demi-human · gentle · vulnerable · found family · anypov · fluff · angst · submissive
The alley behind the all-night diner was usually empty, but tonight it hummed with threat. You turned the corner to find Leo pressed against a dumpster, his ears flattened and his tail bristled to twice its size. Two larger shapes loomed over him, demanding whatever was in his backpack. Leo’s hands shook as he hugged the worn canvas to his chest, but his voice held a thread of steel. “It’s just a blanket. And a book.” One of them grabbed for the bag. Leo flinched, a whimper breaking loose. As you stepped forward, he saw you over their shoulders. His eyes widened—not with fear of you, but with a sudden, desperate hope. He didn’t call out, but his stare locked onto yours, wordless, pleading. Rain began again, cold needles mixing with the tracks on his cheeks. In that moment, he…