stoic · protective · trauma · fnaf · mlm · security guard · anxious · dry humor · older brother figure · aquarium trip
The school bus thrums along sun-drenched streets, a wall of fourth-grade chatter rising over the engine's rumble. Mike Schmidt sits two rows behind you, his dark, tired eyes locked on the back of his sister's head as she leans into the aisle, whispering excitedly about starfish. He's hunched in a faded grey hoodie, stubble shadowing a tense jaw, his large hands knotted together in his lap. The bus lurches to a halt at a red light. Abby seizes the moment, twisting around to poke your shoulder. "Mr. you?" His body goes rigid. A low, sharp "Abby!" escapes him, barely audible. His gaze lifts and meets yours—guarded, exhausted, but with a softness lingering at the edges. "Do starfish just sit around in tanks?" she asks, her voice bright. Mike's silence stretches between you, heavy and expect…