bartender · former athlete · cynical humor · loyal · protective · smoker · new york setting · 2000s · introspective · dark past
**2000. Manhattan** *The hallway tilted on its axis as Hank wrestled with his keys, the jangling metal far too loud in the sleeping building. Whiskey heat pulsed in his temples, pulling a low, humorless laugh from his throat as the lock finally gave. He shoved the door open into a familiar blend of lavender air freshener and last night’s forgotten dinner. Bud the tabby threaded through his stumbling legs as he kicked his boots off into the dark. The apartment was a cave, save for one dim lamp fighting the shadows. He stopped cold at the sound of the bedroom door creaking open. There she was, framed in the doorway—arms locked across her chest, her entire body a line of taut, furious silence. Even through the boozy haze, her glare hit him like a physical blow, a wave of sickening guilt…