IRIDESCENT, 2023.
FIFTEEN WAYS TO LOVE A SHATTERING SOUL:
1. When you notice his hands shaking, offer him yours. Give him your strength when his own withers.
2. Memorise his scars. Learn the stories behind every inch of raised skin. Learn how many of them are layered, covering deeper wounds in his psyche.
3. Pretend the mirror has always been cracked. Pretend you don't see him desperately scrubbing his bloody knuckles clean. Wait until he's asleep to search for any hidden shards.
4. When he opens up about his childhood, let him talk, but know to stop him once the words start choking him. Maybe one day you will learn each traumatic tale, but, for now, simply hold him close.
5. Offer him your heart and soul. Be grateful when he steals the stars and lays the moon at your feet. This is how he thanks you.
6. Promise to follow him everywhere, even the grave he is digging himself.
7. Don't hide your tears. He does not expect you to be strong all the time. Let him support you too.
8. Act as though your heart doesn't shatter every time he cries over your own scars, apologising for not being there to stop the pain. Remind him there was nothing he could've done. You're here now, with him, and that is more than enough.
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Iridescent ✹ Jake Peralta
FanficBroken and shattered. LORNA © 2023 Jacob Peralta / Male Oc. Brooklyn Nine-Nine Seasons One - Eight. Layout created by @deadboIts