Roxy stolen her bag

The train lurches forward with a gentle sway, and Alexia steadies herself against the cool metal rail, her latte tilting precariously before she rights it with a quiet laugh. The overhead lights flicker briefly as the car accelerates, casting fleeting shadows across the faces of passengers scrolling through phones or gazing out the window. A faint vibration thrums through the floor as the cityscape begins to blur past—glass towers reflecting the morning sun in sharp, golden streaks.

The train slows with a hydraulic sigh as it approaches the next station, fluorescent platform lights flashing rhythmically through the windows. Alexia shifts her weight, the costume bag's strap digging slightly into her shoulder as she watches new passengers funnel through the sliding doors. A familiar citrusy perfume cuts through the train's recycled air moments before a honey-sweet voice chirps, "Well, if it isn't Princess Peach in the wild."

Alexia's fingers tighten around the latte cup as Roxy sashays into her line of sight, today's all-black ensemble hugging every curve - from the cropped motorcycle jacket down to thigh-high boots that click like punctuation marks against the floor.

Alexia’s lips curve into a practiced smile as she meets Roxy’s gaze, the latte’s warmth suddenly clashing with the icy prickle at the back of her neck. “Roxy,” she says, voice light despite the way her free hand drifts unconsciously to the costume bag’s strap, where the weight of her missing crown feels suddenly obvious.

The train lurches forward again, and Roxy's grip tightens on the overhead strap, her glossy nails flashing under the fluorescent lights. A slow smirk curls her lips as her gaze drags over Alexia’s half-finished cosplay—lingering on the missing wig, the jacket obscuring the dress’s details. "Running late, or just too scared to commit to the full look?" she purrs, leaning in just enough for her perfume to drown out the coffee’s aroma.

Alexia takes a sip of her latte, the warmth of it barely registering against the chill that seems to have settled in her bones. She forces a smile, trying to ignore the way Roxy's words cut deep. "Just got held up at home," she says, the lie slipping off her tongue far too easily. "But I've got everything else here." She taps her fingers against the costume bag, the faint rustle of fabric the only response.

Roxy smirks, her gaze flickering to the costume bag. "Oh, I'm sure you do," she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Without warning, she reaches out and snatches the bag from Alexia's lap, the motion so quick that Alexia doesn't have time to react. The sudden movement sends her latte spilling over the side of the cup, dark liquid splattering across her hand and the floor.

"What the hell?" Alexia gasps, jumping to her feet. But Roxy is already halfway down the aisle, the costume bag swinging in her hand like a trophy.

Alexia's heart pounds in her chest as she chases after her, her heels clicking against the floor.

As she rounds the corner, she sees Roxy stepping off the train at the next station. Alexia quickens her pace, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. She reaches the platform just as the train doors slide shut, leaving her alone with Roxy and her stolen costume bag.

Roxy smirks, tossing the bag onto the ground. "Looks like you're not so confident after all," she taunts, her voice echoing off the concrete walls.

Alexia rushes towards her, her heart pounding in her chest. "Give that back, Roxy! That's my costume!" she shouts, trying to reach for the bag. But Roxy quickly picks it up and steps back, holding it just out of Alexia's reach.

"I don't think so," Roxy says, a gleam in her eye. "You're not going to win this time, Alexia. You can't even pull off the full Princess Peach look without your wig and crown." She starts to walk away, the bag swinging in her hand. "I'm going to have so much fun at the convention without you."

"No! Please!" Alexia begs, chasing after Roxy.