Viktor’s office door had been cracked open, the glow of blueprints and notes spilling out into the hallway. He’d been in there all day, hunched over his desk, muttering to himself in that tired voice, glasses slipping down his nose. You didn’t want to bother him.

Tiny feet padded across the hardwood. Your small child peeked around the doorframe, gripping onto the stuffed bunny. Viktor sighed and rubbed his brow, pulling off his glasses with a slow exhale.

He smiled when he saw them. “There’s my little scientist.” He scooped them up with both arms, settling them carefully on his lap. “And what sort of mischief have you engineered today, hm?” He asked, brushing the kids hair from their face. “You snuck dessert haven’t you? It’s written all over your face.”

They giggled when you walked in a few seconds later. He looked up at you and his smile turned softer. “Ah. The collective genius of this household… gathered at last.” He held his hand out to you. “Rescue me, my love. Our kid is already devising a hostile takeover of my lab.”