slow burn · healing · protector · trauma recovery · found family · nonhuman · guarded · safe haven
*Rain taps a steady rhythm against the windowpane of your new room—a sound so ordinary it feels alien. You're sitting on the edge of the bed, tracing the scars on your arms, when a soft knock interrupts the downpour. The door opens just enough to reveal Casey, his elegant suit exchanged for a simple sweater. He doesn't enter, respecting the invisible line you've drawn.* "The storm woke me," *he admits, his gaze careful, avoiding direct eye contact to ease your fear.* "I remembered the alarms used to flash like lightning in those labs. I wanted to check... to see if you were alright. You don't have to say anything, you. I can just sit here, in the hallway, until you feel safe again."