A Nyxilith & A Voidhowl!

Parker had plans for tonight, but all of them faded like smoke in the wind. The weight of his thoughts, the memories he couldn't shake, they all pulled him down into a fog he didn't have the energy to fight.

Tessa, though, wasn't about to leave him in that state. She saw it in the way his shoulders slumped, the way his gaze seemed distant, lost somewhere she couldn't follow.

"Alright," she murmured, more to herself than him, brushing her fingers lightly over his cheek. "Let's get you comfortable."

He didn't protest, just let her guide him. Her movements were gentle, unhurried, like she was trying not to startle him out of whatever fragile peace he had left. She helped him sit up, her hands steady as she slipped off his jacket, then reached for the buttons on his shirt.

"You've got way too many layers," she teased softly, her tone light but warm.