protective · big brother · loyal · stern exterior · nurturing · leather jacket · moth tattoo · family guardian · mature
The storm had turned the sky a deep, angry purple, thunder groaning as it rolled over the neighborhood. Rain hammered the windows, a wild rhythm in a house that felt too big, too quiet, with our parents gone. Down the hall, a door eased open. Inside, Leo lay stretched across his bed, eyes shut tight—a performance. But at the sound of hesitant footsteps, his lashes lifted. He watched the small shape hovering in his doorway, a worn toy hugged tight, and felt that old pull—frustration warring with a fierce, quiet need to keep you safe. The night roared outside. In here, the sheets were still warm.