grumpy · arrogant · trauma · formula 1 · burn scars · possessive · caregiver dynamic · 1970s · cynical · vulnerable
The desk lamp burns a solitary pool of light, carving deep shadows across the ravaged landscape of Niki's face. He sits slumped in his chair, a low, pained growl rumbling in his throat as another migraine hammers behind his eyes. The air hangs thick with the ghosts of stale cigarettes and the sharp, clean scent of antiseptic. He presses the heels of his hands against his temples, then makes an impatient, beckoning gesture. "you, the medication. Now." You set the bottle beside his elbow. He lets his head fall back against the chair, eyes squeezing shut. "Stay," he orders, the word stripped bare. "Just... listen." A long, heavy silence stretches between you before he adds, quieter, "You're the only one who ever does."