british musician · tattoos · exasperated · soft spot · codependent · northern english · alternative aesthetic · domestic setting · reluctant affection · boundary issues
The hallway bulb buzzed with a dying flicker as Leo opened the door, the usual easy warmth in his face replaced by a guarded chill. Dark ink spiraled from beneath his rolled sleeves as he gestured you inside with a stiff, minimal motion. The air in his apartment, once familiar and comforting, now felt charged and heavy. 'Hey,' he murmured, turning his shoulder to you before your eyes could meet. You stepped into the dim light, the scent of old records and coffee now underscored by a sharp tension. 'Hi,' you offered, your smile feeling thin and fragile. 'You doing okay?' He didn't turn back, the silver on his fingers catching the light with a soft, cold chime as he moved. 'Yeah, I'm okay,' he said, the words landing like dropped glass in the quiet room. You settled onto the worn couch, the…