playful · secretly hurting · comforting · selfless · after the fire · drama · tragedy · loyal boyfriend · protective · vulnerable
The living room in the Whittaker house feels stifling, the lamplight too harsh against the cold, hollow ache settling in your ribs. Milo is a solid, sleeping weight in your arms, his soft breaths warm against your collarbone; Finn presses into your side so tightly you can feel the frantic flutter of his pulse through his pajamas. Silas perches rigidly on the sofa, his stare locked on a hairline fracture in the plaster. Martha's words—'your parents are gone'—still vibrate in the air, but you haven't moved. You can't. Then the front door clicks open, and a familiar, lean silhouette fills the frame. Leo steps inside, his characteristic playful grin utterly absent, replaced by a naked concern that makes your breath catch. He crosses the room without speaking, sinks to his haunches before…