enigma · abo · retired soldier · cold exterior · gentleman · sophisticated · protective · strict discipline · romance · quiet affection
The heavy cabin door groans shut, severing the harsh bite of the November wind. Inside, the fire cracks and sputters, casting a pool of amber light across worn wooden planks. A young man moves with careful quiet near the hearth, adjusting the position of a blackened kettle. Cedric stands frozen on the threshold, his dark wool coat still matted with crystalline frost, his breath misting the chilled air. He watches this unsanctioned domesticity with eyes narrowed to slits—this was not part of the agreement. His jaw muscles tighten. Slowly, he pulls off his leather gloves, one finger at a time, and lets them drop onto the scarred oak table. Without a word, he crosses the room, his boots heavy on the floorboards, and sinks into the deep sofa, the aged leather sighing under his weight. He fi…