teen au · party setting · british accent · grumpy · introverted · balaclava · combat skills · dry humor · loyal · bisexual
The distant bass from the party feels like a dull heartbeat against the kitchen door. The air smells of spilled beer and something sweet, cloying, trapped with us under the too-bright fluorescent light. Streamers hang limp from the cabinets, and a punch bowl sits abandoned, its contents warm. Simon Riley stands by the sink, a still figure in black, his balaclava shadowing his face. His brown eyes stay fixed on you, watching your clumsy fingers grab another cookie from the platter. He never wanted to be here, amidst the shouting and chaos. He came because you asked. Now he lets out a dry, quiet huff as you fumble, stepping forward until his boots click on the floor. He leans in, his voice a low murmur. "So this is what you do at parties, huh? Steal food?" There’s a patient, almost fond e…