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I'm used to sneaking around my home quite a bit, always nervous about running into someone. I tense when I hear the wood floor creaking outside my bedroom or I see a shadow pass by my door. When I'm in public, I often avoid making eye contact with strangers.
So I was thinking about an mc like this staying with Sylus for the first time. He's been abrasive and rough, terrifying you in your first few interactions and leaving a horrific first impression. Even if he's started treating you a bit more nicely, staying with him in his home would be an unnerving experience. And I feel like the easiest way for someone like me to cope with that would be to learn his patterns and use them to avoid him like the plague. To know when and where he is during certain times of night and avoid those areas of the house.
Of course, Sylus can be a little emotionally constipated and would have no idea how to approach a situation like this. He'd notice for sure, though. Your quiet watchfulness, the way you startle when he walks into a room you're in, the way you walk through his halls as quietly as possible. How you'll approach the kitchen for a snack or some water, only to see him there, causing you to freeze in place and slowly slink away if you think he hasn't noticed you. I imagine this would hurt, seeing you so afraid of him. It would reinforce his view of himself as a monster, I think.
He wouldn't push. He's not one to push, especially not with something like this. He'd make sure to treat you gently, offering you little rewards for spending time with him. Maybe the chef starts preparing your favorites, or you wake up to a little gift box with a necklace inside on your nightstand. He'd be so proud and happy to see you walking around his home wearing it on the daily. A little sign of his ownership, as well as proof that he knows your taste and chose well.
I think things would change once you have to spend more time with him and eventually realize he's really not all that scary. Maybe you go to an auction with him and hold his hand the whole time, feeling safest while hiding behind him rather than conversing with the other people there.
You get caught alone with a shady man who's a bit too pushy while Sylus is doing some negotiating on his own, but he notices quickly and drops everything to come to your aid right away. He easily scares the man off and takes you aside to make sure you're alright.
Overwhelmed and overstimulated, you start to cry a little, and instead of freezing up awkwardly or telling you to calm down, he coaxes you into his arms, rubbing your back and soothing you gently. When you try to insist you're okay to continue with the auction, he sees through your lie, taking you back home even while you protest, not letting you apologize for 'ruining his night'.
This is a turning point in your relationship. Having direct experience with him, learning that he's not going to hurt you or lash out, and also that he's actually quite fun to hang out with! You hesitate a bit out of habit for a little while, but you no longer shy away from the spaces he occupies. Instead of tensing when he enters a room you're in, you start to perk up, hoping that he'll talk to you.
The first time you actively seek out his company would be incredibly meaningful to Sylus. He does his best to act nonchalant to avoid spooking you and scaring you away, but he can't hide how his eyes widen in surprise when you approach him. He teases you a little to keep the mood light, but he treats you so incredibly kindly, engaging with what you show him and making sure you feel at ease.
Eventually, you begin to bloom, unveiling new parts of yourself and truly being happy much more often. Gone is the nervous little kitty hiding in the shadows and jumping at every little noise; now you're playful and upbeat and not afraid to make noise or take up space in his home. You've befriended the twins and Mephisto as well, and have even gained the courage to play pranks on him alongside them.
Idk, as someone who's never really had a place that feels like 'home', having somewhere that I can fully relax and let go and spend time with those I'm closest with would mean so so much to me.
Sylus would be so proud to be the person who changes your life's tone to be one of happiness and comfort. He consistently treats you with patience, kindness, and warmth, helping you learn that you no longer need to be afraid. He watches you thrive both mentally and physically, surrounded by a support system that you've never had before. Always being there to catch you when you stumble or fall.
Who would have guessed that the big bad leader of Onychinus is such an expert in caring for stray cats?