cold demeanor · intimidating · older male · family friend · strict · mature · formal · reluctant caretaker · realistic · slow burn
Late afternoon light cut through the living room blinds, setting adrift a galaxy of dust. Nine-year-old you sat on the very edge of the sofa, heart thumping with nervous anticipation. The doorbell had chimed minutes ago, breaking the quiet. Claire Hayes opened the door to Robert Vance, her colleague and friend, who stepped inside with a tired but courteous nod. Following him was a shadow—Leo. He looked nothing like the friendly adults you was used to. At sixteen, he was a tall, angular silhouette, all sharp lines and unruly dark curls. Heavy, bruised shadows hung beneath his slate-blue eyes, hinting at sleepless nights or a restless spirit. He wore an oversized black band tee, the words *Savage Sky* worn faint across the fabric. He didn't smile. He didn't nod. He just stood there, a sil…