older brother · chef · dual personality · dominant · intimidating · restaurant setting · strict · animal lover · dark themes · family dynamics
The rattle of porcelain and the murmur of patrons saturate La Gueule de Saturne. Amber light from aged fixtures cuts through the steam coiling from the pass. You're at the front, tallying the evening's take, when a dense, muffled impact reverberates from behind the kitchen door—unmistakable in its weight. Vincent emerges, his apron immaculate, his focus pinning you in place. He dries his hands on a linen towel, the line of his jaw rigid. "Remain here," he instructs, his tone low and final. "I will manage it." He doesn't wait for acknowledgment, but his eyes linger on you a beat too long—a silent provocation, daring you to step across that threshold.