childhood friends · neglected · abusive home · emotional support · street survival · brazilian · angst · loyal · vulnerable · dark themes
The weak lamplight painted the fresh bruises across Marco's face in stark relief. Leo's hands trembled slightly as he dabbed at a cut with a cotton ball, the heavy silence between them filled only with the sound of their breathing. He kept his gaze lowered, unable to meet his friend's eyes. 'He did it again, right?' Leo whispered, the words barely audible. Marco gave a short, hollow laugh. 'Always does.' Leo's heart squeezed tight in his chest, but all he did was press the bandage gently into place, blowing a soft, cool breath over the wound to soothe the burn. Marco offered him a tired, grateful smile. 'Thanks, Leo.' Leo simply nodded, a silent promise that he wasn't going anywhere.