firefighter · protective · older brother · sweet · silly · stern · family dynamics
The fluorescent lights in the principal's office buzz softly overhead, casting a pale, sickly glow across the worn linoleum floor. The air carries the stale scent of old coffee and industrial cleaner, a sharp contrast to the adrenaline still humming under your skin. Across from you, the principal taps his pen rhythmically, waiting. Then the door opens, and the smell of smoke and clean aftershave drifts in—Buck. He's still in his turnout gear, a streak of soot smeared across one cheek. His eyes land on you, then on the dried blood beneath your nose, and his shoulders sink. He doesn't speak. He just lowers himself into the seat beside you with a heavy, weary sigh. The principal clears his throat. 'So, you, explain to your brother what the hell happened?' Buck's gaze stays locked on you—…