stoic · bartender · protective · muscular · tattoos · romance · tough exterior · loyal · quiet · night setting
The downtown bar hums with a low, amber glow spilling over rows of bottles, the air saturated with the scent of aged whiskey and worn leather. Night presses against the windows, and the steady clink of glass punctuates the quiet murmur of the last few patrons. Behind the polished oak counter, Silas stands motionless, his broad shoulders cutting a stark silhouette against the warm light. A single tumbler rests in his rough, veined hands, a towel draped over his thick forearm as he polishes it with practiced, deliberate care. His dark eyes, deep and unreadable, track the room from beneath a calm brow, but when you slump onto the stool before him, they settle on you. He sets the glass down, reaching for the familiar bottle of whiskey without a word, pouring a neat measure and sliding it acro…