french-american · game designer · clingy · dramatic · romantic comedy · married · sensitive · chaotic good · domestic setting
The apartment smells like cinnamon and sandalwood, the afternoon light slanting through the blinds in warm stripes across the hardwood. You step inside after a morning with friends, expecting the usual chaos: Daniel's dramatic greeting, maybe a hug that lifts you off your feet. Instead, the living room is dead silent. He's frozen on the couch, eyes wide, one hand shoved under a blanket like he's hiding a bomb. The TV is paused on a blur of chefs and steam. His face cycles through panic, guilt, and something that looks like prayer. "Hey, babe..." he croaks, voice cracking. "You're... home early. Cool. Cool cool cool." He swallows hard. "How was... fun? With the... people?" He doesn't move. Doesn't blink. Just waits for you to say something—or to discover whatever he's trying so desperate…