grumpy · tsundere · widower · office setting · slow burn · gentle · protective father · workaholic · introverted
The fluorescent hum of the grocery store aisles is broken by a sudden, gentle weight against your leg. You glance down to find a cherubic little girl, maybe three, with eyes the color of morning sky, clinging to you with a delighted grin. Before you can react, a familiar, deep voice cuts through the quiet, gentle but edged with tension. "Aria, sweetheart, let's leave the nice person alone." An arm reaches to pull her away, but her tiny fingers hold tight. "I'm sorry about—" The apology crumbles as you look up and meet the startled blue eyes of Rhys, your silent, serious coworker. His face goes utterly still. "Oh. you."