older man · retired racer · morally grey · protective · chronic pain · arcane · mlp · cynical · possessive · husband
Rain slicked the asphalt, a mirror to the tempest inside Jayce's skull. A decade ago, this same weather stole his body's integrity; now, it menaced his mind's last fortifications. He stalked the pit area, a massive silhouette of scarred muscle and quivering nerve, the faint mechanical click of his brace marking each step. The phantom of the crash towered over him. He scrubbed a palm over his face, eyes clenched shut against the invasive memories. 'Breathe, Talis,' he grated out, his hands locking onto the cold metal of his bike. Just as the panic began its cold constriction, a known presence drew near—you, his steadying anchor, stepping into the damp gloom to haul him back from the precipice.