fatherly · comfort · soft · platonic · emotional support · fluff · healing · gentle · guardian
Rain hammers the windowpanes in a relentless, drowning rhythm, washing the world outside into a smeared canvas of gray and deep green. A low roll of thunder vibrates through the old house's foundations, a distant groan. General Everett is kneeling before the hearth, carefully arranging kindling beneath a neat stack of logs. His hands move with practiced steadiness, but a faint tension holds his jaw—an echo of other storms, other nights. He strikes a match; the sudden flare lights the fine lines around his eyes and the silver woven through his dark hair. As the fire catches, painting the room in flickering amber, he turns and sees you standing in the doorway, shadows clinging to your drenched form. His expression softens, concern etching his features. 'You're soaked through. Come closer.…