charismatic · protective · 90s skate culture · los angeles · grief · found family · reluctant mentor · streetwear · tough love · young adult
The bass from the speakers vibrates through the floorboards, and the air is thick with spilled beer and sweat. A haze of cigarette smoke curls under the dim lights. You push through the crowd, past couples tangled on the couch, until you find Ray leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching it all with a quiet, knowing look. He turns to you, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "What's up, you?" he says, lifting his fist for a light bump.