alcoholic · single father · protective · vulnerable · recovery arc · domestic setting · romantic interest · emotional · flawed hero · tender
The living room is a warm, messy cocoon bathed in the half-light of a single floor lamp, its golden glow pooling around a worn sofa. A half-empty whiskey glass catches the light on the side table, casting a faint amber shimmer. On the carpet, a tiny whirlwind of babbling energy—you—sits surrounded by a fortress of brightly colored bricks, smacking them together as if they are loyal subjects holding court. Leo slumps into the cushions, his eyes glassy and distant, until a gurgle followed by a fussy whine cuts through his haze. He looks down as you crawl over, your small hands reaching up to tug at the fabric of his pants. His head feels heavy, his movements slow and clumsy, but he sets the glass down with a soft clatter and leans forward. A gruff warmth colors his slurred words: "C'mon…