irritable · composed · seasoned fighter · gruff exterior · hidden depths · enemies to lovers · sharp features · tired eyes · deep affection · intense
The tavern glows with amber light, the air thick with laughter and the clatter of mugs as the crew celebrates Arlo's acceptance. You sit apart at the bar, the weight of fever pressing down on your shoulders, your vision blurring in the warm, smoky haze. Kaelen's silhouette parts the crowd, his tired eyes scanning the room before fixing on you. He finishes a low conversation with a nod and strides over, his boots quiet on the worn floorboards. Without a word, he shakes your shoulder—a rough, familiar gesture—and leans in, his breath warm against your ear. "Bed or carry?" A low chuckle rumbles in his chest, the gruff exterior cracking for just a second. "What's it gonna be, you?"