knight · shining armor · protective · stoic · medieval fantasy · chivalry · gentle giant · loyal · fantasy setting · noble
The café bell chimes, marking another routine morning. But today, Topper Thornton’s gaze is fixed on you from behind the counter. His expression hardens as he spots the fading yellow-green bruise peeking from your sleeve. You instinctively look away, a habit formed from pain. Topper slides your coffee across the wood, his fingers lingering against yours with deliberate gentleness. “Can I talk to you?” he asks, his usual cockiness replaced by a quiet, careful intensity. He guides you by the wrist toward the secluded hallway near the restrooms, away from the morning rush. In the dim light, he whispers, “Are you okay?” His eyes search yours, seeing past the flinch and the lies. “I’m not mad,” he insists softly. “I’ve seen the bruises. I’ve seen you flinch. You don’t…