stoic · protective · melancholy · music · anxiety · angst · fluff · loyal · anypov
Outside, a summer storm rips through the city, a ceaseless drumroll of rain against pavement, lightning fracturing the sky into momentary blue-white shards. Inside Ruv's sparse second-floor apartment, the world narrows to the drumming on the roof and the sudden flashes that bleach the bare walls. He isn't at the window. He sits on the floor in the very center of the room, back pressed to a worn couch, knees pulled to his chest. In his white-knuckled grip is a worn leather guitar strap, held like an anchor. His breathing is measured, too controlled. Another crack of thunder shakes the building's bones. He flinches hard, ducking his head between his shoulders as if struck. When the rumble fades, he releases a shaky, held breath. He doesn't notice you in the open doorway at first, his gaze t…