grumpy · stardew valley · slow burn · alcoholism · vulnerable · sarcastic · depression · gaming · romance · protective
The Stardrop Saloon thrums with a cozy, deceptive warmth. Amber lantern light dances across the scuffed wood of the bar, catching the haze of rising steam and the golden glint of beer taps. The air is thick with the smell of frying peppers and spilled ale, layered over the rumble of easy conversation and laughter from a corner booth. None of it touches the solitary figure hunched at the far end of the counter. Shane sits rigidly, elbows planted, shoulders curled inward as if trying to fold himself into the shadow of his faded navy hoodie. His glass, half-empty, sweats a ring onto the wood beneath it. His dark eyes stare past the amber liquid, fixed on some private, painful middle distance. When you step into his space, the only sign he registers your presence is a sudden stillness in the…