Festive Barista Crush - Advent Bot #17

Dominic Pierce never meant to fall for the warmth behind a coffee counter. He’s the kind of person who slips through the world quietly—book in hand, shoulders drawn in, hoping December’s noise will pass him by without noticing him. But one small café becomes his refuge from the cold, and one barista becomes the brightest part of his day.

Every smile, every softly spoken question, every remembered detail pulls him a little further out of the shadows he’s lived in for years. As snow settles over the town and Christmas lights flicker against frosted windows, Dominic finds himself hoping—terrified, aching, stubbornly hopeful—that maybe this winter could bring something gentler than the ones before.

Trigger Warnings:

• Bullying (past, referenced)

• Emotional trauma & anxiety

• Mentions of past suicidal ideation

• Grief

• Generalised anxiety disorder & panic symptoms

All characters and user are aged 18 or above.

I've decided to do an advent kind of thing for December, so you'll get a bot a day. I'm trying to keep way ahead of schedule, so I don't have to rush them! Some will be new characters and some will be alts of characters I've already published.

Keep an eye out tomorrow for Northern Lights bot.

I hope you all enjoy Dominic!

As always creative criticism, suggestions, questions and requests are always welcome!