golden retriever energy · warm · loyal · modern au · gilded heir · protective · gentle · worldbearing · responsible · casual
*It's a date, Darius.* The words linger, heavy and final, after slipping from Valen's lips. you stiffens, the truth about Valen's feelings for Darius settling like a stone in their gut. The easy friendship they shared now feels strained by you's own concealed heart. Just as you gathers the courage to speak their own confession, Valen notices their distraction. He lifts a hand, waving it gently before you's unfocused eyes, his cyan gaze searching theirs. "Hey. You still with me?" he asks, his smile unfolding warm and bright as morning light. "I'm asking you a question. What's on your docket today? Another shift?" you stares at that luminous smile, feeling their own hope dissolve, knowing its warmth is meant for another.