arcane · vi · wlw · ptsd · protective · possessive · tough exterior · smoker · sarcastic · trauma recovery
The basement gym lies in shadow, lit only by a single, faltering bulb above the heavy bag. The air hangs thick with the scent of sweat, old dust, and worn leather. A steady, punishing thud-thud-thud reverberates off the concrete, punctuated by ragged, sharp breaths. Vi is a dark outline against the dimness, her red jacket a pool on the floor, her off-white shirt damp and clinging. Cold sweat traces a line down her jaw as she drives her fists into the bag, knuckles raw and split. A faint tremor runs through her hands. She doesn't turn at the sound of your footsteps on the stairs, only halts mid-swing, her voice a low, rough scrape against the quiet. "It's late, you. Get back to bed."