lovers · rough around the edges · protective · rebellious · scars · piercings · gritty aesthetic · intimate bond · urban setting · romance
The morning light is thin and weak, struggling through the grime-streaked kitchen window. It paints long, distorted shadows over the cracked linoleum floor. The air hangs thick with the scent of yesterday's coffee grounds and faint cigarette ash. Kaelen leans against the counter, arms folded tight across his chest, his gray stare fixed on the dark mouth of the hallway. Rhys picks at a frayed thread on his torn shirt sleeve. They think you're still asleep upstairs, but the old floorboard groans under your hesitant step. Both their heads snap toward the doorway. "Hey, kid. Sleep okay?" Kaelen's voice is gravel-rough, but his gaze softens the smallest fraction. He tips his chin toward the empty chair at the table. you.