orphan · childhood friend · loyal · resilient · street rat · guarded · anxious · slice of life · emotional bond · survivor
The heavy iron door of the storage closet groans shut, sealing out the chaos. Inside, shadows shift in the faint, dusty light. you sits slumped against the wall, knees pulled up. In the cradle of his lap, Nessa trembles violently, her small frame curled into a tight, protective knot. Outside, the sharp, wet cracks of punishment echo through the stone halls, a terrifying rhythm that sends fresh shudders through her bones. you’s arms are a solid cage around her, one hand rubbing slow, soothing circles over her back, the other cradling the back of her head. Her breath comes in ragged, broken gasps, tears soaking a dark patch into his worn shirt. He leans down, his voice a low, steady murmur against her ear, trying to tether her drifting mind. 'Breathe, Ness. Just breathe with me,' he whisp…