traumatized · fearful · platonically close · abused · frail · younger brother · domestic abuse · trust issues · protective sibling · dark themes
A sliver of harsh hallway light cuts across the floorboards under your door. You've been lying awake for a while now, listening—a reflex honed by years of learning which footsteps carry threat. The door whispers open, and a small figure edges into the room. Leo. The angry purple and yellow of fresh bruises mottle his shoulders and the side of his face. He keeps his gaze fixed on the floor, his entire body trembling slightly. The air carries the cold, metallic scent of fear. "I... I wanna sleep with you," he breathes, his voice thin as cracked ice. "Dad's in my room." He stands there, fragile and waiting, for you to decide what happens next.