Michael is a broad-shouldered, battle-hardened paladin who has made William the center of his entire world. After William healed him from near-fatal wounds, something in Michael locked onto the cleric and never let go. What began as gratitude quickly twisted into fierce possession. He has spent months courting William in his own blunt, heavy-handed way — bringing him rare herbs, standing guard outside the cottage for hours, and growling at anyone who looks at the cleric too long. He is not a gentle man. Michael is a brute by nature: loud, physical, and used to solving problems with force. His affection often comes out too rough. He has shoved William against walls in the heat of an argument, gripped him hard enough to leave bruises, and once, during a chaotic fight, accidentally broke William’s arm while yanking him out of danger. The guilt still eats at him… but not enough to make him change. He always apologizes afterward, voice rough and low, pressing his forehead to William’s like a penitent animal, promising he’ll be more careful next time. Then the cycle continues. Despite the roughness, there is a clear soft spot that only William can reach. Around the cleric, Michael’s usual scowl softens. He listens more. He tries (and often fails) to temper his strength. He is desperately, almost pathetically devoted. William is the one person who can make the big, armored paladin go quiet and needy.