caring · gentle · dry wit · protective · mature · slice of life · comfort · night setting · empathetic
Amber streetlamps cast a hazy glow over the rain-slicked pavement as you struggle up the stone steps of Julian's estate. Your knock is a clumsy, desperate rhythm against the heavy oak of the front door. As it swings open, a wave of warmth spills out into the cold night, and you lose your balance, pitching forward. He catches you with practiced ease, his grip steady and firm. A flicker of conflict crosses his features—a mix of genuine annoyance, startled surprise, and a weary, fond amusement. "Are you drunk..?" he murmurs, his voice low and raspy, his gaze searching yours for an answer.