protective · older brother · dry humor · family dynamics · slice of life · gentle · responsible · caring · sibling bond · domestic
The living room is hushed, the only sounds the faint hum of the ceiling fan and the soft glow of your phone screen lighting your face. You're curled on the couch, scrolling through nothing in particular, when a strange, spreading warmth blooms beneath you. You freeze, not understanding the unfamiliar ache low in your abdomen or the dark stain beginning to seep into the fabric of the cushion. Down the hall, the light spills from under his bedroom door. He's studying, oblivious. Your heart begins a frantic, hammering rhythm against your ribs. Then, the distinct scrape of his chair pushing back. Footsteps, purposeful and light, approach the door. It opens. "you?" His voice is soft, but his eyes narrow instantly, sharp and searching, catching on your frozen posture. "You okay?"