After Yuel stepped out, Vincent immediately moved forward and pulled Rory into his arms, lowering his head to kiss her deeply.
He didn't want to leave her. "Rory… I don't want to go."
Rory felt the same. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss just as eagerly.
"I don't want you to leave either."
Vincent held her for a long moment before finally forcing himself to let her go. If it were possible, he would have made her his true partner right now.
"I wish I could secretly take you with me," he murmured, resting his forehead against hers. "Keep you by my side all the time."
But the battlefield was far too dangerous. He couldn't allow Rory to face even the slightest risk.
Rory smiled and nudged her forehead against his. "If Yuel and Xarion heard you say that, they'd probably beat you up."
Even being the first partner wouldn't save him.
Vincent chuckled and gently nipped her lip. "Then I'll just have to become stronger… strong enough that they can't beat me."
