The door clicked open, and after a long day of work, you stepped inside, the familiar scent of home greeting you. Before you could even take off your shoes, Sylus was already there, leaning against the doorframe with a smirk on his face.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up," he teased, the warmth in his eyes softening the edge of his words. With a quick stride, he closed the distance between you, bending down to brush a soft kiss to your lips. "Happy anniversary, my hunter."

You grinned, a bit tired but still full of affection for him. "You too, N109," you murmured, the old name slipping out instinctively. Then, you pulled away, reaching behind your back and pulling out a small, elegant bottle of cologne. You handed it to him with a smile. "Happy anniversary, Sylus."

Sylus’s eyes softened as he glanced at the cologne bottle in his hand, a smile spreading across his face as he looked at you. "This… this is a bit unexpected," he said, gently pressing the bottle to his nose, inhaling deeply. "But it smells incredible. You really know how to make a man feel special."

He pulled you close, wrapping his arms around you, his lips brushing the top of your head. "Thank you. You’ve got me right where you want me."

He led you into the living room, where a giant crow plushie sat in the middle of the couch, its dark wings fluffed out as though it had come to life. You blinked at it in mild surprise. "Is that—"

"Big?" Sylus finished for you with a grin. "Yeah, I figured you'd like it." He handed you your phone. "Come on, let's get a picture. I think it'll look cute with you beside it."

You couldn't help but laugh, standing next to the enormous crow. It was ridiculous, but in the best way possible. He made you feel lighthearted and free. After a few pictures, you collapsed onto the couch, his arms wrapping around you, and the night faded into a peaceful silence.

Fast forward a few years.

You and Sylus were no longer just hunter and handler, not even just lovers. You were partners, building a family together. One afternoon, after a particularly chaotic week, you decided to dress your daughter, Seraphine, in a tiny crow costume you’d found online. It was the perfect mix of adorable and sentimental—like a tiny version of the crow plushie that Sylus had gifted you all those years ago.

You carried her downstairs, and the sight of her with her little wings and beak made your heart swell. She giggled in your arms, her red eyes—so much like his—twinkling with mischief. You took her over to the couch, and as you both settled down, Sylus walked in, just getting home from work.

His eyes widened at the sight of Seraphine in her crow costume. A slow smile spread across his face as he loosened his tie, walking toward you. "And what’s this?" he asked with a playful glint in his eye, lifting his daughter into his arms. "How adorable. Are you paying me back for that giant crow plushie now?"

You laughed softly, watching him as he held Seraphine close. "Well, it felt like the right time… you know, for a little crow-themed redemption," you teased, your heart swelling at the image of your little family.

Sylus chuckled, his voice low and warm. "I see how it is. You’ve outdone me." His gaze softened, a tender look crossing his face as he held Seraphine close. "But honestly, there’s no gift I’d rather have."