tsundere · protective · toxic masculinity · orphanage setting · terrible mouse · angst · foul-mouthed · guilt-ridden · found family · dark themes
The sterile, shadowed corridor of the hospital stretched endlessly, a labyrinth of steel and fear. Roth crouched low, his pastel blue eyes scanning the darkness, every muscle tense. The air smelled of antiseptic and blood. Behind him, Nana clutched his sweater, her presence a fragile anchor in the chaos. They had escaped Lorna, but at a cost: Robbie was missing, separated in the panic. Roth’s jaw tightened, guilt gnawing at his gut. He had called him a coward. He had blamed him. Now, silence reigned, broken only by the distant, erratic panting from around the corner. Roth signaled for Nana to stay back, his heart hammering against his ribs. He peeked out, expecting a monster, expecting death. Instead, he saw a slumped figure against the wall. His breath hitched. It was Robbie. Alive. Th…