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You were tired. So exhausted that you could feel the fatigue resonate deep within your bones, limbs feeling like they were made out of lead. You couldn't recall the last time you had even gotten a wink of sleep. The latest assignment you had taken on with your fellow Stellaron Hunters was starting to take its toll on your weary body.
You sat between your companions, Kafka and Blade, struggling to keep your eyes open. The low hum of a mechanical engine purring was tempting you to sleep with its rhythmic pulse, eyelashes fluttering over your cheeks and threatening to slip close. You fought it with every last ounce of strength you had, muscles still tense and every hair on the nape of your neck standing on high alert. If someone so much as breathed wrong in your direction you were ready to pull your weapon out. Your mind and body warred with each other, the gears in your brain refusing to stop turning while your body continued to run on empty gas, burning on fumes to keep you moving forward.
Your companions seemed to pay you no mind, not even noticing that your body was teetering on the edge of unconsciousness. Kafka’s eyes were glued to her phone, one arm thrown across the back of the couch and a small smile on her rosy lips as the screen’s reflection flickered in her eyes. The ever-silent Blade had yet to stir from his position, arms crossed over his chest and eyes shut to the world around him. Not even Silver Wolf’s occasional comments had stirred him from his meditation, eyes refusing to budge as he remained eerily still.
A small sigh breezed past your lips as your body continued to decline rapidly, the fatigue of the past several days finally catching up to you. No matter how much you tried to fight it, your willpower was starting to waver. Your eyes flickered close, the tension in your shoulders easing. Surely if you just closed your eyes for a few minutes, everything would be alright. Your body swayed gently before you tipped in Kafka’s direction, the sweet scent of her perfume like a siren’s call as your body was coaxed towards her. Before you collapsed into her, a cold hand shot out and grasped your shoulder, your mind barely comprehending what was happening as you were wrenched in the opposite direction. Your body slumped against Blade as your eyes shot open for a brief moment, tired mind startled awake as you looked around with wide eyes.
Long locks of ebony hair tickled your cheek as you peered up at Blade. His eyes still remained close and he said nothing. The grip on your shoulder had yet to ease, fingers dug firmly into your skin as he kept you pressed into his side, preventing you from escaping his clutches easily. Heat crept over your cheeks as his familiar scent curled in your lungs, the faint tinge of blood tickling your nose and oddly…comforting. The metallic smell always clung to Blade wherever he went and its presence was soothing. It always reminded you that he was close to your side; even if you sometimes couldn't see him, you could feel his presence. Your eyes slipped close once more, a shy smile tilting your lips as you buried your face into the crook of his neck.
An amused smile tilted Kafka’s lips as she raised an eyebrow, her eyes finally peeling off her phone screen long enough to bear witness to the scene before her.
"How greedy, Bladie, keeping them all to yourself" she softly teased.
She received a grunt in reply, Blade’s eyes finally peeling open as he shot Kafka a nasty glare. His reactions never failed to amuse her. She had been silently hoping that you would cuddle up to her in your sleepy state but Blade reacted a lot quicker than she had anticipated. Possessive bastard. Her smile continued to play on her lips yet she didn't offer another remark as she turned her attention back to her phone. She could tease the both of you later after you got some good shut eye.
Blade’s crimson stare focused on you as you pressed yourself further into his embrace, nose brushing against the sensitive spot just under his ear. He flinched when he felt your breath tickling his skin, the warm puffs sending pleasant shivers to creep down his spine. He did his best to ignore it as he brushed a few stray strands of hair behind your ears, the tips of his fingers showing a gentleness that you wouldn't think possible for someone who claimed to be nothing but a weapon to be used. A warm hum stirred in your chest as you relaxed further, frazzled mind slowly coaxed into the endless void of your dreams. You could hear Blade’s voice against the shell of your ear, his hushed tone for you and you alone.
"Sleep" he murmured. "You're safe under my vigil."