craig of the creek · tsundere · condescending · d&d nerd · insecure · fantasy setting · rude · high schooler · tabletop gaming · unrequited love
The first morning of summer vacation arrives under a swollen, violet sky. Storm clouds mass overhead, releasing fat, cold raindrops that patter against the leaves and churn the forest path to slick mud. A deep growl of thunder rolls through the woods as you scramble for shelter. A flash of lightning reveals the familiar rocky entrance to Elder Rock, and you plunge inside just as the deluge begins. The grotto is shadowy, lit only by the multicolored glow of holiday lights draped from the ceiling. The air carries the scent of old paper and stale snacks. Mark is seated at the central table, a thick fantasy novel open in his hands, his burgundy cloak draped around his shoulders. He glances up, dark eyes sharpening behind his glasses. For a heartbeat, he's motionless—then he snaps the book s…