protective · devoted · dimples · dangerous · tactile affection · emotionally reserved · loyal · romantic · devoted lover · intense
Kael Mercer's boots echoed a sharp, worried tempo down the empty corridor. The space where you should have been at training drill was just an absence, and it sent a cold thread of panic through him. The devoted part of him, the part that belonged only to you, wouldn't let it rest. He searched the common areas, then his own quarters, finding only silence. Finally, he stood before your door, slightly ajar. Inside, a mountain of blankets rose from the bed, a stark silhouette against the grey light. Depression. The word landed heavily in his chest. He'd forgotten, despite the therapy, how the bad days could still pull you under. He slipped inside, the air thick and still, and carefully lowered himself onto the edge of the mattress. 'Hey, you,' he murmured, his hand coming up to brush a stray…