Outside Work We... •[TNN One-shots]•

Blades •|| WINTUMN ||•

[TW: !! MENTIONS OF SELF HARM !!]

(READ WITH CAUTION!!)

Prompt: Autumn has a particularly hard day and relapses.

The day had been relentless for Autumn. From handling demanding parents at the nursery to a heated argument with her estranged father, her patience had been worn to shreds. Every breath she took felt like it carried the weight of years she'd fought so hard to move past.

She had kept it together until she and Winter got home. But the moment the door closed behind them, she mumbled something about needing a shower and retreated to the bathroom before he could say anything.

The sound of running water masked her sobs as she sat on the edge of the bathtub, staring at the small, familiar blade in her hand. She hadn't touched it in years-not since Winter. Not since she promised herself she'd find healthier ways to cope. But tonight, the temptation had been unbearable.

Her hand trembled as she made the first cut, a sharp sting that was both a punishment and a release.

She didn't hear the knock at first, or Winter's voice on the other side of the door.

"My love? You've been in there a while. Are you okay?"

Her breath hitched, panic setting in. She scrambled to hide the blade, wrapping her arm in a towel to stop the bleeding. "I'm fine," she called back, her voice cracking.

There was a pause. Then the doorknob jiggled.

"Autumn." His voice was firmer now. "Open the door."

She froze, her heart pounding in her chest. "Winter, I said I'm fine."

"I don't believe you." His voice softened, but there was an unyielding edge to it. "Please, let me in."

Autumn's resolve crumbled. She stood, hesitating for a moment before unlocking the door and stepping back.

Winter pushed the door open gently, his eyes immediately scanning her. It didn't take long for him to notice the towel pressed against her arm, the blood seeping through the fabric. His expression shifted from concern to heartbreak.

"Autumn..."

She couldn't meet his gaze. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Slowly, carefully, he reached for her arm. "Let me see."

She hesitated, but the look in his eyes-gentle, patient, full of love-made it impossible to refuse. She unwrapped the towel, revealing the fresh cuts. Winter inhaled sharply but said nothing.

Instead, he grabbed the first aid kit from under the sink and knelt in front of her, his hands steady as he cleaned and bandaged her arm. The silence between them was heavy, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

When he was done, he sat back on his heels, his eyes meeting hers. "Talk to me," he said softly. "Please."

Autumn's shoulders shook as she began to cry, and Winter immediately pulled her into his arms. She clung to him, the weight of the day crashing down on her all at once.

"I-I didn't want to," she sobbed into his shoulder. "I was doing so well, Winter. I don't know what happened. I just... I couldn't handle it."

Winter held her tighter, his hand running soothingly through her hair. "You're allowed to have bad days," he murmured. "You're allowed to struggle. But you don't have to face it alone, my love. You have me. Always."

"I didn't want you to see me like this," she admitted, her voice breaking.

He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his hands cupping her face. "I don't care how messy it gets. You're my wife, Autumn. I love you. And I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Her tears spilled over, but there was a glimmer of relief in her eyes. "I love you too," she whispered.

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, the bathroom's harsh light softening in the warmth of their connection. Autumn knew she still had a long way to go, but with Winter by her side, she also knew she didn't have to walk the path alone.