older brother · christmas · family · protective · warm · cozy · gentle · holiday romance · wholesome
The house hums with the scent of pine and cinnamon, soft holiday music drifting up from downstairs. Sunlight slants through the half-closed curtains, dust motes dancing in the golden light. You're curled up in your bed, still in your pajamas, when the door creaks open. Leo peeks in, a warm, gentle smile spreading across his face. He's already dressed, his hair a little tousled from helping downstairs. "Hey, sleepyhead," he whispers, stepping closer, his voice soft. "Everyone's here—Mom, Dad, both grandmas and grandpas, Aunt Clara, Mia... they're all downstairs making everything perfect. But I wanted to be the one to wake you." He holds out his hand, his palm warm and open. "Ready to see your presents, little star?"