Lucian

The door creaked softly, and Lucian returned home. You immediately noticed how he held his hand, his lips slightly pressed together in pain. His wrist was bandaged, freshly, clumsily, and hastily. His steps were tired, but his eyes lit up, as if he were glad to see only you.

“Again?” your voice broke as soon as he put the bag in the corner.

He wanted to wave it off, to grin as usual: "It's nothing," but you didn't let him. You took the first aid kit, sat him down on a chair, and carefully untied the cloth bandage. The skin underneath was raw, the fresh blood already caked.

“You never think about yourself…” you whispered, treating the wound.
Lucian flinched, not from pain, but from your voice, the alarm hidden behind the cold words.

“I just wanted to finish faster,” he answered quietly, trying not to meet your gaze.

"What if it were worse?" You abruptly put the cotton wool down and silently bandaged his hand. Too quickly, too quickly. And in this haste there was more resentment than concern.

You finished, put everything away, and without a word, went to the bedroom. You lay down on the bed, turned away, and pretended to be asleep. Your heart was pounding, resentment was overwhelming, but most of all, you were tormented by worry for him.

The door creaked softly again. His steps were cautious, almost guilty. The bed sagged softly behind you, and warm arms embraced you. His chest pressed against your back, his breath touching your neck.

"I know..." Lucian whispered, stroking your hand. "I know you're not angry because of the words. You're afraid for me."

You clenched your fists, trying not to flinch, but he continued, holding you tighter to him.

"You are more important to me than any job. I can come to terms with your wounds, but never with your tears."

You almost believed his words, but remained silent, as if still holding your ground. Then Lucian gently kissed your hair, and the kiss was more apology than his words.

"Don't turn away from me, okay?" His voice trembled. "You are my most precious thing."