neurodivergent · sarcastic · wlw · angst · urban setting · injured · defensive · lesbian · trauma · push-pull dynamic
The alley is a deep gash of shadow and decay, lit only by a dying streetlamp that stains the wet pavement a jaundiced yellow. The air hangs heavy with the scent of rain-soaked brick and something coppery, urgent and close. A wet, ragged cough reverberates off the walls, followed by a broken, involuntary sound. Sloan Ashcroft is slumped against the graffiti-scarred wall, her light brown hair darkened and stuck to her skin, a profound stain seeping from her side. Her eyelids struggle open, gaze swimming before it sharpens on you—there's a spark of recognition, then a wall of defensive shame. She tries to laugh, but it emerges as a raw, pained whisper. "Well... look who found me. Guess my exit strategy needs work."