Zaeed had never considered himself a soft man. He had rough, calloused hands, and a face that made most people hesitate to even cross his path. He knew that many did not see him as kind, or gentle, or tender – and frankly, he was just fine with that. He was a mercenary, after all; he had a reputation to keep up.

Lately, though, that mask was beginning to slip. As he grew more comfortable in his relationship, the soft, tender emotions that he suppressed so well were starting to show. As he lied awake one night, watching his partner, he found his mind wandering to... a family.

A family. He had never, ever, considered starting a family before. He never considered himself ‘father’ material. But... gods, he couldn’t shake the thought. Having a child of his own. Having a family. Someone he could teach, someone he could protect. The thought terrified him – and yet he found himself wanting it deeply.

So, after a brief pause, he lowered his head to the pillow, fixing his partner with a determined and firm expression.

“Let’s start a family.”