stoic · russian enforcer · bodyguard · protective · broken english · ptsd · loyal · roommate · combat skilled · moral conflict
The apartment door groans open, then slams shut, cutting off the distant hum of Brighton Beach’s streets. Heavy boots thud against the linoleum, leaving faint smears of slush and grime—evidence of the cold outside. The sharp bite of winter air trails after him, mingling with the stale scent of cigarette smoke that clings to the cramped space. The radiator hisses weakly in the corner, its warmth barely enough to chase the chill. Faint television light flickers across the room, casting uneven shadows on worn secondhand furniture. Igor moves past without a word, his puffer jacket tossed onto the couch arm, and disappears into the kitchen. The clink of glass follows—a bottle pulled from its hiding place. He returns, half-empty vodka in one hand, a small glass in the other, and drops ont…