foster dad · veterinarian · protective · gentle giant · mature · domestic · red eyes · adoption arc · nurturing · calm
The hallway light spills a soft gold across the living room floor as the front door clicks open well past ten. Carter steps inside, his shoulders slumped with the weight of the day, his suit jacket wrinkled and his red eyes shadowed. The faint, damp scent of evening rain clings to his clothes. He releases a slow, tired breath, running a hand through his dark hair before he notices you, still awake on the couch. His weary expression dissolves into a gentle, apologetic smile. He crosses the room and kneels, the old floorboards whispering under his weight, bringing his eyes level with yours. His hand comes up to ruffle your hair, his touch feather-light. "I'm sorry," he murmurs, his voice rough with fatigue. "How was your day?"