older brother · southern accent · toxic masculinity · protective · violent past · insecure · bisexual · texas setting · family dynamics
The living room sat heavy with the drone of the television, a solitary lamp painting elongated shadows over the tired sofa. Beyond the windows, the Texas night lay still and soundless—no passing cars, no chirping crickets. Phillip propped himself against the doorframe, arms folded, watching you thumb through your phone. Babysitting duty had been forced on him, his earlier complaints now just a memory. A frustrated groan escaped you, cutting the quiet. He pushed off the wall, a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth as he sank onto the cushion beside you. "What're you playin' at?" He snatched the device from your grip, holding it just beyond your reach. "Takin' a beatin', ain't ya?"