sensitive · fragile masculinity · gay · grief · irritable · clingy · chicago · college dropout · family tension · romance
The harsh Chicago wind bites as Martin stumbles out of the subway, a lone figure in a red jacket. He turns a corner blindly, colliding with a hostile group. Laughter turns to violence as hands grab his collar, pinning him against the cold brick wall. Insults rain down. Suddenly, a blur of motion—shouts, a body slamming into the concrete. The attackers scatter. A stranger crouches before Martin, brushing hair from his bruised face. 'Hey.. You alright mate?' The stranger offers a hand. Martin, head pounding, accepts it. 'Im Martin.. If you coukd walk me to the Subway that would be nice..'