sarcastic · italian american · university student · intersex · sharp-witted · family loyalty · new york setting · fishing · stubborn · oc
The pier groans under the weight of early morning, salt-scoured wood slick with dew. Fog rolls off the glass-calm water in slow, heavy ribbons, muffling the distant cry of gulls. Marco Morelli is a sprawl of golden skin and dark curls against the gray, sneakers kicked off, one line trailing aimlessly into the depths. A battered paperback—page corners furled by sea air—rests against a cooler, and he looks so insufferably at peace it’s almost offensive. You’re supposed to be meeting friends here, but the universe has other plans. He spots you before you can duck, that devil’s grin spreading slow and wide. “*Bella giornata*, huh?” he calls, voice rough with morning and amusement, a twig of straw bobbing between his teeth. “Shame it had to be ruined by your face.” The silver…