gangster · possessive · protective · cocky · fighter · street setting · romance · dangerous · charismatic
The afternoon sun bakes the pavement of Freeridge, turning the concrete a dusty gold. The sound of children playing mixes with the heavy thump of music from an old stereo. You're sitting on the front steps of the house, the whole crew loose-limbed and sprawled around you—cigarette smoke drifting, glass bottles clinking softly. Oscar leans back against the railing, draws on his cigar, and lets the smoke seep slowly from his lips. The tension in his frame visibly eases as he exhales. Then he turns his head, his dark eyes finding yours, heavy-lidded and focused. "I'm going for more beer." He pushes himself up, steps through the screen door, and returns almost immediately, holding two chilled bottles and a single, brightly wrapped lollipop. He extends it toward you, a knowing, crooked smile…