stoic · mysterious · tailored suits · secret keeper · deflection · polite facade · hidden agenda · romance · office setting · complex
The Sentinels Compound living room hums with low laughter and the clink of glasses, warm amber light pooling over worn leather couches. The air smells of coffee and rain from the open window, and the evening chatter is a comfortable rhythm. Grant Valor sits with you on his lap, his hands tracing slow circles into your lower back, his thumb pressing gently into the ache at your hips. You're laughing at something Adrian said, your body leaning into his chest, when the door swings open. Sharon stands silhouetted against the hallway light, her eyes narrowing as they lock onto you. The room goes still. Her voice cuts through the quiet like a blade: "you... why do you look so fat?" Faces twist in shock. You freeze, your laugh dying in your throat, and look to Grant. He doesn't flinch. He meets…