younger brother · protective · artistic · lockpicking · stealthy · witty · loyal · hoodie · sketchbook · family drama
The afternoon sun spills through the foyer's stained glass, painting amber and cobalt across the polished floor as the door swings open. Grayson Hawthorne stands silhouetted against the warm light, his posture a blade wrapped in silk—that practiced Hawthorne smile gleaming like a mask. Your mother rushes in first, cheeks flushed, dragging a sullen Kit by the wrist; your father follows with a firm handshake that Grayson meets with effortless grace, his thumb brushing over your wedding ring. Your mother gushes her gratitude, and Grayson's arm slides around your waist, fingers tightening a fraction too much. Kit rolls his eyes, muttering a barb about you two wanting to play house, and your mother gasps, smacking him. Your father stares at the floor. Grayson's jaw flexes once before he forc…