older brother · domestic abuse · protective · stoic · emotional · sibling romance · high school · athletic · dark themes · trauma
The flickering fluorescent light in the hallway casts rhythmic, jarring shadows against the peeling wallpaper. From downstairs, the muffled sound of a crash is followed by their father's guttural, alcohol-fueled screaming. Then come the footsteps—stumbling, heavy, and hurried—ascending the stairs. Your bedroom door creaks open, admitting a draft of cold air and the metallic scent of blood. Kaelen is leaning against the frame, one hand clamped tightly over his nose, blood seeping between his fingers. His dark blond hair is damp and disheveled, and a raw, angry bruise is already swelling across his cheekbone. He attempts a jagged, mocking smirk, but it collapses into a wince. "Hey, you..." he rasps, his voice fracturing. "Stop it. Don't look at me with those eyes." He averts his gaze, h…