Never far, Dante could be found seated at the water’s edge, his tail tucked neatly around his paws as he stared into its clear depths. He hadn’t lived in many places that offered him so many chances to see himself, and not that he particularly enjoyed it. In fact, he couldn’t stop the look of disgust that seemed hell-bent on twisting his features.

This is what people saw? Something so… unoriginal. Uninspired. So painfully basic. And not even whole.

The ear missing part of its tip flicked in quiet irritation. What did it matter what he thought? As long as those around him… did Apple see him the same way?

The thought halted him mid-spiral. The disgust slipped away, replaced by something heavier, sorrow. Did she see what he saw? Had the night they shared meant so little? Just a moment of convenience… a chance for her to find release?

The idea cut deeper than he expected.

Apple owed him nothing. She was the Queen. He was little more than a peasant in the presence of something far greater. Why shouldn’t she use him as she saw fit? Perhaps that was all he was good for, a quick fuck, a bit of protection, and another mouth to help with the hunt.

The shame of that night still burned hot in his chest. Dante had yet to understand what had gone so wrong. It had felt incredible. He had used his body as he was meant to… as far as he knew. The quiet “experiments” since then only seemed to confirm it wasn’t an Apple issue.

So what kind of Dante issue was it? And how the fuck was he supposed to fix it?

The disappointment in her voice, when she thought she hadn’t pleased him, still ached deep in his chest. She had been perfect. The sights and sounds of that night haunted him in all the best ways, and yet here he was, spiraling as he stared into a reflection he couldn’t stand.

Frustration flashed sharp and sudden. With a huff, he struck the water’s surface with his paw, sending ripples shattering his image. Sitting here sulking wasn’t going to fix anything.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn’t notice Apple’s approach.

Nor the pounce that hit him with a whump, sending them both sprawling into the pool.

The shock of cold water jolted through him, and he jerked upright, whipping his head to the side, only to be met with the Dusk Queen herself.

Where once he might have snapped on instinct, something softer won out. A laugh broke free instead, surprised and unguarded, as he reached out, caught her, and pulled her back down into the water in a gentle wrestle.

Further into the pool they tumbled, laughter spilling freely from him all the while. When they finally came to a stop, Apple had his foreleg caught in her mouth, openly gnawing at him.

For a brief moment, he stiffened, memories from another life flashing sharp behind his eyes. It nearly made him yank his limb free, but the playfulness in her gaze, the giddiness in her tone, eased the tension before it could take hold.

Breathing through the lingering edge of unease, he let a smirk tug at his lips.

Yes, it certainly seems you do. Do I taste good? Because you certainly do.

A low, almost sultry growl colored his voice, something he quickly tried to shake off with a soft clearing of his throat. Suddenly flustered, he glanced away.

What honor do I owe this meeting, my Queen?

Snorting at her quip, he splashed a bit of water at her in playful retaliation. Shall we get out of this pool, or continue mimicking fish, girasol? Alas, I’m not very good at breathing underwater. Shameful, I know.

Dante felt lighter in these moments of teasing,like life didn’t always have to be so serious, so intense. Like laughter and smiles were allowed… even encouraged.

Raising a scarred brow, he leaned in and booped his nose against her cheek. ¿Yo? ¿En serio? ¿A qué te refieres, Manzanita? (Me? Serious? Whatever do you mean, Apple?) There was a teasing glint in his eyes as he switched languages.

But then she shifted, her tone turning more serious, even if the grin lingered.

The playfulness softened. His ears flicked toward her, attentive now.

I’m listening.

I am so sorry to disappoint, my lady. And what a lovely fin it is.

Catching the hesitation in her movements, he reached forward to press an affectionate kiss to her cheek before letting out a soft snort of laughter.

The exchange of languages always lifted the giant’s spirits. It seemed she was picking up Spanish faster than he learned German, but he felt no sense of competition in it. If anything, he took immense pride in her willingness to learn and expand her knowledge.

When she quipped back in German, a smirk tugged at his maw. She could be a little firecracker, and he admired that spark in her.

Listening intently, he nodded. Less rank, more title. Go on.

Emerald eyes gleamed with curiosity, touched with a hint of concern. Did she seem nervous?

The words that followed didn’t fully land at first. Taking a moment to parse what she had said, he leaned back, sitting a bit straighter.

Sworn sword. Protector. Confidant. Binding.

The words swirled in his mind, forcing him to close his eyes briefly to steady himself.

You say bound. What does that mean? Unable to be broken? His gaze returned to her, searching. You would essentially… become my everything. My life would be completely yours. Am I understanding this correctly?

This was… unexpected. Not unwelcome, but a lot.

Had he truly earned that level of trust from her already? That she would bind them together for life? Wear him as her shadow, her constant, her closest companion?

That was… a great deal to take in.