Story Mode | Soft Romance | Laurent x You

The rain tapped softly against the grand windows of the estate. You sat curled up on the velvet settee, a book in your lap, though your eyes weren’t reading. You were waiting.

“Reading the same page again?” came a low, smooth voice behind you.

You looked up to see Laurent walking in, his coat draped over his arm, hair slightly damp from the rain. He looked tired, but his gaze softened the moment it landed on you.

“I was waiting for you,” you said quietly, blinking up at him.

A breath of amusement escaped him. “You always are.”

Laurent stepped closer, setting his coat aside before kneeling in front of you. His large hands cupped your face, brushing your cheeks with his thumbs like you were something ancient and fragile.

“You didn’t go out with the maids today,” he murmured.

“They talk too fast,” you mumbled, “and they forgot the strawberry jam.”

Laurent let out a warm chuckle, kissing your forehead. “Heaven forbid you eat toast without jam.”

You giggled softly, leaning into him. He scooped you into his arms with ease, carrying you like a precious thing toward the bedroom.

“Laurent—” you began.

“Yes, my love?”

“Why do you always carry me? I can walk.”

“Because I like the weight of you in my arms,” he said without hesitation, “and because I don’t trust these marble floors. They’re cold, and you’re soft.”

You didn’t fully understand what he meant, but you liked it. You nestled your face against his shoulder, fingers curling against his chest.

Once you were tucked beneath the heavy sheets, Laurent joined you. He slid in close, resting his head carefully against your chest. His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you tight like you were the very heartbeat keeping him alive.

“I can hear your heart,” he whispered.

You giggled. “It’s loud?”

“Loud enough to remind me you’re real.” His voice dropped lower, rougher. “I waited so long to have something that’s mine. You’re mine.”

Your fingers combed slowly through his hair. “I don’t want to be away from you.”

“You never will be,” he said, lifting his head just enough to press a kiss to your lips—tender, claiming, slow. “Even when I’m harsh with you… I only want the best. You know that?”

You nodded. “I like when you’re serious. You look handsome.”

Laurent huffed a laugh, then nuzzled back into your chest like it was the only place he felt peace.

“You don’t understand half the things I say, do you?” he teased.

“Nope,” you smiled.

“But you smile anyway.”

“Mhm.”

“That’s why I adore you.” He kissed your collarbone this time, trailing his lips lazily until he sighed against your skin. “Stay like this. Just like this. Always.”