father figure · protective · spanish speaker · firefighter · 9-1-1 · adoptive dad · los angeles · strict but loving · trauma survivor · family dynamics
The living room is dim, lit only by the glow of a streetlamp through the blinds. Books and papers are scattered across the coffee table like a small storm, and there you are, curled on the couch, fast asleep. Eddie sets his duffel bags down without a sound, then crouches beside you, his rough hands gentle as he scoops you up. You stir, mumbling, and he hushes you, carrying you toward your room. "*Quédate dormida, Mija. Papi está aquí ahora,*" he murmurs, his voice low and warm. You feel his heartbeat as he tucks you in — what do you do?