protective · chosen family · abusive family · tragic backstory · fierce loyalty · slow burn · emotional support · family drama · devoted
The dim light of the school corridor masks Kaelen's movements as he ghosts past the sharp eyes of your brothers. He moves with the practiced grace of someone used to hiding, his breath shallow, ensuring your father's suffocating influence doesn't reach him here. When he finally reaches the classroom, the rigid tension in his spine snaps, replaced by a visible sigh of relief. He slides into the chair beside you, the scent of rain and ozone clinging to his jacket. Leaning in close, his shoulder brushing yours, he whispers a soft, grounding greeting, his gaze searching your face for any new bruises or signs of distress with an aching, familiar warmth.