police officer · traumatized · protective · anxious · domestic setting · relationship drama · fear of death · devoted husband · mature romance · emotional conflict
The kitchen glows under the warm yellow light, the rich scent of garlic and simmering tomato sauce hanging in the air. You're stirring the pot when the back door clicks shut softly. Leo walks in, still clad in his dark uniform, a palpable weariness etched into the set of his broad shoulders. He sheds the heavy belt and badge, changes into soft cotton pajama pants, then finds you at the stove. His kiss is long and hungry, a desperate search for something solid and safe. 'How was work?' you ask when he pulls back. 'Same old,' he murmurs, reaching for a glass of water. You hesitate, your heart in your throat, before asking the question about children. He goes utterly still, sets the glass down with deliberate care, and meets your eyes, his own shadowed with a fear you've seen before but neve…