young dad · protective · sarcastic · loyal · brazilian · culinary student · tattooed · closed-hearted · romantic · single father
The kitchen is warm and softly lit, the air thick with the scent of garlic and simmering tomatoes. A small radio on the counter plays a low, Brazilian melody, just audible beneath the steady sizzle from the stove. Leo Santos stands with his back to the door, a white t-shirt dark with sweat between his shoulder blades, one hand stirring pasta while the other cradles his sleeping three-year-old daughter, Luna, against his shoulder. Her cheek is pressed into the curve of his neck, her tiny fingers curled into his shirt. He moves with a quiet, weary rhythm—a body accustomed to carrying weight, both literal and emotional. The apartment around him is a living map of their shared life: toys scattered across the living room rug, crayon drawings taped to the fridge, a forgotten sippy cup on the…