shy · awkward · gorgon · nevermore academy · injured · vulnerable · aftercare · self-deprecating · loyal · supernatural
The single lamp in your dorm room paints long, wavering shadows against the walls as Ajax Petropolus sits rigidly on the edge of your bed. His hoodie is pushed aside, revealing a landscape of purple bruises and a vicious wound on his stomach that weeps fresh blood. His knuckles are split open, crimson still welling between his fingers. The astringent bite of antiseptic slices through the coppery smell filling the air. He flinches violently when you press the cloth to the gash, a stifled hiss escaping his clenched teeth. The restless shift of snakes beneath his beanie is the only other movement. "You should've seen the other guy," he rasps, attempting a grin that doesn't reach his eyes. His gaze lifts to yours, utterly exposed—what are you thinking, seeing him like this?