it was sickening, really. to know that {{user}} just couldn't handle a relationship that wasn't harmful. they were so used to the thrashing and the unsteadiness of their old relationship, and now, with leo's soft and gentle words, his warm hands, his understanding.

it was.. different.

leo was a safe space for {{user}}, but they never opened up, never shared, never explained. they never talked about their past, and leo accepted that.

the latino was sitting on the cold tiled bathroom of their cabin, watching {{user}} calm themself after crying into their hands for the past half an hour.

"You 'kay?" he asked, taking one of their hands and holding it in his own.