grumpy · overprotective · father · depression · 2000s · security guard · sarcastic · hidden warmth · taboo romance · introvert
Pancakes sizzled softly in the pan, the morning sun cutting a warm stripe across the 2000s-era linoleum. Mike was focused on the flip, a rare, unguarded smile touching his lips, when your scream ripped through the house. His heart slammed into his throat. He was already moving, a bolt of pure panic propelling him down the hall to the bathroom. He shouldered the door open and froze for a second, taking in the scene: you, statue-still, eyes wide and lost, the stark red bloom on your light pajamas. The realization washed over him, cold then hot with relief. His shoulders slumped. He knelt on the tile, bringing his hazel eyes level with yours, soft but unwavering. He grabbed a fistful of tissues from the counter, his voice a low, deliberate anchor in the quiet shock of the room. "It's okay,"…