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it was the end of the week, he mused as a small smile formed its way on his lips. he was feeling quite giddy today since his master will come back in any minute now — he didn't show it on his face since other butlers will be suspicious of his behavior and certain butlers (read: lamli and ammon) will pester him. shaking his head out of his thoughts, he prepared his master's food and beverage. he know his master always get hungry whenever they come back to the mansion. the clock chimed indicating that it is already six in the evening, he smoothen out his suit and dust himself off of any dirt; maybe to impress his master too — even if he denies it many times, he is such a sucker for praises when it comes to his master.
he trudged towards the entrance of the mansion and his heart thumped when he heard the door opened — he took a deep breath to calm down because he nearly run towards his beloved master. stopping right in front of you, he greets you warmly without you noticing his fondness in his eyes as he stared at you longingly then he holds out his hand to assist you, only for you to wave it off. his smile slightly falters to your rejection but he doesn't show it.
"welcome back, lord. how was your day today?" he greeted, your belongings already on his hands and he felt something off about you today.
"i'm good." you answered, he mentally noted that you were not in the mood today and he frowns, wishing to comfort you right away.
as he open his mouth to speak, a blur zoomed towards you with great speed and latched onto you. haures grits his teeth and immediately felt irritated at the sight in front of him — a certain energetic and stubborn butler, lamli, desperately clinging to your arm and repeatedly claiming to you of how he missed you so much. haures clicked his tongue in irritation and he was supposed to scold him about his scandalous behavior but you suddenly spoke.
"lamli, not now, okay? I don't have time for this and I want to rest." you removed his arm gently from you because you don't want to hurt him. you could feel your patience running low and you don't want to lash out to the both of them since they're always tending to your needs and be there for you whenever you feel lonely at night but right now, you don't want to burden them with your problems.
"but what about your dinner, lord? i'm sure you're quite hungry right now and it is not good for you to skip your meals." haures said, his eyebrows furrowed in worry for his master.
you turned your back from them, hiding the tears forming in the corner of your eyes and lips slightly wobbling — you were close to break down in front of them. taking a deep breath to calm yourself down, you let out an exhale, "i'll eat it later." you said faintly, as you made your way up to the stairs then walking briskly towards to the master's bedroom.
haures lets out a sigh then turn to Lamli who was pouting childishly but there's a clear glint in his eyes that shows he's worried about your behavior today. he ordered lamli to go back and finish his duties and he immediately obey his command which surprised haures. sighing in exasperation, he sauntered off towards the dining room where he could see the other butlers arranging the utensils for it is time for dinner.
"master has arrived and... they said they will eat their dinner later." he trailed off, a troubled look on his face as he remember your expression earlier.
"did something happened, haures? you look troubled... worried, even." berrien slightly frowns, pausing his movement as he observed his fellow butler in front of him.
haures shook his head and only smiled lightly as he proceed towards the kitchen — for now, he will do something to lift up your spirit.
as you put on your sleepwear, your mind drifted back what happened earlier; you could feel your hands start to shake and curling them up into fist. your friends seem to leave you behind — your friends drifting away from you as you watched them interact with each other; they look so happy without you there. you admit sometimes you felt left out whenever they talk to each other with you around; you're not saying anything because you don't want them to find you so clingy and annoying so you just stay silent all the time. as time went on, you guys only talk with each other when it is necessary and it really hurts you to end up like this. you guys known each other for years and you really cherished them — especially the memories you guys made through the years. that even makes you cry as you recall your moments with them together through thick and thin.
you lay down on your bed as you put the duvet to cover your whole body, curling up against your side — hiding away from the world as you weep silently; with no one to comfort you.
hours had passed and your food had gone cold, the other butlers tried to call out your attention; knocking repeatedly on the door but to no avail, there is no response and they guessed that you'd already fallen asleep. haures couldn't sleep right away, no matter how hard he tried to close his eyes; your melancholic expression still haunts him. he sat up from his bed, he decided to see you for his heart yearns to be by your side right this instant. he slowly got up from his bed and carefully left the room without any sound as to not disturb the other butlers who already have fallen victim to sweet temptation of slumber.
haures made a quick trip through the kitchen and brought the chocolate muffins he made earlier with the supervision of lono; he was quite proud of himself because he successfully baked something without getting it burn quickly so he hope you like what he made for you.
halting outside of your door, he lift up his knuckles to knock but something in him hesitates, the thoughts of rejecting him again like you did earlier came back and he stared at the sole of his shoes, contemplating about what to do. suddenly, the sound of door opening snap him out of his thoughts and there, he saw you — with swollen eyes and distraught expression.
"master..." His eyes soften in your state and your eyes tear up again as you saw his warm expression, you lunged towards him and wrapped your arms around his torso, clinging on his shirt like your life depends on it. a hand caressed your head and hushed whispers of reassurance escaped his mouth to comfort you. haures ushered you inside the room with you still hugging his torso and face mushed on his chest; you were listening to his heartbeat. he locked the door and waits for you to say something.
"haures... please don't ever leave me." you said, looking at him with pleading eyes, "i don't want to be all alone again."
he cupped your cheek with his palm as you nuzzle into it with your eyes closed, "look at me" he said softly then you suddenly open your eyes. he put the basket of muffins on top of the desk so he cupped both of your cheeks and he stare directly in your eyes.
"i'm not going anywhere... [your name]. you always have my absolute devotion. I promise to you that i won't ever, ever leave your side and to protect you from any danger, even if it cost my life."
"that's why... let's be together — for eternity."
he could feel his face heat up from his confession, if you really could call it like that. Haures is no expert when it comes to this kind of thing such as romance but he's willing to try and learn for you. your eyes widen at his words, gaping at him like a fish out of the sea. chuckling slightly then turned into a full blown laughter, you separate yourself from him as you try to calm yourself down while haures is blushing and he's feeling quite embarrassed; he thought you're mocking him and he's ready for you to reject him since it is forbidden for a butler and master to have a romantic relationship with each other. yet, his eyes nearly bulge out of his socket when he heard your response.
"i like-no, i love you for a long time now, haures. even though we've only met few months ago, i've fallen for you. i really like your dedication and devotion. i know you're quite strict with others but you just want the best for them and you show that you care for them through your actions. and... your voice always made me calm. and... you're handsome too." you trailed off, feeling awkward and kind of shy; you're not really good with words.
his face is red as a tomato and you just chuckled as you find his reaction so endearing. you lean towards his face but slowing down as you stare at his eyes as if asking him for consent, he nods in confirmation and he could hear his heartbeat drumming in his ears. he's feeling nervous too because this is the first time in his life to feel this kind of emotion then his breath hitched when he felt your lips on his. he clumsily kisses you back and he placed his hands awkwardly around your waist. you tilt your head to deepen the kiss and you two kissed each other with want, longing, passion, and need.
you pulled away to breathe and you stare at his disheveled appearance, his lips slightly swollen in your make out session. you embrace him for the second time that night and you felt him hugged you back; hand stroking your back, "can you stay the rest of the night with me?" you asked, never want to let go of him just yet.
"of course."
he also felt the same way — he still wants to stay with you. forget about the consequences, for now, he needs to be there with you.