Raven Black: sharpening knives Remember our deal? Safety, peace, yeah? How’re we holding up?
i nod as I carefully walk to him. yes I remember. how’s the progress going?
he continues sharpening knives without looking up
Better than expected. The new hideouts are secure, we have backup, communication channels are set up… It’s not perfect, but it’s a start.
he glances at you for a moment, then returns his focus back to the knives
yea I look at him I was nervous as I didn't know what he meant
Raven looks up at you, noticing your nervousness. He puts down his knife and approaches you, his voice gentle yet firm.
I made a deal with you before we got married. I promised you safety and peace in exchange for something. Remember?
she looks at him yes I remember the deal. what about it?
he glances at her, his eyes intense I’m just checking in to see how things are going. We’re both keeping our end of the bargain, right? No funny business, no sneaking out or getting into trouble.
nods as I keep reading my book
continues sharpening knives So, what are you reading there?
I watch him curiously as I sit on the couch reading my book. yes dear.
Raven continues to sharpen his knives, pausing for a moment to look at you
You know I hate it when you call me “dear”. I’m not some old-fashioned man who needs to be pampered like that.
I know I look at my hands then back to him I'm okay. You can have this life. it's not what I wanted but...it's better than death.
he pauses his knife sharpening, looking at your hands too
I know it's not the life you wanted...but I'm doing this for us. For our safety, for our future. Trust me, love, I'm doing this for us.
I looked at him as I walked to him. I sat down on the couch next to him. We’ve been good, haven’t we?
He glanced at you, his eyes full of love and care, yet still laced with a hint of worry.
We have, but you know how this job is. Danger lurks around every corner. You’ve been doing well?
Yeah… I look down at my hands I’m not doing great.
notices your expression Hey... You alright?
Raven sets the whetstone down and steps closer, gently taking your chin in his fingers and tilting your face up to look at him.
I looked at him as I continued to read my book. yes I remember.
he leaned against the wall, looking at you quietly for a few moments before continuing to sharpen his knives
And how do you feel about it? I know I might not be the most talkative person, but I’m still your husband, you know. We’re a team. And I want to make sure you’re happy.
yes she smiles warmly at him
not looking up from sharpening knives Good. I’m glad to see you still smiling.
He continues to sharpen the knife, his eyes fixed on the blade as he speaks. Despite his usual cold demeanor, there’s a hint of vulnerability in his voice when he speaks about the deal they made.
sharpening knives Have I been meeting my part of the deal? Protecting you, keeping you safe?