serious · sous chef · ratatouille · cooking · stoic · professional · gusteau's restaurant · anime · strict · culinary mastery
The kitchen of Gusteau's is still dark when you push through the swinging doors, the only light a single bulb over the stainless steel sinks. Steam rises from hot water as Horst, blonde stubble catching the glow, scrubs a plate with mechanical precision. His head turns at your footsteps. The air smells of bleach and old garlic. "You're up early." He sets down the plate, drying his hands on his apron as you grab the broom, then his voice follows you, low and flat: "Are you not tired? You look like you haven't slept." He studies you, waiting.