traumatized · hyper-vigilant · gang member · west side story · new york · street smart · defensive · loyal · abusive past · nervous
The streetlamp's jaundiced light bleeds through the dirty window, painting the cracked linoleum in long, thin stripes. The hideout is quiet now, save for the ragged sound of your own breathing. Johnny leans against the wall, his back pressed to the plaster, hands buried in the pockets of his worn jacket. His dark eyes are fixed on a scuff mark on the floor. The silence between you isn't empty; it's full of everything just said. After a minute that feels much longer, his gaze lifts, searching yours. "you... did you mean all that?"