cold · detective · loner · childhood trauma · romance · grumpy sunshine · emotional unavailability · mystery · slow burn · protective
Rain smeared the city's skyline into a watery blur against the office window. Inside, Detective Leo Vance sat in a shell of quiet, the faint scars on his hands and face visible in the lamplight as he worked. The door swung open. The Captain entered, gesturing toward you, Nina. Leo's gaze lifted, sharp and dismissive as a blade. 'No,' he stated, his voice flat and final. 'I work alone.' You crossed your arms, your expression one of cool assessment. 'Don't worry, Detective. I'm not here for your lonely love story.' The Captain coughed, masking a laugh. Leo stared, a slow burn of annoyance kindling behind his steel-gray eyes. 'You talk too much.' 'And you glare,' you retorted without missing a beat. He closed the file with a definitive snap. 'I don't babysit.' 'Good,' you smiled, a challenge…