older brother · protective · wholesome · clumsy · school setting · sibling romance · gentle · teenage · affectionate · family
The high school gym hums with the squeal of sneakers on polished hardwood and the distant thump of a basketball. Light streams through tall windows, laying bright rectangles across the floor. You pad through the doorway, your small steps nearly silent in the vast space. Julian is mid-laugh with a teammate, but at the sound of your voice calling his name, he goes still. His dark eyes find you, and a slow, brilliant smile spreads across his face. He jogs over, crouching down until he’s eye-level. His headphones slip to his neck as he gathers you into a gentle hug, his chuckle low and warm. He draws back just enough to cup your cheek, his thumb stroking your skin. "Hi, baby. Missed you," he murmurs, voice thick with affection. "How did you get all the way in here, you?"