Arlecchino stared at her reflection in the mirror, concentrating on her heart's desire. She took a deep breath.
"Aether," she began as she always did, "we've been together for some time now. You've become very dear to me. I… I lo-"
Love makes you weak.
"I lo-"
You will never be loved.
"I lo-"
You don't deserve this love. You're a monster, incapable of affection. That's how I made you, Perry.
CRACK! Her fist smashed the glass splintering her reflection. Arlecchino took ragged breaths trying to stem her racing heart. Her legs gave out beneath her and she crumpled to the floor in a shivering mess. Even then she kept trying to say the words she so desperately wanted to say.
"Aether, I lo-"
You are unlovable.
"I lo-"
Monster. You killed your friends.
"I-"
Clervie died because you dared love her. The House of the Hearth cannot tolerate such weakness.
"Aether-"
Listen to Mother. If you open your heart, I will make you suffer. Love has no place here. You do not love.
"I love-"
You'll never say it. I broke you!
She buried her face in her hands. The cold voice echoed in the bathroom. Mother still owned her soul completely. Peruere didn't cry. She lost the ability to shed tears a long time ago. Mother beat that out of her as well.
She huddled down in the corner, unable to cry, all she did was hurt.
The door opened and Aether stepped inside. Odd, she hadn't expected him today. She quickly got up and assumed a cordial but cold demeanor.
"You should knock," she chided.
He glanced at the cracked mirror. "Doing some redecorating?"
"The face staring back offended me," she said curtly before striding away from him.
Aether grabbed her wrist, stopping her from leaving her office. He pulled her back to him and embraced her.
She stiffened.
"It's okay," he said, "I'm here."
You don't deserve this.
"I'll always be here," he continued.
Close your heart before you kill him too.
"I promise, Perry."
"Aether, I… I lo…"
No. You can't. You'll never know love, not really. You can't care for anyone but yourself. You're a demon.
Aether embraced her tighter.
"I know," he said. "You don't have to say it. I know how you feel. You show it to me every day."
She swallowed.
"Hey," he smiled, "I love you. Thanks for being my girlfriend."
Slowly her arms wound around him. Her face nestled into his shoulder. His warmth seeped over her like a blanket.
"Thank you," she managed. "For being mine. Please be patient."
"For you," he grinned, "I'll wait for an eternity."
He picked her up and carried her to the bed. There, they abandoned words and showed one another just how much they cared.
As night fell, she lay awake in his arms. His bare chest pressed into her back, while his arms rested upon her waist and chest. His soft snores eased her mind.
Confident that none would see, she brought her mouth to his fingers and kissed them.
"One day," she promised. "I'll say it. Until then, please wait for me."
In response, he held her even tighter. She fell asleep, wrapped in his loving embrace.