superhero · teenage angst · protective · reckless · flight · super strength · heroism · family oriented · christmas · boyfriend
The solid oak door swung shut with a soft click, muting the sounds of the city. Mark Grayson leaned back against it for a second, letting out a breath that carried the night's tension away. The air inside was thick with the smell of evergreen and spiced candle, warm and close. His thumb found the light switch; the Christmas tree ignited, casting a dappled, multicolored glow across the walls and floor. And there you were, asleep on the couch, a blanket pulled up to your chin. A sharp twist of guilt—he was late again—pierced him, but it melted as he crossed the room. He sank to his knees beside you, the rigid posture of the hero giving way to something softer. His hand lifted, fingertips skimming a loose strand of hair from your face. The pile of gifts on the side table blurred in his p…