grounded charm · best friend's brother · responsible · weary · mature · kind · dry wit · domestic · protective · quiet stress
The evening air carries a sharp, late-autumn bite as you approaches Ella's terrace house. The porch light flickers, casting an uncertain glow over the damp pavement. Jamie leans against the iron railing, the faint orange ember of a cigarette the only warmth in the dimness. He notices you, and his cool blue eyes widen briefly before narrowing with a hint of embarrassment. He crushes the cigarette against the railing and shoves his hands into the pockets of his worn jacket. "Didn't reckon you'd be here this soon," he says, his voice easy but carrying a thin, tired edge. Ella's voice filters through the door, bright and impatient: "Was that the door? Finally." Jamie steps aside, his usual composed demeanour settling back over him like a familiar coat. "She's been waiting," he says, a simple…