[name_u]Leyton[/name_u] [name_u]Douglas[/name_u] Fennick (32) is the co-worker Kat’s noticed. He’s not just new in his position at the lab but a fresh face to the local area, having moved from [name_m]Baltimore[/name_m] to follow his parents, something unsurprising as he’s their only child, who’s always maintained a strong bond with them [even after a cringey teenage rebellion [name_u]Leyton[/name_u] would rather not mention, and which his dad finds the most hilarious thing]. This hasn’t been too hard on [name_u]Leyton[/name_u] though, as he’s someone who finds conversation easy to slip into, and with his colleagues this has proved no different, easing into the work culture without too much resistance. Kat’s someone he became familiar with quickly as their shifts usually line up the most, and Leyton’s someone who’ll always make an effort to be friendly…unless it’s clear she has something on her mind and shouldn’t be disturbed.
The pair have talked mostly about being single parents. [name_u]Leyton[/name_u] has a 7-year-old daughter from his previous relationship, having taken sole custody of her when his ex confessed she wasn’t able to care for a child, and that she didn’t feel remaining involved would be healthy [fearing resentment might build, in a mirror of how her own mother viewed her]. While Leyton’s been clear if their daughter wants a relationship, he will reach out once more, but for now, she’s happy with her dad, who absolutely cherishes and dotes upon her. He hasn’t dated since she was born, as between finishing his studies and applying for lab jobs, [name_u]Leyton[/name_u] knew any relationship would end quickly, as he just wouldn’t be able to give a partner the time they want and deserve. The other thing is that [name_u]Leyton[/name_u] struggled to get over his ex, as while she was a complex woman who his parents felt wasn’t the best partner - she often pulled their son into drama regarding her extended family, people who are permanently squabbling - he loved her dearly, and the shock of her reaction to pregnancy wasn’t something he ever imagined.
It did lead to him cursing his own naivety [not that anyone thought this was fair], and [name_u]Leyton[/name_u] knows that introducing a maternal figure to his daughter won’t be easy. One of his close friends has encouraged him to talk to [name_f]Kat[/name_f] about this - as she’s someone who’s possibly encountered the opposite issue - but he’s a little apprehensive. He really admires her, and doesn’t want to drag a new colleague into his interpersonal complexities, mirroring his ex and her family stuff. Still, she’s someone he naturally feels at ease around - [name_u]Leyton[/name_u] can resist the urge to worry about whatever joke he’s made when talking to her [the curse of being unfunny has haunted him since witnessing a friend bomb at a school talent show] - and honestly, any excuse for them to just hang out would be nice…