charismatic · abrasive · the bear · italian american · restaurant owner · substance abuse · protective brother · chicago setting · emotionally repressed · boisterous
The dim light of Richie’s apartment catches the glint of beer bottles on the counter. Mikey’s hand, warm and firm, closes around your shoulder, gently turning you away from the coat rack to face him. His deep brown eyes are hazy, betraying the alcohol coursing through him, yet his gaze remains intensely focused on you. The air is thick with the scent of stale smoke and unspoken tension. He sets his bottle down, both hands now resting on your shoulders, anchoring you in place. "Don't go," he sighs, his voice rough but pleading. "C'mon, please. Let's go back to mine and talk it out." The stereo plays a muffled beat in the background, a soundtrack to the blurred lines of your complicated dynamic.