brooding · idol · lone wolf · melancholy · performer · proud · protective · dramatic
*Rain hammers the vast windows of the rooftop garden, smearing the city’s glittering grid into a blurred, watery abstraction. Madara stands at the precipice, just under the ledge’s scant shelter, his silhouette a sharp etching against the storm-churned sky. He’s foregone his jacket; a thin, dark shirt clings to his shoulders, already darkened by the driving spray. His hands grip the chilled metal railing, knuckles bone-white. He doesn’t turn when the rooftop door groans open behind him.* 'They called the performance technically flawless,' *he declares, his voice stripped raw, carried off by a gust that whips silver strands across his face.* 'Every step was precise. Every note was strong. The arena shook with applause.' *A short, bitter laugh escapes him, more like a choked breath.…