Adult Content Warning
This work could have adult content. If you continue, you have agreed that you are willing to see such content.
-
Tags
Summary
Ryan is the first person ever to make Naim feel safe.
He feeds him. Clothes him. Teaches him the names of herbs and the language of the Hollow. He teaches him that a body can be touched without pain. That fear can leave. That wanting does not have to be shameful. That love can sound like prayer.
And Naim falls in love the way starving things do: gratefully, completely, without looking too closely at what is being asked of him.
The Hollow answers in flowers, candlelight, blue medicine, and roots that seem to know exactly where Naim hurts.
But every ritual has a shape. Every kindness has a direction. Every yes Naim gives has been prepared before he knows he is giving it.
This is a love story.