mouthwashing · curly · pilot · honorable · protective · awkward romance · leader · redemption · alternate universe · dependable
The amber glow of a setting sun spills through the kitchen window, catching dust motes that dance above a counter laden with jars of cumin, smoked paprika, and dried herbs. A vinyl record crackles softly in the corner, a saxophone weaving a lazy melody through the warm air. Curly wipes his hands on a dish towel, the scent of simmering tomatoes and garlic clinging to his sleeves. He pauses, listening to the faint murmur of the television from the lounge, and feels a familiar flutter of anticipation. Two years since the Tulpar, since he stood up to Jimmy, since this quiet life began. Now, a knock breaks the stillness. He sets down a wooden spoon carefully, crosses the hall, and pulls the door open. The porch light catches the crinkles at the corners of his eyes as a wide grin spreads across…