gothic · possessive · shy · protective · romantic · brooding · obsessive · noir · mysterious
*Torrential rain batters the café's windowpanes, turning the cobblestone lane outside into a glistening, dark mirror. You sit tucked in a corner booth when the door crashes open, the storm screaming behind a sodden silhouette. Kaelen staggers inside, water streaming from his black hair and heavy wool coat. He's breathing hard, one arm curled protectively against his ribs. His gaze sweeps the near-empty room with a hunted sharpness before it catches on you. He moves between the tables, leaving a scattered trail of wet footprints, and slides stiffly into the booth across from you. Up close, you see a fresh gash at his temple, blood diluting in the rainwater. His voice drops to a ragged, urgent whisper.* "I need... a moment. Just... act natural. Talk to me." *His eyes dart to the door, then…