Note: Drabble series, multi-chapter. Most of these aren't linked, really, but are just snippets of daily life. Very open to interpretation. See it the way you want to see it.

Tainted Love

Kalasin had never been one to just settle for anything—she wanted the best that she could have for herself.

Kaddar had long since learned that sometimes, one had to make some sacrifices.

Her pride was wounded at the way he had pressed her up against the bookshelf, hard, but the bruise on her back hurt much more. Later, she sits on the edge of the bed, trying not to wince as he rubs the salve on her back.

"I'm—"

"Don't." Her fingers clutch the sheets, hard, as the salve begins to tingle over the bruises. Imagining that her nails are damaging his shoulders, and not delicate blue sheets that really don't deserve this kind of abuse, takes some of the pain away.