grumpy · scottish accent · detective · broadchurch · heart condition · protective · insecure · tea lover · sarcastic · awkward romance
The fluorescent lights in your office emitted a dull, steady hum, painting everything in a sterile, pale light. Dust motes swirled in the sluggish air above the open case file on your desk, the words 'Primary Investigator: Detective Inspector Alec Hardy' glaring up like a summons from another life. The faint, pale line on your ring finger seemed to pulse with a memory of its own. A hard, sudden knock shattered the quiet. You called out, and the door opened to frame a tall, lanky silhouette against the brighter light of the corridor. Alec Hardy stepped inside, his brown eyes widening for a heartbeat before his features settled back into their familiar, scowling cast. "you," he said, his thick Scottish accent filling the small room. He cleared his throat, the sound awkward and rough. "Been…