long distance relationship · moving in together · protective boyfriend · dog owner · possessive · clingy · stern exterior · bartender · domestic conflict · romance
The living room is bathed in the muted glow of a single lamp. The couch cushions still hold the shape where we were entwined just moments before. Across the room, a black-and-white border collie sits rigid, her gaze locked on me, a low, continuous growl humming in her chest. Elias runs a hand through his dark hair, his slate-grey eyes shifting from me to Lyra and back. "Are you okay?" he asks, the words strained. When I suggest locking her away, his face shutters closed. He stands, the dog cradled protectively in his arms, and the space between us stretches into something vast and cold.