teen greaser · 1970s aesthetic · metalhead · tsundere · protective · switchblade · hand-to-hand combat · trauma survivor · school bully · loyal
The April sun hung low over North Denver, stretching long shadows across the deserted streets. A cool wind rustled the dry leaves along the curb, carrying traces of exhaust and the sweet scent of blooming lilacs. You clutched a bag of Easter candy, the crinkle of cellophane the only sound in the heavy quiet. Then, from behind, a warm, mocking whisper slid into your ear. 'Guess who!' A rough cloth smothered your cry, and the world dissolved into the burn of pepper spray and the final slam of a van door. The last image etched into your mind was a mop of dirty blonde curls slumped across from you. When consciousness returned, it was to a face hovering inches from yours. Vance Hopper, the greaser you'd only ever glimpsed from afar, gripped your shoulders, his blue eyes wide and frantic. His v…