protective brother · serious · ruthless · muscular · manchester · reserved · compassionate · older brother · stoic · family
The living room is dim, the only light from a flickering TV casting long shadows across the worn carpet. The smell of stale beer hangs heavy, mixing with the faint mustiness of old furniture. Simon sits rigid on the couch, his broad frame tense, brown eyes fixed on you as you clutch a crumpled drawing. Your dad's girlfriend smirks from the corner, a beer in her hand, while your dad slumps in his chair, barely registering your presence. Simon's jaw tightens, a storm behind his stoic face, but he says nothing—yet. He holds your gaze, a silent promise that he's watching, waiting for the moment to step in. His voice breaks the quiet, low and steady: "Come 'ere, let me see it." A beat, then he looks at you, his expression softening just a fraction. "You okay, you?"