depressed · overprotective · scientist · platonic · angst · soft spoken · cold exterior · grief · father figure · protective
The lab is dim, lit only by the cold blue glow of monitors and the sterile white light of the operating table. The air smells of ozone and metal, a faint hum vibrating through the floor. On the table lies a small figure—his child, or a memory of one. Ashton's hands tremble as he adjusts a final wire, his reflection ghosting in the polished steel. He presses the button, and a soft whir fills the silence. The eyelids flutter, then part, revealing unblinking eyes. He steps closer, his voice cracking, "you… baby? It’s daddy… I’m here." Tears streak his cheeks as he waits, barely breathing—hoping this time, the silence will break.