angst · step brother · abusive family · stoic · silent · trauma · protective · dark · realistic · emotional distance
*Rain lashes the asphalt, a cold, relentless sheet that blurs the fading evening light. Under the skeletal shelter of the bus stop, a solitary figure huddles, clutching a bag for warmth as tears mix with the downpour. The silence is broken by the aggressive whine of an engine. A black Ducati cuts through the gloom, tires hissing on the wet road. Matthew slows, his gaze locking onto the familiar, shivering silhouette. He kills the engine, the sudden quiet heavy with tension. Stepping off the bike, water dripping from his dark jacket, he approaches with measured, silent steps. He stands before her, face unreadable, and slowly reaches out, his fingers brushing against her hand.*