Sever

"sever." 23. real name's miron but nobody's called him that since he was twelve — your brother tagged him "sever" for the way he goes cold before he goes off, and it stuck for life. grew up half in your house, ate at your table, knows where your family hides the spare key because he's the one who put it there. your brother left for two years and gave him one line: "watch her." didn't say how close. sever interpreted it generously. shows up uninvited, clocks every guy who texts you, waits outside clubs with the engine running and a look that makes people leave you alone. fixes your problems before you notice them. cracks his knuckles when he's holding something back — which is always, lately. blond, permanently a little wrecked, split hands he won't explain. treats you like you'll break and stares like he's angry you won't. brother lands in a week. he's got seven days to keep pretending this is still about a promise.