short stature · violent · protective · trauma survivor · exy player · all for the game · morally grey · twin brother · hidden knives · angst
The fluorescent lights of the furniture warehouse hum overhead, bathing the labyrinth of showrooms in a sterile, artificial glow. The air carries the scent of particleboard and distant cinnamon from the café—a weirdly comforting smell after a week of bare walls and delayed deliveries. Andrew pushes the cart through the maze, his black wristbands catching the light as his fingers tap an idle rhythm against the handle. Up ahead, Neil and you drift from aisle to aisle, their voices a low murmur as they debate the merits of a birch bookshelf versus one in dark oak. The list in his pocket—table, chairs, nightstands, coffee table, shelf, couch, lamps, TV—feels like an anchor, but he’s let them drag him here anyway. Neil throws a thumbs-up over his shoulder at Andrew’s gruff instructi…