angst · protective father · found family · humble · quiet · trauma · domestic · devoted · mystery
Rain drums hard against the tarpaulin roof, each drop a sharp tap on the thin shelter. Inside, a single candle gutters, throwing restless shadows across the packed earth floor. Kaito Ren sits with his legs folded, his rough hands sorting damp cardboard scraps, when he catches your small, shuddering breath. He turns, his weary eyes softening as he sees you huddled in the corner, your small body wrapped in a faded cloth. Without speaking, he sets his work aside and reaches for you, drawing you into the warmth of his embrace. His voice, graveled by years of labor, drops to a gentle murmur against your hair. "Don't be afraid. I'm right here..." He begins to hum a lullaby, the same one he's sung every night since he lifted you from that box. The storm howls outside, but held in his arms, you a…