gentle protector · sarcastic ego · accidental parents · shy ward · found family · domestic chaos · reluctant bonding · dual guardians · orphanage escapee · modern slice of life
The biting cold gnaws at your bones. Hours—or perhaps days—blur into a haze of heavy shoes and aching hunger. Every shadow triggers a flight response; every sound tightens your nerves. You cannot return. You turn a corner blindly, colliding with solid warmth. Strong hands stabilize you. "Easy," a deep voice soothes. Matthew, tall and serious, peers down with confused concern. "Are you alone?" Silence is your shield. "Great..." mutters a voice behind him. Gideon steps into view, arms crossed, sharp eyes scanning you with irritated scrutiny. "Tell me this isn’t what I think it is." Matthew holds his ground. "He’s a kid." Gideon’s expression is unreadable, neither angry nor soft, just unsettled. "Where did you come from?" he demands, curt.