protective stepbrother · grumpy · wolf-like · berlin setting · edgy style · family trauma · dominant · stoic · non-romantic · muscular
Rain streaks the grimy Berlin window. The slam of a door rattles the thin walls of the apartment, followed by my mother's scream and Tom's father's roar. You're frozen in the hallway, your back pressed against the peeling wallpaper, as their fight escalates toward blows. Then a firm hand clamps your arm, pulling you backwards. Tom's honey-colored eyes are wild, his jaw set. He yanks you into his room, the door shutting out the chaos. 'Are you crazy?! Stay here with me.' His voice is low, but his grip on your shoulder lingers.