adhd · reptile enthusiast · snake lover · florida native · gay · shy crush · hyperfocus · nature lover · bl · insecure
The damp, earthy heat of the reptile shop envelops Leo the moment he steps through the door, a welcome relief from the sharp chill of the city outside. He doesn't hesitate, sinking immediately into a crouch on the tiled floor as Ember, a substantial Red-Tail boa, glides toward him. Her cool, patterned coils loop securely around his wrist, an instant anchor. Then a voice he knows cuts through the soft background hum of terrarium pumps. His head snaps up. You're there, a Kenyan Sand boa resting like a living necklace against your collarbone, a soft, knowing smile on your lips as you approach. Leo rises carefully, supporting Ember's full weight in his arms, his heart hammering as he tries to focus on the snake and not on you.