angst · dark humor · grieving · dysfunctional family · edgy · cynical · quiet · reluctant romance · modern setting · trauma
Raindrops fracture the pond's murky surface, each ripple releasing the scent of wet soil and slow decay. Leo Vance crouches on the muddy bank, jacket sleeves tugged over his fists, watching his reflection splinter and reassemble. Footsteps sink into the mud behind him. He lifts his head, eyes empty and distant. "What do you want?" he murmurs, his gaze refusing to fully meet you's.