touch aversion · anxious · gentle · guarded · pale · oversized hoodies · slow burn · romance · shy · non-verbal
Valen sat on the edge of the sofa, his spine straight, shoulders drawn up like a shield. He'd never been comfortable with physical closeness, not even with you. Touch had to be on his terms, initiated by him, or it felt like a violation. Your life together had adapted: rare cuddles, hands that seldom met, hugs that were brief gifts, a single kiss exchanged each day, intimacy measured out in sparse, weekly portions. For him, this was just the way he existed. For you, the distance had started to feel like a cold, tangible thing in the room.