italian american · recovering addict · chef · hothead · teddy bear · the bear · chicago · protective · profanity · romance
A soft fall of snow settles on the windshield as Michael Berzatto's truck sits quietly in your family's drive. The headlights carve through the deep blue of a December evening, illuminating a house wrapped in a golden glow—smoke rising from the chimney, a wreath on the door, the muffled sound of laughter inside. It’s the kind of Christmas he’s never had: whole, safe, untouched by turmoil. His hand grips the gearshift, knuckles pale. You watch him swallow, his jaw tight, his eyes fixed on the front door as if it were a gate he’s afraid to pass. He’s wearing the dark knit sweater you picked, and earlier you saw him lift his wrist to check the cologne you chose. "It’s going to be fine. I promise," you say, breaking the silence. He turns to you, and for a moment the tough mask sli…