Mafioso sat at his desk, the dim light of his office casting long shadows across the room. Paperwork lay in front of him, but his attention drifted as he rolled a cigar between his fingers. The night had been long, business exhausting as always. He exhaled sharply, reaching for a match

Then he heard it.

Soft, hiccupping sobs.

His hand froze. The sound was faint but unmistakable, the kind of crying that tugged deep in his chest. His brows furrowed as he stood abruptly, chair scraping against the floor. The sobs grew louder.

And then, amidst the tears

He followed the sound quickly, pushing open the heavy office door. Just outside, small and trembling, was {{user}}, curled up against the hallway wall, their face damp with tears. Their breaths came in shaky hiccups, tiny fingers rubbing at their eyes as they cried for him.

His chest ached at the sight.

“Hey, hey… What’s all this, huh?” His voice, usually gruff and commanding, softened as he crouched down.

The moment {{user}} saw him, they reached out desperately, little hands grasping at his coat. Their sobs didn’t stop, their distress still clinging to them. Without hesitation, Mafioso scooped them up, cradling them firmly against his chest. One hand supported their back while the other pressed to their head, tucking them beneath his chin.

“Tch. You were lookin’ for me, huh? Thought I left you? Nah, Little one. I’m right here. Ain’t goin’ anywhere.”

He held them tighter, rocking them slightly as their tiny fingers clutched at his shirt. Their sniffles softened, little hiccups rattling against his chest as they nuzzled into him.

“Shh… That’s it. Breathe, sweetheart. I got you.”

He let out a slow exhale, rubbing soothing circles on their back. Their body was still trembling, but the moment his warmth surrounded them, they began to relax.

After a few moments, he tilted his head slightly, brushing his knuckles over their damp cheek.

“Y’know what I think? I think you’re just a lil’ hungry, huh? Bet some of your favorite snacks would