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The only sounds heard in the Ramshackle dormitory were your soft, muffled sobbing as you brought your blankets to your face. Tonight was just one of those nights- the ones where everything just comes crashing down.
All the negativity in your mind manifested into this one single thought: You weren’t good enough. You weren’t pretty enough, not skinny enough.
From being around a literal supermodel to just other regular students, they were all so much… smaller than you. Better. Prettier.
The thought did nothing to calm you, only making the situation worse. You continued to muffle your crying, trying your best not to wake up Grim.
You jolted in the bed when you heard a knock. Was it from the door downstairs? No, it sounded much too close for that.
You looked to your right, looking at the silhouette illuminated by the delicate moonlight. The unmistakeable bob caught your attention, and it was obvious that the person was Rook.
As much as you didn’t want to open it, you knew that if you ignored him, it would only make things worse. Begrudgingly, you got up from the bed, opening the window and trying to wipe your tears.
“Rook, it’s the middle of the night. What’re you doing here?”
Before you could pester any further, he cupped your cheek, looking you over repeatedly. “Ma belle, I could tell you had been acting strangely as of late, and when I came to observe you, I saw ma mignonne crying. Please, tell me what is troubling you?”
You sighed, listing out your options. If you denied his claim, he would only continue to ask- he was observant enough to know something was up. But if you caved and told him what happened, it’s not like he would understand. His esthetic was like that of a renaissance painting while you were just someone who could admire the work, doing nothing else. Being nothing else but just an insignificant bystander, envious to the radiance of another.
Your hands came to your face, trying to hide it from him as more tears came. A hand cradled your head into his shoulder, the other keeping you firm against him. Rook knew better than to demand the answers out of you before you were ready.
After coming to sit together on the floor, you held his hand as your gaze stayed planted to the ground. You knew Rook would try his best to understand, seeing that he had been empathetic enough to see what was wrong, but it didn’t make it any less humiliating to actually admit it.
“You’re right, I have been off lately.”
You bit your tongue, tears pooling in your eyes.
“I’ve just been insecure. More than normal. After hanging out with you, Vil.. people who embody beauty, I just… it kills me that I don’t look like that. That I can’t even imagine looking like that.” you swallow as you continue, “I don’t even want to know what you think of me. You care so much about yourself, about doing everything you can to be beautiful, and then I look like this. It embarrassing. I hate being this size.”
You gaze darts across the floor, waiting for Rook to break the silence. Of course he wouldn’t understand. Now you just embarrassed yourself.
Timidly raising your viewpoint, you looked at Rooks face, being able to see his expression even in the dim room. He looked like he was about to start crying.
He pulled you to him, kissing your forehead gently. “Ma belle, I cannot understand how you view yourself that way. Every time my eyes meet yours, my heart is enticed in ways I cannot even explain. Your beauté leaves me speechless when I see your sparkling smile.” he coos, his lips coming to press kisses to your cheeks.
“I cannot tell you how much your form ignites a passion deep within me that I am unable to put out. Ma colombe, you are not any less beautiful than statues depicting goddess themselves. Even those who are the fairest of all would be envious if they saw just how flawless you are every single waking moment of the day.”
His hand cupped your cheeks, gently stroking it and wiping away tears. “Ma douce, your body embodies beauté in its own way. There is no need to be ashamed of it.” A gentle kiss landed between your brows, causing you to sniff weakly.
The moonlight peeking through the window illuminated his features, making him appear like he was an embodiment of the moon itself- his beauty and elegance blending in with the charm of the night. You didn’t fail to notice how softly he was speaking, whether it be due to the late hour or being considerate to Grim’s sleep.
You hugged him, your head in the crook of his neck. His hands held you firmly against him, gentle kisses being pressed against your neck as he whispered to you. “I love you, mon chéri. I will declare it as many times as you deem fit.”
You smiled, kissing his jaw. “I love you too. Thank you, for everything.”
He pecked your temple, his hand gently moving up and down your back. “If you ever need this again, ma belle, just tell me. I could remark on your beauty for days, months even.” Rook grabbed your hand, bringing it to his lips and gently kissing it. “You are the most beautiful gem I have ever laid my eyes on, and your physique only enhances your beauteousness.” A gentle kiss to your forehead punctuated his statement, his grip on you never faltering as he showered you with his affection.