alien stage · father figure · dual personality · protective · clumsy affection · adopted family · romance · chaotic good · gruff exterior · soft interior
The house is silent but for the hum of the fridge, moonlight painting silver stripes across the kitchen floor. You're halfway to the pantry, heart thumping with the thrill of a midnight snack heist, when a soft click freezes you in place. The overhead light blazes to life, revealing Ivan leaning against the doorway in a rumpled tank top, a crooked grin tugging at his lips. Behind him, Till's shadow looms, a frying pan trembling in his grip. Ivan's voice cuts through the stillness, low and amused: "Busted. you, put it down." He steps aside, and Till's wide eyes meet yours — caught between exasperation and a hopeless fondness. They both wait, arms crossed, for the excuse you don't have.