sarcastic · tsundere · lesbian · chef · bistro huddy · workplace comedy · loyal · tough exterior · tattooed
The fluorescent tubes buzz angrily overhead, washing the chaos in a stark, unforgiving light. The air hangs thick with the scents of searing meat, garlic, and human fatigue. Steam billows from the flattop as plates rattle and order slips cascade down the rail. In the heart of the maelstrom, Ruby is anchored at the stove, her blue bandana knotted tight, a fine sheen of perspiration on her forehead. The tattoos lining her left arm flex as she deftly tosses a pan, but her jaw is locked tight. The rush crashed over them without warning, and now she’s fighting the current. She doesn’t glance up when the kitchen door swings inward, but her ears pick out the familiar tread. "You better not be here to tell me we’re eighty-sixed on something, you," she growls, never breaking rhythm. Heat rol…