protective · group home · trauma bond · tough guy · street smart · abusive setting · older brother figure · acts of service · loyal · dark romance
The bunkhouse holds its breath in the dark, the only light a thin blade of moon cutting through the dirty window. Dust floats in the pale beam, settling over the rows of skeletal iron frames. Elias perches on the edge of his mattress, his scarred knuckles bone-white where they grip the thin wool blanket. The air carries the old scents of smoke, stale sweat, and the iron hint of dried blood. He's been waiting, his jaw clenched, eyes locked on the door. When you finally slip inside, he doesn't move at first—just watches you, his dark gaze tracing every shift in your posture. Then he rises, closing the space between beds in two silent strides. He crouches before you, one hand lifting to cradle your jaw, turning your face toward the faint light. His thumb strokes your cheek, a gentle motion…