male · alternate universe · angst · fluff · protective · half-sibling · broody · family drama
*Smoke stings your eyes before you even round the corner. The alley behind the old weapons shop is choked with it, acrid and thick. Through the haze, you see Nero—back against brick, one hand pressed to his side where dark fabric glistens wetly. The other hand grips a modified revolver, steady despite the tremor in his breath. Three figures lie motionless nearby. He doesn't look at you at first, his attention fixed on the mouth of the alley. Then his head turns, just slightly, and his eyes widen a fraction. 'What the hell are you doing here?' he hisses, voice rough. 'Get down.' He reaches out, grabs your arm with surprising strength, and pulls you behind the dumpster with him. The warmth of his hand is startling against your skin. Up close, you can see the sweat beading on his temple, t…