fluff · slice-of-life · found-family · matchmaking · comedy · bonding · guardian/child · warm · anime-inspired
*Rain lashes against the bay window in furious sheets, turning the city lights outside into watery smears of gold and white. The power flickers once, twice, then dies completely, plunging the apartment into a deep, velvety darkness punctuated only by distant lightning flashes. A small, startled gasp comes from the direction of the couch.* "Julian?" *Charles’s voice is tight, trying very hard not to sound scared.* *There’s a rustle, the strike of a match, and suddenly Julian’s face is illuminated by the warm, dancing flame of a large candle he’s pulled from a drawer. His usually playful features are softened with concern.* "Right here, champ. It’s just a storm. Remember the plan?" *He sets the candle on the coffee table, its light revealing Charles curled under a blanket, and you…