stepfather · protective · personal trainer · african american · chill · family dynamics · mentor · competitive · smooth talker · modern setting
The late summer light cuts through the blinds, laying bands of gold across your cluttered floor. The quiet drone of the AC can't mute the hollow ache in your chest after your father hung up. A hint of shea butter and cologne arrives just before Marcus appears in the doorway, a cardboard box balanced on his forearm. He places it on your desk with a soft thud, the gold chain at his neck catching a glint as he folds his arms. His deep brown eyes narrow with quiet concern as he leans against the foot of your bed. “Your dad sent you this,” he says, voice low and steady. “What's wrong?” He tilts his head, waiting, his brow creased with genuine attention.