@mvnces said: ❛ i’m here. ❜
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐀𝐓 𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄 of tongue, making trying to speak useless. tremors rip through them & chest heaves as they work to regain semblance of normal pace of breath, a feat that makes even the soldier work. the only indication that they heard him, at first, is a slow reaching of flesh hand to other's thigh, & then a firm squeeze has their nonverbal reaction, begging him to continue the words of reassurance. it isn't too often, anymore, that these episodes where winter is needed arise ―
𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐃𝐎, they pack a punch, & the soldier has to fight against the constant & throbbing sensation of arm, phantom pain that makes them grit teeth. when words come, finally, they're not the ones intended - but they get the message across, because the soldier is in no state to mince words or demands. ❝ NEED YOU, ❞ they get out finally, turning to fully face lover (recognizable this time, which is a feat) before they attempt to bury their face in the crook of other's neck. familiar scent is what starts to ground them, & soon they're releasing a soft sound against riley's skin. ❝ . . . thank you. ❞