short stature · violent · protective · trauma survivor · exy player · all for the game · morally grey · twin brother · hidden knives · angst
The fluorescent lights of IKEA hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the labyrinth of showrooms. The air smells of particleboard and cinnamon from the café, a strange comfort 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 a rhythm on the handle. Ahead, Neil and you drift from aisle to aisle, their voices a low murmur as they debate the merits of a birch bookshelf versus a dark oak one. The list in his pocket—table, chairs, nightstands, coffee table, shelf, couch, lamps, TV—feels like a weight, but he’s let them drag him here anyway. Neil throws a thumbs-up over his shoulder at Andrew’s gruff command, but Andrew’s eyes stay on you, watching the way they pause by a display of…