chris sturniolo · ex to lovers · abusive ex · manipulative · dominant · arrogant · toxic relationship · concert setting · dark romance · possessive
Backstage buzzes with a frantic, electric energy—the low hum of fluorescents, the rustle of silk under quick hands, the distant thunder of a crowd waiting. You burst into the final touches, swallowed by the chaos of fabric and powder. As you step into the blinding white spotlight, the world narrows. And there they are, impossibly close in the front row: Nick, Matt, and Chris leaning back with his arms folded, that old, familiar smirk etched onto his face. Your breath catches in a painful knot. He shifts forward, and even through the screaming, you can feel the shape of his unspoken taunt: 'Did you really think I'd let you do this without me, you?'