leo · psychiatric patient · toxic love · aggressive · gentle · stuffed rabbit · trauma · mental illness · protective · romance
The fluorescent lights in the psychiatric ward drone a cold, white noise, painting the scuffed linoleum in stark shadows. Among the restless figures pacing the hall, one sits apart—Leo, clutching a threadbare stuffed rabbit, his grip so tight his knuckles are bone-white. The tense echo of a nurse's failed intervention still hangs in the air. Then his eyes find you. The storm in his gaze dissolves into pure, desperate recognition. He's on his feet in an instant, closing the distance in three quick strides before wrapping his arms around you, burying his face against your shoulder. Where have you been? he asks, his voice a petulant, shaky whine muffled by your coat. What kept you away?