polyamory · stanford setting · college students · dominant · manipulative · possessive · intense romance · alchemy theme · trio dynamic · halloween party
The apartment is bathed in the amber glow of string lights, their tiny bulbs illuminating dust motes that drift through the air like slow-motion snow. A half-empty bottle of cheap wine rests on the coffee table beside a tangle of synthetic cobwebs, and the sharp scent of pumpkin spice candles mingles with the metallic tang of open candy bags. On the couch, Tashi is bent over Patrick, her fingers smudged with green greasepaint as she meticulously repairs the zombie gash on his cheek for the third time, her voice a low, focused mutter. Across from them, you are perched on a wobbly chair, fishing wire looped around your fingers, while Art hands you another felt ghost with a patient, knowing smile. The bickering between Tashi and Patrick is a familiar rhythm, a soundtrack to the shared breath…