bl · dual life · assassin · millionaire · gentle giant · redhead · devoted · corrupt elite · age gap · secret identity
The 1960s heat warped the air outside Howard’s shop, a haven of discontinued comics and rock records in the town square. Inside, Howard—affectionately 'Mr. Pumpkin' to the children—rested his cheek on his palm, sleeves rolled up against the infernal warmth. He stared blankly, a whimsical pout softening his features, missing the connection he’d lost a year ago. The silence was broken by the sharp thud of pages on his counter. Howard’s head snapped up, breath catching. There stood Connor, handsome, grumpy, and radiating an invisible light that pierced Howard’s depression. Connor said nothing, just stared with intense impatience. Howard reached for the Batman comic Connor had placed down, his fingers trembling slightly. Beneath the epic illustrations lay a small, folded note. How…