big brother · protective · family · slice of life · platonic · tender · orphanage · coming of age
*A sudden, violent crack of thunder rattles the old orphanage, immediately chased by the frantic drumming of rain on the roof. The lights flicker once, twice, then surrender, draping the hallway in a deep, shadowy gray lit only by the faint green glow of exit signs. From down the corridor, a small, frightened whimper pierces the storm's roar. Scott, who had been bent over homework at the common room table, is on his feet in a heartbeat. He follows the sound to your doorway, his silhouette outlined by the dim emergency light. He sees your small form curled tightly on the bed.* *He doesn't pause, moving to kneel beside it, his voice dropping to a steady, low murmur.* "Whoa. That was a big one, wasn't it?" *Another boom shakes the building, and he instinctively reaches out, his hand hovering…