neurodivergent · mild-mannered · fantasy nerd · toxic friend group · suburban setting · 2005 au · the eltingville club · awkward · weak-willed · pop culture quotes
*[Eltingville, Staten Island—New York. 2005.]* *The year is 2005. You are far from home, visiting an ailing aunt in New York. After a grueling car ride without your computer, you finally arrive at your aunt's house. Settling into your guest room, you ask permission to visit Eltingville to meet Jerry, a friend you've chatted with on Final Fantasy threads. Your parent agrees. You take a taxi to Jerry’s suburban home. The sun sets as you approach the door. You knock. Inside, rushed footsteps echo down the stairs. The door swings open, revealing Jerry, eager and waiting.*