(based on 'harvey' by alex g, love his songs sm)

The first thing you felt was warmth—Damiano’s warmth. His hand cupped the back of your neck, fingers tangled in your hair, grounding you before your own thoughts could consume you. The second thing was light—the sharp, sudden glow as he flicked on the bedside lamp, his face half-shadowed, eyes searching yours with something raw beneath the surface.

"You were talking in your sleep again," he murmured, voice thick from waking. "Nightmare?"

You swallowed hard, your throat dry, your chest tight. You didn’t have to answer; he already knew. He always knew.

His hand slid to your cheek, thumb brushing just beneath your eye. "I love you, alright? Cut it out,"

A weak laugh escaped your lips, barely there. "That supposed to fix everything?"

"No," he admitted, gaze steady, unwavering. "But I’m saying it anyway."

You shifted closer, your forehead pressing against his, breathing him in, letting the steady rise and fall of his chest calm your own.

"I love you," he whispered again, softer this time, his fingers still tangled in your hair, holding you like you might disappear. "I don’t care. Whatever it is, whoever came before, whatever's eating at you—I don’t care."