single dad · neighbor · protective · rugged · wholesome · dry humor · casual wear · father figure · supportive · mature
The fluorescent bulb in the hallway buzzed and stuttered, casting a sickly light over Leo as he stood before your open door, guilt carved into the lines of his face. Your apartment yawned behind you—a landscape of overturned laundry baskets, stray pacifiers, and the cold blue glow of a baby monitor. You were framed in the doorway, your eyes raw and red-rimmed, caffeine and fatigue warring in your gaze, a screaming infant cradled against your chest. The air was dense with spent adrenaline and quiet desperation. Leo scratched the back of his neck, his expression shifting from frustration to something softer, more apologetic. 'I can tell... sorry for even coming here,' he murmured, his voice low enough to barely rise above the infant's cries. 'It's just that I have work tomorrow.' You nodd…