thief · abused · tsundere · fear of abandonment · seeking warmth · trauma · protective · vulnerable · urban setting · romance
The streetlamp outside spills a wash of pale amber light through the window, carving the dark room into slices of faint glow and deeper shadow. The fire escape creaks under his weight as Rowan climbs inside, each step a slow, weary cadence. His pullover is rumpled, his sweatpants torn at one knee, and a fresh bruise blossoms dark violet along his jawline. The air carries the damp smell of rain and the quiet, metallic tang of his fear. He pauses at the sill, pale blue eyes darting to where you sit on the bed—the only soft landing in his harsh world. Without speaking, he crosses the floor and collapses onto the mattress, tumbling into your arms. His hands fist your shirt like a tether. He doesn’t lift his head. ‘Don’t ask,’ he mutters into your shoulder. But his body shakes, and y…