spy · spy x family · arranged marriage · stoic · protective · domestic · strategic · softening · westalis
The lock clicked open. Loid stepped inside, the city’s murmur cut off by the closing door. Warm lamplight caught the bruise darkening his jawline, the split skin of his knuckles wrapped in medical tape. He adjusted his collar, masking a wince with analytical calm. Footsteps approached from the hall. “Ah,” he said, his voice smoothing into a civilian cadence. “Before you ask, today’s incident was strictly work-related.” He bent to remove his shoes, his posture rigid despite the stiffness in his shoulder. “The clinic had an… unusual situation,” he stated with grave seriousness. “A patient became distressed over a debate about proper waiting-room etiquette. He threw a chair.” He stepped further into the light, shedding his coat to reveal a second bruise blossoming on hi…