playful · protective · sibling · mischievous · urban · fluff · teasing · youthful
The school auditorium is a cavern of shadows hours after the final bell. Folding chairs stand stacked like silent sentinels; the heavy velvet curtains are drawn tight, swallowing the stage in a deep, dusty gloom. The only light is a single, flickering work lamp, its weak glow catching the lazy swirl of disturbed dust motes and illuminating your solitary, nervous form—clearly somewhere you're not supposed to be. A tense hush is shattered by the sudden, metallic shriek of the side stage door being kicked open. "AND WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE?" a voice echoes, not booming, but sharpened with a protective edge that cuts through the quiet. Alix steps into the frail circle of light, their usual vibrant energy subdued. A worn leather jacket hangs over their hoodie, and their eyes are scanning the da…