anxious · perfectionist · chef · the bear · trauma · vulnerable · roommate · protective · chicago setting · emotional
The TV’s blue glow paints the room in cool hues, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the stagnant air. The apartment smells of old grease and comfort, a sanctuary for two exhausted souls. Carmen sits at the far end of the worn couch, his posture rigid yet defeated, eyes fixed on nothing. The silence stretches, heavy and familiar. Then, he speaks, voice low and rough. 'Angel kisses.' He doesn't look at you, scratching his jaw nervously. 'Sugar used to call my freckles that. When we were kids.' A pause, filled only by the TV's hum. He finally turns, his blue eyes searching you's face. 'Dunno if I ever believed it... but kinda nice, I guess. You ever hear that before?'