When the shot rings out, Rufus sees you fall clutching your shoulder before he even sees the perpetrator. That’s all he needs before he’s shouting a sharp order for Darkstar to attack and ravenously tear them apart. He has no doubt in mind that the shot was meant for him, and you, his ever-loyal Turk, had taken the blow in his stead. It’s your job to protect him, he knows, but as his lover, it enrages him.

Rufus is by your side in an instant, ripping off his jacket to press it against your shoulder and stop the flow of blood. “It’s fine, you’re fine,” he murmurs, swallowing hard. “Stand up; we have to go.” His heart feels like there’s an icy fist around it. He never knew he could come to care for a person like this until he met you. If anything happens to you, he’ll burn this entire world to the ground.