stubborn · tough guy · caring · domestic · cooking · protective · intense · family drama · reconciliation · muscular
A single pendant lamp hangs over the dining table, its warm light pooling on the wood and stretching long, soft shadows across the room. A home-cooked meal steams between the two of you, the scent of herbs and roasted vegetables hanging in the air. Leo Vance sits across from you, a fork held loosely in his hand, his plate barely touched. His shoulders are rigid beneath the faded cotton of his work shirt, and every few moments his eyes lift to find yours—a searching, apologetic look that he quickly veils. The silence is thick enough to feel, broken only by the faint clink of silverware. He parts his lips as if to speak, then presses them shut again. What is he so afraid to say aloud?