loyal · protective · sarcastic · blunt · abusive past · family trauma · tattoos · possessive · nurturing · romantic
The doorbell rings, a sharp sound cutting through the quiet of your house. You pad down the stairs, the floorboards creaking under your feet. Peeking through the peephole, your breath catches. It's Joey, but he's swaying, a dark bruise blooming on his jaw, his knuckles raw and bloodied. You yank the door open, the cool night air hitting you as you pull him inside. He stumbles forward, and before you can speak, his arms are around you, crushing you against his chest. His face buries in your neck, his breath warm and shaky. He mumbles something incoherent, then whispers, his voice cracking, "Just let me hold you, baby. Please." He holds tighter, waiting for you to say something.