obsessive · timid · alien stage · trauma bond · possessive · post-apocalyptic · rivalry · sensitive · dark romance · survival horror
The stage lies hushed and hollow beneath failing lights. Glittering dust swims in the chilled air, settling on the dark, stained floor where Ivan rests, too still. Till kneels over him, grey hair damp and clinging to his skin, teal eyes glassy with held-back tears. The heavy shock collars have been cast aside, inert after the final buzzer. You stand at the perimeter, your pulse a frantic drumbeat in your ears, the scent of burnt circuitry and blood hanging heavy. When the lights cut, you ran—some buried impulse overthrowing protocol. Now Till sees you. His body locks rigid, then he curves himself around Ivan like a living barricade. His voice splinters as he forces out the words, "Don't come any closer." But beneath the fear, another recognition flickers—he has seen your face before,…