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At 1 am, Lucy knew she should be asleep. But no matter how many sheep she counted or breathing exercises she tried, she was painfully awake. At the very least, her view was nice.
Alfendi was sleeping quite soundly. He was breathtaking, even as his hair slowly slid down his face. One of his hands rested over her shoulder, and she held the other in hers. In these sleepless nights she became so familiar with the feeling of his body next to hers. Even if she couldn’t sleep now, she couldn’t imagine sleeping without him here.
She couldn’t believe how lucky she was. Alfendi was so smart, Al had the sharpest wit she’d ever known, and Fendi always knew what to say to make her feel better. And she… she…
She was looking into his eyes.
“Did I wake y’?” she whispered, releasing his hand to brush the hair from his face. “‘M sorry.”
He quickly took her hand again and held it against his cheek. “I don’t see how you waking me up would ever be something to apologize for.” A sly smile pulled at the corner of his lips, “means you’ve got something to say.”
… did she?
“Do I?”
The sly smile softened. “Lucy. You fall asleep the moment you lay down. If you’re awake, something is keeping you awake. I want to help, so tell me what’s keeping you up.”
She broke eye contact, choosing to stare at the ceiling. “I can’t really think o’ owt. Pretty sure I just drank regular coffee instead o’ decaf.”
Al squeezed her hand, “we both know a little caffeine has never stopped you from a good sleep.” Heat bloomed on her palm as he planted a kiss there. “You can’t hide the truth from me. I’m 97.99% sure of this deduction.”
She let out a huff of a sigh, “we said no deductions in the bedroom!” Lucy glared at him, making eye contact again.
His expression changed, she’s so used to it by now. Fendi quirked an eyebrow, “we also said no secrets in the relationship.”
She flinched. Killing blow right there. “… we did.” This sigh was slow. “I… really don’t know. It’s… y’know wot a ‘Manic Pixie Dream Girl’ is?”
“We’re aware of the concept.”
“Am… am I ‘ust a Manic Pixie Dream Girl?”
The silence was deafening.
The microexpressions Lucy usually used to track who was fronting changed so quickly that she ended up losing track. She knew that was generally a bad sign. An ‘I’ll rip out your tongue and throw you off the tower myself’ sort of sign. But she also knew that Alfendi would never hurt her.
He squeezed her hand a little tighter. “Who said that about you?” He didn’t hiss it out… but he also didn’t… not hiss it out.
“N- no one. I…” the words escaped her. There’s an ice cold weight right at her core. “I’m the one sayin’ it.” She bit the inside of her lip, breaking eye contact again. “It’s... True, though. I’m not smart like y’. An’ y’always figured out the case afore I even got close.” She sighed. “E’en… e’en the one case e’eryone gives me credit for… I… I couldn’t even convince y’ you were really innocent until y’ ‘ad figured it out! I don’t-! I ‘aven’t done owt! I’m only good f’r—“
Suddenly she’s pulled into his arms with her cheek pressed against his bare chest. The weight eased up in her chest.
“Lucy.” Alfendi said after another moment of silence. “No one- and I mean No one, not even yourself- is allowed to speak about you like that.” He squeezed her tightly. “You mean so much to me- to us. And you should never let any idea that you-“ a small hitch in his breath, “- that your worth is somehow tied to anyone or anything . Yes, you helped us immensely. But you are not defined by how much you’ve helped us.” He pulled back, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. “I- we love you- not because you’ve helped us, but because we love the way you hum to yourself when doing paperwork. We love that you sometimes talk to the kettle while making tea.” He cupped her face in his hands, making eye contact with her again. “We love your fierce bravery and dedication to everything you do.” He hugged her close again. “You’re wonderful, far more so than you seem to realize.”
“But—“
“—no, no buts.” Fendi cut her off, brushing his thumb over her lips ever so gently. “I would give you all the confidence in the world if I could.” He moved his thumb to just below her eye, wiping away a tear Lucy hadn’t even realized she’d shed.
Lucy wrapped her arms around him, once again tucking herself under his chin. The weight in her chest had almost entirely gone. “‘M sorry…”
His chest rumbled with a deep laugh. “Doubt is nothing to apologize for.” He rubbed gentle circles between her shoulder blades. “... If… If I may unload my own doubts… Sometimes I fear I may cling to you so much that I’ll stifle you. I can see how bright you are. You could do so much outside of the Mystery Room, and yet I’ve done everything in my power to keep you.” Al pressed his chilly nose into the crown of her head. “I can’t imagine my life without you.”
She chuckled, nestling into him more. “I’d ne’er want t’ leave y’ anyway.” After a beat she jerked her head back, knocking against his chin, “an’ I don’t mean that ‘ust ‘cause we’re sleepin’ together, I mean as crime fightin’ partners too.”
He laughed, gently rubbing the spot she’d hit. “I’m glad we’ve had this talk.” He tipped her chin up and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.
Lucy returned in kind. “Oh, An’ one more f’r Fendi, it’s only fair!” And gave him a second kiss.
“Of course, of course. You’re always so fair to us.” He released her, opting to return to his original sleeping position, one hand over her shoulder, the other holding one of her hands. “Think you can—”
“—Snr…”
He smiled, lowering his voice to an almost inaudible whisper. “Goodnight, Lucy.”