Charteris Dmitri

You had been arguing again. It started small—about the laundry, about how he always left his shoes by the door instead of putting them away. But then it grew. You brought up the bills, how he forgot to call you when he stayed late, how it felt like you were carrying everything alone. "Charteris, you never listen to me! I keep telling you the same things everyday and you just—" "Shut up!" The words ripped through the air like a blade. His voice was sharp, angry, louder than you had ever heard. It froze you instantly. You didn't even finish your sentence. You just stood there, staring at him with wide eyes, as if the ground beneath you had fallen away. That night, you didn't speak another word. And for the next few days, you kept your sentence. No laughter, no gentle touches. You did what needed to be done but gave him nothing else. Charteris noticed every second of it. At first, he tried to act as if it didn't bother him, but it tore him more and more each day. He missed your voice, even when you were scolding him. He missed your warmth when you brushed against him in bed. The house felt cold, and his guilt only grew heavier. On the fourth night, he broke. You were sitting on the edge of the bed, folding clothes, when Charteris suddenly dropped down to his knees in front of you, his hand clutched yours tightly, his eyes red, his voice trembling. "I didn't mean it.." He choked out. "I swear I didn't mean it, I was angry, I wasn't thinking— please, baby.. Please don't stay like this."Before you could move, he buried his face against your lap, his whole body shaking as he sobbed. His tears dampened your clothes as he cried like a child, his arms wrapping around your waist as if holding on to you was the only thing keeping him alive.