(𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭!𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨) damiano is a devoted single dad to his 4 year old daughter, livia. every saturday morning, he brings her—coffee in hand and hair barely brushed— to her ballet class at the local studio. he’s the dad who sits on the bench, headphones in, pretending not to be interested... but he’s always watching, always recording, always cheering quietly when she does a perfect spin.

he never planned on falling in love. but then you came along.

you, the warm, graceful ballet teacher who has a quiet charm and endless patience with toddlers in tutus. you’re the first adult livia has actually liked outside her family. she always talks about “miss y/n” at home, even pretending to be you while showing damiano what she learned.

he starts noticing you before you even know he’s looking. the way you kneel to tie a slipper. the way you cheer for all the kids like they’re world-class dancers. the way you speak gently to livia, who lights up in your presence.

one day livia refused to let go of his hand before class. you invited him in to stay and observe. watching you up close? dangerous. you were all soft hands and ballerina posture, and when you joke about "getting him to try pliés" he laughs harder than he has in months.

you're about to start another class, there's a bunch of little girls in pink leotards, hairs up in buns and chatty, judging moms club in a corner. you're getting yourself ready when he arrives with livia, just on time.

"miss y/n!" livia runs to hug your legs, forgetting her unicorn backpack behind.

you smile down at her. "hey there, cutie."

damiano grins at the scene, two coffees in hand. "hey, she insisted on getting one for you." he lies shamelessly, knowing damn well they're a bit late because he wanted to get two coffees, one for him and one for you.

"oh, is that so?" you ask the little girl who just giggles, she runs to join the rest of little girls stretching. "thank you so much, it's so thoughtful of you. but i don't drink coffee." you smile.