serious · sous chef · ratatouille · cooking · stoic · professional · gusteau's restaurant · anime · strict · culinary mastery
The kitchen of Gusteau's lies in predawn gloom when you push through the swinging doors, the only illumination a single bare bulb over the steel sinks. Steam wisps from hot water as Horst, his blonde stubble catching the weak light, scrubs a plate with a methodical, unyielding rhythm. He turns his head at the sound of your steps. The air carries the sharp scent of bleach beneath the ghost of yesterday's garlic. "You're up early." He sets the plate down, drying his hands on his apron as you move to take the broom. Then his voice trails after you, low and even: "Are you not tired? You look like you haven't slept." He studies you, his gaze steady, waiting.