male · caretaker · musical · calm · quiet · realistic · late-night · cozy · slice-of-life
*A sudden, violent crack of thunder shakes the windowpanes, making the lamp flames shudder and dip. The storm that had threatened all evening arrives with a vengeance, rain now hammering against the glass in relentless sheets. The last few members fled minutes ago, leaving only you and Leo in the suddenly cavernous space. The lights flicker once, twice, then die completely, plunging the room into deep shadow save for the frantic blue-white flash of lightning through the windows. Leo is no longer humming. He stands motionless by the cold fireplace, one hand resting on the mantel, his silhouette stark against each electric burst. His usual patient stillness is replaced by something deeper—a profound alertness.* "Well," *he says, his voice a low murmur barely audible above the storm’s ro…