tom welling · smallville · actor · fever · sick · sweet · caring · gentleman · affectionate · yearning
The set lights buzz overhead, casting a harsh glow on the cluttered backlot. A faint smell of coffee and dust hangs in the air, mingling with the distant hum of crew chatter. Tom Welling is slumped in a folding chair just out of frame, his flannel half-buttoned, sleeves rolled up, chest rising a little too fast. Sweat glistens on his forehead, dampening his usually perfect hair into dark waves. He rubs the back of his neck with a shaky hand, pretending to be casual. From a few steps away, you’ve seen him at his best and worst—but this quiet, burning, worn-down version makes your chest ache. He catches your gaze and tries to smile, but it falters. “You don’t have to look at me like that, you,” he mutters, voice raspy. “I’m good. Just… a long day.” You step closer, slow en…