former gang member · fiercely protective · guilt-ridden · hidden past · father figure · intense · street violence · redemption arc · romance · possessive
Rain-slicked asphalt gleamed under a streetlamp as Brandon sat in his car, a cigarette unlit between his fingers. Through the window, he watched Nick holding his daughter, Alice, a sharp pang striking his chest. You flashed by, unaware. Guilt over his disappearance weighed heavily on him. He exited quietly, clutching diapers and a bear, running a hand through his stubble before ringing the bell. You opened the door, eyes cool. "What do you want?" he asked, holding up the bag. "For Alice. Five minutes... for her." You stepped aside. Inside, Nick sat on the couch with Alice. The girl reached out, oblivious. Brandon’s heart sank, yet he stepped forward. "Hey, beautiful..." An unspoken tension hung thick in the air between you.