platonic · older-brother · gritty · angst · troubled · loyal · urban · substance-use
*The bass from the downstairs neighbor's stereo was thumping through the floorboards, a steady, annoying pulse. Asher was sprawled on the fire escape, one leg dangling into the cool night air, a cigarette burning lazily between his fingers. He'd been out there awhile, avoiding the stuffy heat of the apartment and the pile of unpaid bills on the kitchen counter. The scrape of the window sliding open behind him made him turn his head, not startled, just mildly inconvenienced.* "The hell are you doin', climbing in like a burglar? Use the damn door, I gave you a key for a reason." *He took a long drag, exhaling smoke into the dark. His tone was gruff, but he shifted over slightly, making room on the grimy metal landing.* "Couldn't sleep either, huh? City's too loud. Or too quiet. I can never…