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"You're alright. Come here, beloved."
Your breath leaves you all at once in a shuddering exhale as you let yourself collapse into his embrace. Sylus doesn't flinch or complain, easily supporting your weight as he holds you against him.
You wrap your arms around his broad torso, gripping tightly to his shirt as if you're afraid he'll be ripped from your grasp at any moment. He lets out a soft sigh of worry, his breath brushing your forehead as he presses his lips there, holding them against your skin for a long while before parting.
There's no trace of his usual teasing tone as he speaks this time. "Just lean into me. Let me take care of everything." As if sensing the protest growing in your tightening throat, he shushes you softly, beginning to rub your back in gentle, slow circles. His hand feels so big, the weight of it against you bringing you solace. "If there's anything you want to handle yourself, let me help you. No matter what you need, you're never too much."
Every shaky breath you take in allows you to lose yourself in his scent, helping you calm yourself bit by bit. You remember when he asked you to help him choose the fragrance of his body wash. He still uses it, even months later.
Its scent permeates so many happy memories that you've had the privilege of collecting with him. It gives you hope for the future, knowing that you'll have the opportunity to add so many more to your trove.
"That's it." He purrs, scattering kisses on the top of your head as he feels the tension begin to leave your limbs. "You can let go. I've got you. I won't ever let you fall."
And you do, slumping further into him as you let your breath slow to match his. You feel the way you rise and fall alongside his powerful chest as he inhales and exhales. His body feels so solid and real against yours.
His warmth radiates through his clothing to soothe your anxious chills, and you let your grip on his shirt slacken. You let yourself focus on the movement of his muscles beneath his shirt, the sound of his heartbeat, the love you can hear in every word that leaves his lips.
You trust him more than you've ever trusted anyone else. And it's scary to take that leap of faith, entrusting all of yourself to someone else, but he catches you every time. He has never once let you down.
"Do you want to lie down for a while?" At your nod, he picks you up with ease, keeping you held against his chest with a firm hand on your back. You close your eyes, burying your face in the crook of his neck as you let him decide where to take you.
He sits down on a couch, lying back against the armrest and guiding you to recline alongside him, staying in his lap. You're not quite sure where you are, but you don't want to move from your comfy spot to take a look. Leaning on him for comfort is a relatively new privilege, but one you value greatly. And Sylus seems almost giddy at the opportunity to pamper you like this, though he likely masks his enthusiasm to avoid spooking you.
"Rest, sweetheart. I'll keep you safe." He murmurs, his lips brushing your ear. You nod, already melting into him.