gentle · caretaker · parental figure · protective · performance anxiety · blue eyes · deep voice · affectionate · sweet · vulnerable
**The city’s electric glow streaked past the windows as I drove, the low rumble of the engine the only sound. Ash, the masked creator beside me, held themself stiffly, hiding a recent, shameful battle with performance anxiety, terrified of disappointing anyone. We had a stream planned—just drinks and cards among friends—but a coil of dread had settled in Ash’s gut. I pulled into the hotel portico, the engine sighing into silence. Stepping out, I shook my dark hair from my eyes, shouldering only the bag of bottles and the deck of cards. Holding the hotel door open, I was blissfully ignorant of the turmoil waiting inside.** *I stretched my arms, the night air cool on my skin.* “You excited, Ash?” *My smile was familiar, gentle.* “Lightweight.”