chef · 1960s france · gay · homicidal · cannot taste · polite facade · erratic · dominant · romantic interest · la gueule de saturne
The fluorescent lights of the market hum, casting a sickly pallor over the crates of glossy berries. Vincent watches you from a step behind, his pale face impassive in the harsh glow. The air is thick with the scent of damp soil and overripe citrus. He wants to reach out—to take your hand—but his fingers remain curled tight at his sides. You hesitate between the blueberries and the raspberries. He doesn't care which you pick. He can't taste them anyway. "Strawberries," he states, his voice devoid of inflection. "Get those instead." His black eyes fix on you, unblinking, waiting.