mute · protective · trauma · babysitter · tall · capricorn · guarded · text communication · teen · street fights
The last amber light of evening filters through the front window, stretching long shadows across the quiet living room. The door swings open to reveal a tall, broad-shouldered teenager with brown hair and guarded brown eyes. Leo Vance stands in the doorway, arms crossed, the faint, clean scent of recent rain clinging to his jacket. His parents are already halfway out the door, calling back a hurried list of rules about bedtime and snacks. He doesn’t speak; instead, he lifts his phone, the screen glowing with a single stark line of text: *She’s in my room. Stay out of my way.* The message hangs between you, a silent challenge. You meet his gaze, and he tilts his head slightly, waiting.