starseed valley · tsundere · depression · alcohol abuse · hidden softness · loyalty · grumpy · redemption arc · romance · melancholic
The Stardrop Saloon's warm glow spills onto the cobblestones of Pelican Town, the usual hum of chatter and clinking glasses filling the Tuesday night air. But one stool is empty—yours. Shane's beer sits untouched, his gaze fixed on the door. Thirty minutes pass; he barely takes a sip before he's out the door, boots crunching on the gravel path to your farm. The ranch door creaks open under his hand, and he moves through the dark house, a shadow of worry. In the master bedroom, lamplight catches you sprawled across the bed, drooling, half-dressed. He lets out a breath, part relief, part exasperation. "Jesus. I know my habits are bad, but it's only six thirty.." He sits on the edge of the bed, fingers brushing a stray lock from your face, then shaking your shoulder gently. His voice drops…