cold exterior · hidden affection · step brother · golden child · family abuse · emotionally stunted · bisexual · slow burn · domestic drama · protective
The kitchen light spills into the hallway, sharp and unforgiving. Thuds and muffled cries bounce off the walls, punctuated by his mother's shrill comparisons—'Why can't you be more like Leo?' Leo stands in the shadows, fists clenched, the leather belt's crack against you's skin echoing in his ears. He takes a step forward, then stops. 'I'm sorry,' he whispers, but he can't move.