The morning light poured through the long curtains, spilling softly across the sheets. Richer lay there, his eyes opening slowly to the kind of silence he almost forgot existed. It was so long he didn't imagine his morning without the beeping of medical devices or the worry of Fluve Syndrome dragging him toward the grave.
He turned his head, and saw his beautiful wife, Anastelle Vecria Argemenes, a World Commander of the World Forces. But here, asleep beside him, she looked... peaceful. Her chest rose and fell in slow rhythm, and one strand of crimson hair brushed against her lips. He blinked twice, hardly believing it. It had been so long since they had shared a bed like this. Back then, his illness had made it impossible. He used to watch her from the other side of the room, always keeping distance because he didn't want her to see him collapse again. But now she was here.
Richer reached out carefully, brushing a thumb along her cheek. Her skin was soft and warmer than he remembered. Her scent was faintly floral, something between lilac and roses.
"Even though you're pushing forty, you still look pretty."
Her eyelids fluttered open. She turned to him in a rather amused expression.
"Is that a threat, Richer?"
He chuckled, tracing her jawline. "No. More like a divine observation. You literally look twenty. Either time's afraid of you or it's too in love to touch you."
"And you look younger than the day we first met. It's almost unfair. But it's too bad only September inherited part of your pink hair and that ridiculous paleness of yours."
He laughed before he moved closer, wrapping an arm around her.
"You say that like you regret not making a full clone of me."
"I might have considered it."
He tightened his hold on her, his nose brushing her temple.
"So, are you going to kill me now?"
"What?"
"That's what you asked me the first time we met, remember? I was fifteen, pinned down in front of the great Anastelle Vecria, asking if she was going to kill me. And now, decades later, what's your answer?"
"I think you already know."
"Still... say it."
"I love you, Richer."
"Took me years to hear that. I spent years trying to prove myself to you. I worked so hard turn the heartless Commander into the soft, caring wife who can smile without a reason."
Anastelle let out a breathy laugh. "You really did the impossible, didn't you?"
"I like to do impossible things, especially if it's someone as stubborn as you."
She wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder. She was still cautious, as if he would break if she pressed too hard.
"We owe the twins for saving you. And for saving... this."
"Yeah. We do."
"Richer... I'm sorry for how I treated you in the past. For treating you like... like a breeding machine."
He laughed again, which was unexpected for her.
"You know what's funny? I actually liked it."
"You liked being objectified?"
"Who wouldn't want to be dominated by a World Commander who's both beautiful and terrifying? You were possessive in the best way possible. I felt wanted, even if it was in... unconventional ways."
Her face reddened slightly, and she covered her mouth.
"Please don't tell me you're teaching our son those kinks."
"Too late. Phaser's already falling into depravity like his old man. It's hereditary. With his looks, he's going to have two women like your father did."
"By the heavens... you men are hopeless."
"But charming."
"I cannot deny that."
They both chuckled, the room filling with the kind of laughter that only comes after years of struggle and rediscovery. After a while, Anastelle's voice softened again.
"The twins have really grown. It feels like just yesterday I was holding them as infants, teaching them how to walk and now, they're Ennèa Category of the Fourth Awakening. And at such a young age, too."
"And they're not fighting anymore like they used to as teenagers. Guess we did something right."
"We did. The Vecrias are finally stable."
"Are you staying for a few days?"
"I am. I took a leave from the World Forces. I want to spend time with you."
"Oh? Commander Anastelle Vecria taking time off for domestic life? What scandal will that cause?"
"Let them talk. I've earned a break. And besides..." she trailed her fingers down his chest, "...I want you to join the World Forces too. As a pathologist, you'd be invaluable. We could work together again."
"Tempting. But I'll do it after I spend time with Xaessia. It's been sixteen years since I last hung out with her. I owe her that."
Anastelle's expression faltered a little, guilt flickering across her face.
"Richer, I-"
He placed a finger on her lips. He already knew where this was going and blaming herself wasn't something he wanted to see again.
"It's in the past. But if you really feel bad, you should apologize to her."
"I... will try."
"You know, I'd kiss you right now but we both have morning breath. That would be... disgusting."
"Then we brush our teeth and then do it."
Richer laughed, slipping his arms under her and lifting her effortlessly. He was shocked by his strength. He didn't remember the last time he did this to her. Or ever, actually.
"Oh? Look who's giving orders again. But guess what, Commander? Your husband is strong enough now to carry you now."
Anastelle's arms looped around his neck.
"Careful, pathologist. I'm still your superior."
"Not in this room, you're not."
She leaned in, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
"Then take us to the bathroom, soldier," she said, her voice turning playful but commanding, just as it had been in her prime.
He burst out laughing, holding her a little tighter.
"Yes, ma'am."
As the door closed behind them, laughter echoed through the halls of the Vecria estate once more. The couple that had endured hardship for 22 years has finally experienced happiness.
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[Come on, is this not cute? I deserve a reward for this masterpiece. This might be a top three short character arc. I have ever written, even comparing it with my other novel.]