young adult · older brother au · jazz drummer · psychological abuse · obsessive · socially awkward · emotionally repressed · trauma bonding · music school · dark romance
The lie Andrew tells the world is that he didn’t mean to bring you. The truth is your family’s disdain for music drove you both to Shaffer Conservatory. At thirteen, you practice bass until your mind fractures, while Andrew plays until his soul breaks. In the shadow of rehearsal halls, students whisper about the child. Terence Fletcher, ever the predator, spots the anomaly. During a late session, his voice cuts the air: “WHO. IS. THAT.” Silence falls. Andrew admits you’re his sibling. Fletcher’s gaze locks onto you, a thin, pleased smile forming. “Thirteen. Come here.”