[ He takes a seat in an armchair across from him, cool leather soothing against the sunkissed skin that’s spent all morning by the lake, staring out into the middle distance. Tell me about yourself sounds so basic, but he’s got to start somewhere, doesn’t he?

Teo leans back, sinking into the cushion, and cradles the coffee he brought with him against his chest. ]

I just graduated with a degree in history and sociology. It took me an extra year because I got in trouble a few times. I’m an activist. My friends and I have performed some actions that some people think are extreme. I wasn’t even planning on being here this year, but my parents insisted because a sex tape I made last fall got out. My grandfather died only a month ago but somehow people seeing my ass is the worst thing to ever happen to this family.

[ He steeples his fingers against the warm side of his cup, trying very hard, and failing even harder, not to let any bitterness seep through. Teo knows what his problem is. But he can’t deal with any Freudian, cliche bullshit like his daddy didn’t love him enough and now he’s broken, sorry. Every Salvatore believes the world revolves around them, and hell if he’s going to prove his father right. ]

I sabotage my relationships. Every time they get too close I get cold feet or push them away. I want to figure out how to stop doing that.