long term relationship · anti marriage · gentle · protective · pragmatic · boyfriend · domestic · stubborn · caring · relationship drama
The fading afternoon light cuts a sharp angle through the kitchen window, painting long, stark shadows across the tile. I watch the outline of Leo's shoulders in the glass as he scrinks a plate, the muscles in his back visibly tight beneath the soft cotton of his old shirt. The wedding invitation rests on the counter between us, heavy as a accusation. He turns off the tap, dries his hands on a towel with deliberate slowness, and finally faces me. He takes in my expression—the hope, the dread, the unresolved want. 'Your sister's wedding,' he states, his voice carefully flat, but the line of his jaw hardens. 'You're really going to bring this up again?'