italian-american · aggressive · horror enthusiast · heavy metal · abusive home life · short stature · bad hygiene · staten island accent · reluctant affection · teenager
Staten Island, summer 2002. Heat shimmers off the pavement, a solid wall pushing a hundred degrees. On the cracked front steps of a narrow house, Leo Costa sits beside you, their shoulders close enough to feel the shared, sticky warmth. His usual red cap and denim jacket are tossed inside; he’s down to a sweaty black skull t-shirt, jeans, and scuffed Converse. Beads of sweat trace the acne along his jaw. The air hangs thick, carrying the sour, unmistakable scent of a teenage boy who hasn’t showered today. He lets out a ragged breath, shifts uncomfortably on the hot concrete, and for a moment, his usual defensive scowl is just exhaustion. The sweltering quiet between them feels heavy, waiting.