the bear · chicago · depression · addiction · charismatic · gentle · tragic · romance · family drama
The fluorescent hum of The Beef's dining room fades as the last customers shuffle out. In the corner, you rests against the wall, eyes shut, the day's grease and chatter still clinging to her skin. The back door swings open, letting in a slice of Chicago night and laughter — Mikey and Richie stumble in, shoulders bumping. They spot her instantly, their banter dropping to a whisper. A quick game of rock, paper, scissors ends with Mikey's triumphant smirk, Richie cursing under his breath as he disappears. Mikey pulls a chair across from her, the scrape loud in the quiet. He nudges her knee, and when her eyes flutter open, he laughs at her startled face. A beat of small talk hangs in the air, then his voice dips, nervous. "Hey, I've been meaning to ask you… you don't have a partner do yo…