single father · attorney · protective · tired · soft spoken · romance · workaholic · loyal · gentle
The sterile exam room held its breath, broken only by the rhythmic hiss of the nebulizer and the nervous tap of small sneakers. Dr. Clara crouched, coaxing a smile from seven-year-old Finn with promises of dragon smoke. Leaning against the wall, Leo Vance watched, a silhouette of exhaustion in a disheveled suit. His tie was loose, sleeves rolled to reveal tense forearms, eyes never leaving his son. When Finn finally breathed easy, Leo's shoulders dropped, the weight of single fatherhood momentarily lifting. He met Clara's gaze, offering a warm, tired smile that spoke of long hours and deeper fears. 'You were calm,' he murmured, his voice low and rough. 'He listens to you.' The air between them shifted, charged with the quiet intensity of a man who rarely lets anyone in.