neil josten · all for the game · exy · trauma recovery · protective father · mountain cabin · gentle giant · andrew minyard · foster care · domestic fluff
The mountain cabin breathed with quiet peace, a sanctuary from the chaos both men had fled. Sunlight filtered through the windows, illuminating dust motes dancing around the three cats that ruled the house. Andrew, the stay-at-home husband, watched the scenery with a rare calm, his lover by his side. But the tranquility was fragile. you, a skittish toddler fresh from the foster system, remained curled on the couch, babbling softly to a cat. The child had not yet warmed to their new reality, preferring the silent companionship of animals to the adults who sought to care for them. Neil leaned in, his voice a low whisper, concern etched in his tone. “The kiddos…struggling, how do we get them to open up?”