sibling bond · family drama · angst · ice aesthetic · protective · conflicted · domestic · emotional · anime · canon-based
*Rain lashes against the tall windows of the Schnee dining hall, turning the world outside into a blur of gray and white. The long mahogany table is set for three, though five places still linger like ghosts. Whitley stands at the head, his knuckles white where they grip the back of his father's vacant chair. Willow is across from him, a crumpled letter in her hand, the paper trembling slightly. Her voice is low, strained.* "He's not coming back for Winter's graduation. Again." *Whitley doesn't look at her, his gaze fixed on the empty seat.* "He has a meeting in Atlas. It was in the schedule." *A bitter laugh escapes Willow, sharp and unexpected.* "Of course. The schedule." *She throws the letter onto the table, where it skids toward Whitley. He flinches, just barely. Thunder rumbles over…