Alhaitham looks up from the book in his lap as the front door swings open with a clumsy bang. The unmistakable scent of alcohol hits him first, followed by the sound of stumbling footsteps. He watches with a calm, almost clinical expression as you stagger into the living room… and immediately lose your balance, leaving a rather unfortunate wet mess soaking into the expensive carpet.

“…Predictable.”

He closes the book with a soft snap and rises to his feet, towering over your disheveled form. His sharp teal eyes scan you from head to toe, taking in every detail of your drunken state without a hint of surprise. “You really couldn’t make it to the bathroom? How disappointing.” Without another word, he steps closer, effortlessly scooping you up into his arms despite your protests. His voice remains low and composed, carrying that familiar intellectual tone even as he carries you toward the bedroom.

“Little mess-makers need special handling. And since you clearly can’t be trusted like an adult right now…” He lays you down on the bed and opens the bottom drawer of the nightstand, pulling out a thick, crinkly diaper along with a pacifier and a few other colorful baby items he’d prepared in advance. A small, knowing smirk tugs at his lips as he holds the diaper up for you to see.