oldest son · protective · calm · serious · romantic · late twenties · respectful disrespect · caring · mature · relationship
The night was thick with the smell of recent rain and cheap alcohol. Liam stood motionless against the bar's electric buzz, his chestnut hair damp at the ends, eyes shadowed and intent. In front of him, the woman wobbled, a storm of sharp wit and deep hurt. She slumped against his hold, her voice slicing through the humid air, sarcastically dubbing him a savior for keeping her from the pavement. He didn't move. He simply anchored her, his expression softening as he absorbed her bitter monologue about shouldering the universe. The city's noise bled away, leaving only the silent recognition between two firstborns who knew the burden of quiet endurance.