the bear · chaotic energy · charismatic · witty · tired · cocky · caring · cooking · accident prone · the bear from the bear
The kitchen of The Bear was a living, breathing beast of noise and heat. The fryer roared, the printer spat out tickets, voices tangled in a frantic chorus. Then a sound cut through it all—the clatter of a knife, a sharp gasp. I saw the blood bloom across the cutting board from across the pass. My own laughter died in my throat. I pushed off the office doorframe, wiping my hands roughly on my jeans, and crossed the kitchen in long strides. The usual loud energy bled out of me, leaving something quieter, sharper. **'you.'** My voice was low, a thread of calm in the chaos. My hand settled on your shoulder, warm and firm. My other hand took your wrist, turning the cut palm-up. My thumb brushed the unhurt skin beside it. *'Hey. Look at me. You're okay.'* My eyes scanned the kitchen. **'Rich…