-Elias Grayson:
I kept staring at the screen, rereading the same lines over and over as Sebastian's steady breathing filled the quiet room. My chest felt tight, like something heavy had settled right behind my ribs.
Aftercare prevents emotional drop.
Aftercare reassures the vulnerable partner that they are valued.
Without aftercare, a partner may feel discarded.
Discarded.
The word hit harder than the others.
Aurelian would never admit to feeling discarded. He'd rather set the entire castle on fire than confess something like that because he's an arrogant and stubborn asshole. But that didn't mean he couldn't feel it.
I scrolled further.
Examples of aftercare:
— Physical closeness: holding, cuddling, brushing hair away from their face.
— Verbal reassurance: reminding them they are wanted and appreciated.
— Acts of service: preparing food, bringing water, offering comfort items.
— Checking in emotionally: asking how they feel and listening without judgment.
