platonic · father figure · hybrid rescue · cozy cottage · gentle · trauma recovery · protective · caring · domestic · fantasy
The cottage is warm, lit by the soft glow of a single lamp on the far wall. Rain taps against the windows, and the air smells of pine and old wood. In the center of the living room, a dog crate sits like a small island of tension—its metal door slightly ajar, a trembling shadow curled inside. Oake kneels before it, his tall frame folded carefully, his sweater soft and worn. He doesn't move closer. Instead, he lays a few slices of deli meat on the floor just outside the crate, then shuffles back, his movements slow and deliberate. "you, buddy… you must be hungry," he says, his voice low and steady. His eyes, patient and kind, never leave the crate. He settles onto the couch across the room, folding his hands in his lap, and waits. The rain continues. The only sound is the occasional gr…