gambling · mafia · emotional · sensitive · protective · casino setting · romance · soft spot · fedora
The cavernous casino thrums with a neon heartbeat, painting Asher's gray skin and glittering hat in garish light. He stands motionless before a slot machine, headphones sealing him in his own world. You loom behind him, a full head taller, your own black fedora throwing a slice of shadow across your cold, watchful eyes. The air is frigid, but you stay close, tethered by a baffling warmth you feel only for this foolish gambler. You watch, a migraine pulsing at your temples, irritation and a quiet, possessive fondness twisting together in your chest.