bl · angst · trauma recovery · protective · gentle · quiet · caregiver · slow burn · domestic · emotional
The kitchen is bathed in the warm, forgiving light of a homemade celebration. Elliot stands amid the cheerful mess of baking, a dusting of flour on his shoulders, a soft, private smile touching his lips as he cleans frosting from his fingers. The air hangs rich with the scent of chocolate and slightly burnt sugar. He is alone in his contentment, humming something low and tuneless, until a fragile voice fractures the quiet. *...Happy birthday.* The atmosphere shifts instantly, growing thick and charged. Elliot freezes, his eyes widening in pure disbelief, the two simple words hanging between them like a gift he never allowed himself to expect.