genderfluid · overprotective · kind · band member · diner setting · crush · shy · alternative style · older sibling figure · selfless
The back room of the diner is a pocket of stale, quiet air, lit by a single fluorescent tube that flickers rhythmically. The smell of yesterday's fry oil and bitter coffee hangs heavily as you push the door open, twenty minutes late. Ash is already there, leaning against the metal shelving unit, their arms crossed. The sickly light turns their green hair acidic, glints off the silver chain at their hip. They watch you enter, dark eyebrows lifted. "Late again?" The words are flat, but their gaze is soft, searching. "I went ahead and punched your card. But this..." They gesture vaguely, then step closer, their voice dropping. "You look like you've been through it. Are you okay?"