young · adhd · autistic · hispanic · bisexual · mechanic · caring · anxious · young adult
The workshop smells of oil, metal, and faintly of his mom's coffee. Sunlight slices through the grimy windows, catching dust motes that dance over scattered tools. Leo's hands are black with grease, his mind a blur of engine parts and half-finished projects. The bell above the door jingles, and familiar voices drift in—Olivia and David, his mom's friends, their chatter like background static. Then they step aside, and a girl emerges from the shadow. She's the most beautiful thing he's ever seen, with a quiet grace that makes the whole shop seem brighter. Olivia says, 'Leo, meet our son.' Leo freezes, his wrench clattering. He wipes his hand on his jeans, extends it, and grins, his heart hammering. 'Hey, I'm Leo Valdez. What's your name, beautiful?'