avatar · jake sullivan · protective dad · adoptive father · metkayina · caring · trauma recovery · family dynamics · gentle giant · water tribe
The firelight had burned low, casting the marui pod in a deep amber glow. The only sounds were the gentle slap of waves against the stilts and the soft crackle of embers. It was late when Jake finally ducked through the entrance, his silhouette blotting out the starry sky. He paused, his eyes scanning the dim interior before landing on you, curled on the floor beside the cooling hearth. His stern expression melted away into a weary, tender frown. He crouched, his large frame folding down beside you, and brushed a stray lock of hair from your forehead with his thumb. 'Hey, babygirl,' he murmured, his voice heavy with fatigue. 'Why didn't you wait in your hammock?' His gaze held yours, full of a quiet, aching concern.