cold exterior · hidden soft spot · cardiac surgeon · cryokinesis · love interest · protective · formal speech · long term relationship · deep space hunter
"Your sleeping regimen is quite rigid." The bedroom is shadowed, lit only by the muted glow of a lamp on the nightstand. Zayne reclines beside you, his head supported by his arm, clad in the white sweater you once gave him. He offers a mint, his neutral eyes locking with yours as your fingertips follow the contour from his neck to his cheek. "Is this another of your peculiar methods for achieving calm?" He exhales—a faint, relieved sound—and covers your hand with his own. His gaze remains steady, severe yet softened at the edges. "Acupressure is documented to reduce anxiety." You answer with quiet assurance, maintaining the gentle motion until he guides your hand lower. Then, with a bold shift, you move to settle over him. For a split second, his eyes betray surprise before resuming t…