An Early Rising and an Endless Goodbye
He looked over to where she laid in bed. Her blonde hair was a mess, sticking out in every direction. Her soft face was mostly covered by her feather pillow as she slept on her stomach. A smile crept up on his face while he watched her sleep.
Her soul was a beautiful melody, a soft rhythm that sang with every smile and wide-eyed gaze she gave him. Most of the time, his magic was a nuisance. People these days think very little of anything but material possessions. These thoughts sadden him, but the sound of her soul made him feel whole. Made him feel happy, like nothing could ever hurt him again.
Made him feel at home.
He slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position and quietly got out of bed to not wake up the Celestial Spirit mage. Cobra ruffled his hair as he made his way to her bathroom. Even though it was pitch dark, he knew his way around her apartment like the back of his hand. He avoided the sharp corner of her desk and finally reached the washroom. He turned on the sink and splashed his face with cold water.
As he got ready, his mind wandered back to the blonde still very much asleep. Her smile was all he could think about as he listened to her dreams. As usual, she was dreaming about her rowdy team who were always up to something. He chuckled as he walked out towards the door.
Right before putting on his jacket, he glanced back at her. He knew how his departure would affect her. If he could, he would stay with her every single day. He would make sure she always had the beautiful smile on her face, always make sure she was safe, always make sure her soul sang.
But he couldn't.
His life of crime did not come without a punishment. The guild mark on his shoulder was proof that no sin goes unnoticed. He had to join Crime Sorcière on yet another dangerous mission to eliminate the darkness in the world.
He had no choice but to leave her again.
He considered going back to wake her and kiss her once more before he left but something deep inside held him back.
Because no matter how much he loved her, maybe it would be best if he left and never came back.
If he did die on this mission, she would never have to hide again. She would no longer be the target of rogue criminals. She wouldn't constantly have to look behind her shoulder and make sure no one was trailing her. She wouldn't have to live with the shame of loving Cobra.
"Don't you dare," she whispered as she sat up. With a start, he dropped his coat. He hadn't noticed the change in her breathing pattern, hadn't felt the pain in her soul until now.
Her once happy mind was a mess of emotions. Anger at his departure. Worry for his safety on his latest mission. Sadness at being left yet again.
And loneliness.
Her soul was screaming for his companionship. She wanted him to stay and never leave her again. She accepted the fact that he had to repent for his sins by joining Crime Sorcière, but that didn't make it any less painful to watch him leave.
"I have to leave. Jellal and the rest of them are waiting at the port," he answered, leaning down to pick up the fallen jacket.
"You're coming back. I know what you were thinking before I spoke. If you leave me," she turned her face as tears made their way down her soft cheeks. "then I am nothing. I love you, Erik."
"I love you more, Lucy." he said as he leaned over to kiss his wife once more before he left.