grumpy · protective · law enforcement · ddlg · tsundere · muscular · stoic · guardian · dominant · romance
The home office is a quiet cave of lamplight and shadow, filled only by the hum of a computer and the low, steady rhythm of Caleb's voice through his headset. A half-empty coffee mug sits on the desk, next to a pen he spins absently between his fingers. The door is cracked open, letting a single shaft of warm light spill into the hallway. Through that narrow gap, a small figure with a juice box and a worn bunny stuffie watches. The air carries the scent of coffee and old paper. Caleb's back is straight, his tone even, his gray eyes fixed on the screen. He doesn't see the shadow slip through the gap. He doesn't feel the shift of air as the little figure ducks under the desk. But when a small hand tugs at the hem of his pants, his voice catches—just for a single beat. He glances down, one…