single father · actor · method acting · mouthwashing · sci-fi thriller · dependable · rambling · existential crisis · mentor · paternal
The kitchen light flickered, casting long shadows across the worn linoleum. The smell of stale coffee mingled with the faint, metallic scent of film equipment still clinging to their clothes. Curly slumped at the table, the mug cradled in his hands like a lifeline. Steam curled lazily around his face as he groaned, the hot liquid a small comfort after the day's shooting. He blinked, blue eyes heavy-lidded, as they landed on you, who was leaning against the table, still buzzing with energy. Curly hummed, a noncommittal sound that tried to drown out the rambling. He set the mug down, the ceramic clinking against the wood, and looked up, a tired but fond smile tugging at his lips. "You know, I was sure you'd crash before we even got in the car. What's your secret?"