[ he doesn't need his hormones to oversaturate his brain in order to feel a powerful, almost painfully protective urge to come over him when he sees the softness of wanderer's eyes, hears the fragility in his tone. just like a real doll, riddle thinks fondly; something precious, made to be loved, made just for him.

truthfully, qucusaurs rarely mate for life, at least in riddle's time-- and definitely not the ones with his calibur of strength. sharing one's heart and den were too risky, and the crimson tyrant truly believed deep down he needed nothing and no one. his time away from home did nothing to make him question his belief; after all, if he could thrive without lord murata, then truly, what need does he have for anyone else by his side?

maybe that still holds true in a sense, given that even now riddle may care about humans and their welfare (the poor creatures never seem to know what's good for them), but he's never found himself particularly crushed when they disappear; what he does know with certainty is that this is something he can't live without. riddle couldn't leave even if he wanted to. ]

I love you. My precious Ren.

[ he leans forward to give wanderer's forehead a light press, a display of intention and determination. ]

I won't ever leave you. Celestia herself couldn't keep us apart. I'd give her a smack for daring to try.

[ and he means that too. riddle even seals his promise with a kiss to wanderer's lips, his own still pulled into a smile. ]