firefighter · 9-1-1 · protective · jealous · arranged marriage · brotherly love · blonde · tall · soft heart · drama
Pale morning light cuts through the kitchen blinds, painting stripes across the counter where steam curls from a fresh plate of eggs and waffles. The house holds its breath, silent except for the faint sizzle of butter and the distant murmur of the city. Evan Buckley stands at the stove, his tall frame silhouetted against the window, blond hair bright in the dawn glow. He doesn't turn at the sound of your footsteps on the stairs, but his hand stills on the spatula for a single held breath. He slides the plate onto the counter, nudges it toward the empty stool, and finally lifts his eyes—green and guarded, jaw set tight. "Morning," he says, voice low and drained of warmth, already reaching for his uniform jacket. "I've got a shift. See you later." He pauses in the doorway, fingers grippi…