Sorry if it seems kind of sloppy, I finished writing this at like, 3:30am

I also needed a serotonin boost after my recent depressive episode

Warning: overuse of the word 'smile' and it's variants

But overall I hope you enjoy :)

Song of Inspiration: Starset - Halo

_______________________________________________________

All your life, you've been pushed around, betrayed, lied to, and ridiculed. No one has ever even stopped and thought about what these things could do to your mental state. After experiencing such things people always told you 'it's not a big deal' or 'you'll get over it' but the thing is, you never did. Because of this, you were never able to fully trust someone in fear of your past repeating.

And then you met him.

I can see you running, running
Every night from the same darkness
It's coming, coming
But you are not alone

Hardcase was always easygoing, a complete jokester, and full of life. He always found a way to make a dull moment suddenly more interesting. If you were close friends with him, he would always find a way to make you feel a whole lot better. At most times, it would be jokes or something rather funny. But if that didn't work, he would use words of reassurance or just straight up hug you. Even though he's probably done it once or twice, hugging was his favorite form of comfort. He's never been able to do it, however, because others he's met were rarely upset.

And then he met you.

If you just say the word
I'll be there by your side
You make me more
You make me superhuman

You sat comfortably in the café chair and slowly sipped your warm drink. The week has been rather hectic but you managed to work your way through the chaos. You glanced out the window and saw the many people who were with their friends or loved ones, relationships you couldn't have. You looked away and down at the table, failing to notice the person approaching you.

"Hey, is this seat taken?" You hear someone say.

And if you need me to
I will save you

You look up only to blush upon seeing that the person is very, very handsome. You then started to feel nervous around him, although you didn't know him.

"Um, n-no, it's not." You managed to say, averting your gaze back to the table.

You were expecting him to take the chair but it shocked you when he sat down instead. The grip on your drink tightened slightly as you became more nervous. Uncomfortable silence filled the air as you tried to come up with something to say.

"So, uh, what's your name?" You hear him ask.

"(Y/n)." You simply answer, gaining the courage to look at him.

There was a smile on his face and you couldn't help but smile back.

"What's your name?" You asked.

"Oh, it's Hardcase." He replied.

"Interesting name, I like it."

Send out the signal
And I'll fly low
If it means the death of me
I won't let go

Over the next few months, you and Hardcase got along pretty well. He always made sure you were okay and if you were feeling well everyday. And somehow, you were able to trust him after years of loneliness. But after spending so much time with him, you began to develop feelings for the trooper. You just couldn't help falling in love with Hardcase, he's just so perfect to you.

And if I'm lost in the world's shadows
I'll use the light that comes to me
From your halo
(Halo)
(Halo)

Shaking your head, you brushed away those thoughts and blushed slightly. You trusted him quickly and you hoped the relationship would last longer than your previous ones. You smiled at the possibility of even dating him, it'd be a dream come true for you.

The day went by like a flash and you were ecstatic to hang out with Hardcase again. You gathered your things and went to leave the building but you were stopped by one of your co-workers.

"Where are you rushing off to?" She asked, in a somewhat condescending tone.

"That's none of your business." You answer, and step past her.

As you step past her, she sticks out a leg and 'accidentally' trips you, your things almost going everywhere.

When you're backed against the wall
I could be the one who's always there to break your fall
You are not alone

Tears brimmed your eyes but you didn't let them spill over as you re-gathered your things. You reached out to grab the last item but your co-worker picked it up before you could. You hastily stood up and quickly wiped your eyes before looking at her.

"Aw, who's the handsome guy?" She asked.

You widened your eyes as you realized she held one of your prized possessions, a photo of you and Hardcase.

"Please, give it back." You say in a strained voice, tears threatening to spill.

"That doesn't answer my question." She snarked.

"H-he's a friend of m-mine, now give i-it back."

You're the Sun, you're the day
The light that guides me through
Never run, run away
I will save you

She laughed at your statement, and you shed a single tear.

"This guy? Your friend? Please, even I'd never be friends with someone as pathetic as you." She said.

You casted your head down as more tears flowed from your eyes.

"Go cry somewhere else, loser." She snarks and walks past you, dropping the photo.

You picked up the photo and looked at it through blurry tears.

'She's right. How could someone like him ever love someone like me?' You thought bitterly.

With that, you turned around and immediately went to your apartment, wanting to avoid everyone.

Send out the signal
And I'll fly low
If it means the death of me
I won't let go

Hardcase became worried when you didn't show up at your favorite meeting spot. He would always see you with a smile on your face that he thought was so beautiful. Every part of you, even your flaws, was perfect to him. But when you didn't show up this time, he couldn't help but be worried about you.

He stood up and went in the direction of your apartment. Perhaps you had gotten upset and that's probably why you didn't show. He didn't stop walking until he arrived where he was going to be, by your side.

He finally arrived at your door and knocked softly, hoping you heard.

"(Y/n)? Are you there?" He asked, concerned.

No answer, but he didn't give up.

"Cyare, please, I'm worried." He said.

Then he heard gentle footsteps and a click at the door. The door opened and he grew even more concerned upon seeing your state.

I won't let go
And if I'm lost in the world's shadows
I'll use the light that comes to me
From your halo

He quickly rushed into your apartment and carefully sat you down on the sofa. He sat next to you as you averted your eyes towards the table.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked.

He went to grab your hand but you retracted your hand to prevent him from doing so.

"Why do you care?" You ask bitterly, tears still spilling from your eyes.

"Why wouldn't I care?" He asked, shocked by your question.

"I'm pathetic, that's why you wouldn't care!"

You turned away as you wiped your eyes.

"But (Y/n), I do care." He says. "I care because I...."

He slowly stopped talking and you looked at him, somewhat nervous. He moved closer to you and grabbed one of your hands, his other hand cupping your face. He brushed a tear away with his thumb and took a deep breath.

"I care because I love you." He said.

Send out the signal and I'll fly low
If it means the death of me
I won't let go

You couldn't believe what you heard. You never thought you'd hear those words come out of his mouth.

"(Y/n), I've loved you ever since we became friends, I love everything about you." He said.

You smiled at his words and slowly stopped crying.

He continued, "maker, you're just so damn perfect, I didn't think I'd meet someone as amazing as you."

You looked into his eyes and couldn't stop smiling; the effect this man has on you.

"Hardcase, I..... I love you, too." You say as you lean your head against his.

He smiled at this and couldn't help but press his lips to yours. You kissed back and closed your eyes in content. Nothing, absolutely nothing, could ruin this moment for you both.

And if I'm lost in the world's shadows
I'll use the light that comes to me
From your halo

(And if I'm lost in the world's shadows
I'll use the light that comes to me)

You both pulled away and smiled at each other as he held you.

"(Y/n)?" He inquires.

"Hm?" You hummed.

"Do you.....do you want to be my girlfriend?"

You smiled wider and hugged him, pulling him closer.

"Yes, of course!" You replied.

He smiled wider as well and rested his head against your shoulder.

'This is the best day of my life.' You both thought.

Your halo
Your halo
Your halo
I won't let go
I won't let go
I won't let go
I won't let go (I won't let go)

After what happened three weeks ago, you and Hardcase have become inseparable. He would wait for you after work and spend the rest of the day with each other. You were his queen and he was your king, you loved him the way he loved you.

You smiled as you continued to work on your given assignment at your job. It was a simple task, so you were able to complete it quickly. You then began your next assignment, becoming focused as you did so. You glanced at the newer photo of you and Hardcase that you framed, smiling wider. Your expression faltered, however, as you saw her in the reflection.

"Hey, (Y/n), how's your friend treating you?" She asked, her expression coy.

You ignored her and continued to work on the assignment you were given. You blocked out anything she said as you thought of your boyfriend, calming your nerves. Soon, you finished the second task you had, setting it aside.

"Ms. (L/n), someone is here to see you." You heard one of your superiors say.

"Send them in!" You call out and stand up.

"Y'know, someday that friend of yours will forget you." Your co-worker said.

"Whatever." You say, not caring.

She walked away and you sighed in relief, glad she left you alone. You then felt a pair of arms wrap around your waist and a head on your shoulder.

And if I'm lost in the world's shadows
I'll use the light that comes to me
From your halo

"How was your day, my love?" A familiar voice asked.

You turned around and smiled upon seeing the handsome face of your boyfriend, Hardcase. You wrapped your arms around his neck and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

"Fine, but you made it better." You answer, slightly laughing. "How was yours?"

"A whole lot better now that I'm holding you." He said.

You snuggled into him as he said this and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with him later.

"I get off work in half an hour, think you can wait that long?" You ask.

"Hm, maybe." He replied.

"We can spend the rest of the day cuddling while watching a movie if you do."

"Alright, I can wait."

He quickly kissed you before pulling away and leaving the room, waiting outside. Now you couldn't wait until after work, already wanting to be in his arms again.

Your halo

You sat comfortably with your back against Hardcase's chest and his arms around your waist, watching the movie intently. Suddenly you felt him press soft kisses to your neck and you smiled, eyes somewhat closed.

This moment happened all because he wanted to sit with you at the café you both met at. And you were glad it happened, because now you were finally able to trust.

Your halo