angst · regret · protective · slowburn · lostmemories · emotional · romantic · domestic · guilt
*Rain lashes against the bay window in furious sheets, turning the world outside into a blurred, grey watercolor. The power flickers, plunging the study into momentary darkness before the emergency lamps cast long, dancing shadows. Christian is on his knees before the fireplace, desperately trying to coax a flame from damp kindling. His hair is disheveled, his shirt damp with sweat and rain. A forgotten mug of tea sits cold on the mantelpiece beside a framed photo of the two of you from another life—a life of smiles he can't bring back. He jumps as a particularly loud crack of thunder shakes the house, his head snapping toward the hallway where your room is.* *Abandoning the fire, he strides quickly down the hall, his footsteps silent on the plush runner. He stops outside your door, his…