Luke "Invincible for Love"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 3. Luke is engaged to the MC.

The MC is at home, waiting for Luke to come home. A few days ago, he informed her that he will be going away for a few days for a job. He promised that he will make sure to come back safe to her. While waiting, the MC turns on the TV, which happens to be playing "Life of Miracles", a show currently discussing about "Vig", a performance artist. Vig is a famous sculptor, but after a medical malpractice, he developed a drug addiction which made him unable to work. However, he has re-emerged to the public and is able to regain popularity due to his interesting integration of his perspectives on life into his art. Just then, Luke arrives. The MC enthusiastically greets him, almost missing that Aaron Yishmir is alongside him. Upon seeing the bandages on Luke and hearing Luke's voice sounding low and course, the MC starts worrying about him. Luke and Aaron reassure her that his injuries aren't anything serious. Aaron teasingly remarks that Luke couldn't wait to see her, and that's why he hurriedly sought clearance from the bureau right after completing the job.

The MC supports Luke as they walk inside the house. She notices that he feels warm and suspects that he might have fever. To check, she tip-toes to touch her forehead to his. She confirms that his temperature is a little high. As she tries to verify further, Luke suddenly pulls her into an embrace, lifts her, and takes the initiative to press his forehead to hers. She wonders what is happening to Luke as his face reddens. She remarks that his muscles are tensing up and asks him to take off his shirt to check on his wounds. She notes that Luke seems mentally preparing for her inspection and is behaving weirdly toward her. Aside from the gauze wrapping his arm and sides, she sees an alarmingly huge bruise on his back. She then asks Luke how he got it, and if he can tell her anything that she's allowed to know. Luke proceeds to tell her that the job involved clearing multiple bomb threats. He successfully sought cover and was able to survive with minimal damage. But the impact knocked some wine bottles towards Luke that resulted to flesh wounds caused by shards of glass. The bruise was caused by him hitting a bar and his vocal cords temporarily got damaged because of inhaling smoke. He tells her that he survived because she was protecting him from afar.

Luke tells the MC that due to all the "protection amulets" the MC gave him - the key around his neck, the little princess badge, and the woven bracelet - he was able to survive. The MC grows emotional as she imagines the danger Luke was in. He reassures her that aside from the amulets, her concern for him also serves as his protection. And additionally, he is also protected by his thoughts of her and his promise to come home safe to her. Noting that Luke flinches when she touches his back, the MC searches a quick "how-to" to treat the large bruise. She grabs a towel and some ice from the fridge, then proceeds to gently apply it on Luke's back.

As the MC applies the cold towel on Luke, she notices that Luke is sweating a lot and is clenching his fists. She wonders if it's just pain... or something else. In confusion, she momentarily stops what she's doing. Luke quickly catches on and asks if she's worried. Finally, she sighs - she knows what Luke's job is, so she has to accept that. So she just tells him, "Welcome home, Luke". Luke hugs her and reassures her. He also tells her that since their engagement, there have been more changes than he couldn't have imagined. He prolongs the hug, remarking that it feels nice. Suddenly, the TV is accidentally turned on, interrupting them. It is still running the program about Vig, the sculptor artist. In the interview, Vig remarks that he was able to control his desires by facing them head-on; there's no use in repressing desire, but it should instead be released gradually. The interview seems to captivate Luke. The MC then stands up to prepare dinner for Luke as he seems hungry.

The MC confirms what would Luke like to eat for dinner. As she asks questions to Luke, she notes his quick and stiff replies. To tease him, she pushes her body against Luke's back and blows on the back of his neck. She teasingly asks if he's holding himself back, in the context of how he was enduring her ministrations on his bruise awhile ago. But once she says it out loud, it finally made sense to her. Luke tells her that he's indeed holding himself back. They share a long kiss. After a long while, Luke finally finds the willingness to let the MC go. He reveals that after the job, he took a drug that the NSB uses to treat minor injuries. However, one of its side effects is feeling relaxed. He thought that coming back to her quickly would be enough. But it wasn't and he's feeling overwhelmed by the "changes" he's experiencing since their engagement - i.e. it's becoming harder for him to suppress his desire for her. He apologizes if that scares her. But the MC nudges him to act on it and follow his heart. She will "rescue" him and he can do whatever he wants to her...

The MC wakes up. Luke tells her that breakfast is ready. He brings up Vig's Art Exhibition in Stellis as he was able to procure tickets for them. They head to the museum together. On one statue, the MC thinks that it depicts a storm of desire that can be resolved by love. Luke's interpretation is that desire is not a dangerous storm, but a fragrant rose instead - the scent may draw him closer, but behind it is not a trap, but a heart of honesty. And he will do his best to keep it safe.

Illustrations

BruiseI only dare to touch it lightly, hoping that it will quickly repair itself.

Video Call

Video Call		Luke: Invincible for Love (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Luke: *Ahem*... Can you guess what's different about me today?

Luke: Yeah, when I woke up this morning, I discovered my voice recovered.

Luke: I wanted to call you to tell you the good news as soon as possible.

Luke: What's with that expression? It's not your first time hearing my voice, so you shouldn't be... THAT surprised, right?

Luke: Are you so surprised that you forgot how to speak? Haha... did you forget? I told you I would recover soon.

Luke: ...Hmm? You want to hear me speak? Oh... what do you want to hear?

Luke: "I love you" in six languages...? No, it's not that I don't want to! I'll get started then. First off, of course... I love you, then...

Luke: Eh? What happened? Why did the screen go dark?

Luke: Oh, you dropped your phone... You were the one who suggested it, so why were you surprised?

Luke: You thought I wouldn't agree to such immature request? Well, is it immature to express your love?

Luke: Besides, I will fulfill your requests, whatever they may be.

Luke: Why are you looking at me without saying anything...? Why are you smiling all of a sudden?

Luke: Hearing my voice over the phone is enough to make you THIS happy...?

Luke: You... make me want to be there by your side... After all, it'll only take me a few hours to get there.

Luke: Oh? You too? Then I'll head over now. I said I would fulfill any request of yours, didn't I?

Story Locations

Main Character's Residence
Your Residence

Main Character's Residence
Neighborhood Interior

Main Character's Residence
Corridor

Main Character's Residence
Bathroom

Main Character's Residence
Bedroom

Main Character's Residence
Bedroom

Main Character's Residence

Stellis University
Vig's Art Exhibition

Story Characters

Luke Pearce

Luke Pearce

Aaron Yishmir

Deep Male Voice

Host

Vig

Tourist A

Tourist B

Story References

The Luke "Invincible for Love" story contains brief mentions or references of events that took place in the following:

• Main Story 01-05
• Luke "Persistent Wishes"
• Redolent Nonage event story