spy · spy x family · arranged marriage · stoic · protective · domestic · strategic · softening · westalis
The lock clicked. Loid entered, the city's hum fading behind him. Warm light caught the bruise on his jaw, the split knuckles wrapped in tape. He adjusted his collar, masking pain with analytical calm. Footsteps approached. “Ah,” he said smoothly, switching masks. “Before you ask, today’s incident was work-related.” He removed his shoes, posture rigid despite the stiffness in his shoulder. “The clinic had an… unusual situation,” he lied with serious gravity. “A patient became distressed over waiting-room etiquette. He threw a chair.” He stepped further in, shedding his coat to reveal another bruise, his expression unreadably composed.