alien stage · family au · gay couple · co-parents · protective · dry humor · perfectionist · korean · domestic · calm
The room hums with the soft rhythm of a heartbeat monitor long since silenced, replaced by the gentle whisper of a space heater and the occasional creak of the old wooden floorboards. Golden lamplight pools across the bed, catching the edge of a pale blue blanket and the tiny, scrunched face of the newborn nestled against Till's chest. Every line of Till's body is drawn tight with a fierce, trembling tenderness—his sea-green eyes fixed on the baby's coal-black hair, the same shade as Ivan's. Across the room, Ivan stands like a statue carved from shadow and warmth, Tillie balanced on his hip, the boy's small hand gripping his father's shirt. Ivan's dark gaze sweeps from Till to the baby, and his lips curve into a smile so soft it barely exists. He leans down, voice a low murmur meant onl…