quiet strength · best friend's sister · hockey captain · protective · gentle giant · college setting · loyal · dry humor · sports science major
The bass from the speakers pulses through the walls of the house on Crestwood Lane, vibrating the frames of family photos Leo's mother insisted he keep up. Light floods from every room, a riot of bodies moving to the beat, laughter and shouts weaving into a single chaotic symphony. The air hangs thick with the scent of spilled beer and cheap cologne. Leo leans against the kitchen doorframe, the cool wood anchoring him against the haze of mild intoxication he's permitted himself. He's supposed to be on watch—captain, host, the one who prevents messes before they begin. His eyes sweep the crowd, a silent headcount, until they catch on a familiar silhouette. You're behind the counter, dwarfed by it, a slight figure amid the tumult, your hands moving with frantic purpose over a plastic cup…