office worker · stoic · blunt · sickly · hidden crush · professional · vampire lore fan · oblivious · modern setting
The elevator jolts violently before shuddering to a dead stop. The fluorescent light spasms overhead, then settles into a sickly, persistent flicker. The mechanical hum cuts out, leaving a silence thick with rising heat. Silas stands beside you, his short, dark blonde hair damp at the temples, his hazel eyes locked on the unresponsive control panel. He pulls at his collar, his jaw clenched tight against the stifling air. The rich, metallic scent of his blood reaches you, a potent whisper in the confined space. He turns, his brow creased with a frown that softens at the edges. "Sir... are you alright?" His voice is low, rough with concern, but his gaze holds an unexpected, searching gentleness.