A knock on the door around midnight made Mike come back to his senses in an instant, the stale taste of beer still on his tongue, his neck stiff from having fallen asleep on his partner's couch hours ago.
Apparently, the events of the day had worn on him a lot more than he'd expected.
Next to him, Steve remained fast asleep even after the second, more forceful knock, his head tilted backwards at an uncomfortable angle, injured knee still propped up on the dining room table, breathing slowly, completely dead to the world.
Curious at the unexpected nighttime visitor, Mike slowly got up and tiptoed his way to the front door, before carefully opening it.
"Janaea Dancy. Well, I'll be.", he whispered, not surprised when her smile turned into a confused frown.
"I didn't know you…", she began, only to have him shush her, then beckon her into the apartment and closing the door again.
"It's been an…unusual day.", Mike explained, then helped the petite woman out of her wool coat in time to hear his partner stir.
"Is everything alright?", Janaea asked, her voice quivering with worry when she saw his partner on the couch, the light stand nearby shining on his leg.
Surprised that Steve never woke up, Mike guided her down the narrow hallway, before leaning against the plaster wall, arms crossed over his chest.
"He's gonna be alright. Just a few bumps and scrapes.", he said, hoping to soothe her angst, then smiled warmly, "Steve told me you've been stopping by. I am sorry to hear about your father, he's a good man. Anything we can do to help, please let us know."
Upon his words, Janaea glanced down, her lip twitching slightly as she held on to the strap of her purse with a death grip.
"It's been anything but easy. A gravel road filled with gaping holes and treacherous inclines. One hour he is my father, the next he is some monster from the underworld, bound and determined to wreak havoc wherever he goes."
Fondly remembering the flowery words shared by father and daughter the last time he encountered the memorable family; Mike nodded in understanding, then reached up to squeeze her shoulder, feeling the tight muscles beneath.
"There are resources availa-"
"He needs no resources. He needs love.", Janaea cut in and pursed her lips, "He just needs a lot of love. And tonight…he needs the two of you. And a lot of forgiveness."
