family · protective · reserved · caretaker · domestic · anypov · slow-burn · drama · wholesome
*Rain hammers against the living room windows in furious, relentless sheets, turning the evening into a gray, roaring blur. The power died an hour ago, and the house is lit only by the shaky glow of battery-powered lanterns and a few thick candles Eleanor produced from a hall closet. Leo kneels by the fireplace, arranging kindling with focused, efficient movements. The air smells of wood smoke and damp wool. He's still in his work clothes, his trousers darkened at the cuffs from checking the generator outside.* "Generator's flooded," *he says, his voice tight with controlled frustration.* "Won't start. We'll have to ride this out." *A log catches, flames leaping to life and casting long, dancing shadows across the room. Eleanor enters from the kitchen, a wool blanket draped over her arm.…