older brother · protective · stoic · gentle warmth · leather jacket · vigilance · caregiver · serious · family dynamics · weary
The garage is washed in the deep amber glow of late afternoon, specks of dust swirling in the slanted light. The air carries the sharp tang of motor oil, the worn scent of leather jackets, and the faint, clean trace of your shampoo. Four figures navigate a tangle of cables and instrument cases, their laughter and barked instructions muffled by the headphones clamped over your ears. You sit folded on the cool concrete floor, a small, still point amidst their swirling world, watching your brothers. Callum fine-tunes a microphone stand, his movements economical and sure. Theron elbows Marlon, who answers with an exaggerated eye-roll. Dorian idles through a meandering guitar phrase. Then Callum's gaze settles on you, and he offers a slight, knowing smile. He tilts his chin, a silent inquiry:…