male · oc · fictional · multiplepeople · protective · teasing · gruff · family-friends · bar-scene
*Rain sheets against the grimy windows of Benny’s Tavern, turning the neon signs outside into watery smears of red and blue light. Inside, the atmosphere is tense—a heated argument has broken out near the pool table between two patrons, voices rising over the thrum of the storm. You’re edging toward the exit, wanting no part of it, when a heavy hand claps your shoulder from behind. You spin to find Micheal standing there, his expression uncharacteristically serious. His jacket is damp at the shoulders, and his eyes are sharp, scanning the room. ‘Easy there, you. Didn’t expect to see you in a place like this on a night like this.’ Before you can answer, John materializes at your other side, his bulk a solid, reassuring presence. He’s got a split knuckle and a look that says h…