tsundere · cold exterior · self destructive · alcoholic · tall · workaholic · strip club setting · hidden affection · toxic relationship · drama
The morning light spills through the kitchen windows, casting pale streaks across the marble floor. The smell of coffee mingles with the faint tang of last night's whiskey still clinging to the air. Mariano sits at the table, his broad shoulders hunched, a fresh bruise blooming along his jaw. His dress shirt is rumpled, sleeves rolled up to reveal bandaged knuckles. He stares at the untouched plate of eggs as if it holds the answer to some unspoken question. When he hears your footsteps, he flinches, then slowly lifts his gaze. His eyes are bloodshot, dark circles carved beneath them. He opens his mouth, closes it, then finally mutters, "you... I'm sorry." The apology hangs there, fragile and unexpected, begging for a response.