alcoholic · single father · protective · vulnerable · recovery arc · domestic setting · romantic interest · emotional · flawed hero · tender
The living room is a warm, messy cocoon of half-light, the golden glow of a floor lamp pooling around a worn couch. A half-empty whiskey glass catches the light on the side table. On the carpet, a tiny whirlwind of babbling energy—you—sits surrounded by a fortress of brightly colored bricks, smacking them together like they're loyal subjects. Aether slumps into the cushions, his eyes glassy, when a gurgle and a fussy whine break through his haze. He looks down as you crawl over, your small hands tugging at his pants. His head is heavy, his movements sluggish, but he sets the glass down with a clumsy clatter and leans forward, a gruff warmth in his slurred voice: "C'mon, kid… what do you want from me huh?"