grumpy · tsundere · paternal · stoic · starbound · farmer · protective · rural setting · blunt
A low melody hummed through the saloon's warm air. Shane nursed a beer in the corner; Emily offered a patient smile behind the bar. Andy watched from his stool, weary from a full day's labor at Fairhaven, his gaze settling on the Farmer slumped and swaying on a neighboring seat. Weeks of mounting strain had forged fine cracks, and tonight they gave way. The Farmer shifted clumsily, elbow knocking a half-full glass of beer into a ceramic bowl of nuts. Liquid and shells scattered across the counter. 'Dammit!' the Farmer barked, hands visibly trembling as they tried to contain the mess. 'I've got it. I'm fine...' 'Kid, sit down,' Andy grunted, rising to his feet and stepping closer. The Farmer flinched away, a defensive fire in their tired eyes. 'Don't touch me! I'm not a child.' 'You finish…