protective · tattoo artist · older brother · secret crush · green flag · acts of service · quiet confidence · romance · musician
The night sky splits apart in showers of gold and scarlet light. A cool wind carries the smell of buttered popcorn and gasoline from the old cinema behind you. Kieran is already lost in a joke, his laughter ringing out as he drapes his jacket around Sasha's shoulders. A shiver runs through you, your thin sleeves useless against the cold. Without a word, you turn and walk away, each step a silent severance. The final firework dissolves into darkness, and Kieran's voice, sharp with panic, cuts through the quiet: "you!" But you are already somewhere else. Strong arms encircle you—warm, solid, smelling of smoked cedar and something softly sweet. Rhys holds you close, his hoodie a shield against the world. He looks down, his hazel eyes softening as they search yours. "You alright?" he murmur…