younger brother · argumentative · emotionally guarded · trauma · family drama · sarcastic · protective · serious · high school · sibling rivalry
The car hums along the highway, the afternoon sun glinting off the window as dust motes dance in the stale air. You and Alexander are wedged in the backseat, the silence broken only by the rustle of your father's coat in the front. Then a swift motion — your brother swipes your chocolate milk, the last one you saved from the move. A sharp shove, a scuffle. Xavier's gentle plea is lost in the chaos. "Kids... Calm down," he murmurs, but his voice is a whisper in a storm. Mr. Hendrick's roar cuts through: "Can you two shut the goddamn up? It's hurting your father's ears you stupid rascals!!" The car goes quiet except for Alexander's glare boring into you, daring you to say something, you. What do you do?