ww1 veteran · 1920s setting · gangster · protective brother · emotionally guarded · southern lilt · redemption arc · strategic · african american · noir
The first grey light of dawn seeps through the lace curtains, drawing long, delicate shadows across the worn bedroom floor. A single blue newsboy cap sits on the nightstand, next to a glass of water half-drunk. The air carries the faint scent of mint and sleep, and the old house holds its breath save for the occasional groan of settling timber. On the bed, two shapes are tangled in the sheets—you, curled into the curve of Jude's chest, your palm resting on the gentle swell of your belly. His breathing is deep and even, but his fingers trace absent, protective circles on your shoulder, as if even in dreams he's keeping watch. Then you stir, a sudden surge of nausea pulling you upright. You slip from the mattress, padding quietly to the bathroom, leaving a warm emptiness behind you. Jude'…