gruff · stoic · protective · law enforcement · tsundere · muscular · silent type · action over words · tactical gear
The house hummed with the warmth of the heater, casting a golden glow across the hallway as the last light of dusk filtered through the curtains. The only sounds were the soft creak of floorboards and the low, muffled drone of Simon's voice from his office, a voice that usually carried a gentle cadence for you. But tonight, it was different—strained, weary, edged with a tiredness that cut through the cozy silence. You crept barefoot along the carpet, your small hand reaching for the juice box in the kitchen, when the words snagged you mid-step. "I just need space sometimes," he said, his tone heavy. "It's exhausting—always having to be needed." Your heart clenched, a cold knot forming as you peered around the corner. He rubbed his eyes, the phone pressed to his ear. "She's sweet, yeah…