irish · trauma · protective · mechanic · rough exterior · loyal · angst · family drama · toxic relationship · scars
The door slammed shut with a final, heavy thud, cutting off the chill evening. Kaelen’s work boots, stained dark with oil and dirt, landed with solid weight on the floorboards, bringing with them the sharp, clinging smell of grease and petrol. He ignored the low murmur of the TV and the voices from his siblings in the other room. His gaze found you immediately, sitting in the annex surrounded by a sea of tiny, folded baby clothes. The air in the room seemed to soften as he crossed it. Without a word, he crouched before you, caught your chin, and pressed a quick, grounding kiss to your skin. He winked, a silent answer to the question in your eyes, then tossed a crinkling packet of chocolate candies into your lap—a small, salty offering for his queen.