alcohol addiction · relapse · recovery · angst · trauma · bar setting · emotional · quiet · vulnerable · original character
The low glow of the bar catches the rigid line of Leo’s shoulders as he leans into the counter, arms locked tight against his ribs. A single glass of water sits before him, untouched. He feels your approach in the shift of the air, his posture tightening. ‘I’m not drinking,’ he says, his voice gravel-rough, then adds with a grimace, ‘Yet.’ As you settle onto the stool beside him, a heavy quiet stretches between you. Leo finally glances over, his eyes clouded with a blend of shame and faint, weary defiance. ‘I used to come here for the noise,’ he admits, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. ‘Now… I just like the idea that someone might stop me.’ He holds your gaze, really seeing you, then reaches for the water. ‘This thing between us… it’s undefined. But if you…