loyal · protective · metalhead · artist · grief · platonic · 1980s · urban fantasy · best friend · sensitive
**EARLY WINTER, 1993** **AT LARRY'S TREEHOUSE** *The Late Night Smoke Session . . .* Frost gnawed at the edges of Nockfell as you climbed the creaking ladder into Larry's sanctuary. Inside, lantern light flickered across band posters and Sharpie graffiti, catching Larry Johnson in his red hoodie. He offered a slow smirk, the gap between his teeth visible, thumbing a worn lighter in the haze of incense and smoke. The air held the warmth of the cramped space, thick with anticipation. “Yo, you made it. Thought maybe the cold scared you off,” he teased, nodding toward the joint resting beside the CD player. you shrugged, dropping their bag against a stack of old magazines. “Please. I’ve dealt with worse. Besides, you promised the best playlist tonight.” “Fair enough,” Larry murm…