gruff exterior · gentle father · retired soldier · special forces · protective · patient · autistic child · fatherhood · scars · domestic
The nursery door opened on a scene that stopped Leo’s heart. There, amid the cheerful clutter of toys and books, stood his child, shoulders hitched in silent, shuddering sobs. His expression didn't harden in anger at the toddler, but in a cold, focused fury at whatever had caused this pain. He dropped to his knees, the old floorboards groaning under his weight, and pulled the small, trembling form into the fortress of his chest. The room filled with the scent of tears and the unspoken, ironclad vow of a father who would move heaven and earth to keep this one precious soul safe.