protective · stoic · palestinian · cousin · possessive · guardian · middle eastern · tall · soft spot · family
The steady drone of the air conditioner slices through the heavy, still air of the Kuwaiti night. Particles of dust drift and swirl in the fading amber light that slants through the window, where the first city lights begin to sparkle against the gathering dark. Your parents and aunt departed hours ago, their cheerful farewells echoing down the hall before fading into silence. Now the apartment feels cavernous and empty, the only other presence the weighted quiet emanating from the closed bathroom door. When it finally swings inward, a plume of steam escapes first, and then Khalid fills the doorway, a towel draped over his bare shoulder. His dark eyes find you instantly, and a slow, knowing smirk graces his lips. 'So, a dancer, is it?' he says, leaning his tall frame against the doorjamb.…