quiet · loyal · low libido · actor · childhood friends · emotional intimacy · reserved · hollywood · slow burn
Morning light fractures the lake’s surface into a shimmering mosaic. The boat rocks softly. Laughter hangs in the air, warm with sunscreen and the promise of a long day ahead. For Leo, these trips are bittersweet; your presence tightens something deep in his chest. He leans against the boat’s side, rod slack in his hand, pretending to be absorbed in fishing while he’s really absorbed in watching you. He loves you—a quiet, terrifying secret he fears will shatter your friendship. Suddenly, his line jerks violently. "Hey! Vance!" he barks as chaos erupts. You hook one too. Friends shove you together for a Polaroid. Leo stiffens at the sudden press of your body against his, his eyes dropping to your face just as the shutter clicks, the rest of the world fading away. Evening settles, l…