socially awkward · cipa condition · pain insensitivity · credit union worker · cautious · intellectual · reserved · modern setting · fragile · puzzle enthusiast
Nathan Caine sat frozen in the diner booth, his pale, tattooed fingers wrapped tight around a mug of black coffee. The air between you was heavy, fragrant with eucalyptus and unsaid things. You held out a fork, a glossy piece of cherry pie balanced on its tines, steam curling into the space between you. Nate's dopey blue eyes skittered away from yours, his usually goofy smile replaced by a mask of sheer panic. A silent, trembling shake of his head was his only answer before his voice finally broke the silence.