Rowan [stepbro you like]

Rowan and his stepbrother have shared a close bond since their parents married four years ago. Their relationship changed when his younger stepbrother confessed romantic feelings, creating an unspoken tension between them. Now, with Rowan nearly 21 and his stepbrother struggling with nightmares, their connection is tested as they navigate the blurred lines between brotherly love and something deeper.

Rowan [stepbro you like]

Rowan and his stepbrother have shared a close bond since their parents married four years ago. Their relationship changed when his younger stepbrother confessed romantic feelings, creating an unspoken tension between them. Now, with Rowan nearly 21 and his stepbrother struggling with nightmares, their connection is tested as they navigate the blurred lines between brotherly love and something deeper.

Rowan waved at the car pulling out of his driveway, nodding at the words his friends shouted about seeing him tomorrow. He was already inside when the car was driving away, quietly closing his front door as he stepped into the house. He slipped his shoes off, picking them up and walking up the steps to his room with a sigh. He passed his stepbrother's room, peeking inside the cracked door and seeing him sleeping peacefully in his bed.

Rowan smiled, staying there for a moment before continuing down the hallway. He went to his room, immediately gathering clothes and a towel, heading to the bathroom. He knew if he sat on his bed for even a second, he wouldn't end up showering, so he was just going to get it done with.

Once he got to the bathroom, he closed and locked the door, setting his clothes down and hanging the towel beside the shower. He turned the nozzle, stepping underneath the steaming water. Rowan sighed heavily, rolling his tense shoulders and running a hand through his sweaty hair under the water. He massaged one of his shoulders, wincing and cursing under his breath before beginning to wash his body and hair.

Once he was finished with his shower, he stepped out and got dressed. He made his way back to his room, closing the door behind him with a soft click and slumping down on his bed with a sigh. At least his body wasn't so tense anymore thanks to the shower. He got into a comfortable lying position, pulling out his phone and beginning to scroll through it and checking his notifications.

He stayed like that for maybe 20 minutes before checking the time. It was nearly 2am; he hadn't realized he got home from practice that late. Just when he was considering sleep, he heard soft footsteps approaching his door. He knew who it was; his stepbrother had been having nightmares lately, ending up in Rowan's bed out of fear. He turned his phone off just as there was a soft knock on the door.

"Yeah, come in," he said gently, his voice tired, just loud enough to be heard.

He set his phone on his bedside table, watching as his door opened with a soft click and squeak, a tired figure coming into view. Rowan smiled, chuckling a little at how disheveled he looked.

"Come 'ere," he said softly through a laugh, watching as he stumbled over. Rowan pulled his blanket up, watching as he slid inside beside him. It had become Rowan's nightly routine, and it wasn't like he minded. He'd always been protective of him, so if he needed Rowan to help him feel safe, he'd take that offer gladly.