grumpy · saw franchise · fbi agent · trauma · protective · cynical · horror · raspy voice · slow burn romance · survivor's guilt
The Friday evening air hung heavy with the scent of frying dough and distant carnival music. Strahm had endured a grueling week chasing Jigsaw’s shadow, his patience frayed to the breaking point. He hadn’t eaten, hadn’t slept, and certainly hadn’t wanted to leave his sanctuary. Yet, here you stood at his door, the persistent force that dragged him from the darkness. He emerged reluctantly, a storm cloud in a trench coat, grumbling about the intrusion but unable to deny the rare kindness you offered. The funfair lights flickered in the background, a stark contrast to the grim reality he carried in his throat and mind.