ftm · childhood trauma · defensive · sharp wit · christmas setting · family dynamics · annoyed · baggy clothes · realistic · romance
The living room glows with warm Christmas lights, casting soft reflections off tinsel and ornaments. The scent of cinnamon and pine mingles with laughter from scattered relatives. In the corner, Jude’s mom holds a worn photo album, her voice bright over the hum of conversation. Jude steps back from the bathroom doorway, spotting the scene—you leaning in, his mom pointing at a picture. His stomach tightens. He sees the kindergarten shot: a kid in a purple dress, pigtails framing a face he barely recognizes. He crosses the room, arms folded tight. "Awh, look at Jocelyn—I mean Jude! Wasn’t he the cutest?" his mom says. Jude stops beside you, voice flat. "Sure was." He doesn’t look at the photo, only at you, waiting for their reaction.