The front door opened late, after sunset.
“I’m back,” Rias called as she stepped inside, her voice tired.
From the living room, a familiar voice answered right away.
“Welcome back, Rias.” She blinked when Rafsan wandered into the hallway wearing a plain white T-shirt, sweatpants, and an apron hanging loosely around his waist.
She stopped in the doorway.
“…What are you wearing?” “My house-husband uniform,” he said with a straight face.
Rias couldn’t help smiling.
“I see.” The smell of warm food filled the air.
She followed it to the dining room.
The table was packed with takeout containers and serving plates—grilled steak, roasted chicken, pasta, salad, soup, fresh bread, and desserts.
Rias looked from the food to him.
“…Did you cook all of this?” Rafsan looked at her flatly and pointed to the bags beside the kitchen.
“Of course not.
I ordered everything online.
Trust me, ordering was the safer choice.” Rias laughed.
The tension she’d been carrying all day eased a little.
“I should’ve known.” “I know my limits,” Rafsan said with a shrug.
“Cooking isn’t one of my talents.
I’d rather order good food than burn down the kitchen.” She sat down, still smiling.
“You waited for me?” “You were coming home late.
Someone had to make sure you ate.” They ate in comfortable silence until Rafsan finally set down his chopsticks and rested his chin on one hand.
“So.
How did it go with Freed?” Rias’s smile disappeared.
“We found him.” “And?” “He escaped.” Rafsan let out a quiet breath and leaned back.
“Didn’t think you’d catch him.” Rias raised an eyebrow.
“You figured?” “If you’d captured him, the entire Underworld would’ve heard about it already.
He was stronger than we expected, and he’d planned his escape before the fight started.
He triggered a trap beneath the church and disappeared.” “An unstable fanatic running around with an Excalibur fragment,” Rias said.
“Unfortunately.” Rafsan sighed.
“I offered to help.” Rias lowered her eyes.
“I know.” “You refused.” He wasn’t wrong.
“As the heiress of House Gremory, I couldn’t involve you without creating other problems,” she said softly.
“This isn’t just a fight anymore.
It concerns the Church, the Devils, and the peace between them.” Rafsan didn’t argue.
He simply nodded.
“I understand your reasons.
Doesn’t mean I have to like them.” Silence settled between them again.
After finishing his meal, Rafsan stood and carried his plate to the sink.
“Oh, right.” He looked over his shoulder.
“I’m heading back to the Underworld tomorrow.” Rias looked up.
“So soon?” “Only for a few days.” “What for?” “Research.” He shrugged.
“My battle suits.
I’ve been working on a few upgrades.
They’re still missing a few things.
If I’m going to rely on technology instead of overwhelming power, my equipment has to be perfect.” Rias smiled faintly.
“You never stop working on those.” “They keep me alive.” After washing the dishes, Rafsan dried his hands and walked over to her.
He gently rested a hand on her shoulder.
“Listen to me.” His voice softened.
“If things get out of control…
don’t hesitate to call me back.” “I can handle—” He interrupted gently.
“I’m not saying you can’t.
I’m saying you don’t have to handle everything by yourself.
You’ve already got enough on your shoulders.
You’ve got your peerage.
You’ve got your brother.
And you’ve got me.
So if you need me…
I’ll come back immediately.” Rias held his gaze for several seconds before nodding.
“…I will.” Satisfied, Rafsan smiled.
“Good.
Now finish your dessert before it melts.” Rias laughed softly.
“You’re impossible.” “So I’ve been told.” Later that night, moonlight filtered through the curtains.
Rias changed into her nightclothes and climbed into bed beside Rafsan.
The mattress shifted as he settled, his warmth spreading through the thin blanket.
For a while, they simply stayed like that.
Rias quietly rested her head against his shoulder, her fingers finding his hand beneath the blanket and lacing together.
“…Thank you,” she whispered.
“For what?” “For waiting for me.” “Where else would I be?” He turned his head slightly, his lips brushing against her hair.
His free hand traced the line of her jaw.
She felt her face warm.
She shifted closer, the tension slowly leaving her body as she leaned into him.
He drew her a little closer until she could hear the steady rhythm of his breathing.
She turned toward him and laid a hand against his chest, feeling the solid warmth beneath her palm.
His arm tightened around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
For a while, they simply stayed like that.
His thumb traced a slow, absent pattern across the fabric of her nightclothes.
The absent-minded gesture calmed her more than words could.
“I know,” she whispered finally.
“But it’s easier when you’re here.” A soft sound escaped him before he lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead, then to her temple, then the corner of her mouth.
Rias tilted her face and their lips met in the kind of kiss that needed no words.
When they pulled apart, Rafsan’s hand remained at her waist.
“Rest now,” he said quietly, his voice rougher than before.
“We’ll handle everything else tomorrow.” Rias nodded and settled her head against his chest.
She listened to him until sleep came.
Outside, the wind stirred the trees beneath the moonlight.
Inside, the room stayed warm and quiet.
For one night, there was no talk of Excalibur, the Church, or the battles waiting ahead.
Those worries could wait until morning.
Wrapped in each other’s warmth, they drifted off to sleep.
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