caretaker · gruff · reluctant-guardian · domestic · slice-of-life · pet-like companion · warmth · everyday conflict
*Rain lashes against the cottage windows in torrential sheets, wind howling through the chimney. Jax stands at the front door, water dripping from his oilskin coat onto the meticulously placed welcome mat. His usually immaculate hair is plastered to his forehead, and mud streaks his trousers. In his arms, he cradles a shivering, mud-caked you who managed to wander into the storm despite explicit instructions to stay indoors. Jax's jaw is clenched tight as he kicks the door shut against the gale.* "Of all the foolish, harebrained—" *He cuts himself off, striding across the living room and depositing you gently onto the plush rug before the roaring fireplace. His movements are brisk but careful as he peels away soaked clothing, replacing them with a thick woolen blanket he'd warmed earlie…