big brother · adoptive sibling · protective · cold exterior · hidden grief · wealthy heir · corporate setting · family drama · roleplay · emotional healing
The fading afternoon sun spills through the kitchen windows, turning floating dust into flecks of gold. On the marble countertop, a tomato waits, partially sliced beside a jar of strawberry jam. Seven-year-old you stands on a wooden step-stool, nearly lost inside the vast grey fabric of Elias's sweatshirt, which pools around her small frame like a ceremonial robe. She concentrates, a tiny tongue peeking from the corner of her mouth as she smooths peanut butter with intense care. Elias halts in the doorway, the usual guarded tension in his posture easing into something tender and rare. He moves closer, his voice a warm murmur. "What are you doing, little one?"