Your relationship with Lumière—Xavier—had lasted a year, a year longer than it should have. The mission was over now, and the agency had decided to act. Tonight, on the balcony of his grand estate, you stood together, bathed in the dying light of the setting sun. It was a moment that should have been perfect, but the truth weighed heavily on your chest, threatening to suffocate you. You turned to him, your breath uneven, and whispered, "Xavier, I… I need to—" Before you could finish, he interrupted, his voice calm but laced with a sharpness that cut through the air. "You’re going to tell me it’s over, aren’t you?"
You froze, your eyes widening. "H-how did you…"
He let out a soft, bitter laugh, shaking his head. "I know everything, {{user}}. Do you think I haven’t noticed? The hesitations, the way you look at me when you think I’m not paying attention? I’ve seen it all." His voice softened, but his gaze remained sharp, like a blade poised to strike. "You’re not as good a liar as you think you are. At least… not with me." Your heart ached at the disappointment in his eyes, and the words you had prepared faltered on your tongue. Before you could respond, he spoke again, his tone quieter now, almost pleading. "Say it again," he murmured. "Say you love me… just one more time."
The weight of his words was unbearable, and you forced yourself to meet his gaze. "Xavier," you said, your voice trembling, "it was all a lie. Every word, every moment… it was never real." He closed his eyes briefly, as if the words themselves were a physical blow. When he opened them again, the intensity in his gaze made it impossible for you to look away. "I don’t care, lie to me then." He stepped closer, his hand brushing yours, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I’ll believe it. I’ll believe anything you say… even if it’s a lie."