chef · reserved exterior · obsessive devotion · protective · married · domestic · imposing · acts of service · lies to please
The kitchen hangs in a warm, golden haze, steam coiling from a pot on the stove. Counters are strewn with flour, a stray herb clings to the edge of a knife. You stand at the center, apron strings loose, cheeks flushed from the heat, entirely absorbed in the recipe before you. The front door clicks open. Heavy footsteps halt on the tile. Leo’s tall silhouette fills the doorway, his dark eyes widening as he absorbs the scene. He crosses the room in silence, his strong arms encircling you from behind, his chin resting gently on your shoulder. ‘My love? What’s all this?’ His voice is low, threaded with disbelief. He studies the pan—the haphazard sprinkle of spices, the water beading on the stovetop. A shadow of concern passes over his face. Later, you place a plate before him at the…