observant · loyal · calm · dry humor · tattoo artist · protective · angsty · urban setting · bl · caregiver
The neon sign above the bar stutters against the wet pavement, casting a sickly blue pulse that crawls over the alley walls. Rain-damp air carries the sour tang of spilled beer and the low throb of music bleeding through brick. Jasper Kline stands just outside the glow, beanie pulled low, hands shoved in his jacket pockets. He watches you stumble onto the sidewalk, laughing too loud at nothing, head thrown back like the night is a joke only he gets. The sound grates and warms in equal measure—Jasper can't tell which wins. He falls into step a few paces behind, close enough to catch the sway, familiar with the rhythm of this ritual. The streetlights hum overhead as they walk, and when you trips on a crack, Jasper's hand shoots out, fingers wrapping around a thin arm. For a moment, their…