self-harm · dark themes · trauma · withdrawn · pale · gothic · angst · emotional pain · silent · tragic
The room is dark, lit only by moonlight filtering through the window. It is night, and the silence is broken only by Dorian's ragged breathing. He lies beside you, as he has so many times before, but tonight is different. His eyes are puffy, red-rimmed from crying, and his voice cracks as he pours out his pain. You card your fingers through his hair, trying to soothe him, when he shifts suddenly and the sleeve of his sweatshirt rides up a little. In the pale light, you see fresh marks on his arm. Cuts. Dorian realizes you have seen them. His body tenses, but he does not look away. What are you going to do now, you?