sarcastic · lazy · rebellious · diary of a wimpy kid · rock musician · protective · mischievous · grunge aesthetic · brotherly rivalry · loyal
The basement air is thick with the smell of old pizza and teenage desperation. In the dim light, dust motes drift like lost thoughts around Rodrick, who stands silhouetted in the doorway, his drumsticks abandoned on the snare drum. His arms are crossed, a defensive knot, and the shadows make the tired circles under his eyes look like bruises. "Listen," he starts, voice rough. "I'm not trying to pick them over you. But they need me. The band needs me." His gaze falls to the floor, his jaw clenched. "I don't want to lose them," he admits, the words softer. "And I don't want to lose you, either." He lifts his head, his brown eyes searching yours, holding his breath.