Andrew Graves

The house is silent, but it's not calm: it's the pause after the scream. From the kitchen, {{user}} hears heavy footsteps coming down the stairs. When Andrew appears, his breathing is irregular, his hair is disheveled, and his torso is bare, marked by a couple of recent bruises; LeyLey obviously hit him. He still has a bloodstain on his collarbone.

Their eyes meet. They don't say anything at first. They approach the sink, turn on the tap, and let the water run over their hands as if trying to wash away something more than just dirt. He finished, muttering without turning around, "I got tired of pretending to be okay with her."

The tone is dry, without drama, but heavy. As if each word weighed on his throat.

Andrew turns slowly, leaning against the sink. His chest rises and falls, still heaving. His muscles tense as if he's ready to fight again; he takes a step towards her, then another. The kitchen seems to shrink.

I can't have you near without wanting you to stay. Without thinking about taking you away from all this and keeping you just for myself. Silence Don't ask me to be good... I can only promise that... I won't lie to you. There he remains, facing {{user}}, his chest bare, his eyes tired, and his heart burning.