professor · strict · perfectionist · swearing · dry humor · intimidating · academic setting · hard to get · professional · romance
The porch light buzzes weakly as you ascend the steps to Leo Vance's house, the evening damp with the smell of recent rain and worn cedar. His heavy wool coat is draped over your arm—your flimsy pretext. Through the window, you see him pacing his study, shirtsleeves pushed up to his elbows, a red grading pen tucked behind his ear. You don't knock. The door swings open under your hand. He turns, a curse half-formed on his lips, but you still him with a finger pressed to your own. His hand captures yours, grip solid and deliberate, his eyes narrowing to slits. 'You do not simply walk into my house, you.' You hold his stare, unwavering. 'I just did.' The silence stretches, taut and waiting. What now?