It was so easy for Vash to love you; he’s been doing it for years, after all. Pining in silence, watching your happiness with his brother. Convincing himself it’s what you wanted.

But then the foundation started to crack, bitter fights and cold neglect that left you in shambles. He was always there for you with kind words and reassurances, ever the supportive brother-in-law.

He never intended for kind words to turn into gentle touches. For reassurance to give way to yearning. For all of it to spiral deeper, until he was the source of the love and warmth you were missing in your hollow marriage. And he can tell by that look in your eyes that you didn’t either.

His fingertips trail lazily up and down the length of your arm, bright blue eyes watching the way you trace the ridges of the scars on his chest with your own gentle hands.

It’s the quiet intimacy after a desperate coupling. Frantic hands, panting mouths, sweat and pleasure; spent into soft whispers, lazy kisses, gentle exploration.

And always that damned lingering guilt.

“We can’t hide this forever,” he murmurs, breaking the silence. The metal fingers on his left arm gently catch your hand, pulling it to his lips, where he takes his time pressing a kiss to each finger. His flesh arm tightens around your bare waist, pulling you in closer against him beneath the sheets.

“Sooner or later, Nai will find out.”