I do not own Mushoku Tensei.

Rudeus's Perspective:

Although they had fully accepted Aisha, the relationship between me, and the rest of the girls had grown a bit bumpy, especially for sylph. Sylph's behavior towards me had grown a bit distant, and her tone when addressing me had become slightly dry. It doesn't take a mind reader to know that there was something upsetting her. I wanted to have a chat with her about it, but she said she needed some time to think about a few things, and asked me to spend some time with Aisha instead. But After the first month with Aisha had settled down, it was finally time to talk things out, and see exactly where the trouble lay.

While Aisha was taking care of the kids, I hopped into my study, and awaited sylph's arrival. I had asked her earlier in the day if she was free to chat. My heart was pounding nervously in my chest like a child banging the garage door begging to be released for a mistake, or a prisoner awaiting his execution. When we first married, I had promised Sylph that I would be hers alone, and she would be mine, but time after time, I had failed. How could she ever have faith in me again?

The first time I failed her was when I brought Roxy home with me. I had lost a dear friend in the teleportation labyrinth, I was depressed, I felt as though the world had ended. Roxy was there to comfort me, I couldn't refuse so I had my way with her. I remember during my marriage that I said I would never betray Sylph. What a hypocrite I was. But Sylph had accepted her, she was so nice.

I don't deserve her.

She mentioned later on that the next time I brought a girl home, I would talk to her beforehand and not surprise her like I did with Roxy. And I made good on that promise when I wanted to bring Eris into the house. But I broke another promise in the process. Like a criminal trying to make things right, I told Sylph and Roxy that from then on they would be my only wives. Of course, with my track record, it's easy to see that Rudeus has failed again. And when I mentioned Eris, Sylph was the one that protested a bit. I just kept on failing her. Usually the prince comes to save the day, and fix all the worries of his loved princess, but It was Roxy that settled Sylph's nerves, and was willing to accept Eris no matter what. However; Although Sylph accepted it, I felt as though she was still disappointed.

I'm sorry.

And… Like a dumb fool, LIke a gambling addict, I still haven't learned my lesson. I don't regret marrying Aisha, but I do regret being unfaithful. The only thing that sucks in this whole situation, is that I keep hurting Sylph. I keep failing the ones I love.

I thought I had grown wiser, I thought I had left my weak self behind.

I asked them to trust me. But what happened?

I was supposed to be strong...

for them!

My heart was supposed to be…

For them!

But I'm so weak...

I'm so stupid...

Fuck!

Suddenly I heard a knock on the door.

"Rudi, I'm here. May I come in?" It was Sylph, my heart kept beating furiously. I'm scared, I don't want to have this conversation, but I have too. Thoughts of what might happen swarmed my head. Will she consider separation? I hope not. But then again… I deserve it. No no no, calm down Rudi. You're just overthinking things, relax. She might discuss Her actual feelings about Aisha. Feelings that she didn't want to say in front of her. So many possibilities.

"C-come in.", I finally managed to say.

The door slowly swung open, Sylph walked in and closed the door behind her. She then locked it, I guess she wanted no interruptions. Which added more to my anxiety. "I have come as you asked. I'm assuming you want to talk about recent events?"

I could only nod.

"Uhk, mnn.." Swallow* My whole body was shaking. I was nervous. The words were caught in my throat like something was blocking them. I couldn't get them out. But I knew I had to. I pushed on and forced my way through the constricting feeling.

"I- I uhh… Um... " Finally I had managed to clear away whatever walls were blocking me, but my mind was blank. All my thoughts were tangled up in this jumbled mess of threads. It all became white static. I was still panicked, and my brain was being tugged in so many different directions. I didn't know what to say. There was so much noise. I couldn't find a proper string of thought to go down.

I stood there awkwardly for a while as Sylph stared at me. I think some of my nervousness rubbed onto her because in the silence I could see her feet shuffle a bit. Thankfully the distraction of her feet allowed me to focus my thoughts, and the fact that she too was feeling uncomfortable let me know I wasn't alone. Being able to grasp some connection gave me enough courage to finally let something out.

I took several breaths- each becoming longer then the previous until some calmness had reentered my center.

In, out.

in and out.

In… and, out…

Swallow*

"First of all. I'm sorry. I know you guys said you were fine with Aisha now, and I don't plan to leave her, but what I did was still extremely selfish of me. I never got to apologize for that. And I'm so sorry that I hurt you three… especially you."

Me, and Sylph locked eyes as I said this. I could see the pain inside of them.

I kept pressing forward "Lately, you've been distant. I know you still love me, and I can hear it in your voice, whenever we talk, and I can see it in all the things you do for me, but I can tell I hurt you…" sniff*

My eyesight was becoming blurry. I was crying.

"When we talk, you're not as lively as you were before, and it hurts me knowing that I'm the cause. I- I'm sorry! I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I'm sorry! Please! Please forgive me… I'm sorry for being unfaithful… I love you. Don't leave. I'm sorry!"

I was breaking down now. All the control I tried to exert over my body had deteriorated. I was a crying mess.

"I keep failing you. I'm sorry. I keep making promises I can't keep. I'm sorry. I'm so fucking stupid! I… I'm sorry... "

Before I could realize it, Sylph had wrapped her arms around my head- bringing me closer to her chest. This was quite a surprise, but I welcomed it. I wrapped my arms around her waist, there was no resistance from her. I was relieved that she didn't hate me. We stayed like that for what felt like forever before I heard her breathing slowly. I feel as though she was about to speak her peace.

"You know… in the beginning, I thought relationships were like two people joining together to become an oasis for the other. The world outside is hard. Sometimes it's frightening. And sometimes it's just so painful that your heart can't bear anymore weight. And, in some ways, I think that's still true. But after finally being with you, I found out that relationships are more than that. They're like a team game. Life throws so many challenges at us, and sometimes we even fight amongst ourselves, but we're always working together. Because… sniff* We care about each other. We face all those worries, and obstacles together. When we work together nothing can keep us down. Whenever I fell, I knew you were there to catch me. And whenever you faltered, I was there to give you my support."" Sylph took a moment to stabilize herself.

sniff* "When you're in a relationship you develop a trust in each other. You let the other person know that you can rely on them, and that they can rely on you." there was conviction in her voice.

"Rudeus… I don't care that you cheated anymore. A part of me already knew that someday someone else would join. But… what hurts the most… you…. You didn't believe in me. You could have told me that you were suffering. Me, and Roxy, and Eris. We're here for you! I'm here for you! sniff* I'm not hurt that you cheated. I'm hurt that you didn't tell me. Please rely on us. Please trust in me. You're not alone. Have faith in me!"

She was right, I didn't believe in her. I could have talked to her about anything, but I chose not too. Instead, I went behind her back, and slept with Aisha. Putting my desires and worries onto her. I was a fool, such a dumbass. Why is it that I never have any faith in Sylph, Roxy, or Eris? Maybe it was because I didn't want to bother them with my problems when they have something they are already dealing with. But then, what's the point of being husband and wife if you can't share each other's problems. As always Rudeus, you are an idiot.

I think Sylph read my mind, cause she stroked my head and said "I know it's hard rudeus. Sometimes we make mistakes. I love you so much, and sometimes you don't want to hurt those you love. You don't want to bother them, or increase whatever load they're carrying. But I forgive you Rudy. I love you Rudy."

I dug my face deeper into her hug. I clenched her tightly. "sniff* I'm sorry. I'll do better from now on. I won't hold it all in. If there's something worrying me, I'll tell you. If i'm in trouble, I'll tell you. No matter what. If there's any promise you'll believe, then believe in this one. I'll be more open. I love you. I won't hold back anymore."

I could feel Sylph tremble, and tighten her hug "That's all I wanted to hear. Sometimes we get hurt, and sometimes we're scared of hurting each other, but deep down we love each other. I want to help you, just as much as you want to help me, or the others. We're in this together. " She let go of my head, and lifted my face up to hers.

I nodded. "yeah. We're a team."

We hugged once more, taking in each other's warmth. Without thinking…

"Um… Rudi, your hand is grabbing my butt." I subconsciously placed my hand on her ass and grabbed it firmly. I let go immediately, worried that I might have killed the moment. "Oops! Sorry, force of habit." Sylphiette pulled back, still keeping her arms on me. She could only smile, "well… it is you after all. I'm glad I locked the door. " As she said this, she straddle on my lap.

"Um… Sylphiette-san."

"Yes, Rudeus-san?"

"May I ask what you are doing?"

She kept smiling, "well, now that we can rely on each other more…" she brought her face closer to mine. "We can start with… taking out our stress on each other. "

"T-the thing is Sylphiette-san, isn't it Roxy's day today?"

Her smile only got cheeky, "I'm sure she's busy with school stuff and dealing with pregnancy. We'll just make an exception. " she pressed her lips onto mine into a passionate kiss.

That day, for the first time…

Sylphiette became a beast, and I was reduced to a maiden. I thought Eris was a monster, guess I was wrong. What a surprise.

I felt as though this was a bit much but, I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think. Bye now.

-JJ