Your P.O.V

The smoke clears along the horizon, revealing a world devoid of deceit and war. A new light illuminates the decrepit landscape, breathing life into a forgotten world. I inhale deeply, allowing my lungs to taste the nectar of a purified air. An enchanted smile graces my lips, tickling my cheeks with hope. I take a step forward. Then another. Step after step passes me until I burst into a sprint, racing towards my comrades with a beaming heart. They wait, arms wide, embracing me with affection and pride. This is the family I have longed for, the family I searched for as I wandered desperately through hell on earth. My eyes spill violently with grateful tears. Shinoa gently wipes the water from my complexion, grinning with overwhelmed gratitude. "Thank you." She whispers sweetly, causing me to continue in my emphatic fit.

The victorious ambiance is silenced with sharp precision by the precarious laugh of a sly fox. A comedic applause is heard as Ferid Bathory approaches, his lips curled ever so slightly into a devilish grin. The crowd turns with apprehension to face the Cretan. "You have gone above and beyond all expectations, my darling." He snickers, subduing me with feigned shock.

"You act surprised." I vaunt, my teeth hissing with each syllable. He laughs again, but this time in mockery.

"Not surprised, my dear, impressed!" His expression softens and for the first time, his display is genuine. He no longer carries himself with an air of mistrust. He reaches a hand outward in my direction. I hesitate at first, but my affliction consumes me and I firmly grasp his hold, shaking promptly. His free hand moves towards my face, beckoning to caress it within his filthy palm. But, Guren immediately intervenes, swatting it away with tactful precision. His menacing glare locked onto his target. With weary, Ferid backs away, raising his outstretched palms in haughty surrender. "You have unexpectedly managed to fulfill your end of the bargain. As a man of my word, I will also fulfill mine." Like a speck of dust, he dissipates and vanishes. A few meters from our position, he reappears and raises his arm in the air with military salute. Bringing his arm back to his side, a signal is emitted. After a few moments of suspenseful wait, a hoard of vampires approaches. Meters behind, a solidified mass moves just out of focus, emerging with unrelenting force. A parade of exulted children marches with jubilance towards us. Their stature screams with unparalleled freedom. Upon seeing their war ridden heroes, they hesitate. Then, they race towards us in perfect chaos, screaming with excitement.

As I observe with admiration and undying affection, a hand snakes its way around my waist. Like a puzzle piece, it connects perfectly in place. Warmth radiates against my back as a familiar body is pressed into mine. Gently, a chin is nuzzled into the nape of my heated neck, lusty breath biting at my skin. "There are hundreds of children, left abandoned without families or homes." Guren sulks, the magnitude of his demeanor sinking into my chest. A heavy weight encases my heart and I feel my pulse quicken. The sickening thought makes my body ache with need and desire. "What if we took one or two in... together?" He coos. At first, his speech does not register. My thoughts vacant of the impact of his folly. The only thing I can concentrate on is the security of the precious lives I see before me. Then, it hits me with the might of a freight train. The sudden realization of his implications causes my head to fall feint, the ground spinning with an overwhelming happiness.

"That would be... amazing... Wait – Wouldn't that mean we would be living together?" My voice cracks and creaks as I speak. My undeniably comical reaction is just what Guren had wanted from the start. I feel my skin ignite beneath me, my palms quaking with unsettledness. Before me, the man that I have fallen inhumanly in love with bends at the waist, morphing into a kneeling position. Like an alabaster statue, he sparkles in the light of mid afternoon. A fantastical mirage emerges, encompassing me in dream like beauty. A knight has come to rescue his demon. I snicker to myself. How contradictory. My cheeks explode with a fiery crimson, orbs overflowing with an iridescent river of bliss.

"I may not have a lot to offer in this young and broken world, but I have you and that is all I will ever need. (f/n) (l/n) would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Before I have time to think, my legs are pushing me forward into the embrace of an undeserved angel. My body bounds towards him without halt, beckoning for his touch to caress me once again. The transcendence of this moment settles around me and his arms smother me in eternal hold.

"Yes."

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The room is encased in an ungodly smog, causing me to cough and hack in resistance. Quickly, I make my way towards the stove, removing the charcoal encrusted pan with urgency. My eyes force themselves shut in defiance as I desperately try to fan the smoke from the kitchen with a disheveled rag. Once my lungs relinquish and fill with crisp air, I open my eyes. Disappointment settles in my chest, my stomach churning with self deprecation. The identity of the stewed vegetables is unknown, brown and grey mush taking their place.

My attention is drawn away from my lackluster cooking ability as a familiar rattling is heard from the main room. The echoing screams of a rotted door fill my ears and I know who has returned home. Large footsteps are accompanied by the pitter patter of delicate feet as they expectantly run towards their father. I rest my shoulder against the doorframe and watch the scene that plays out before me. "Daddy! Daddy!" Emilia squeals, running into Guren's arms. He scoops her into his embrace, sidestepping to twirl her in an elegant pirouette, fit for a princess. Once stationary, she leans in and plants a subtle kiss on his cheek. Beaming with passion, he gently taps her nose.

I feel my apron ruffle violently as Allistar rushes past me, his pace does not falter. Upon seeing his approach, Guren sets Emilia on the entryway chair and narrowly avoids Allistar's assault. "Look at what I made." He beams, arms outstretched with pride. Two paper swords dance in the vibrant daylight, calling out towards the forgotten war hero. Guren immediately jumps at the opportunity, grasping for the familiar item with unnerving desperation. I can feel his sorrow fill the room, my heart aches at the distant and exhilarating memories. I reach out towards Guren, but I'm inopportunely interrupted.

Allistar does not allow for time to react, he forcefully pushes on, pressing Guren to guard. With tuned reflex, Guren parries, returning several overwhelming blows. The paper sword cascading from Allistar's hand. A look of defeat overcomes the young boy, but Guren is quick to give his son a reassuring smile. "Don't worry kid, just keep practicing." He chuckles childishly, displacing Allistar's hair with his hand. With a rejuvenating burst of vigor, Allistar pounces forward, laying an unforgiving onslaught onto his sister. Without hesitation Emilia reaches for the sword and mounts a viscous counter attack. The two uncouth and wild children push past me and into the kitchen, waging a never ending familial war.

"That's my girl." I laugh sheepishly, bringing my hand to my mouth in order to stifle my giggles. Guren immediately notices my presence and saunters towards me, his eyes filled with animalistic need. Without saying a word, he pulls me into him, grabbing my back roughly with his sturdy hands. His lips are locked in mine and I let my eyes flutter shut. He repositions, kissing deeper, melting into me. Time slows and I feel encased in an ethereal paradise. He brings his hand to my cheeks, rubbing a rhythmic pattern into my velvet skin. His fingers dance along my collar, playing an enrapturing melody of affection. Pulling away, he mocks without regret.

"Something smells good." I grit my teeth out of frustration and give a light punch to his shoulder. I scoff rebelliously and make my way back to the kitchen to finish with dinner preparation.

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Shortly after dinner is finished, the children have fallen victim to the helpless grips of slumber. Once they are fast asleep, Guren and I make our way to our bed chamber, sitting on the edge of the bed in uncomfortable silence. "Do you miss it?" I question without thought or consequence. I feel Guren's grip tighten around the bed sheet with woeful comprise.

"Do you think we could try one last time." He whispers, his voice shaking with broken tone, but I do not judge. An understanding and compassionate smile overtakes me.

"Of course." I exhale, the tension in the air dissipating. He closes his eyes, loosening his menacing grip and allowing his body to relax.

"(f/n)..." He calls for me and I answer. His palms wrap firmly around me and the familiar feeling intoxicates me. It has been years since Guren has equipped me, a mellowed longing raging through my soul. The once barren wasteland of his memories is filled with warmth, light and life. It does not take long to recognize the being that overtakes his thoughts. My face radiates in every reminiscing mirage. Falling to my knees in an emotional heap I begin to sob and heave violently. My chest ignites with a burning love and I feel Guren's heartbeat pound against my own until they melt into a unified form.

Suddenly, I am ripped from my cursed state and reeled back into reality. I collide with the floor and flail frantically to my feet. "What's going on." I cry out in panic and Guren motions for me to be quiet.

"Someone's at the door." He whispers and I roll my eyes at the underwhelming development.

"I'll answer it." I sigh and make my way downstairs. I open the door without care and come face to face with a familiar foe. "What brings you here at this time of night?" I exhaust, my voice laced with melancholy and irritation. His slight pout does not cause my conviction to falter. I am well affirmed to his tricks. I eye him in a peculiar fashion in attempt to hurry his visit.

"A not so friendly welcome I see. It has been awhile and I wanted to check in." Ferid purrs with sadistic intent. "Where do you see yourself in 50 years?" The question is looming, pleading for me to delve into intense thought. I browse the topic for a minute. Then, it hits me. My eyes ignite with a radical recognition that pulsates throughout the room. Ferid's condescending demeanor wracks me in agitation, a feral growl erupting from my throat. "Humans don't live forever sweetheart. But, I can assist you with that." He coaxes me, his voice emanating a lure of persuasion.

"No." A firm response for a ludicrous request. "I refuse to subject Guren to that fate." Ferid discounts my rebuke and proceeds to laugh hysterically, his eyes crossing the vast expanse of the room to the door frame where Guren has appeared.

"What do I have to do?" Guren's voice begs to be quenched. The intense desperation rising in the stagnant air. My eyes fall heavy with guilt, my heart yearning to keep him with me. Confliction consumes me.

I watch as Ferid sinks his filthy fangs into Guren's crisp, unjaded flesh. My body recoils at the sight, back stiffening with discomfort. His fingers twitch at the shocking intensity of the Cretan's bite. I want so desperately for the nightmare to end, the color washing from my complexion.

Eventually, Ferid releases and Guren falls into a helpless heap. He scratches furiously at his throat, crying out in agony with every breath. Un-phased by the tribulation, Ferid proceeds to slice a gash in his forearm, bringing the crimson liquid to Guren's mouth. After a few moments, the torrent quells, muscles relaxing into a comfortable state. I watch feebly as Guren quivers on the floor. I rush to his side, placing his feint head in my lap. I begin to stroke his hair in attempt to comfort my precious treasure. I stiffen abruptly. Guren smiles, displaying two sharpened fangs, piercing his bottom lip. The unnatural sight leaves me reeling.

Without warning, Ferid exits the quaint residence, throwing a pouch of human blood into my lap. Immediately, I know what I must do. I tilt the mixture forward, allowing it to lap against Guren's tongue. The color slowly returns to his face and I catch the very last glimpse of his lilac orbs before they disappear forever. A bright ruby replaces the gentle pastel.

My small frame manages to escort Guren into bed and I make my stay beside him. Unexpectedly, Guren climbs on top of me, pinning me down with unmovable force. I feel his lips brush against my neck and he proceeds to nibble with tease. His arm fidgets beneath him, snaking its way from my torso to my backside. With firm hold, he squeezes and I kip from the electric pulse. His other hand caresses the back of my head, his fingers entwining in my (h/c) locks. He tugs gently, intensifying my lust for him. "Let me punish you for your sins." He taunts, pulling me into him. He bites more roughly at my neck this time, moving below the hemline to my collar. I chuckle inappropriately, exasperated mockery escaping my tainted lips.

"I'm a demon, the sins don't get much worse." I recognize my mistake. My chin is violently grabbed by a determined hand, positioned to stare into intense eyes. A shiver polarizes my spine and my thighs tingle with submission. My muscles tighten and I struggle beneath his commanding grasp. His sudden authority combined with his searing crimson orbs is uncontrollably sexy. Like a helpless lamb I fall prey to an inebriating wolf. He leans forward again, but with increased velocity. Without remorse, he plants kisses and nibbles from hip to brow. The undeniable feeling encompasses me and I quiver with a fit of giggles and moans.

"Do you ever rest?" I exasperate, tugging on the neck of his shirt. I stare him down with unwavering intensity, beaming with a fiery passion.

"I can go forever, darling." He snarls, my hips twitching with desire. "I'll continue to love you for eternity."