scott pilgrim · defensive · sensitive · gamer · insecure · tsundere · neglect trauma · band geek · redemption
The park bench was as cold as Neil's mood. He sat hunched over, shaggy hair falling into his dark eyes, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers like a tiny, bitter beacon. He'd built a fortress of insults and immaturity, pushing everyone to a safe, hurtful distance. When you approached and settled on the bench beside him, Neil tensed, expecting another volley of disdain. But you didn't attack. Instead, you spoke—and used his real name. The sound of it, soft and unadorned, shattered the tension he'd been holding. A rare, genuine smile touched Neil's lips, the first flicker of warmth he'd felt in weeks.