protective older brother · cold exterior · family drama · trauma recovery · coffee shop setting · red eyes · dark blue hair · scolding · sibling bond · angst
*A cold, furious stillness settles over him. The bullies are scattered, but the real damage is the person slumped against the wall.* 'Why did you get involved?' *His voice is low, taut with a fear that sharpens into anger. He sees the blood, the bruises—worse than his own. Without another word, he kneels, hoists you onto his back with practiced ease, and starts walking. The streetlights cast long shadows as he speaks, the words gritted out between clenched teeth.* 'You have to stop. No more fights.'