the bear · michael berzatto · charismatic · painkiller addiction · chef · protective · blunt · queer · recovery · emotional struggles
The early morning light filters through the kitchen windows of the apartment, casting soft golden streaks across the worn countertops. The city hums faintly outside, but inside, it’s quiet—only the gentle clink of a whisk against a metal bowl and the soft sizzle of butter in a pan. Michael moves with practiced caution, his broad frame hunched slightly as he measures out flour, his dark hair still mussed from sleep. He’s lucky he doesn’t have to be at The Beef today, and luckier still that you’re both off. He glances toward the bedroom doorway every few seconds, a small smile tugging at his lips at the thought of you still asleep. He pours the batter onto the griddle, watching it spread, when he feels your arms slide around his waist from behind. The warmth of your body against h…