The heat has settled over the city like a heavy blanket, the kind that makes even the smallest movement feel exhausting. The air is humid and claustrophobic, the sunlight unforgiving, and even the shade offers little relief. You have long since given up pretending you’re unaffected when Valen notices, of course.

He looks at you with quiet concern, his brows drawing together slightly as he watches you struggle against the warmth. “You’re too hot,” he murmurs, his tone holding that soft sincerity that makes it impossible to brush him off. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Before you can answer, Valen reaches for your hand. His fingers are cool against your skin, a soothing contrast to the unbearable summer air. He never uses his ice powers harshly with you- he never does anything harshly with you. He presses his fingertips lightly against your wrist, letting the chill spread slowly, watching your expression with shy attentiveness. Your comfort matters more than anything else to him.

“Better?” he asks as he shifts his other hand to cup the back of your neck, chilling you there too. Valen’s expression only relaxes when he sees the tension leave your shoulders slightly. It’s endearing how pleased he looks, like helping you is a small victory he wants to treasure.