Chapter Text
“-ust let me know if you two need anything else……I’ll be back at the tavern” a soft voice said quickly, sounding far away as Kyra drifted in and out of consciousness. There was some shuffling and then the kirin blinked her eyes open slowly, her vision blurring slightly, focusing in the warm light of the room.
“Good afternoon, hon” Kyra looked up to see Paradox holding a glass of what looked like water, he set the glass down on the nightstand and sat in the chair to the side of the bed.
“What…happened, We were just at the tavern, weren’t we?” Kyra asked, looking into Paradox’ eyes, now noticing that his shades were absent.
“Yes, we were talking with Vince, remember?…Then you passed out in the tavern, how’re you feeling now, sweetheart?” Paradox asked with a soft smile on his face.
“I’m…feeling alright, and a bit achy ” Kyra said honestly, taking a sip of the water, Paradox hummed softly at her response, taking the glass and putting it back on the nightstand when Kyra was done.
“Well, I’m glad you’re not doing any worse, you scared me back there” Paradox smiled sadly, cupping Kyra’s cheek with one hand.
“I- Sorry about that” Kyra stuttered and resisted the urge to lean forward as Paradox ran his hand through her mane, scratching gently.
“No need to apologize, dear” the vampire said with a small chuckle, bright red eyes glittering with amusement as he continued to pet Kyra’s mane, causing the words the kirin was about to say to get caught in her throat as her eyes fluttered briefly.
After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Kyra spoke again.
“I..need to get back to the library-“ Kyra said quickly prompting Paradox to let out a sigh.
“Kyra, the library can wait, you’re still recovering” Paradox said gently.
“I feel fine, I just need to get back to work-“ Kyra argued before getting cut off as Paradox’s hand stilled in her mane fora moment before continuing.
“Kyra, when was the last time you slept, not counting today?” looking into Kyra’s eyes with a unreadable expression, tone was low, almost….dangerous, and Kyra blinked at the sudden change in the air.
“….It was a few days” Kyra admitted in a almost whisper, the kirin watched Paradox’s reaction as he sighed once again, something akin to sadness and concern flickering across his face before softening again.
“Kyra…you need to rest, you know it’s not good for you to stay up for this long, have you at least been eating regularly?” Paradox chided softly, waiting for a response as Kyra looked away from his intense gaze with a slightly bashful expression.
Paradox tutted, “sweetheart…..maybe it would be best if you stayed here with me.”
causing Kyra to look back at him with surprise.
“I…don’t need to be coddled-“ Kyra stumbled over her words, seeming embarrassed at the suggestion.
“Maybe you do, considering you haven’t been eating or sleeping regularly, I just want to make sure you’re safe and cared for, darling” Paradox crooned, scratching behind Kyra’s ear.
The kirin huffed as she thought over the vampire’s words, “I can’t,” she pleaded, feeling cornered.
“I don’t think I should just..move in. And I don’t want to be a burden-“ Kyra stammered at the warmth that bloomed in her chest at the idea.
“You’d never be a burden to me, honey” Paradox smiled and shook his head fondly “I love taking care of you and that won’t ever change” He murmured, Kissing Kyra’s nose.
Kyra stared down at her hands, unsure of what to even say to that, the idea of moving in with Paradox had crossed her mind only a few times ever since they had gotten together, but she never fully considered what it would be like to actually go through with it.
After a few more minutes, Kyra closed her eyes tightly and then opened them with renewed determination, as fake as it was. “I don’t really…want to move in, you don’t have to take care of me” she said, feeling like if it would be selfish to accept the offer.
The laugh that Paradox let out at Kyra’s words was jarring, the kirin’s gaze flickered up just as Paradox shook his head fondly before sighing with a smile, smoothing his hand over her mane.
“I really wanted to at least give you an option hon, but I guess I’ll have to make it for you” Paradox bared his sharp teeth in a wide grin. “You’re staying here.”
Kyra went to argue and was promptly shushed by the vampire “I love you Kyra, and I only ever want what’s best for you.” Paradox crooned as he held Kyra’s face in his hands, smiling at her adoringly.
Kyra stared into Paradox’s eyes, they’ve already seen firsthand how determined Paradox can be “alright…” Kyra conceded with a sigh.
“It’s ok hon, this is for the best, you’ll see” Paradox said, pulling Kyra into a hug, the kirin huffed and went willingly into the vampire’s arms, closing her eyes maybe you’re right Kyra thought as she relaxed into the hug.
Paradox was giddy, he was glad Kyra wasn’t able to see him grinning in satisfaction as he wrapped his arms around the kirin, pulling her closer to his chest possessively, he had been planning to get Kyra to move in for almost a month now…Paradox didn’t expect his chance to come so suddenly, but he was nothing if not adaptable.
Paradox pressed a gentle kiss to Kyra’s forehead, slowly laying the now sleeping kirin down, pulling the blanket over them both with a pleased hum.
My darling can protest all she wants…..but she’ll understand eventually.