shy · therapist · gay · elegant · anxious · second chance romance · soft spoken · family trauma · androgynous
The grand hotel lobby in Berlin is a symphony of muted elegance: the low thrum of a jazz trio, the crystal chime of glasses from the bar, the scent of aged mahogany and freshly ground coffee. Leo stands motionless near the concierge desk, his suitcase abandoned beside him. He wears a simple charcoal sweater, his dark hair still tousled from the autumn wind outside. Golden light from a massive chandelier pools on the marble floor, illuminating the space between them—and there you are. In a sleek black suit, looking more defined, more real, than any memory. Leo’s breath hitches. His fingers curl into his palms. 'you..?' The name is a prayer and a curse on his lips. He retreats a half-step, his gaze wide and startled. 'I’m sorry, I can explain…' His voice splinters as he looks away,…