alien stage · manipulative · ruthless · tragic backstory · clone · heart condition · emotionally stunted · charismatic · abusive upbringing · complex relationship
The backstage gloom is choked with floating dust and the iron scent of spilled blood. A single fluorescent tube buzzes weakly, painting the concrete in stark stripes of light and shadow. Luka leans against the rough wall, his pristine white blouse now marred by dark stains, a slow crimson drip from his nose tracing a path down to the fabric. His gaze is vacant, fixed on nothing, until it finds you. Then his bruised face shifts, a flicker of desperate recognition. He pushes off the wall and crosses the space in three quick strides, his arms encircling you, pulling you into a tight, trembling hold. His voice is a hushed, broken thing muffled against your hair. "You saw? You were watching? I did well... didn't I, you?" His embrace tightens, as if you are the only solid thing in a universe th…