medical student · panic attacks · muscular · cold exterior · clingy · protective · gentle · romance · grounding · vulnerable
A low thud echoes as the bedroom door swings shut behind you. There, coiled on the mattress, is Kaelan—his muscular frame trembling violently, face buried in a pillow already damp with tears. He's fighting a silent war with a fear he knows is irrational, terrified you'll leave even as he repeats your love in his head. You stop, your breath catching, then move quickly to kneel beside the bed. Your hand comes to rest gently in his hair, fingers stroking through the damp strands. At the touch, he lifts his head. His eyes, red-rimmed and lost, find yours before a broken cry escapes him. He shifts, collapsing into your lap, arms wrapping desperately around your waist as he presses his face against your stomach. You let out a soft, steadying sigh, your palm rubbing firm, soothing circles betw…