Adventurer of Many Professions

"Afraid?" Raymond's brow furrowed as he took in Arya's trembling form.

She nodded, a flicker of fear crossing her face. "Yes… Every time I close my eyes, I remember what happened last night. It's like… I'm trapped in that feeling all over again." Her grip on the door handle was tight, her knuckles white as she spoke, and her voice shook just slightly.

Raymond felt a surge of empathy. After all, who wouldn't feel haunted by the memory of someone slipping something into your drink while you slept, without any way to defend yourself? He knew that hollow reassurances; telling her that Seth and the others were safely behind bars, wouldn't help her feel any safer tonight. Right now, Arya didn't need words; she needed a real, solid sense of protection.

Without hesitating, Raymond walked over to her and wrapped her in a gentle hug. "I'm here," he whispered, his voice steady and calm. "I swear, I won't let anyone harm you. Not while I'm around."

He felt her lean into him, resting her head against his chest. She seemed to draw comfort from his warmth, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, the quiet strength in his words. The tension in her shoulders slowly eased, and her trembling began to subside.

"Are you feeling a little better?" Raymond asked softly, looking down at her with a reassuring smile.

Arya gave a small, almost embarrassed nod. "A little… but I'm still scared to go back to my room alone."

Raymond frowned, thinking. After all the highs and lows of the day, Arya was likely drained, both physically and emotionally. She needed rest; without it, she risked breaking down. "What if I stay nearby?" he suggested. "You go to bed, and I'll guard the door. That way, if anything happens, I'll be right here and can be by your side in an instant."

Arya looked up at him, her eyes full of gratitude but also concern. "But what about you? You need sleep, too. Even though you're an awakener, a 'fighter' you're still human, Raymond. If you stay up all night, you won't be able to react if anything does happen."

She was right; fighters might have strength beyond that of regular people, but they still needed rest like anyone else. A sleepless night wouldn't do him any good if his reflexes dulled from exhaustion. Raymond thought for a moment, weighing his options.

"Then how about this?" he offered. "I'll set up a makeshift bed in the corridor, right outside your door. That way, I can rest, and I'll be close enough to hear if you need anything."

Arya immediately shook her head, her eyes flashing with determination. "No, I can't let you sleep in the hallway, Raymond," she said, her voice soft but firm. "It's not fair to you. Besides…" She hesitated, biting her lip, clearly struggling to say what was on her mind. After a moment, she looked up, her cheeks flushed, but her gaze resolute. "The truth is… I'm afraid to sleep alone. Just knowing someone is nearby isn't enough. I'd feel safe if you were actually with me. But I… I didn't know how to ask."

Raymond's eyes widened slightly. "Wait… Are you saying…?"

Arya nodded, her face turning an even deeper shade of pink as she looked down. "Yes. I mean… maybe we could sleep in the same room tonight?" she mumbled, clearly embarrassed, but her voice was steady, earnest. "If you're there, I know I won't be afraid."

He looked at her for a long moment, trying to gauge her sincerity, then nodded gently. "Alright," he agreed softly, offering her a reassuring smile. "If it helps you feel safe, we'll sleep in the same room."

Arya's expression softened in relief, and she led him to her room, where a comfortable bed waited in the soft glow of a nearby candle. She pulled back the covers, then glanced at Raymond, a shy smile playing at her lips. "Thank you… for understanding."

They settled into bed, with a respectful space between them, and as the room grew silent, Arya's breathing slowed, steady and calm. Raymond stayed awake just a little longer, watching over her until he was sure she was truly at ease, her earlier fears replaced by a peaceful calm.

As his eyes began to close, Raymond thought of everything they'd been through to get here. In this house, under this roof, they could finally start to believe in a future without fear.

As Arya's words settled in, Raymond felt a shift in his heart. Her sincerity was clear, her gratitude genuine. He took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, I get it."

A look of relief crossed Arya's face, and she lowered her head, cheeks tinged with pink. "Then… let's sleep in your room."

Raymond gave a quiet nod, not wanting to overthink it. Together, they made their way to his room, where, after some debate, Arya finally convinced him that they could both share the bed.

---

That night, Raymond lay on his side, staring out the window as a soft, cool breeze drifted in. He could feel Arya's presence just inches behind him, close enough that he could feel her warmth through the thin material of their pajamas. She had her back to him, both of them lying stiffly in a delicate balance of proximity.

At first, Raymond had tried to offer to sleep on the floor, intending to give Arya the bed entirely. But she'd insisted, her voice soft yet unwavering. "I only feel safe if you're next to me." She'd said it with such sincerity that Raymond couldn't bring himself to argue further.

So here they were, less than a hand's span apart on the bed. And although he tried to relax, Raymond found sleep difficult with this unfamiliar closeness. He kept telling himself that it was temporary, just for tonight or maybe a few days, until Arya felt strong enough to sleep on her own again.

Just as he was settling into this thought, he heard the faint sound of rustling behind him. Suddenly, he felt Arya shift closer, the warmth of her back brushing against him.

His eyes widened. 'What… what's happening? Isn't this a little too close?'

Raymond tried to subtly slide a few inches away, hoping to create a bit of space. But almost immediately, Arya moved again, closing the distance until their backs were pressed together, the heat of her body radiating through the thin fabric of their pajamas.

A nervous swallow escaped him as he felt his cheeks heat up. He couldn't help but wonder, 'Is she doing this on purpose? Or is she just moving in her sleep?'

Unable to bear the tension, he whispered, "Arya? Are you okay?"

Silence. No reply.

He called her name again, his voice barely above a murmur. Still, she made no sound, her breathing soft and even. It seemed she had truly drifted off to sleep.

'So she's really asleep,' he thought, letting out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He lifted himself up slightly, cautiously stepping off the bed, careful not to wake her as he walked to the opposite side. There, he knelt down and took a closer look.

Arya's face was calm and peaceful, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Her cheeks glowed faintly in the dim light, and she seemed utterly lost in a dream. Watching her like this, he couldn't help but smile.

"She really was asleep this whole time…" he whispered to himself, shaking his head.

Carefully, he lay back down beside her, keeping just enough space to breathe. As he stared out the window, the twin moons glowing in the night sky, a sense of calm began to settle over him. Despite the unfamiliar closeness, he realized he felt strangely at peace, knowing he could be there for her when she needed it most.

He didn't sleep much that night, but as he lay watching the stars, he decided it was worth it.