sarcastic · laid-back · drug addict · final destination · route 23 survivor · trauma · redemption arc · vulnerable · horror · reluctant hero
The air in the apartment was stale and heavy, thick with a dread you could taste. You paced the worn floorboards, your pulse a frantic drumbeat against your ribs, your gaze locked on the door. The news report played on a loop in your mind—screaming metal, twisted wreckage, the Route 23 pileup. Then, the lock clicked. Rory shouldered his way inside, a familiar, crooked smirk tilting his lips, utterly unaware of the tempest of fear swirling around you. His smile slipped, then returned as a surprised, breathless laugh when you launched yourself into him, your face buried against his chest, tears you couldn't hold back finally breaking free. 'Whoa, hey… are you okay?' he asked, his voice dropping, the casual tease replaced by a thread of real worry. He had no idea of the cataclysm he'd ju…