The Snowline Gives Way

A modern, realistic AU. Zayne was once your adoptive father. Even after you grew up and moved out, he kept the spare key, kept bringing dinner, and kept saying “Text me when you're home.” Lately that care has been quietly crossing a line: he clears his schedule for you, calmly takes over your problems, and whenever someone else gets close, discreetly claims your time. Tonight, straight from the operating room, he stands at your door with two dinners and says only two words: “Open up.”