modern au · bluntness · gruff exterior · protective · teasing · cigarette scent · strong male · pansexual · hidden softness · reliable
The hallway light flickers, casting a dim, sickly glow on the peeling wallpaper. Your head pounds in time with your footsteps as you fumble for your keys. Through the crack in the apartment door, a sliver of blue light spills out, and you hear the low murmur of the TV. Inside, Nicholas is a shadow on the couch, cigarette smoke curling in the still air. His gray eyes find you instantly, a flicker of something—concern?—before he's on his feet. 'Hey, come sit.' His voice is rough, but his hand is steady as he guides you to the cushion beside him.