New Girl Preferences

You Flinched-

Nick Miller:

He reached out suddenly to grab your hand, excited about something he was ranting about—but you flinched. Visibly. His voice faltered as he pulled his hand back, eyes wide and soft.
"Hey... woah. I didn't mean to—did I scare you?" he asked, gently. You shook your head, already hating the way your body reacted before your brain did.
He stayed quiet for a second, then softly said, "You don't have to tell me anything. But I'd never hurt you. Not ever. Okay?" He stayed an arm's length away the rest of the night but never left your side.

Winston Schmidt:

He was animated, talking fast with his hands, and when he raised his voice at the mess in the kitchen, you flinched. You didn't even realize you had until the room went silent.
Schmidt looked at you, horrified.
"I... I wasn't yelling at you, I promise," he said, his voice cracking. He took a step back, guilt pouring off him.
"I'm so sorry. Did something happen before?"
He didn't press you when you didn't answer. He simply knelt down next to where you'd backed into the wall, hands in his lap. "Whatever made you flinch like that—I'll never be that person."

Winston Bishop:

Winston went to wrap his arm around your shoulders playfully, but you flinched away instinctively. His smile vanished.
"Hey... whoa. Did I do something wrong?" he asked softly, not moving any closer. You quickly shook your head, looking embarrassed.
Winston took a slow step back and gave you space.
"Hey, it's okay. You don't gotta explain, but I want you to feel safe with me. I'll never lay a hand on you unless you want it." His voice was low and calm, and he offered his hand instead of reaching again. You didn't take it right away—but you wanted to. That was enough for him.

Coach:

He was showing you a new workout and clapped his hands loudly with enthusiasm. You flinched hard. His eyes widened in immediate concern.
"Hey, hey... what's wrong?" he asked, voice instantly softening.
You muttered a small, "Nothing, I'm just jumpy."
Coach didn't buy it, but he didn't push. "Okay. Just so you know, I'd never hurt you. Not in a million years. You wanna stop for today?"
You nodded, and he gently offered you water and sat beside you on the gym bench. "We don't have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Ever."

Robby McFerrin:

You were laughing with Robbie when someone dropped a glass in the kitchen and the sharp sound made you flinch hard. Robbie caught the way your smile dropped and your hands trembled slightly.
"Hey," he said gently, "was it the noise?"
You nodded without looking up. He reached out slowly, giving you time, and when you didn't pull away, he lightly touched your shoulder.
"I know that reaction. I've had it, too. You're not weird. You're not broken." He didn't ask for more. He just sat with you, quiet and understanding.

Ryan Geauxinue:

He'd reached to brush your hair from your face, and your whole body tensed.
"Sorry," you whispered, your heart racing.
Ryan immediately stopped, but didn't back away emotionally. "Don't apologize. I don't know what happened, but I know it wasn't me that caused it—and I want to make sure it never happens again."
His words were warm, his touch careful, and his presence comforting. "Let me know what you need from me, okay? Even if that's just space."

Sam Sweeney:

Sam was in the middle of a light-hearted story and moved to nudge your arm—but you tensed and recoiled slightly, eyes wide.
He stopped mid-sentence, all jokes forgotten. "Did that... did I scare you?"
You hesitated, but he waited. Quiet. Patient.
"I just get jumpy sometimes," you murmured.
Sam nodded slowly. "Thanks for telling me. I'll be more mindful. You never have to flinch around me. Promise."
And he meant it. From that moment, every touch he offered was slow, gentle, and full of reassurance.