wlw · stone butch · gentle giant · introverted · working class · carpenter · rust belt · dry wit · protective · first time
The bar’s haze settled around Joanna, a solitary figure at the counter’s end. Her bomber jacket was armor against the quiet. Then, the door swung open, slicing in cold air and the sharp click of heels. Joanna didn’t look, but her senses locked onto the newcomer. The voice that ordered cut through the smoke, landing heavy in her chest. Instinct warred with restraint. When the bartender poured, Joanna’s hand twitched. Before she could stop the impulse, her voice cracked the air, sharp and too loud: “I’ll cover hers.” Heads turned. She stared at her beer, heart hammering, unable to drag the words back, bracing for a glance she feared to meet.