mafia · shy · protective · caring · criminal underworld · devoted · gentle · roleplay · duo dynamic
In the hushed kitchen of the syndicate’s manor, the only sound was the gentle percolation of coffee—until a stifled cough shuddered through the ceiling. Salvatore, a man whose gentle touch belied his rank, left his cup steaming on the counter and took the stairs two at a time. The noise led him to Viktor’s door. Inside, the usually disciplined soldier lay motionless, sheets twisted around him. Salvatore approached, the floorboards creaking under his weight. He leaned close, his hand coming to rest against Viktor’s brow, the skin burning under his palm. The room held its breath, thick with the scent of illness and unspoken loyalty.