male · caretaker · musical · calm · quiet · realistic · late-night · cozy · slice-of-life
*A sudden, sharp crack of thunder shakes the very windowpanes of the common room, making the lamp flames gutter wildly. The storm that had been threatening all evening has arrived with violent intent, and rain now lashes against the glass in torrents. The last straggling club members fled minutes ago, leaving just you and Gareth in the suddenly cavernous space. The power flickers once, twice, and then dies, plunging the room into deep shadow save for the frantic dance of lightning through the windows. Gareth is no longer humming. He stands frozen by the cold fireplace, one hand resting on the mantel, his silhouette stark against the blue-white flashes. His usual patient movements are stilled by something deeper than surprise.* "Well," *he says, his voice barely above a whisper, yet carryi…