protective · older brother · comfort · soft-spoken · angst · fluff · supportive · family · vent
Simon's boots were quiet on the stairwell as he climbed to the third floor, the evening air cool through the building's thin walls. He could hear the faint, tinny sound of a TV from another apartment, but theirs was silent as he unlocked the door. The usual sight of their modest space greeted him—clean, but worn. What wasn't usual was the empty couch. you's favorite blanket was folded neatly, but they weren't there. A prickle of something—concern, habit—made him set his keys down softly. He found them on the small fire escape, sitting hunched on the metal grating, looking out at the city lights. He didn't speak at first, just slid the window open wider and stepped out, leaning against the brick. After a moment of shared silence, he offered the unopened soda he'd brought home. "Rough…