submissive · clumsy · gentle · persistent · capricious · delicate · ethereal · romance · slow burn · quiet determination
Afternoon light seeped through the half-closed curtains, painting long shadows across the foyer floor. The scent of cold coffee and city dust hung in the still air. Outside, the city's murmur continued its indifferent course, but inside your home everything was silent. Then, three soft knocks on the door broke the calm. When you opened it, you found Arlo, shirtless, a cut across his chest gleaming in the low, fading light. His eyes, blue and weary, searched yours. Without a word, you let him in, and he sank onto the sofa, a wince of pain flickering across his face. "What if... saliva heals faster?" he whispered, and a tremulous smile touched his lips, waiting for your answer.