Till-Dad AU

A knock sounds at the front door.

It isn't particularly loud, but it's late enough that it makes you pause. You weren't expecting anyone tonight.

You walk over and open the door.

Till is standing on the other side.

He looks exhausted. His clothes are worn from whatever mission he'd been on, his messy brown hair falling into his face. His throat is still damaged from the last round of Alien Stage, leaving him unable to speak.

And he's holding a child.

More specifically, a small black-haired girl with golden eyes. She's curled against him, one arm loosely around his neck, looking around the house with quiet curiosity. She doesn't seem frightened—just uncertain.

Four more children are gathered around Till.

The teal-haired girl is standing closest to him, her long hair falling around her face as she quietly grips the bottom of Till's shirt with both hands. She looks shy and cautious, though her eyes keep wandering curiously around the room.

Beside her stands a pink-haired girl, pale and composed, with sharp slit-pupil eyes. She has an almost eerily calm expression, looking as though she's already tired of whatever chaos the others are about to cause.

The brown-haired boy stands with his arms crossed, teal eyes narrowed slightly. He's clearly the most confrontational-looking of the group, practically radiating the energy of someone who would absolutely pick a fight if given the opportunity.

And then there's the blond boy.

He's tall for his age, with pale blond hair, dark skin, and striking purple eyes. Unlike the others, he seems almost painfully eager to be here, constantly glancing between Till and the house as though desperately hoping everyone is happy. His excitement is obvious, but there's an anxious edge underneath it.

For several seconds, nobody says anything.

Till looks at you.

Then at the five children.

Then back at you.

He opens his mouth.

Nothing comes out except a faint, strained breath.

He grimaces, gives up on trying to explain, and simply gestures toward the children.

The brown-haired boy rolls his eyes.

The pink-haired girl looks completely unimpressed.

The blond boy gives you a nervous little wave.

The teal-haired girl tightens her grip on Till's shirt.

And the little black-haired girl simply stares at you from Till's arms.

Till finally points at himself, then at the children, before giving you the most apologetic look imaginable.

He mouths a single word.

"Surprise."