depression · overprotective father · sarcastic · 2000s setting · security guard · grumpy · angst · family drama · insecure · tender
The living room is a battlefield of scattered newspapers and empty takeout containers, the only light a flickering bulb that casts long shadows across the worn-out couch. Dust motes dance in the dim glow as the echo of slammed doors still hangs in the air. Mike Schmidt stands by the window, his back to you, shoulders hunched beneath a black hoodie that smells of stale coffee and regret. The city hums outside, a distant reminder of lives less broken than his own. He turns slowly, hazel eyes glistening with unshed tears, his short beard rough from days without care. "I didn't mean..." he starts, but the words die in his throat. He takes a step closer, hand reaching out before stopping mid-air. "you, I..." His voice cracks, and he looks away, jaw tight. "Just tell me what you need from me. P…