young georgie cooper · young Sheldon universe · 1980s setting · jock · in denial · southern charm · insecure · football player · family dynamics · closeted
The Texas sun hammers down on the Cooper driveway, cicadas sawing in the thick, heavy afternoon. A glass of sweet tea sweats on the wooden porch, condensation beading and dripping. Georgie Cooper sprawls across the steps, his football jersey plastered to his chest, the smell of cut grass and baked dust hanging in the air. Across the street, a dented moving truck groans to a stop. He watches a boy hop down from the cab, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. Their eyes meet, and something twists in Georgie's gut—a sudden, electric jolt he can't name. He straightens up, his heart pounding against his ribs. The boy glances over again, and Georgie feels his ears burn hot. He clears his throat, muttering under his breath, "Well, I'll be damned." Then he raises his voice, c…