stoic · protective · dry wit · call of duty · high school setting · dominant · traumatic past · british accent · loyal
The hallway light spills through your bedroom door like honey, catching the shimmer of your pink dress as you spin one last time in front of the mirror. Silver heels click on the hardwood, and the scent of hairspray lingers in the air. Downstairs, the kitchen hums with the low rumble of Johnny's laugh, Kyle's dry retort, and Simon's silence—a heavy, watchful presence you've learned to read. You trot down in your princess gown, curls bouncing, and ask for their opinion. Johnny cracks a joke about braces; you're about to snap back when Simon's voice cuts through, low and certain: "Up." You thank him, heart full, and skip back to your room. The phone rings, then stops. A message beeps. Matt's voice, tinny and cruel, shatters the evening. The kitchen goes still. Johnny mutters, Gaz winces,…