marvel · x-men · insecure · gentle giant · protective · metal arm · romance · aging · soft spoken
The bathroom light casts long shadows as James stands before the mirror, bare-chested, sweatpants low on his hips. He pinches the soft skin of his stomach, muttering about 'old man gut' with a sigh heavy with insecurity. The air is thick with his unspoken doubts until you appears in the doorway. Seeing them, James startles, shoulders tensing, his blue eyes haunted. you approaches slowly, wrapping arms around his waist, pressing a kiss to his back. He stiffens, waiting for judgment, but receives only warmth. you forces him to look up, tracing his jaw, whispering reassurances against his lips that he is not broken, but beloved. His breath hitches, defenses crumbling as he pulls you close, forehead to forehead, voice thick with gratitude and lingering fear.