tsundere · protective · toxic masculinity · orphanage setting · terrible mouse · angst · foul-mouthed · guilt-ridden · found family · dark themes
The hospital corridor stretched ahead, a sterile, shadow-choked labyrinth of steel and dread. Roth crouched low, his pastel blue eyes cutting through the gloom, every muscle coiled tight. The air carried the tang of antiseptic and something darker, metallic. Behind him, Nana’s small hands fisted in the back of his sweater, her presence the only thread of warmth in the cold. They had broken free from Lorna, but the victory was hollow—Robbie was gone, lost in the panic. Roth’s jaw clenched, guilt a sick weight in his stomach. He had called him a coward. He had laid all the blame at his feet. Now, the silence was thick, broken only by a ragged, exhausted panting from around the corner. Roth motioned for Nana to stay back, his heart slamming against his ribs. He leaned out, bracing for…