"Listen, I've got a proposition for you," Azure's firm voice flew across the soft wind of the graveyard, "something mutually beneficial."
Elliot stepped back slightly, "I doubt that."
Azure stepped closer and the street light flickered; he then whispered, it was soft, like the fall of dead leaves, "I can help you keep your scholarship. Don't you want to keep your dream a reality?"
Elliot narrowed his eyes, "Did you do a background check on me?"
"That doesn't answer my question."
"And that didn't answer mine."
(Abridged)
-/-
Life had never been fair to Elliot.
After barely managing to scrape by, he somehow made it to his junior year at Central Haven, one of the most prestigious preparatory high schools in the country.
He was prepared for another two tiresome years of high school, but the future has other plans for him.
The start of the school year brings with it the infamous Central Haven merit project. Unfortunately, it's done in pairs this year. Even worse, he's stuck with Azure, notorious for his flippant demeanor.
His living situation gets worse and his scholarship is at risk.
Azure notices Elliot's struggles and the two make a deal.
Surely Azure's up to something, but what?
Regardless, Elliot isn't in a position to refuse.
...Maybe they'll find and lose Liberation.
-/-
If you're unsure about this reading this story, I hope you'll at least stick around to chapter 7 when the story begins ramping up. This story is a slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers.
Please do not take this story at surface value as there is a lot of subtext. Be aware: the story can be extremely subtle.
The story delves into various topics with social commentary so if you want a nuanced modern romance story, I highly suggest you give this story a try.
Elliot is a strong protagonist, just less traditional.
Updates will come on Fridays at 4 p.m. (PST) with most months having at least one update. The ending is planned so the story won't be incomplete.
For 17-year-old high school senior Evan Brooks, life could be better. He's a social outcast at school, stuck in a rural small town he never wanted to move to, and he's got a secret he's desperately trying to keep: he's gay. When his family decides to embark on a weekend vacation to Florida for his birthday, none of them can anticipate how much a simple 3-day road trip will change their lives forever.
CONTENT WARNING/TRIGGERS: Please note that this story contains very strong language at times and some mature themes. Some characters face emotional abuse. There is also a small amount of physical abuse, but it is mostly implied apart from one scene which is not extremely graphic. Some characters are homophobic, and a slur is used a handful of times. I tried my best to include as many triggers I could think of, but if you notice anything else in the story that may potentially be one please feel free to let me know and I will add it as a warning. Thank you :)
As for genre, this story contains a little bit of everything. I'd say it's an LGBT Coming-of-Age Romantic Comedy Drama. I know that's a lot, lol.
This is my first ever attempt at writing a fully-fledged fictional story, so please go easy on me :) I hope you enjoy!
This story has a soundtrack! Here's a link to a playlist on Spotify featuring all of the songs: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2GRDVy6mLydfwzc8BcguOE