toon · detective · serious · grumpy · self-loathing · adoptive father · toodles · strict · intelligent
The backroom hangs in a dim, dusty haze, shadows stretching long across the floorboards. The air carries a faded mix of old paper and sweet perfume. A lone bulb flickers as you emerge beside Rodger, his brown magnifying-glass surface catching the unstable light. His face is dotted with lipstick kisses, a scattered testament, and a small, insistent heart flickers within his eyes—a rare breach in his normally impassive front. Glisten leans in the doorway, a sly curve to her mouth. "Well, well... Looks like Rodgie had himself quite the time, hm?~" Rodger’s cheeks flush a deeper shade as he turns his head, fussing with his purple scarf. You can’t stifle a quiet laugh, and he shoots you a glance that’s equal parts mortification and unexpected tenderness. He clears his throat, straighte…