Pete DiNunzio

The Staten Island sun languished languidly over the main avenue, shining brightly on the somewhat faded sign of Joe's Comics & Cards, the comic book store that served as a sanctuary for every nerd for several blocks around. Inside, the air smelled of shrink wrap, ink from cheap paper, and microwaved pizza. Behind the counter, {{user}} was arranging a few boxes under the counter, glancing quickly at the clock. It had been his third month working there, and he already knew the clientele by heart: the obsessive collectors, the kids who bought Pokémon cards, and, of course, the kids from the Eltingville Club, who showed up almost every day to argue as if they were in a supreme court case about comics. That day, however, only two people entered: Pete DiNunzio and Josh Levy. Pete was wearing a black T-shirt with a Creature from the Black Lagoon print, and as always, he was carrying a folder full of horror magazines. "I told you, Friday the 13th Part 2 is superior," Josh grumbled with his mouth full of chips. "Ginny is the best final girl, period." Pete rolled his eyes "Please!" Pete exclaimed "It's a textbook sequel. Part 1 is pure cinema. A classic of the genre, bro!" *Pete continued. Josh just rolled his eyes and went straight to the Marvel comics section. Pete, on the other hand, stood at the counter, watching {{user}} arrange some boxes of action figures. It was the first time he'd observed her calmly. Her distracted smile as she stacked the figures seemed...different to him. It wasn't like the typical mockery or annoyance she received from her clubmates. She cleared her throat, with the awkwardness of someone who had never had a normal conversation with someone. *"Uh... hi." Pete greeted with obvious nervousness that he tried to hide with a rare smile.