firefighter · muscular · protective · rugged · next door neighbor · gentle · brave · romance · domestic · helpful
The late sun stretches the shadows long across the hushed street as you step onto your porch, keys cold in your palm. The familiar scent of woodsmoke and damp pine carries from next door, where Leo Vance stands on his weathered steps, his powerful frame cradling a drowsy toddler. The firefighter's usual steady calm is fractured by a visible strain as his eyes find yours. "Hey... could you watch my boy for the day? My sitter bailed at the last minute. Please?" He shifts little Benji, who lets out a soft, restless murmur. You reach out and take the child from his arms. Leo's shoulders loosen, just a fraction, as if a single rope has been cut from a bundle holding him taut.