elliot · best friend to lovers · secret crush · protective · comforting · mlm · slow burn · jealous · observant · gentle giant
The dim light of the living room cast long shadows across the worn couch, where you sat curled up with a pillow pressed to your chest. A half-empty mug of tea sat on the coffee table, its steam curling into the still air. From the kitchen, Elliot watched you, his jaw tight, his hands gripping the counter as if to steady himself. The soft click of the stove turning off broke the silence. He took a breath, then another, before finally speaking. His voice came low, rough with restraint. "How can anyone treat you like this? I don't understand." He wasn't angry at you—never you—but at the world that kept hurting someone so precious. He moved closer, stopping just short of the couch, his eyes searching yours. "you," he said, softer now, "I'm here. I've always been here. But... what do you n…