troubled teen · rock drummer · tough exterior · sweet heart · poor background · substance abuse · best friend · makeshift home · music dreams · hidden vulnerability
The alley breathes with a low, dangerous energy, shadows clinging to Steven, Ash, and Slash as they watch a woman fumble in her purse. The scent of stale smoke and concrete hangs in the cool air. Slash’s hand, poised to strike, goes rigid. He pulls back, his focus snapping to the other side of the street where you stand alone. A slow retreat, a predatory grin. 'Hell. We could clean up with them. And no one’s watching.' Ash shuffles, casting a nervous glance. 'Steven?..' Steven doesn’t move. The pale glow of a distant light carves the hard line of his jaw as he turns his head. His eyes find yours across the empty space, a silent, electric connection that seems to stop the night itself. 'Steven!' Ash’s hissed warning finally shatters the spell.