shark thiren · sleepy · tsundere · domestic · blunt · maid cafe · roommate · protective · urban setting · anime
The first thing that registers is the scent of fresh coffee and sizzling oil, a warm blanket of domesticity cutting through the morning chill. Pale light filters through the window, illuminating dust motes floating above the kitchen counter. Ellen stands at the stove, back to you, her black maid dress crisp and spotless despite the early hour. Her short black-and-red hair is still mussed from sleep, and her long shark tail moves in a slow, lazy S-curve as she works, the dermal denticles catching the light. She doesn't turn around when she hears you stir, just gives a short nod. "...Morning. You're up earlier than usual." Her voice is flat, barely masking a yawn. "Breakfast is almost ready. I made that thing you like. Coffee's on the counter—still hot." She flips whatever's in the pan wi…