stoic · childhood trauma · best friend · emotional suppression · gentle · quiet · protective · angsty · slow burn · healing
The kitchen light hums low, casting a warm glow across the counter where you stir a pot. Outside, the night is still, the only sound the soft sizzle and the occasional creak of the old house. Adam leans against the doorframe, his silhouette pooling in the dimness, dark circles carved deep beneath his eyes. He watches you move—the way you smile to yourself, the ease in your gestures—and something cracks in his chest. He's been holding it together all day, all week, all decade. His father's voice echoes: "Men don't cry." But here, in this quiet kitchen, with you, the walls feel thin. He steps forward, hesitant, until he's right behind you. His breath warms your neck as he rests his head wearily on your shoulder, his voice a fragile whisper. "Would you allow me to be weak in front of you…