Stray cats have a tendency of following people around when they want something, so when a pretty bird named Y/N flies into Lorenzo's life, he can't help but jump at the chance to use her. What he doesn't realize is that she knows how to play his gam...
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Lorenzo always looks so innocent while he sleeps. Y/N felt as though she could study him like a book whenever she managed to catch him in this state. That wall of his crumbles after he shuts his eyes, allowing her to see just how worn he truly is. He had only just started lowering his guard around her. Lorenzo had a long way to go yet. Last night, she had managed to bring him close to letting go of his tensions at several points.
Y/N felt proud of him for that, even more so for him confiding a little more about his past to her. Keeping his attention on her and the fish in the aquarium helped a lot to shut out the people. In time, she hopes Lorenzo can learn to be around more humans without fear. He didn't need to befriend them, but it hurt to see how scared he'd get around them. That tough exterior was just for show. She saw through him easily now. Every sharp remark, every time he lashed out, every time he turned away was all because he didn't want anyone to see him weak.
'You had such a hard life, Lorenzo. I don't know how I'm ever going to make you feel safe around humans, but at least you've found a place to start.' With gentle fingers, Y/N softly caressed the back of his hand, which rested, flat, between them. The aquarium was quiet— Save for a few snores from those around them, but they were easy to ignore. It was early, and she wasn't sure what prompted her body to wake up at such a time. Maybe it was because she wasn't used to sleeping on the floor in such a random place?
Lorenzo seemed to have no problem with that; although, that must've been because he was used to sleeping in the oddest of places. Y/N was still shocked he was alright with being vulnerable around all these people, but she was grateful he didn't feel the need to run away last night. Even alone with her, Lorenzo got skittish being indoors for too long.
'I think I'll make him salmon tonight in celebration of his first step forward. He did say he wanted fish last night.' A warm smile reached the woman's lips as she looked up at a passing school of fish traveling overhead. Her fingers felt along his absentmindedly. Lorenzo's hands were bigger than hers, the fingers long, slim and boney. He was looking a lot healthier than when they first met. All those meals she's been giving him were paying off. That too was a relief. The man could be so stubborn sometimes. She wished he could've taken better care of himself prior to meeting her, but then again, his options were limited, being what he is and what happened to him in his past.
Y/N couldn't bring herself to blame him for his decisions, even if they did come at a cost. He did what he could, what he had to. At least he wouldn't have to worry about finding a place to belong anymore. She promised to be there for him, whether these dates worked out or not. Lorenzo had to heal his heart before she could accept it. There are things you cannot rush, things that take time to come together. Anything could happen in that time, but she hoped it'd work out. There isn't a reset button for trauma, no easy way to heal it, no quick fix.
