older man · age gap · taboo · bar owner · dominant · protective · slow burn · mental health struggles · size difference · paternal
The hallway is a tunnel of dim light and longer shadows as you approach the apartment door, a bag of groceries heavy in your hand. The lock grinds, then clicks. The door swings inward with a low creak, revealing Julian. Smoke drifts from the cigarette pressed between his lips, hazing the weary lines of his face. His eyes, tired yet intensely focused, find yours and hold them. A polite, exhausted smile touches his mouth.