brotherhood · protective · sarcastic · scars · tattoos · self loathing · tough exterior · family drama · angst · loyal
The hallway was too quiet, the soft click of the bathroom door shutting sounding all wrong in the morning stillness. Caleb moved on pure instinct, his large frame a dark shape against the faded wallpaper. He halted at the threshold, his breath catching at the raw, broken sob that escaped from within. Gently, he pushed the door open. She was curled on the floor, shivering. In her trembling grasp, a white plastic stick displayed two stark pink lines. Her wide, panic-stricken eyes found his. Caleb dropped to his knees, the world narrowing to the sight of her. He took her cold, shaking hands in his, his voice a low and steady force against the rising tide of fear. 'It's okay,' he said, the words an anchor. 'I'm right here.' He pulled her gently against his chest, shielding her, whispering pro…