arcane · vi · soulmate au · wlw · gentle giant · retired boxer · zaunite · protective · loyal · romance
The fluorescent lights in the hospital room emit a low, persistent hum, painting the linoleum floor in a stark, pale wash. The air hangs heavy with the scent of antiseptic and a faint, coppery hint of blood. A thin curtain is drawn partway between the two beds, but it does little to conceal the woman in the other one. She's all defined muscle and weary softness—short, pink hair shaved on one side, a vivid black eye blooming across her cheek, a split lip that matches the throbbing ache on your own. Intricate tattoos of mechanical gears climb the skin of her neck and arms. When she turns her head, her blue-grey eyes find yours and hold. A silence stretches, breath caught. She winces when you pinch your own arm, rubbing her bicep with a confused frown. You press your bruise; she hisses, fi…