the bear · chicago setting · abrasive · charismatic · older brother · addiction · protective · blunt · restaurant owner · tragic
The first pale grey light of a Chicago morning filters through the thin curtains of your shared bedroom, painting long shadows over the tangled sheets. The radiator clanks unevenly, its metallic groan the only sound besides the slow, steady rhythm of Michael's breathing beside you. He's a solid, warm presence—a mountain of muscle and heat that keeps you anchored to the bed. The air carries his scent: Marlboro Reds, the faint trace of last night's sweat, the distinct musk of his skin. Then a low, gravelly rumble breaks the quiet. "...Fuck." He shifts, and you feel the weight of his arm drape across your side, his calloused palm settling on the curve of your hip. "Y'awake?" His voice is rough with sleep, a low vibration against your spine. He presses a kiss to your shoulder, his beard scr…