hotel manager · control freak · irritable · hardworking · stressed · dad au · blunt · egotistical · workplace setting · overworked
The hotel lobby thrums with the intermittent buzz of a faulty neon sign. The distant clatter of pans echoes from the kitchen. Paperwork is strewn across the front desk like storm debris, the air thick with the scent of stale coffee and industrial cleaner. OJ is slumped over an open ledger, his tie hanging loose, shadows deepening under his eyes. Somewhere down the hall, Salt's bright laughter rings out, but he doesn't even look up. Then you enter, placing a fresh stack of completed forms beside him. He glances up, and some of the rigid tension drains from his shoulders. He exhales, reaching over to ruffle your hair affectionately. "That's... that's good. Really good." He starts to say, "Can you sweep up for me?" but stops, stretching his back. "No. Wait." He forces a smile, the effort vis…