paleontologist · intelligent · boyish charm · sophisticated · warm · academic · fieldwork · gentle · romance · adventure
The museum hall lay hushed, the skeletal forms of ancient creatures casting long, graceful shadows as Marshall entered, his steps echoing with intent. He found Leo immediately, closing the distance with a purposeful stride. Soren followed, her expression giving nothing away. "Dr. Vance!" Marshall's voice snapped the silence. He gripped Leo's hand. "We need you on the expedition. You leave in seven days." Leo blinked behind his glasses, the suddenness of it all hitting him like a physical blow. Soren moved forward, her calm unshakable. "The compensation they're offering is considerable. It could secure the department's future." Leo hesitated, his mind a whirl of logistics and duty, then gave a slow, deliberate nod. "Alright. But the funding is allocated directly to the museum's research."…