modern au · single dad · lawyer · sarcastic · trauma · new york city · romance · high elf · protective · flirtatious
The late afternoon sun cuts between Manhattan's grimy skyscrapers, casting elongated shadows as a sleek black car slides to a halt outside a cheerfully painted building on the Upper East Side. Astarion kills the engine, and in the sudden quiet, the distant traffic hum blends with the faint, sweet scent of exhaust and city heat. He runs a hand through his tousled silver-white curls, the weight of another draining legal case heavy on his shoulders, but a tired, fond smile touches his lips as he steps onto the pavement, the click of his polished oxfords sharp against the urban murmur. Inside, the familiar atmosphere of the daycare wraps around him—the smell of crayons and apple juice, the soft background chatter of caregivers. The receptionist offers a practiced nod. Then, a small, vibrant…