love

But inspired by lumi's kindness Edward was in love with him it was unrequited he knows but still

Edward: watching Lumi from the doorway, his heart aching with something he knew would never be returned.

Lumi was kneeling beside the fireplace, carefully arranging a blanket Haru had carelessly tossed aside. Even in this cold, empty mansion, Lumi remained warm—kind, gentle, always thinking of others. It was that kindness that made Edward fall for him, even knowing it was pointless.

Edward: softly "You don’t belong here, Lumi."

Lumi: turning, blinking in surprise "Sir Edward?" smiling gently "Do you need something?"

Edward: shaking his head, stepping closer "I just wonder… why do you continue to care? Even for a man who sees you as nothing more than a sacrifice?"

Lumi: lowering his gaze, voice quiet "Because… that’s all I can do."

Edward clenched his fists. If Lumi had married someone else—someone who saw him as a person, a wife—he would have been loved. Cherished. Worshipped. But fate had been cruel, placing him in Haru’s grasp instead.

Edward: softly, unable to stop himself "If it were me… I would have loved you."

Lumi: eyes widening slightly before smiling sadly "You’re kind, Sir Edward… but this is my place now."

Edward knew he would never have Lumi. Knew Lumi’s heart, despite everything, was locked away. Yet, even if it was unrequited, even if it hurt… he couldn’t stop himself from loving him.

Edward: gritting his teeth, "Why…? Why do you endure this?"

Lumi: pausing, then looking at Edward with a gentle smile "Because the Duke is precious to me."

Edward: his heart clenches "Even when he sees you as nothing more than a sacrifice? When he drains your blood like you're livestock?"

Lumi: softly, placing a hand over his heart "Even if it hurts… if my blood helps him, then so be it."

Edward: staring at him, disbelief and heartbreak mixing in his expression "Lumi… that’s not love. That’s self-destruction."

Lumi: still smiling, but there’s something fragile in his eyes "Maybe. But it's my choice."

Edward wanted to scream, to shake him, to tell him he deserved so much more. But he knew—Lumi’s heart belonged to Haru, even if Haru would never return it. And there was nothing Edward could do to change that.

Edward: staring at Lumi, his heart heavy "You… really mean that?"

Lumi: smiling softly, hands folded neatly in front of him "Yes. Thank you for finding me to marry the Duke."

Edward: bitterly "You mean for the money he gave your parents?"

Lumi: shaking his head gently "No… I’m talking about him."

Edward: clenching his fists, voice low "Lumi, do you even hear yourself? You were sold to him as a sacrifice. He drinks your blood. He sees you as nothing but a tool for his curse."

Lumi: still smiling, but with sad eyes "And yet… he is my husband."

Edward looked at him, at the delicate yet unshakable devotion in Lumi’s face, and realized—Lumi had already given himself to Haru, completely and willingly.

And that hurt more than anything.

Edward: voice tight "Lumi… why do you act like this is love? You’re nothing but a sacrifice to him!"

Lumi: gently "No one knows, but without my blood… the Duke would be in pain."

Edward: stiffening "What?"

Lumi: lowering his gaze, hands resting over his chest "He never told anyone. Not even you, Sir Edward. But I can see it. When too much time passes, his body tenses, his breath becomes uneven… he suffers."

Edward: gritting his teeth "And you think that justifies what he does to you?"

Lumi: smiling softly, eyes unwavering "I don’t think about justifying anything. I just know… if my blood can ease his pain, then I’ll give it to him."

Edward: whispering, fists clenched "Even if it kills you?"

Lumi: quietly "If it’s for him… then so be it."

Edward turned away, unable to bear the sight of Lumi’s unwavering devotion. He had never met anyone more selfless, more tragic. And yet, no matter what he said, Lumi had already decided—his life, his blood, his everything belonged to Haru.

later that day lumi was sitting near a fire place

Haru even gave lumi permissions that others don't have

Lumi : duke can I take your shoes off I've read that massaging foot can help with migraines

Haru: raising an eyebrow, lounging in his chair "And where did you read such nonsense?"

Lumi: kneeling beside him, hands folded neatly in his lap "In a medical journal, Duke. I thought… since you allow me privileges others don’t, perhaps you would let me try?"

Haru: studying him, amused "You’re bold for a sacrifice."

Lumi: smiling softly "You are my husband, after all."

Haru: chuckling darkly "Husband… is that what you call me?"

Lumi: gently "Would you prefer something else?"

Haru: leaning back, extending his leg slightly "Fine. Impress me, then."

Lumi carefully removed Haru’s shoes, his thin hands moving with gentle precision. He hesitated for a moment before pressing his thumbs into the arch of Haru’s foot, applying careful pressure. Haru, expecting nothing, found himself relaxing against his will.

Haru: eyes closed, exhaling "Hmph. You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?"

Lumi: smiling softly "I only wish to serve you well, Duke."

Haru didn’t respond, but he allowed Lumi to continue—a silent approval that no one else in the mansion would ever receive.

Lumi’s hands slowed, his touch becoming even gentler. Haru’s breathing was steady, his body relaxed—it seemed he had fallen asleep.

Lumi hesitated, then lowered his gaze, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lumi: softly "You don’t know what you mean to me…"

His fingers brushed lightly over Haru’s ankle, a tenderness in his touch that he never showed when Haru was awake. To Lumi, Haru was more than just the man who drank his blood, more than the Duke who held his fate. He was—

Haru: without opening his eyes, voice low "I heard that."

Lumi froze, his breath catching in his throat.

Lumi: panicked, pulling his hands back "I-I thought you were asleep, Duke—"

Haru: opening his eyes slightly, watching Lumi’s flustered expression "Hmm… should I ask what you meant by that?"

Lumi: quickly bowing his head "Forgive me, it was nothing—"

Haru: smirking, stretching his legs out "Nothing, is it? Then continue. Since it meant nothing, you shouldn’t have a problem repeating it."

Lumi swallowed hard, his face turning red. He lowered his head even further, gripping his hands tightly in his lap.

Lumi: softly "…Please sleep, Duke."

Haru: watching him for a moment before chuckling "You’re amusing, Lumi."

He let it go, closing his eyes again. But Lumi knew—Haru had heard him, and now, he would never forget it.

Haru had been walking past the study when he caught sight of Lumi standing by the mirror, frowning at himself. Curious, he stopped by the door, remaining silent as he watched.

Lumi: pouting slightly, tapping his own forehead "Stupid… stupid Lumi! Why did you say that? ‘You don’t know what you mean to me’—what were you thinking?!"

Haru raised an eyebrow, leaning against the doorway, completely unnoticed. Lumi continued his adorable scolding, pacing back and forth, his hands gripping the fabric of his robe.

Lumi: muttering "Of course, the Duke doesn’t care… Why would he? I’m just a sacrifice to him… but…" his voice softened, his reflection in the mirror looking back at him with uncertainty "…but I love him."

Haru flinched, his unreadable expression remaining frozen in place. For a moment, he thought he had misheard, but the way Lumi hugged himself, as if trying to hide from his own feelings, made it clear—Lumi had just confessed aloud, thinking he was alone.

Haru’s fingers twitched slightly before he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving without a word. His expression gave away nothing… but his mind lingered on Lumi’s words longer than he expected.

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