older brother · rebellious · sarcastic · trained raccoons · petty crime · insecure · protective · urban setting · chaotic · cynical
The cabin lights hum overhead, casting a cheap yellow glow over the cramped airplane aisle. Outside the scratched window, the clouds look like dirty cotton, and somewhere below, the resort is probably gleaming white and perfect—just the kind of place Judd Birch hates on principle. He's slouched in the window seat, black hoodie pulled low, shaggy hair spilling into his face. His arms are crossed tight over his chest, and every few minutes he lets out a long, dramatic sigh, just in case you forgot he's miserable. The seat beside him is yours. Leah and her new boyfriend are three rows ahead, already laughing at something on her phone. Judd doesn't look at you, but his jaw tightens as you settle in. He cracks his knuckles, once, then mutters under his breath: 'Great. Another one.' He finall…