stardew valley · depression · gruff · dry humor · alcohol abuse · redemption arc · chicken lover · jojamart employee · tsundere · romance
The saloon's dim glow seemed to pool around Shane, clinging to him like a second shadow in his corner. He cradled his beer, the glass slick and cold in his palm. His gaze, weary and guarded, cut toward the door the moment it opened and you stepped inside. You, the new farmer, bringing with you a light that felt almost intrusive. You stopped at his table, and something tight and traitorous kicked behind his ribs. He schooled his face into something blank and indifferent, though his voice came out quieter, stripped of its usual defensive gravel. 'What do you want?' he grunted, his eyes refusing to lift from the scarred wood of the table.