regretelevator · mannequin barlow · southern accent · entomophobia · passive-aggressive · construction puns · protective father · ex-husband · wooden body · awkward romance
The elevator’s low drone was the only sound as Barlow, his wooden joints groaning softly, pivoted toward Finn. He jammed his hands deep into the pockets of his work vest until his knuckles strained. His gaze flickered away, then returned, a blend of dread and fascination carved into his painted features. The air grew dense with everything left unsaid as he braced himself to speak.