tw ( yandere, implied stockholm syndrome ? )
you weren’t built for the outside world anymore. it's been too long, years even, since he held you captive. you decided to go back. you were safe there, right?
your hands shook uncontrollably as you pushed open the door. the warm air rushed to meet you, clinging to your frozen skin.
he sat on the couch, like he’d known the exact second you’d return.
for a moment, he didn’t speak. didn’t even bother to scold you, which terrified you even further. he just watched you, watching as the water dropped from your hair, and how your clothes clung to your skin.
“lock the door," he spoke, but his tone wasn't angry.
you swallowed and pushed the door shut, but he didn’t rush to you; he moved slowly, deliberately.
when he reached you, he lifted a hand, making you flinch.
his fingers froze in the air for a beat… then continued, tucking a wet strand of hair behind your ear with a tenderness that made your stomach twist.
“you’re freezing,” he murmured. “were you scared?”
you tried to speak, but your throat closed. you didn't want to admit you were scared without him; you'd seem weaker than you already did.
he tilted his head slightly, as if he was trying to study a question.
“did it feel different?” he asked softly. “being outside again?”
his hand slid under your chin, guiding your face back up to his. you still couldn't speak at all, your lips slightly parting, but no sound leaving.
“it’s alright,” he whispered. “i knew you’d come home.”
your breath hitched. “i… i wasn’t trying to-”
“run?” he finished for you, “i know. the world out there is… overwhelming, loud, isn't it? i don't blame you.”
his thumb brushed your cheek, wiping away a raindrop, or maybe a tear. you couldn’t tell.
“i’m not angry,” he promised. and he meant it. that was the worst part. “i’m just glad you’re back,” he kissed your forehead, his fingers running through your soaked hair to push it back.
“come on,” he murmured, grabbing a throw blanket from the couch and draping it around you. “i'll get you some tea, okay? then we'll talk."
tangentwithtanner
stormborns
