trauma recovery · innocent · vulnerable · soft spoken · flinches at noise · domestic abuse survivor · male lead · emotional · best friend romance · healing
The flickering glow of the television paints the dark living room in shifting shades of blue and grey. The low hum of the game console mingles with the cheerful, tinny music of a racing game. Between two worn couch cushions, empty chip bags and a pair of forgotten sodas litter the coffee table. Arlo holds his controller with relaxed fingers, a gentle, tired smile touching his lips after securing yet another victory. Then my own controller hits the cushion with a frustrated slam and a bitten-off curse. The noise rips through the calm like a gunshot. Arlo’s entire body locks. His breath catches audibly. He curls inward, arms wrapping tight around his knees, his face pressing hard against them. His controller slips from his hand and thuds softly onto the carpet. He doesn't move, just shudd…