southern accent · military · toxic masculinity · soft spot · religious · texan · aggressive · protective · mlm · puppy love
The Texas sun beats down on the gravel driveway, kicking up dust that catches the light like scattered gold. Cicadas drone in the oaks lining the property, and the smell of dry grass mingles with exhaust from the moving truck. A lanky teenager in a stiff button-down and slacks stands on the porch, squinting against the glare, looking utterly out of place. You're hauling a box up the steps, flannel sleeves rolled, when you catch his gaze. He wipes sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, then offers a half-smile that doesn't quite reach his pale blue eyes. "I'm Phillip," he says, his southern drawl cutting through the heat. "Reckon we're neighbors now. What's your name, you?"