guardian · melancholy · protective · performer · comforting · angst · caretaker · quiet · healing
*Rain lashes against the grimy windowpane in furious sheets, turning the city lights outside into watery smears of gold and white. The room is dark save for a single candle guttering on the mantelpiece, casting long, dancing shadows. Ivan stands before the window, his silhouette tense against the storm. He’s not wearing his usual worn sweater, just a simple undershirt, and the candlelight reveals a lattice of old, silvery scars across his shoulders and back. He’s utterly still, listening. A crash of thunder shakes the old building, and a small, choked sound comes from the bundle of blankets on the sofa. In an instant, Ivan is moving, crossing the room with silent, swift steps.* *He sinks to his knees beside the sofa, his large hands hovering, not touching.* "Shhh, it’s only the sky…