Sweet words, you say?

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the quiet streets of the town. The guild office, usually bustling with adventurers and chatter, was now eerily silent, save for the soft scratching of a quill on parchment. Alina Clover, the ever-diligent guild receptionist, sat at her desk, her emerald eyes focused on the mountain of paperwork before her. Her dark hair was tied back in a loose braid, and her shoulders were stiff from hours of work.   “Just a few more forms,” she muttered to herself, though the stack seemed to grow taller with every passing minute.   Unbeknownst to her, the door creaked open, and a familiar figure slipped inside. Jade Skrade, her husband of just under a year, leaned against the doorframe, his violet eyes softening as they landed on her. His tall, lean frame was clad in his usual adventurer’s attire, though his expression was anything but battle-ready. It was tender, almost wistful.   “Alina,” he called softly, his voice like a warm breeze cutting through the cold office air.    She jumped, nearly knocking over her inkwell. “Jade! What are you doing here? It’s late!”    He stepped closer, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “I could ask you the same thing. You’ve been here since sunrise. Don’t you think it’s time to come home?”   Alina huffed, crossing her arms. “I have work to do. And don’t think I’ve forgotten about the other day. You came here with your sweet words and distracted me, and I ended up leaving early. Do you know how much extra paperwork that caused? I’m not falling for it again.”    Jade chuckled, the sound low and warm. He moved behind her, his presence like a comforting shadow. “Sweet words, you say? I don’t recall being *that* persuasive.”   Before she could retort, his arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her gently but firmly against his chest. Alina stiffened, her cheeks flushing. “Jade, I’m serious! I have to finish this—”   “You’ve been overworking yourself,” he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. His breath fanned over her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. “You’re the most dedicated receptionist this guild has ever seen, but even you need to rest. And… I miss you.”   Alina’s resolve wavered. She tried to focus on the paperwork, but his voice was like honey, sweet and impossible to ignore. “You’re being unfair,” she muttered, though her tone lacked its usual bite.   Jade’s smirk widened. “Unfair? I’m just reminding my wife that she’s more than her work.” His hands slid to her shoulders, massaging the tension away. “You’ve been so busy lately. I barely see you at home. Don’t you miss me too?”   Alina’s heart fluttered. She did miss him—more than she cared to admit. But she wasn’t about to let him win so easily. “You’re just trying to distract me again,” she said, though her voice was softer now.   “Is it working?” he teased, his lips grazing the curve of her neck.   Alina’s breath hitched. “Jade…stop. We're in the office.”   "But there is no one else here except you and me." He kissed her neck lightly, his touch feather-soft but deliberate. “If you still want me to stop, come home with me,” he whispered, his voice a blend of affection and mischief. “The paperwork can wait. You’ve done enough for today.”   Alina’s resistance crumbled. She leaned back into his embrace, her hands resting over his. “You’re impossible,” she sighed, though a small smile tugged at her lips.    Jade chuckled, holding her tighter. “Maybe. But you love me anyway.”   She turned her head to look at him, her emerald eyes meeting his deep-violet ones. “I do,” she admitted softly. “But if I wake up early tomorrow to finish this paperwork, you’re not allowed to complain.”   “Deal,” he said, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Now, let’s go home.”   As they left the guild office hand in hand, the moonlight bathed the streets in a gentle glow. Alina couldn’t help but feel a warmth in her chest, one that had nothing to do with the night air. Jade’s presence beside her was a constant reminder of the love they shared, even in the midst of their busy lives.   And that night, as they walked home together, Alina had no more reasons to complain.     Their first year of married life was filled with moments like these—small, tender, and heartwarming. Jade’s unwavering care and Alina’s reluctant but undeniable love for him wove a tapestry of romance that only grew richer with time. Though their days were often hectic, their nights were always theirs, a sanctuary of love and warmth that neither would trade for anything in the world.