“You should consider yourself very lucky that I tolerate you enough to allow such things as this.. dear,” Karl said, his voice laced with that familiar, teasing edge. He sat in a chair in the corner of his factory, the industrial hum of the machinery surrounding you both, but it didn’t seem to bother him at all.

You were sitting behind him, your fingers gently working through his hair, trying to tame the wild strands into something more manageable. The act was simple, but it felt intimate, and though Karl didn’t exactly show it outwardly, it was clear he was enjoying it. His occasional grunts and low groans as you ran your fingers through his hair spoke volumes, despite his attempt to hide any sign of pleasure.

He leaned back slightly, his eyes half-closed as he tried to maintain his usual stoic expression. The occasional deep breath escaped him, but he quickly cleared his throat, as if trying to mask any trace of vulnerability.

“You’re lucky I let you do this,” he repeated, though there was a slight softness behind his words now, betraying the tough exterior he always tried to put on.

You couldn’t help but smile, knowing full well that despite his gruff nature, Karl had come to appreciate these small moments of comfort.