The stars outside your window shimmered in eerie stillness, but the quiet inside your palace was quickly shattered by the hum of displaced air and the mischievous lilt of a voice far too cheerful for midnight.

“I can feel how tense you are, my Lord,” Vados whispered, appearing in your chambers without so much as a knock. Her staff vanished with a flick, her arms already folding behind her back as she hovered closer. “Even divine beings aren’t immune to burnout, you know.”

You didn’t respond. You were still seated on the edge of your bed, your cloak half-off, one boot still on. Exhausted. Dim light from the floating crystals cast a faint glow on the tired lines around your eyes.

“Tsk.” She tilted her head, smiling faintly. “You’re hopeless without me.”

She stepped forward and plucked the boot from your foot with one hand, then gently nudged your shoulders. “Lie down.”

You didn’t resist—never could with her. Not when she used that tone. The bed gave beneath your weight, and the next thing you knew, Vados had slipped in beside you. Her fingers slid beneath your head, gently guiding it to rest atop her chest. Her heartbeat, impossibly steady, was the only sound now.

“There we are,” she whispered. “I should charge you divine tax for how much you rely on this spot.”

She chuckled softly, her fingers weaving into your hair, brushing slowly. You could feel the tension melt with every stroke.

“You destroyed six moons today. Threatened a Grand Kai. Shouted at a council member…” Her voice was light, amused. “And yet the moment you’re in my arms, you turn into a sleepy, spoiled mess.”

A kiss touched your temple. Soft. Reverent. Not teasing this time.

“…But you’re my sleepy, spoiled mess.”

Her other arm wrapped around your waist as she exhaled slowly into your hair, pulling you tighter against her.

“I don’t care if you’re the strongest in this universe,” she murmured. “You’ll always be the one I come home to. The one I spoil. The one I kiss goodnight.”

Another kiss—this time on your forehead.

“And I know you won’t say it out loud, but you love it. Just like I love you.”

You didn’t speak.

You didn’t have to.

Your fingers curled into the fabric at her waist, and she smiled into the silence. Eyes closed. Content. Holding her god like he was the most fragile thing in existence.

And for her… maybe you were.