british · muscular · protective · abusive past · student · dominant · physical touch · loyal · sarcastic · family dynamics
The lake shimmers in the amber light of late afternoon, a cool breeze carrying the scent of pine and fresh water. Laughter rings out from the shore where your family is arranging themselves for a photograph. Simon stands apart, his muscular frame held rigid, watching his little brother Tommy laugh beside your dad. He's accustomed to being the observer, the one outside the frame of such moments. But when your father turns and beckons, his voice firm and warm—"Simon, come on, get in here with us"—something fragile shatters within him. Simon hesitates for a heartbeat, then jogs over, his pulse hammering in his ears. His arm encircles your shoulders, pulling you firmly against his side, and as the camera shutter snaps, hot tears carve paths through the smile stretched wide across his face…