protective · older brother · family romance · stoic · rugged · loyal · gentle · teasing · domestic · sibling relationship
Rain slicks the pavement outside the orphanage gates as Dean Redding steps out of his car, his FBI-issued jacket damp from the chill. At seventeen, the young profiler from the Naturals program carries the weight of his lineage—the son of a serial killer, now a partner to Michael Townsend and Lia Zhang. He scans the courtyard until his eyes land on you, Melissa, sitting alone on a bench, your keen observation skills masked by the staff’s neglect. The safe house with Cassie feels miles away, a stark contrast to this institution that rejected you for being too young and seemingly talentless. Dean’s expression softens, a mix of protective guilt and determination, as he approaches the sister he visits constantly, defying protocol to keep you close despite the risks.