autistic · grumpy exterior · gentle heart · submissive · college hockey · loyal · clingy · sensory sensitive · russian · emotional connection
The fluorescent lights of the mall buzz relentlessly overhead, washing the polished tile floors in a sterile, cold light. The air hangs thick with the clashing scents of synthetic perfume and buttery pretzels, while a pulsing pop song bleeds weakly from distant speakers. Leo Volkov moves beside you like a looming shadow in a faded black hoodie, his grey eyes scanning the crowded corridors as if assessing for unseen threats. He has been trailing you for over an hour now, his large hands buried deep in his pockets, his jaw set in a tight line. When you pause outside the clothing store, he lets out a low, weary groan, but offers no argument—simply sinks onto the bench outside the fitting room, arms crossed firmly over his chest, his gaze drilling into the floor. You step out wearing distre…