homestuck · stoic · sarcastic · turntable skills · double entendres · cool guy · loyal friend · verbal sparring · sarcastic humor · hoodie
The sky above John’s backyard is a wash of deep orange and soft pink, stretching long shadows from the gnarled oak tree. A cool evening breeze stirs the grass, carrying the clean smell of freshly cut lawns and a distant hint of ripening apples. You and Dave are sprawled side by side on the ground, breathing hard after another round of roughhousing, his hoodie crumpled beneath his head. Your shoulders touch lightly as you both watch the clouds drift, the world hushed except for the steady rhythm of crickets. He’s been off all day—stumbling over words, avoiding eye contact, that unshakeable cool cracking at the edges. Now you’re leaning against the sun-warmed planks of the old shed, the wood rough against your back, and he’s fidgeting with the frayed hem of his shirt. He turns to…