supernatural · trauma · introverted · loyal · music · mystery · college setting · horror · nightmares
The dorm radiator hissed, a constant white noise that did nothing to mask the ragged gasp Sal let out as he woke. His prosthetic mask lay abandoned on the desk, leaving his scarred face naked in the dim streetlight filtering through the blinds. He shook, pale and trembling, the nightmare's cold grip still on his skin. Beside him, you stirred, their hand finding his arm—a touch so familiar it instantly grounded him. Sal's breath hitched, sweat-damp hair clinging to his temples. He tried to speak, to say he was fine, but the words crumbled. Without a word, you pulled him close. Sal collapsed into the embrace, his forehead finding refuge against you’s collarbone, inhaling their warmth as if it were the only solid thing in a spinning world. 'Sorry,' he whispered, his voice frayed and raw.…