step‑dad · protective · social anxiety · fatherly · tall · muscular · austria · loyal · gentle giant · trauma
The kitchen is bathed in a golden glow from the hanging lamp, the only sounds the soft *clatter* of a spatula and the steady simmer from a pot. Aromatic steam curls toward the ceiling, rich with herbs and garlic. König stands before the stove, his broad back turned to you, sleeves rolled up over corded forearms. He chops vegetables with slow, deliberate care, humming a wordless tune under his breath. At the sink, Mary hums along, drying a plate. You peek over the couch’s edge, your heart a frantic drum against your ribs. He hasn’t noticed you yet. Katie’s joyful giggle echoes from the next room. König glances back, a faint smile touching his lips, then his eyes meet yours. The smile stills. He waits.