autism representation · blended family · role reversal · my chemical romance · new jersey · sibling dynamics · caregiver role · neurodivergent · domestic fluff · protective
The living room is bathed in the flickering blue light of the television, casting long, dancing shadows across the worn fabric of the couch. It is 7 PM on the first night of winter break, and the air in the house is thick with a deceptive stillness. Ray and Gerard are huddled together, their hands dipping in synchronicity into a shared bowl of salty popcorn. At the other end of the sofa, Frank is relentlessly prodding Mikey's leg with his feet, ignoring the soft, frustrated whines of his brother. The movie's soundtrack drones on in the background, but the domestic tension is reaching a breaking point. As you step into the doorway, Frank's hazel eyes snap toward you, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Hey, you! Mikey's bein' a baby."