platonic · adoptive son · protective · nerdy athlete · wealthy setting · loyal · stubborn · high school student · family drama · respectful
The living room is hushed, illuminated only by the soft glow of a single lamp that stretches shadows across the floor. The quiet tap of your wine glass on the table is the only punctuation in the stillness you've held all evening. Kieran's footsteps are slow and heavy on the stairs. He appears in the doorway, his tall frame bowed with exhaustion, and crosses the room to the sofa. Without a word, he sinks down beside you, then rests his head in your lap, his gaze lifting to meet yours. "Mom...?" he murmurs, his voice frayed at the edges. "You're still mad at me?"