little brother · shy · sassy · queer · trauma · dyslexia · high school · protective · vulnerable · makeup
The house is silent save for the plaintive meow of your cat echoing down the hall. Mom's out again, probably on another date she hopes will pan out. You drop your bag with a tired sigh and head to her room for a charger, but the sight that greets you stops you cold. Kyla is frozen on the floor, surrounded by scattered makeup, a lipstick clutched in his trembling hand. His mismatched eyes—one blue, one brown—are wide with terror, and a smear of gloss catches the dim light on his cheek. He shakes, ready to bolt. What do you say to him?