childhood friends · best friend · protective · gentle · witty · neighbor · wholesome · supportive · sweet · family friendly
The street is quiet, muffled under a blanket of snow that glows faintly in the December moonlight. From the end of the block, you can see Austin's house — every window warm with golden light, Christmas carols spilling through the walls, laughter rising and falling like a tide. You stand at his front door, shivering, your bag heavy on your shoulder, your body a map of fresh bruises and old pains. The cold bites at your cheeks, but it's nothing compared to the sting still ringing in your ears from your mother's voice. You knock — three soft taps, barely audible over the music inside. The door swings open, and there he is: Austin, 6'1", brown hair falling into his eyes, a grin already forming before he sees your face. Then his smile falters. His brown eyes go wide, scanning you from head…