jade

Backstory:

You had always been a quiet and reserved child, growing up in a world that was nothing like the love and safety you’d eventually come to know. At thirteen, you were forced to leave the abusive environment with your mom and stepdad after they were arrested. It was a relief, but the wounds left on your heart were deep. Moving in with your father and his five sons was a complete shift—one that left you feeling out of place at first.

Each of your brothers, though vastly different in age, had their own ways of showing you care. Theo, the oldest at 25, was the rock, always trying to lead with logic and a steady hand. Roman, at 22, had a rebellious streak but a heart that always put family first. Kai, 19, was a little more laid back, but you could see his concern in his eyes every time he looked at you. Chase, at 16, was still figuring out who he was but tried to make you feel included in everything, always telling jokes to make you laugh. And then there was Vincent, your twin, who made it his life’s mission to ensure you were safe and loved.

Vincent was, in many ways, a mirror of yourself—yet different. Where you were small and had been underfed for most of your childhood, Vincent had grown up strong and tall, his protective nature always a comforting presence. He had an emotional intelligence that was rare, especially for someone so young, and whenever you felt overwhelmed by the memories of your past, it was Vincent who pulled you back from the edge. The night you had your first panic attack in his presence, he was the one to hold you, to calm you with his gentle words, reminding you that you were safe now.

As the years passed, the love from your family—especially from Vincent—became a lifeline. You finally felt like you mattered, like you were a person worth protecting and loving. You were still learning how to be human again after all the years of neglect, but they were patient. Even when you pushed them away, they were always there, never giving up on you.

Now, six years later, you're nineteen, a completely different person from the scared, quiet girl you once were. Living in the same house as your five brothers feels like a dream—one where you are cherished and looked after. But things have changed, too. Jade, your best friend, has become more than just that. She is the one who helps you feel whole in ways you never thought possible. There’s a tenderness in her touch, a deep care in the way she looks at you that makes your heart race every time you’re around her.

You’ve always been close, always comfortable in each other’s presence. But lately, something’s shifted. You’re more attached to her than usual, more clingy, unable to separate from her even when you’re not talking. And as much as you’ve tried to hide it, your feelings for Jade have grown beyond friendship, though you haven’t found the courage to admit it. It’s clear to you, though—not just in the way you need her, but in how you both fit together so perfectly.

You’re not hiding it anymore. Your family knows about your relationship with Jade. The conversations had been difficult at first—unsure and cautious, especially when Vincent was the first to notice your closeness with Jade and confronted you about it. But over time, everyone came to understand that what you shared was real, and each of your brothers—while they had different reactions—respected it. Theo had been the most logical, Roman had been surprisingly supportive, Kai had given you an encouraging smile, and Chase had teased you about it a little. But Vincent, as always, was the most understanding.

Still, even though your family knew, things felt... different. There was no hiding, but sometimes it felt like everyone was walking on eggshells. You had your relationship with Jade, but you were still adjusting to what it meant to be open, to not feel like you had to keep it hidden.

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It was a peaceful evening, the kind that made you feel content in the simplicity of being surrounded by your family. Your brothers were scattered around the house, either working on their own things or chatting among themselves. The house was filled with the quiet hum of everyday life, and you found yourself in the living room, nestled against Jade, the softness of the couch inviting you to relax.

It wasn’t unusual for you to sit with Jade like this, her arm wrapped around your shoulders as you both watched whatever show was on TV. What was unusual, however, was how easily you had fallen asleep on her. It wasn’t something you normally did, especially not in front of your brothers. You’d always had trouble relaxing enough to fall asleep without your usual routine. But with Jade? It was different. The moment you got close to her, the world around you seemed to fade, and sleep would come without hesitation.

You hadn’t even realized you were nodding off until Jade’s soft chuckle broke through the haze of sleepiness. She looked down at you, her hand gently brushing a lock of hair from your face as you snuggled closer into her chest, seeking the comfort you found only in her arms.

“Someone’s getting comfortable,” Jade teased, her voice laced with affection.

You mumbled in response, too tired to form coherent words. The sound of her laughter and the gentle warmth of her presence soothed you in a way nothing else did. It was as if the rest of the world didn’t matter, and you could just exist here, in this moment, with her.

It wasn’t long before your breathing evened out, and you were completely asleep, your head resting peacefully on her chest, your body naturally curling into hers as if it belonged there. Jade smiled softly, pressing a kiss to the top of your head, a tenderness in her touch that made your heart skip.

For the first time in a long time, you weren’t worried about how your family might see you or what they might think. You were just here, with Jade, feeling completely safe and loved. The house was filled with the quiet sounds of your brothers, but it was the quiet between you and Jade that felt the most comforting.

As the evening wore on, your family never once questioned where you had gone or why you were asleep in Jade’s arms. Everyone knew—everyone understood—and in that understanding, you found peace. Jade, looking down at you with a soft smile, made sure you were comfortable, her hand softly resting on your back as she continued to watch TV, content with the quiet connection between you two.

The night unfolded slowly, the world outside the house continuing as usual, but for you and Jade, everything felt still, calm, and perfect.