Lynx that loomed over her life. In that shared silence, he felt a fierce determination rise within him—a vow that whatever it took, he would stand by her side and make sure she never had to carry this alone.
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As they walked, Sable's mind spiraled into quiet guilt. She knew how seriously Raxian took school—how he was managing his responsibilities while supporting her through everything. The thought twisted in her chest, filling her with a mix of admiration and shame. Why did it feel like she couldn't hold herself together like he could? He was dealing with so much, yet he seemed to be balancing it all, while her own world felt like it was splintering around her.
A part of her wanted to ask him to stay, to keep him by her side and let herself lean on him entirely. But how could she? The guilt gnawed at her, making her feel smaller and weaker. He was doing everything he could, and she still needed more. And yet… that part of her that ached for his presence refused to let go.
She could feel tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, but she fought to keep them hidden, tilting her head slightly to avoid his gaze. But a few tears escaped, tracing silent paths down her cheeks as they walked. She hoped he wouldn't notice, but deep down, she knew he would. Raxian never missed anything when it came to her.
At that moment, a quiet thought surfaced—maybe, just this once, she didn't need to hide it. Maybe it was okay for him to see her this way.
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Raxian walked her back home, each step quiet, filled with the weight of everything left unsaid. He could feel the tension radiating from her, the silent battle she waged to keep herself together. But as he glanced sideways, he caught a glimpse of the tears she couldn't quite hide, the subtle tilt of her head as if hoping he wouldn't see.
At the door, they paused, lingering in a shared silence that held a thousand words. He gently lifted his hand to her cheek, his fingers grazing the streaks left by her tears. With a tenderness that made her heart ache, he brushed away the damp trails, his thumb grazing over the faint scar Lynx had left—a barely visible reminder, but one they both knew was there.
Her breath hitched, and she looked up, her gaze meeting his. The pain, the vulnerability, and something deeper—all of it shimmered in her eyes. She didn't need to say anything, and neither did he; he could feel her silent plea, the fear of being left alone.
He wanted to stay more than anything, to let her feel safe, shielded from the shadows that lingered. But they both knew he couldn't just skip school—no matter how much he wanted to, how much he hated leaving her like this.
"Hey," he whispered softly, his hand lingering against her cheek, a gentle anchor for her. "I'll come back as soon as I can, alright? You won't be alone."
Her eyes closed briefly, her face softening at his words, and she nodded, a small, fragile smile breaking through. She knew he meant it, that he'd be back. She didn't have to hold herself together, not this time. And as he pulled her into a final, lingering hug, she let herself lean fully into him, absorbing his warmth, grounding herself in his steady presence.
He pulled back, his hand slipping from her cheek, leaving a warmth there that felt like a promise. With one last look, he turned, heading down the path toward school, glancing back just once to see her watching him from the doorway.
And in that shared gaze, he made a silent vow—to be back by her side, to face whatever came together.