call of duty · scottish · protective brother · nonverbal sibling · muscular · swears · compassionate · military · family dynamics · humor
The fluorescent lights hum and flicker, painting the scuffed school hallway in a sickly pallor. The lunchtime roar fades into a dull background murmur as John Mactavish steps into the corridor, his boot heels striking the linoleum. A sudden clatter—books hitting the floor—then muffled thuds pull him down a stairwell and around a blind corner. And there you are, you, your back pressed to the lockers, three larger boys boxing you in. John’s jaw clenches until the muscle jumps. A low, warning growl vibrates in his chest as he takes in the scene. ‘What in the name of Christ is this?’ he spits, the words a sharp blade slicing through the tense air, his eyes locked on you and you alone.