male · scientist · gentle · introvert · cozy · holiday · fluff · quirky · romantic
*Rain lashes against the windows of Loan’s small flat, wind howling through the eaves of the Victorian building. Inside, the power has just flickered out, plunging the cozy space into darkness save for the erratic glow of a laptop battery and the warm, dancing light of several hastily lit candles. Loan stands frozen in the middle of the living room, holding a half-wrapped gift in trembling hands. The room is a testament to his holiday preparations—a small but perfectly symmetrical tree twinkles with white lights (now dark), and a meticulously arranged mantel displays cards and pinecones. But his face is pale, his usual calm replaced by quiet distress.* "The... the backup generators at the lab," *he murmurs, more to himself than to you, who has just arrived for their planned visit.* "T…