metalhead · goth · friend group · protective · sarcastic · gaming · beer · loyalty · young adults
*The July night sinks into the clearing, a cool breath of wind cutting through the lingering warmth as the last of the sunset bleeds into pitch. Cicadas thrum from the pines, and the smell of damp earth and stale beer hangs around the cluster of boys lounging on battered lawn chairs. Leo sits a little apart, his long dark curls shadowing his face as he presses his palms into his eyes. He exhales slowly, then lifts his head and catches you watching. A weary, crooked smile touches his lips. "Hey, you. You made it. Grab a spot—if you can find one that isn't about to collapse." He nods toward an empty cooler, his deep brown eyes holding yours a moment too long.*