#carmen berzatto x black! reader

[cloveroctobers]

Carmy Berzatto — summer prompts 🍋

A/N: heavily influenced by this TikTok [user: addamsfilms] that put out the idea of bringing Rory culkin onto the show as Carmy’s blood cousin so here it is. Always liked rory so I thought why not? Also watched the show with Rory’s character they mashed up with Carmy’s “the expecting” and it was definitely weird af but I’m not really taking it in that direction lol. Definitely ended up completely different than I originally started! Some light hearted moments from a light hearted OC/Reader with a touch of heaviness because it’s still the bear after all.

*GIFS BELONG TO: @quinzelgifs + @pranink & @thepunkpanther

PROMPT from this list here: Making popsicles.

WARNINGS: kinda lengthy if you have the time, platonic carmy relationship? You tell me. Language ofc + things get physical somewhere towards the bottom, let us pray for Carmy 👀

✧ ˚✩‧₊˚ ⋆·˚ ༘ * ✧ ˚✩‧₊˚ ⋆·˚ ༘ * ✧ ˚✩‧₊˚ ⋆·˚ ༘ * ✧ ˚✩‧₊˚ ⋆·˚ ༘ *

there’s this dull feeling that sits in the center of her chest but after a couple of breaths and the longer she stares at the boarded building, it goes away for now. The air is misty, the sky grey with a faint of yellow behind it; in the shape of the sun begging to be released. She’s not sure how long she’s been rotating her view of staring at the becoming of the bear and the sky but after awhile her body moves her inside.

Inside provides better warmth from Chicago’s spring that she’s peeling off her trench coat. She smells plaster, paint, and dust first before she studies the new layout that’s in mind for the restaurant. It feels much more open than the last time she set foot in here and although it’s only been a few weeks, she still feels like she might have missed out on a lot.

It’s loud inside the bear, drilling, the talking—yelling—it’s the same thing around here and knocking filling her ears as her brown eyes drift back to the only greenery inside. Her eyes go wide as she slowly steps forward to the potted Strelitzia, birds of paradise—if you prefer simpler terms, leaves beginning to droop and tan, later also finding no other than a used cigarette in its dry soil.

She lets out a scream, gaining the attention of Manny and Angel first who are quickly alerted with her presence, wearing their protective head gear before footsteps follow.

“Hey, there she is!” Richie yells as she stands up straight from her leaned over position, “welcome back to the hell hole, starstar!”

She blinks and places a small genuine smile on her face, “It looks great so far but tell me why there’s a cigarette just chilling in my plant?”

Richie glances at the said item and raises his hands in surrender, “wasn’t me this time! Take it up with thing 1 and 2.”

She dips her head, tongue pressing to the roof of her mouth until Richie brings her into a embrace, lightly shaking her from side to side. She swallows the smidge of annoyance for now, a simple hand going around to place on the 6’1 man’s back for a moment.

“Good to see ya!” Richie clicks his tongue just as more faces appear from the kitchen.

First it’s sweeps followed by Tina and Tyler who halts at the door.

“Starla! Sup girl! How’s that stomach treating you?” Sweeps holds out a fist for the girl to bump who snorts as her knuckles touches his.

She knows the man is lightly teasing her, as he analyzes the wall before taking a comfortable lean against it. Starla picks up on this and makes a mental note to ask about it later but she’s still a little annoyed that her baby is slowly failing.

“Yes, mama. How are you?” Tina wraps her arms around Starla, tenderly rubbing her back before moving to stand beside her, arm still wrapped around her waist.

“Eh…a lot better.”

Sweeps comments with a chuckle as he munches on some chips, “We told you not to eat that shit.”

“You did. I just didn’t want to be rude you know?” Was Starla’s reply as Sweeps shook his head.

“And where that get you huh?”

Richie sneezed and sniffed, “Yeah, starstar! You’ve got to kick that people pleasing habit out the way!”

This the young woman already knew, even when Tina nodded her head and continued squeezing her to her side. It was two weeks ago when she decided to try out this new “gourmet” food truck probably six blocks over and ordered some curry goat. She sent pics to the group chat and you already know that shit was fired up—except for the lack of response she received from Carmy.

Not that it mattered anyways, Starla still ate the meal in front of the owners because she was simply starving and on lunch break. Food poisoning was not fun or a good feeling but for the sake of not embarrassing the cooks on the truck…Starla ate the meal. It originally wasn’t horrible at the start, it also wasn’t the best flavor wise but it was ultimately the after that utterly destroyed Starla’s insides.

Which ended up with a nice trip to the hospital and a ugly bill in the mail a week later. Yes she was a woman down for a little while, which sucked for the bear since they needed all the help they can get. It was crazy to not only Starla but to be aware that the goal was to be open in May was mind-boggling. There was so much to do on the list and with Starla being around part-time, she helped out when she could.

Now she was back and she still didn’t know what she was stepping into.

“Hey Star,” Tyler takes his opening as he smiles at her from across the room.

Star smiles back, “Hey, Ty.”

“Glad you’re feeling okay.”

“Thanks, me too.”

Tina hums up at Starla who shushes the older curly haired woman as Tyler moves where the main counter used to be.

“I thought I heard a familiar voice in here,” Sugar greets as she leads the way with Carmy and Sydney not far behind, “how are you? Doing okay? Missed you.”

Starla lightly laughs as the blonde ambushes her with questions and hugs, “I’ve missed you too, Nat.”

“Jesus, let the girl breathe, will you?” Richie calls out while Sugar turns a icy glare to the man with the sledgehammer.

“How’s billy?” Sydney asks afterwards, “…you know the goat?”

“Wow, that joke was awful. Hi, Syd.” Starla says with her usual smile full of laughter lines as the girls share a high-five in greeting.

Starla adds, “I’m definitely vegan now and I’m also wondering why no one’s been looking after my plant.”

Of course Starla knew this was a big request to ask of anybody here and she asked numerous of times if it was okay to leave here. She was met with lots of reassurance from the Berzatto siblings and Sydney that it was fine, just to be met with her dear Cecil fighting for his life here.

“Oh fuck.” Sugar hisses as she peers over at her brother who holds a hand up from his crossed arm position, “I knew we were forgetting to do something.”

Starla pouted as she shifts her jacket from one arm to the other, “It was my mistake for thinking that this currently boarded up place had enough light for my baby.”

“It does—

Carmy starts…

“It will!” Sugar and Sydney say at the same time as Carmy starts speaking a word to Starla.

Tyler raises a finger, “I wish I would have known that was your plant, I would have taken it back to mine and my mom, who’s in town, could have looked after it. She’s good with things like that.”

“Oh no, you’ve done more than enough,” Starla fans her hand at the bandana wearing man, “Thank you though.”

Tyler dips his head with a smile again and Carmy picks up on this. It was no secret that Tyler’s been the most hands on when it came to Starla falling ill. Starla was not expecting this and appreciated the rest who did reach out to her considering they were all under intense pressure. A simple text was fine every now and then just to check in but Tyler felt the need to show up with remedies of self-care packages with the time he did make for her.

It was also no secret that Tyler had his eyes on Starla. How he would get caught just staring at her adoringly from across the room, completely checked out from any conversation he may be having with anyone else. He reached out to Carmy after hearing from Uncle Jimmy about the “shit ton” of help he was going to need in rebuilding the family business.

Carmy was reluctant on bringing Tyler in but he knew he needed more cooks and sure Tyler was only used to preparing diner meals (since that’s all he worked in back in Massachusetts and what he was familiar and comfortable with) but breakfast was Tyler’s specialty, he was eager to learn the ropes, and he had his own special craft.

Who was Carmy to deny that?

Carmy and Tyler weren’t the closest growing up, with Tyler only being a year older but it’s not like they saw each other a lot back then either. If Carmy told you that his mother, Donna Berzatto was a lot…then you can only imagine her younger sister, Lydia, who happened to be Tyler’s mother.

Donna was three years older than Aunt Lydia and once upon a time they were proven to be very close growing up from the bits and pieces Carmy remembers. Apparently Lydia was a, “Prissy man stealing whore and if she had the chance she would have stolen your father if he wasn’t in love with me instead!”

Whatever transpired between his mother and Tyler’s had nothing to do with Carmy’s relationship with his cousin. They just never saw each other, Tyler was heavily into science as a kid, with aliens being at the top of the list, and easily socializing with others whereas Carmy had a stutter that made him shy, studying denim along with ways to style jeans snd preferred world travel books. They emailed a couple of times as kids until Tyler started going to camp and Carmy rather stick to seeing what Michael was up to.

“Look uh, Star. I’m sorry about the plant—

“Cecil.”

Carmy blinked, “what?”

“His name, it’s Cecil.”

Carmy looked around at all the other faces in the room with him right now, resulting in wide eyes from Sugar, a shrug of shoulders from Syd, a stern look from Tina, amusement on Tyler’s face and Sweeps just continued eating unfazed.

“Show some fucken respect, Carmy. StarStar said the things name is Cecil. Cecil the plant! so address it as such!” Richie yelled out to the stressed man.

Starla thought she saw Carmy’s eye twitch and she was expecting that to become an argument between the two men—like usual—but Carmy simply just ran his hands over his face in distress. Exhaling he stepped forward to rest his hands on Starla’s shoulders.

“Want to catch up in the kitchen for a sec, Star?” Carmy asked, peering at the woman.

Starla answers, “sure.”

And with that they exit the deconstructed room to head into the kitchen together but not without a set of wondering eyes. Starla follows Carmy into the office where he awaits for her to take a seat while she’s stops, staring at the hole in the wall.

She pointed while Carmy exhales, “just another thing to add to the list.”

“Okay…so fill me in.”

“Have a seat first.”

“Oh god.”

“No, it’s not anything like that.”

Starla takes a seat, eyes going over some paint swatches for the new office and tilted her head at the sight, trying to fully picture it.

“First and foremost, how are you holding up?”

Starla wiggled in her seat, fixing her imaginary bow around her neck, “Oh! Just dandy, Mr. Berzatto. I sure do appreciate your sentiments.”

Carmy snorts, reaching forward to lightly shove her knees away playfully, “okay, wise ass. No but seriously, you’re doing okay?”

“Always! Of course,” Starla beams with a fan of her hand, “When am I not?”

Carmy presses his elbows into his knees, “uh two weeks ago when you were puking and shitting your brains out?”

“I don’t need the throwback visuals. I lived it already, thanks.” Starla crossed one leg over the other.

Carmy clears his throat, “uh right, yeah. Sorry.”

“Uh huh…are you okay, Chef?”

Carmy shifts his eyes back from the tunnel that wants to set in, a flash of white almost appearing above Starla’s head as he focuses in on the question that’s asked of him.

“Hm?”

“Is something bothering you? Want to talk about it?”

“Oh no,” Carmy frowns with a brief close of his eyes, “I didn’t bring you back here to talk about me. I wanted to check in with you because I know I haven’t been as attentive as I could have been when you were down and I want to apologize for that.”

Starla shrugs, “all I care about is Cecil. His growth should be much bigger and that was a bit of a let down.”

Carmy begins bouncing his leg, “And I don’t ever want you to feel that way because of me, especially when it was my responsibility to at least look out for the damn plant.”

“Talk to it, water it, give it sunlight, and breathe it in.” Starla listed.

“…that salt you’re throwing…stings you know?”

Starla let’s out a small laugh, “well there was a cigarette just lingering in his soil. How is he supposed to grow if there’s nothing but toxins being placed on his roots?”

Carmy couldn’t say much to that since he couldn’t recall if he was the culprit who may or may not have thrown the stick in there on his way out. He also felt like Starla was giving him some philosophy lesson since she tended to do that without notice sometimes. And whenever he pointed it out, she’d just whisper her grandfather’s name who was a retired philosophy professor down at Columbia College Chicago.

“Heard,” carmy remembers to breathe, “I fucked up.”

“Kinda but that’s okay. I won’t hold it against you,” Starla placed her hand on top of Carmy’s, who briefly stares down at their hands together, “We all do sometimes and I’ll get Cecil back together.”

“I have no doubts about that,” Carmy answers, “you’re the one with the green thumb.”

“And apparently Tyler’s mom is too.”

Carmy sits back at that, suddenly quiet which makes a frown attempt to make it’s way on Starla’s round face.

“What was that?”

“What was what?”

“That thing you just did with your face.”

“I just look like this, what do you want me to do?” Carmy was confused and Starla can’t help but to snort out a laugh.

Starla gets to her feet, brown coat held in her hands, “okay car…”

“Are we good?” Carmy stares up at her.

Starla pauses, pretending to think about it, “Duh! I don’t know if you know this Carmy but i consider you family and you’re stuck with me.”

Carmy felt a crooked smile itching to break onto the corner of his lips but he just shakes his head at the brunette. He’s not sure how to feel about that or if he should feel a way about that but at least it’s something.

At least she’s not pissed at him.

The thing about Starla is you’re never sure when she’s upset. She’s usually the happy go lucky one in the restaurant, the soft spoken one. Carmy quickly learned why Michael liked having her around. She brought a sense of peace during the chaos. Starla was as interesting as it comes since she had the culinary experience but didn’t feel the obsession with it.

Cooking became a hobby and once it became a profession she learned it wasn’t something she was in love with like other chefs. She wasn’t ready to devote her entire life into the craft and respectfully she stepped away from it. Until she came across Chicagoland, ready to order until she heard Michael Berzatto yelling about the lack of ingredients. She stepped in with a suggestion and from there, Michael wanted her in the shop for her quick thinking but gentle nature.

It wasn’t a done deal by any means, she proved herself in the kitchen with her out of the box thinking. Yes she went to school for a year, almost two, which she learned a lot spending time in the Netherlands but that didn’t feel like her purpose. It just felt like a experience that she was grateful for and could share with others from time to time but she enjoyed the roots of culinary arts in different spaces.

Which means most of her time was spent working at farmer’s markets and tending to farms (yes in Chicago!) and community gardens. That’s where her heart lay but she had to be honest and say a piece of it would always be here too.

“Good, Good.” Carmy states as he’s now on his feet, resting his arm across Starla’s shoulder, beginning to lead her out of the office while his phone buzzes.

Starla sighs, “you know what would make this tense energy better?”

“What’s that?” Carmy searches his pocket for his phone, peeking at it but continued holding it in his hand.

She rests her head against his shoulder in deep thought, “Making popsicles.”

“Marcus is still in Copenhagen.”

“Please. I’m well aware, that’s my other bestie. Location on at all times.” Starla stares at Carmy as if he’s just offended her.

Carmy scratches at his brow, thankful that his phone stopped buzzing, “that’s a thing?”

“Heck yeah it is! You can’t just send my bestie away to another country and not expect me to not keep consensual tabs on him! And I would do the same thing for each and everyone of you if they decide to leave for awhile.”

Carmy stops walking as he looks at Starla, “and what if you decide to leave?”

“Then…I guess that means I’d truly wouldn’t want to be found. Which would take a lot for me to do, I’m sure.” Starla faces the wild-haired man who pinched at his bottom lip in thought.

Carmy recently had this dream—or nightmare of Starla calling it quits. He summed it up as Starla breaking free—and that’s on high school musical! There were haunting cellos, the setting was iridescent but gritty and Carmy couldn’t see Starla’s face. He just knew they were sitting face to face on a white solid floor that turned into milk and he kept wanting to reach out to her but couldn’t. He felt his mouth moving but couldn’t hear anything but the cellos.

carmy didn’t know what that would mean if that became reality.

“Popsicles in the middle of April? I don’t know about that, we’re still trying to get the repairs done because we really can’t fail another inspection.” Carmy informs Starla who grips his shoulders.

“Listen, we can all use a beach day.”

“I’m not going to beach.” Carmy’s nose scrunched in distaste.

Starla pokes at his chest, “Okay fine! We don’t have to physically go there but I’ll bring the beach to you.”

“How is that going to work?”

“You have all this extra space now.” She taps her temple.

“There’s mold in the back room, holes in the walls, Syd and I are still working on the menu, walls that still need to be painted, inspections that need to be approved, new furniture that’s been placed in storage—

“And we will get to all of that. I’m sure all of the progress that you’ve made still counts for something and I can’t wait for you to realize that.” Starla told Carmy as she squeezed his shoulders, “and I’m gonna make you a appointment with my mom so she can get those boulders out of your shoulders but first…popsicles!”

Just like a flash of a camera, Starla whirls by him, pushing the kitchen doors open as she claps her hands getting the attention of everyone, “friends! May I have your attention, please?!”

“Guys! Star’s talking!” Tyler calls out to the rest, eyes solely set on her.

Starla winks at the round blue-gray eyed man across the room in thanks before clearing her throat, “Carmy and I are proposing the idea of a summer’s day.”

“Which means what? I don’t follow.” Tina asks, figuring that maybe a new culinary term she may have missed out on.

“I’m gonna go striking?!” Richie raises his fist in the air with a wide grin full of teeth.

Sydney immediately shields her face, “Oh please no.”

“Hearing that is making me nauseous again.” Sugar covers her mouth.

“You better not, don’t nobody want to see that.” Tina points at the taller man who just kisses his lips at the Latina.

“What?! I’ve got a great body,” Richie defends, “Just ask Freya!”

Fak pokes his head out from around the corner, “I believe you buddy! I’ve accidentally walked in on them once—

“Whoa! Hey! Shut the fuck up, please.” Carmy scowls, not wanting his old time friend to finish that sentence.

“Love you man, thanks for having my back! Unlike some people.” Richie slaps Fak on his back while glaring at Carmy who sneers at him in response.

Starla puts her hand on Carmy’s shoulder while sending a look to Richie who stands back on the balls of his feet, slowly putting his F U motion down from his chin once he realized Starla’s brown eyes were on his.

“As I was saying…we’re bringing summer to the bear a little early! Which means—

She lightly bumps Carmy’s shoulder to finish, “which means uh, making popsicles.”

“Making popsicles?” Sweeps asks, “I’m down.”

“And what else?” Carmy whispers to Starla.

Starla tells, “and we’re gonna have a beach day basically.”

“How are we gonna do that? Are we actually going to beach?” Tina questions.

Carmy quickly tossed in, “No. we don’t really have the time.”

“But we have time to make popsicles?” Sydney holds her arms out in bafflement.

It’s Carmy’s turn to stare at his partner considering her very valid concerns, “Look I know this is unexpected coming from me. However I’m taking my conversation with Star into consideration and will allow this break as a uh—as a learning experience for us all. I’m not the best at desserts and treats so this’ll give us the chance to bond and get inspired by your inputs by contributing this to the menu.”

“Wow, Carmy. That was beautiful.” Fak cradles his wrench to his chest while Carmy just shrugs, briefly glancing at Starla who smiles at him.

Sugar lifts her shoulder, “whatever, I can use a beach day.”

“You just pulled that out of your ass but I’m fucken tired of looking at these walls so why not?” Richie tossed the sledgehammer over his shoulder, making Angel quickly side-step out of the way.

Carmy ignores Richie again, “Angel, Manny. You guys can head on home and we’ll save you some of the popsicles for you to try tomorrow. Thanks for your work today.”

“You got it boss.”

“Good luck!” Angel chucks up the deuces as he leads the way through the kitchen.

Tina raises her hand, making Carmy point at her, “Jeffery, you said you’re not much of dessert guy so who’s gonna lead us on this?”

“Is it gonna be you, Star?” Sydney asks.

It’s Tyler’s turn to raise his hand, “Um, I can show everyone.”

Carmy blows out a breath, “I was hoping you say that.”

Everyone found themselves gathered in the kitchen, the heart of the bear as Tyler awkwardly held everyone’s attention. Breakfast maybe his specialty but slushies counted as breakfast just as much as smoothies. And popsicles were in the same category right? Tyler knows what he was doing, he swears! Starla stood right beside him, resting a hand full of comfort on his arm which made him stand up a little taller.

“Walk us through the steps, Chef.” Carmy tells his cousin, swaying from one foot to the other as Tyler swallows his nerves but nods his head.

Tyler clasps his hands together, “Okay so popsicles. It’s a lot easier than some might think and I believe we have all the tools we need…depending on what type of popsicles we’re interested in making.”

“I’m sure whatever you choose will be tasty.” Sugar encourages as she leans against one of the tables.

Tyler smiles a bit at his family member, “okay so what you would do is select the fruits you want as your main flavors. I know we have some fruits we can spare, perhaps the raspberries and pineapples?”

“Whatever you need, Chef.” Carmy replies.

Tyler continues, “Thank you Chef. We’re going to chop those fruits up and set half of them to the side but depending on the consistency you want, keep to the side or you can blend the other half or the entire fruit if that makes sense. From there you want to pick your liquid, I personally think rice milk is fire and also your safe bet if you’re serving to a party of people for the first time.”

“Rice milk? That’s a choice.” Sydney hums as she takes this in.

“Yes, Chef. I think it has the best consistency out of all the milks but I’m sure you and Carmy will figure out the best options if this becomes a keeper.”

Sydney glimpses at Carmy who holds her stare before they both turn back to Tyler. Starla also takes notice of this but figured that their thing and has nothing to do with her so she gives Tyler her time.

He goes on about selecting a sweetener of choice, he likes agave nectar, and possibly a hint of something cool, which is optional, like mint whether fresh or with syrup along with a splash of lime. Tina, Sydney, and Richie are on chopping duty while Tyler, Starla, and sweeps tend to the liquids.

Carmy is supervising it all, watching syrup come together as one in a pot before they have to get combined with the fruit. Tyler asks carmy for a few important tools, curious if that was something the restaurant owned for this snack since it’s not what he used back home at the diner. They don’t have the right machine to freeze the popsicles in minutes, which is okay Starla notifies, saying that they can actually venture off to the beach day as she disappears for a good twenty minutes while the rest carry on.

Starla spins around Carmy, seeming brighter as Tyler is using a stainless steel confectionary funnel to pour the soup like popsicle into the molds that sat on the counter. He then encourages everyone to do the same with the set of molds before bringing them to the freezer.

“That shit looks good as fuck, how long do they have to sit for?” Tina asks with a lick of her lips.

Tyler is wiping his hands on a rag, “I’d say at least six hours.”

“Six hours?! It’s already three o’clock.”

Tyler pursed his lips but appears apologetic, “If we had those huge instant freezers then we wouldn’t have to wait as long but time flies fast.”

“I’m leaving at six by the latest, make sure you guys save me one.” Sugar orders with a smile.

“What’s next?”

Fak exhales, “Man, That was shortest break ever.”

“It’s not over yet,” Starla places her hands on the counter, “please head to the beach oasis where the lockers once were.”

Murmurs fill the kitchen area as everyone heads in the direction mentioned. There sat a few beach chairs, towels, decorative sand, a umbrella, a projector that showed the ocean, along with the nagging sound of seagulls, and finally LED studio lights that mimics the hot sun during a summer’s day.

“Whaaaat!” Fills the room as everyone stared around the space in awe.

Starla calls out, “Welcome to a beach day at the bear, friends!”

“There’s actually a cooler here full of beer, hard lemonade and sandwiches. I’m sold and I love you, kid!” Richie yells, ready to yank his arms out of his shirt but not without yanking Starla’s cheeks to place a kiss on her forehead before stalking back to the sand.

Starla watches in peace as everyone makes themselves comfortable from sitting down or lounging in the faux sand.

“You really went all out,” Carmy says from beside Starla, “how long have you had this planned?”

“It’s been on my mind for awhile actually but it really came into effect after I learned about all these inspections,” Starla confesses, “Go on, look at the water, listen to the waves and the seagulls. Really enjoy it and be one with nature.”

Enjoyment? What’s that?

Carmy scratches at his hair, “…I’ll try as long as you officially promise you’re gonna be with us on opening night?”

“Do you really want another chopped on your hands?” Starla inquires.

Carmy looks up at the ceiling thinking about it. He’s heard about Starla’s unaired episode on chopped and how that was the third straw on her not wanting to seriously cook anymore. He figured it was traumatic enough especially since there’s footage that’s not been seen. He felt for Starla truly but he wasn’t afraid to push because he felt she needed to be on his team. If Michael saw it in her then, Carmy definitely saw it too.

“You’re better than that.”

“Oh, I’m not so sure.”

“Practice makes perfect.”

“Nothings perfect and I accept that.”

“Well I don’t.”

“Carmy, Starla’s said before that she doesn’t know if she’ll be with us in the kitchen on opening night and we should just respect that. Im sure she’ll still be here to support regardless if she has on a apron or not.” Tyler cuts in, making them both realize that he had been right beside them this entire time.

Carmy turns his stare to Tyler then, “I didn’t really ask for your input on this, Tyler. I’m the one that gets the say on building this team.”

Tyler sighs, “I’m just saying if you’re trying to keep your team then maybe you shouldn’t just only see your point of view. That’s all.”

Carmy’s tone is clipped now, “I’m sorry, what the fuck are you talking about?”

“Starla’s been saying that she doesn’t feel enjoyment in cooking anymore. It just a hobby but Michael wanted her here and you’re kinda forcing her to still be here, although it’s part time. Don’t you get that it sounds like guilt tripping?”

“Are you serious?” Carmy glared at Tyler now, “do you honestly think I have to force anyone to be here? Like I’m not building this to actually be worth something? Worth something that people want to work here, put their soul into? Anybody can fuck off, including you.”

“Hey, Car.” Starla steps forward pushing his finger down as she looks back at Tyler who’s brows are raised, “Ty. Let’s calm down.”

“Honestly…screw that.” Is Tyler’s retort, “Just because he owns this place doesn’t mean he gets to shit on everybody else that may see and think differently from him. He doesn’t really appreciate you, Star. Not enough to let you go.”

“What’re you saying, you asshole?”

“I think you know what I’m saying, you’re just choosing not to hear it or deal with it.” Tyler is calm but his voice holds weight to it.

The sound goes right out of Carmy’s ears as Starla and Tyler share words. He didn’t know why Tyler thought he can come in here, after Carmy allowed him to be here and try to talk shit to him? Tyler didn’t know anything. He was just as new to this place as Carmy once was and he didn’t understand why Tyler felt the need to come at him right now? He’s been as patient as he can with Tyler, picking up on his weaknesses easily in the kitchen but kept them to himself.

He was family after all.

They didn’t get the chance to talk much when it came to Tyler’s personal connection to the kitchen or anything really but here he was speaking on Starla. Like Carmy was a crap person for wanting to see Starla reach her potential. He couldn’t fathom that Tyler was trying to tell him about her. Carmy’s been around Starla much longer than Tyler was and he didn’t miss how he was all puppy dog eyes whenever she was around.

He couldn’t blame him but he also couldn’t stand it.

Carmy usually wasn’t the impulsive one and tended to disassociate from all situations that ended up being too much. He was used to people belittling him and talking at him instead of with him. So he may have been triggered and didn’t realize that he pulled Starla out of the way to get to Tyler.

Until the sound entered his ears again.

“Carmy!”

It was sugar’s voice that brought him back into the scene. He was held up against the wall by Richie, with Sugar trying to get his attention but his eyes continued to search around. Tyler was getting up from the ground, holding his throat while Tina and Sweeps checked on his well-being.

On the floor sat Starla, holding her side, steel table slightly pushed to the side as her eyes swam with tears and Sydney stayed crouched in front of her. Both women turned their gaze to Carmy who was fighting to remember to breathe.

What did he do?

“You tried to rough him up, cousin.” Richie declared as Carmy’s glaciers fought to settle on Richie.

Sugar grips her brother’s face, feeling a bit of déjà vu, “ I love you, Carmen. Please…just calm down for me.”

And as he looked at his sister, he somewhat was.

“You good?” Richie asked, arm still pressed against Carmy’s chest but it was almost like he felt nothing.

Not until he noticed the swinging of the doors, signaling that Tyler was now out of the kitchen and Starla shakily beginning to collect her things.

“Star,” Carmy croaked out, “I’m—

“No!” Starla hissed before slamming her hand on the counter as Carmy almost moved to step towards her, “NO! You don’t get to act like that and expect me to be fine, it’s not right Carmy. This isn’t. I’m tired too and I don’t know how much more you think I can give.”

Carmy feels his stomach turning, like a washing machine off track—much like his own mind, “Don’t leave.”

A watery smile appears on her facial features then and she struggles to suck in some air, making a dull ache appear in Carmy’s chest at the sound.

He was the reason, he didn’t do enough.

“That’s the problem friend,” she gets out before she walks off with her things, taking the light right with her.

Carmy wants to be left alone, hours after that. He silences Claire, Sydney is at a lost for words and that’s another feeling he can’t describe as she leaves with his sister, Tina gives him a squeeze and a look to Richie who just nods his head, before she also leaves with Sweeps accompanying her as the night falls.

Richie knows that this moment was a huge one because he’s had plenty. Carmy needed help and if what he had with Starla is truly broken, he was going to need all the support he can get. Everyone in the bear has never had that on the outside and that’s one of the reasons why everyone’s connection is so strong on the inside. Perhaps that’s what brought them all together.

He doesn’t want to stare at the younger man for long, knowing that carmy would turn his anger on him so he leaves him in the kitchen and takes a seat on a bucket at the front of the restaurant, his desired spot.

That doesn’t stop richie from yelling that he’s here for carmy if he needs him.

He hopes one day he will as he lights up a cigarette and browses Facebook, seeing a picture of Tiffany with Frank on that jackoff’s page.

Richie should block him but can’t bring himself to.

Carmy is back in the freezer, door pinned back with a box full of beef stock as the light inside flickers above his head while he checks on the popsicles. He doesn’t have the energy to find a wooden stick, so he brings the mold back into the kitchen and pushes the frozen treat from the mold.

The popsicle slides against the steel table, leaving a light trail of its liquid behind. With shaky hands, Carmy scoops up the biting cold popsicle and let’s it sit against his skin for a minute before shoving it into his mouth.

It’s the right amount of sweetness and barley tart, as it melts against his tongue while he buries his head into his forearms that rests on the counter.

Blocking out the view of the kitchen and everything in between.

“Let’s go out.”

Starla doesn’t feel like it’s appropriate given the situation but the look in Tyler’s eyes at the front door of her apartment, she doesn’t argue much on it, tossing the ice pack into the nearby sink.

Sure she has words for Tyler too, like sticking his pointed nose in her own battles when it came to her friendship with Carmy but for tonight, she needs something else.

It’s raining hard as Starla sits on the passenger side of Tyler’s beat up pick up truck and he lets up off the gas as they locate a bar. He keeps close, attempting to shield Starla from the rain with his Jean jacket but it’s like she’s on autopilot, walking at ease; almost ahead of him as bits of rain falls over her, trying to knock her down.

Starla and Tyler both share that they aren’t much drinkers (Carmy too) so they limit themselves to two to three shots before Starla’s on the dance floor. Tyler doesn’t want to be a creep but he can’t help but to keep his eyes on the woman who gets lost on the dance floor, dancing the night away and keeping her distance away from anyone that tries to share this personal time with her.

How unlike her.

“She your girlfriend?” A brown skinned woman suddenly to his left asks with bangs.

Tyler stumbles, “ah, no. Just a friend.”

“Her lost.”

“No, it’s mine.” He sternly says to the woman who nods as she rests her hand on his chest in understanding.

Starla moved to the pulsating beat, tequila running fire through her blood with each twist of her body until she feels nothing. And when she opens her eyes to the shimmer diamond lighting along with the numerous of dancing bodies surrounding her…

She should feel alone like she commonly does in a room full of people but the gleam that outlines the frame of her being, tells her otherwise and the standstill in her movements gets her going to the beat again, head held back and arms raised high up to the ceiling with a smile splitting onto her lips.

Fear will no longer be welcomed here.

✧ ˚✩‧₊˚ ⋆·˚ ༘ * ✧ ˚✩‧₊˚ ⋆·˚ ༘ * ✧ ˚✩‧₊˚ ⋆·˚ ༘ * ✧ ˚✩‧₊˚ ⋆·˚ ༘ *

Continue along with my summer anthology series here.

[thatboisus]

“english isn’t my first langua—“ say no more.

[xblackreader]

[superhoeva]

𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧 - 𝐜. 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐨 (𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟, +𝟏𝟖) | had something like this happen to me the other day and it immediately made me think of bear + bunny <3

"bunny. hey, nope. no fuckin' way, you know the rules."

retracting your hand from the passenger door handle, you sigh with a slight smile. it was worth a shot.

"carmen, i open the door for myself all the time," you remind the man, whose already shaking his head. "plus, your hands are full. at least let me help with that–"

he cuts you off with a fast kiss to your lips. shuffling the three large bags of groceries in his hands, carmen sniffs in a lung full of fall air.

"i told you, 'm good. and no, not when you're with me, you don't. gimme a sec to put this in the back, yeah? please don't touch the door."

carmen ignores your pout and huff, placing the bags full of groceries in the trunk before hurrying back over to you.

"c'mere," he murmurs, pecking your nose before moving his mouth to yours. it's soft but still manages to steal away the breath from your lungs.

he only pulls away to look you in the eye, whispering out a small, "i love you, bunny. very much."

"love you more, bear," you whisper back, smiling at the flutters that travel through your chest.

"not possible," carmen tells you, moving to open the door. "hop in, gorgeous."

・゜゜・．

it's been at least thirty seconds, and he still will not move.

"bear, please."

carmen stands still, arms crossed with an unimpressed look on his face that reads i can do this shit all day.

"bear."

"bunny."

"carmen, please just go, we're gonna be late."

"no. not 'til you go first," he states, frowning up at the fact you're still holding the door for him.

shoulders sagging, you blink at carmen.

"baby, i'm just trying to be nice. hold the door like you always do for me."

carmen shakes his head with a lick to his lips.

"that's not necessary, pretty girl," carmen tells you softly, tenderly brushing the pad of his thumb against your jaw. the weight of the door leaves you as carmen grips the wood, pulling it back so he's the one holding it. "go, i got it. swear."

sighing, you grab carmen's hand and step through the doorframe. he trails behind you, shutting and locking the door before turning to look at you.

tightening his grip around your hand, he raises it to his lips to press a long kiss against the back of your palm.

"c'mon, let's go. before we're late."

carmen snickers at the light smack you give his arm.

the bunny and the bear au || bunny!reader and bear thoughts? <3

[melaninforkings]

a piece of me dies every time im reading a fic and taylor swift lyrics pop up😭 then i realize the description of the oc or “reader” are very white coded like OH! that’s not…

[carmensomnia]

cw blowjob, degrading..? but he’s saying it in a praising way i accidentally deleted this a couple of days and finally got around to reuploading

“you’re so nasty.” carmen murmurs, watching with blown pupils as you suck him off sloppy like you both like it.

lips slick and shiny, you kiss his tip and down his shaft, flashing your eyes up to his as you lick pretty over his balls, mouth open and tongue out, humming exaggeratedly with each glide of your tongue, your hand wrapped around his cock.

he’s in fucking awe, big tatted hands moving your curls out of your face and cupping the side of your face as you lick up the underside of his cock, letting your nose and tongue trace the veins there.

“sshittt,” he groans with gritted teeth and he throws his head back onto the wall behind him, but he couldn’t stop watching you even if he wanted, so he’s focusing his pretty blue eyes on the way you place another kiss on his tip.

and then, you take him all the way in, and it feels so good he almost loses it.

“fuckin unreal.” he whispers, and his hips jerk just a little, send his tip hitting the back of your throat.

and fucking god, you’re chasing that shit.

titling forward, you’re trying to keep him deep, keep him down your throat

he clocks it as soon as you do it, and— “you want that? want my fuckin’ dick back there?” and you do, so you’re taking him as far as you can, and he’s. . he’s gone. “you’re fuckin’— fuckin’ nasty. so- fuck.”

you feel nasty, but it feels good, feels so good to be seen like this by carmen.

he fucks into your mouth again, on purpose this time, and the determination, the glint, the arousal in your eyes has his feelings flowing out through his mouth. “want you to fuckin’ choke on it, can feel the back of your thro- fuck.”

again he pushes himself into your throat and you gag and moan around his cock, clawing at his stomach and the pretty curly hairs that frame his dick.

he shakes his head in disbelief, in reverence, cause what the fuck. chuckling almost incredulously. “no fuckin’ way,” slips from his mouth, and he watches tears well up and slide down your face, so fucking turned on and keyed up from watching you slut yourself out for his dick.

he finds a pace and you nod around him, letting the sound of his tip hitting the back of your throat ring out through the room. it’s fucking disgusting, the way spit drips down your chin, the way your glazed eyes are focused on his face, on his pretty fucking face, the way he’s unraveling at the feel of his dick hitting the back of your throat, at the sight of you on your knees sucking him off messy.

“so pretty,” he groans, big blues fixed on your eyes, big hands in your hair and on your face, “fuckin’ shit.”

[neonovember]

OH MY GOD CARMYS GF (READER) GETTING HER FIRST TATTOO AND HIM COMFORTING HER AND HELPING HER TAKE CARE OF IT DURING THE HEALING PROCESS OR WHATEVA‼️💳💥💳💥 IDK I WAS JUST SITTING HERE AND THOUGHT OF IT IF YOU DOJT WANNA WRITE IT THATS OKAY

could even make the tattoo be his name or his initial or somethin 🤯🤯🤭😏

love you and your writing 😚

thanks for keeping us fed 😌

carmen berzatto x reader

okay so yes, maybe hozier has jolted me out of my writers block. i'm just a women after all.

Inked Devotion

this request was fun! i really didn't know what to make the tattoo so i left it a blank slate for whatever you wanna imagine, hope that's okay!

word count: 1.7k

things; tattoos, mentions of braces, carmen's unyielding devotion to you

Your eyes dart across the tall walls lined with inked models and men in dark beards nervously. You can't shake the tension that seems to imprint itself under your skin, your knees jittering with a rapid tap against the linoleum floors. 

When you had brought up wanting to get a tattoo, a half joking mutter under your breath as you traced the many littered on Carmen’s body you hadn’t anticipated to actually go through with it. 

And yet here you were, shaking like a leaf despite the diffuser jutting out whisper of eucalyptus that was meant to be calming. Whilst Monica, a woman you'd meant a handful of times ran through the list of after care necessities you should be listening to.

You can’t though, you don’t hear a thing as you stare unseeingly through the dark auburn tresses of her short hair, wrapped up in the thoughts that have begun to eat away at the already dwindling confidence you had when you first walked in. 

“Hey, you still with me darlin’' Monica's Brooklyn drawl draws you back to her, and you duck your head sheepishly as you nod furiously. Like a goddamn high schooler getting caught looking out the window instead of listening to Hemingway.

Monica smiles toward you, humouring warmth filling her pale skin that, surprising to you, were incredibly stark of tattoos. In fact, if it weren’t for the posters taped to the walls, the black and white tiled floor, and the ominous tattoo bench in the corner you would have thought you walked it not the wrong place. It was stereotypical of you, and you had been a loud advocate for not judging a book by its cover, but goddamn, what tattoo parlour had potted plants and candles that smell like cinnamon?

“Sorry, uh, what did you say?” 

“It’ll be alright, the pain really does depend on each person but Larry here will catch you if you faint on my tattoo bed” Monica winks with a smile, and you shift your gaze to the man stationed unmoving near some marked drawers, the mass of muscle hidden beneath dark jeans and a shirt bursting out of him.

It wasn’t the pain you were worried about, you had period cramps that sounded worse than that, it was more so the prospect of having your virgin skin imprinted with something forever. You had never done something like this, teenage recklessness had passed you by without a blink, and you had little to show for it but carved words on your old dresser from a knife and a dark eyeshadow phase that lasted less than a month. 

It was a little pathetic, getting your first tattoo eons after any respectable age, and your trepidation seems blatantly clear as Monica shakes her head with a smile.

“Many people get their firsts well into adulthood, did I tell you about my last appointment? A 52 year old woman wanting a goddamn tramp stamp.”

You can't help but let a giggle out, the unsureness leaving you at Monica’s words

“You still want this right?’ Monica replies, and you shift your gaze to Carmen, who was already watching you fondly, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he pushes his golden strands back and gives you a nod

“It’s all up yo you gorgeous, if your having second thoughts there is a really good Thai place i wanted to che-” 

“No, no I want this”  You cut him off, and he chuckles softly, “Besides we already designed the stencil and everything” Carmen nods at that, placing his large palm onto your own, squeezing it with reassurance.

“Damn right we did, thinkin it's my best work yet” Monica chirps from the other side of the bed between you.

“Alright, just sit on that bed down there, get settles while I grab some things” 

You nod, walking stiffly towards the leather bed, tissue paper crinkly under your weight as you shift into a comfortable position. Your eyes follow Monica like a laser, watching as she santises her hands and slides on powdered sterile gloves. 

It reminds you of days spent in Dentists chairs, visions of rubbery fingers tightening wires into your teeth flashes behind the darkness of your lids. Funny, you had worried about your lack of experimental youth, and yet here you are now feeling like a kid again.

The thought makes you smile, and you open your eyes to feel the heated gaze of Carmen looming over you. Face distorting in horror when Monica’s tool makes a clatter, eyes widening comically in that way that always makes you laugh.

“Alright Doll, I’m just gonna need you to sit up for me whilst I get the skin prepped. Alcohols gonna feel a little cold to the touch, kay?” Monica says.

All you can do is nod as she rips open the matte packet, pressing it into your open skin shaved clean per her request a few prior. Who knew how much prep a tattoo would need, you were sure it was on par with even one of Carm’s dishes.

Unfortunately for you the only numbing cream useful for tattoos had something that would have made you break out in hives, so it was cold turkey for you. Monica had transformed the design into a stencil, and as she was transferring it into your skin it seemed to come to life all at once. 

You had spent hours going over designs, and whilst you were extremely happy with what you both came up with, it was like when the lines and shapes had traced your skin, you finally saw it. And the moment you did you couldn't stop the wave of emotion that rushed through you, filling your eyes.

“Hey, baby, hey what is it” Carmen rushed urgently, crouching down when he noticed the way you sniffled.

“Awe doll, you don’t like the design? I’ll change it in a flash, this is just the stencil it aint permanent at all” Monica quickly stopped, looking up at you with concern

“No no, I’m fine” You squeezed Carmen “It’s so, it's beautiful Monica” You rushed out, trying to ease the lines of concern that appeared on her face. Monica bloomed at your reply, fondness heating her cheeks as she traced your skin comfortingly.

“Thank you” You whispered to her as she shushed you.

“At least we got the crying bit over and done with, it might hurt less now” She winked, before reaching for her tattoo gun.

“Ah shit” You grunted, shooting daggers Carmen's way when he snorted out loud.

Returning to your skin, Monica pressed the pointed tip of the gun to your skin, the first sink of ink burrowed into your skin causing you to clench your jaw. 

Monica looked up to watch your expression with a smile,

“See, ain't too bad” Carmen replied before you gripped him white knuckled, making him wince regrettably.

It took some time, you won’t lie to yourself that is fucking hurt. But soon enough the sharp stab had resided to a dull ache, and you instead had become all too focused on the movement of Monica's hand swaying through the strokes of the design. 

You were in awe, she breathed her being into it, and as the design took inches and inches of your skin you understood why she was booked out for months. With one last intricate curl, and a wipe of cleansing soap across the inked skin it was finished. Revealed to both you and Carmen's eyes in all its glory, and you both just stared.

“God, now I wish my first was as good as that instead of wonky stick and poke” Carmen said after a pregnant silence had passed.

“It..wow, yeah. Yep, I want to be buried with this” You said softly, giddiness erupting in your body as you shook your hand grasped in Carmens.

“I’m glad doll, I mean this is meant to be professional but goddamn does your skin just take it. Fuckin’ gorgeous” Monica replied, leaning back as she places the gun on the table near.

“Hey, I'll report you to HR” Carmen bitterly replies, moving you closer to his side as you laugh.

“It’s my business, I am HR” Muttering under her breath as she rolls her eyes. Wrapping your skin in adhesive sheets, Monica repeats the after care instructions, thankfully and this time you listen.

Carmen had already grabbed your things, motioning for you to start heading out after you both furiously thanked Monica for everything. You crinkled with joy as she hugged you, breathing in the smell of old spice and medical grade rubbing alcohol that followed her. 

Her studded rings glistened in the afternoon sun as she waved you both goodbye, as you couldn't help but skip in your stride across the sidewalk. Finger tracing the raised blotted skin, whilst your other hand hung onto Carmen as he twirled you around.

“My gorgeous ink stained sweetheart” Carmen called to you, and you were brought back to his chest gently like a tide again.

“Thank you too, you know” You said into Carmen's cotton shirt. It was the one you got him after your first date, it had been a deep cobalt then. You regretted it just as you gave it to him, fearing you were being too forward. And then he wore it until it faded into a light blue.

“Wouldn't even have this forever on me if you hadn't been the one to bring it up again” You replied softly, fingers tracing his jaw.

“Would have spent a year learning how to tattoo myself if you wanted me too. Monica just seemed quicker” Carmen mumbled before you softly hit his chest with a smile.

“Hey, it’s true. Your skin deserves to be remembered, I could trace it till my fingers atrophied and I’d still have the memory of you under my skin memorised” Carmen divulged, eyelids drooping as he leaned down into your embrace. 

You shake your head, heart panging so deeply it hurt till you pressed your lips to his. Tasting the outpour of Carmen that he let loose into you everyday.

And Carmen had stayed true to his words weeks later when it had healed, tracing it till his fingers weren't enough. Till he had to wrap his mouth around it and taste it with his tongue.

He swears even your inked skin tasted sweet.

tags <3 @parmforcarm @hansfics @kpopgirlbtssvt @nolita-fairytale

[mcondance]

carmy’s arms have been literally plaguing me

he’s not too big and definitely not too little— just strong and built and firm and fuck

his arm wraps nice around your neck, your body pushed into the bed while he pumps into your sticky pussy, wet and messy and stretched.

air seems like something you’d forgo to be like this all day, caged under him with his big arm around your neck, the swell of his muscle tucked pretty around you, just tight enough to make your head swim, his other holding him up.

even still, carmen can't just take what he wants, so he's trailing his kisses from your neck and up your jaw, gracing your ear with his soft question, "you okay?", still rocking his hips against your ass.

"f-fuck," you gasp out, head still spinning and now even hazier cause of the tone of his voice, his breathy little slurred words.

"m okay, s-shitfuck, jus' keep f-doin' that."

carmy knows he can push your limits, so he squeezes his arm around your neck just a little tighter and he gets what he wanted— another gasp from your mouth and you clench so pretty around him, and he feels you wet him up even more, gushing out around his thick cock that has you feeling nice and full.

"mmhm, love it when you do that, get all tight around me, fuckin' heaven"

"gonna make me- make me fucking cum."

"so fuckin' desperate, gonna cum just from this." he's not even tryin to say what he's saying, not trying to degrade you, and the knowledge of his overwhelming admiration of your pleasure, the way he feels so fucked and used by this simple thing, and the feel of his arm getting tighter and tighter and fucking tighter has you slapping and gripping his arm as your climax hits you like a fucking truck, sensitive walls clenching so nice around carmen while he lets go so you suck in air, air that tastes so much fuckin' sweeter when it's been taken from you.

"fuckin god, cummin' so fuckin' hard f'me, can fuckin' feel that shit, perfect fuckin' pussy."

you cum without his hand on your clit, just the soft pressure from your body pressed into the mattress, the way you can still feel his arm ghosting against your neck while he keeps fucking you deep, prolonging your orgasm and chasing his.

"s-shit, you're tryna fuckin' milk me, pussy's so perfect, fuck." his last word slips into a depraved growl, desperate and broken. he tucks his head into your neck, his balancing hand gripping the messy sheets tight and his arm pressing softly around your neck again.

"god." he huffs out a moan, relaxing more onto you with one last rock, almost giggling at the sound of your blissed out moans and small gasps for air.

[baddestbittyontheblock]

february fic recs (2/2)

✦ dividers by @saradika-graphics, @gigittamic, @plutism ✦

Ⳋ᧙ hi everyone!! i've read a ton of fics this month, so i hope you all enjoy my faves of february!! Ⳋ᧙ ⑅part 1⑅

I made 2 post's for february cause it was too long lol

ᖭི༏ᖫྀ remember to like and reblog the works you enjoy in order to support each incredible writer!! ᖭི༏ᖫྀ

Ⳋ᧙ however, make sure you read the information on each story themselves such as triggers & warnings Ⳋ᧙

ᖭི༏ᖫྀ also, if you’d like me to remove your fic from this list, message me! ᖭི༏ᖫྀ

tlou

ellie williams

❀᧓ ellie fic by @elslvrsworld bbf!ellie x curious!reader | men dni, swearing, kissing, suggestive, brief mention of weed, corruption kink (if u squint), no smut (yet ;p) player!ellie, kind of innocent!reader, 1.6k words

-your brothers best friend.

❀᧓ in the pale moonlight by @sweetmourninglambie e. williams x fem! reader | weed usage lol, thigh riding, established relationship, clothed sex i guess, high sex (?), reader is a femme, fluff, kinda dom! ellie and sub! reader, and pet names, 2.7k

-the familiar sound of ellie’s lighter flickering to life caught your attention, enough that you turned away from the movie she had put on for the two of you to watch together.

❀᧓ late by @tashasbabe ellie williams x reader | profanity, strap rubbing, masturbation

-“i’m still thinking about you.”

❀᧓ ellie blurb by @moonalumi high sub!top ellie williams x reader | ELLIE BEGGING ELLIE BEGGING GUYS, fingering (r and e receiving) they do it to each other at the same time, reader and ellie also compete for dominance kinda, ma/mama kink

-a puff of smoke invades your nose and a coughing ellie causes you to lift up from your resting place on her chest.

❀᧓ ellie blurb by ^ ellie williams x reader | rough strap on sex from the back (r receiving)

-reader w ellies name tattooed on her lower back and when she surprises ellie w it ellie straps her from the back.

❀᧓ ellie blurb by ^ ellie williams x reader | nsfw 18+, scissoring/tribbing, ellie calling u mama

-messy nasty car sex w sub!top ellie

❀᧓ a dare to stupid by @undressrehearsal ellie williams x reader | nsfw, tlou au, college!ellie/reader, mentions of drugs, alcohol, drunk sex, oral (r receiving), 7.5k

-a drunken game of truth or dare overtakes your study session

❀᧓ ellie fic by @elslvrsworld f1 driver!ellie x girlfriend!reader | men dni, 2.0k words, porn w/ plot (kindof), wlw sex, oral (e!receiving), degradation (pretty vanilla), + praise, pet names (baby, mama, princess, etc;) vulgarity, profanity, dom!ellie, sub!reader, riding (r!receiving), smacking (like a lil tap), ellie refers to strap as her cock, overstimulation, nipple sucking, mating press (r!receiving), black reader, angry!ellie kinda dirtyy hollon

-ellie loses a race just by a second and needs a to place her anger somewhere.

marvel

wanda maximoff

❀᧓ her favorite drug by @scarletlizzard wanda x fem!reader | minors dni, drug use (marijuana), smoking, smut, cunnilingus, fingering, strap on use (r receiving), fluff

-your girlfriend is a stoner. one night, you decide you finally want to try some.

❀᧓ mind games by @wandasverison wanda maximoff x fem!reader | 18+, two second mommy kink, slight electrocution (if that’s even what you’d call it), smut for sure, oh yeah mind reading (major), mind altering? (slight? not really, just trippy Wanda powers)

-gf!wanda maximoff; reader makes a joke about Wanda invading their mind while they have sex, Wanda takes it a little too seriously and y/n makes it up to her with apologies and a little seduction.

natasha romanoff

❀᧓ let's run away by @marvelfilth natasha romanoff x f!reader

-it's your wedding day and you can't be seen with natasha

the bear

carmen berzatto

❀᧓ dad!carmen blurb by @gxtitobxby dad!carmen berzatto x reader

-i’m thinking of his little daughter one night, sitting at the kitchen table with her hair wet from the shower, brushed back and leaving a damp spot on the back of her pyjama shirt, and she’s having some fruit for dessert while you wash dishes and carmen prepares her lunch for school tomorrow, and out of nowhere she asks absentmindedly “daddy could you pack some extra please?”

❀᧓ the feeling by @thebearer carmen berzatto x reader | 18+minors dni. mentions of a gun and alcohol but not in a bad way lol? established relationship. slight mentions of a dom/sub dynamic. language. but really just fluff fluff fluff &lt;3

-a little tipsy, definitely hungry, and missing carmen, you find your way to the restaurant after closing to see him.

❀᧓ cute blurb by ^ carmen berzatto x reader

-carmy’s gf being dropped off at carmy’s restaurant (after closing) after another girls night, and she’s so drunk that she doesn’t recognize carmy for a second

❀᧓ sixth sense by ^ carmen berzatto x reader

-carmy has a sixth sense for when his gf hasn’t eaten. Even on the days where she has no headache, no aching tummy, he just takes one look at her and makes that one face and is like “Are you fucking kidding me?”

❀᧓ treat me tonight by @answer2jeff carmen berzatto x reader | fluffy smut, fem!reader, oral (fem receiving), piv sex (unprotected), both reader and carmen have a bit of a praise kink, brief hairpulling, the "L-word," established relationship, gets a little rough towards the end, back scratching, porn with no real plot

-"try it,"

❀᧓ girl dinner by @mayfieldss carmen berzatto x reader

-"what the fuck is girl dinner?"

❀᧓ more, more, more by @atrwriting carmen berzatto x coworker!reader | SMUT!, alcohol consumption, alcohol consumption with sex, smoking, p in v penetration, work relationships, overstimulation, carmen berzatto being an absolute mind blowing fuck

-you didn’t really know how it happened.

❀᧓ a little taste by @caramelberzatto carmen berzatto x reader | 18+, swearing, p in v, etc. afab!reader. no use of pronouns

-he called your name through the dark apartment, but it went unheard from where you laid, face down.

❀᧓ sunshine baby by ^ pre-fatherhood dad!carm x fem!reader | mildy suggestive content, pregnancy. fem!reader, use of fem pronouns

-the temperatures in the past week had sky-rocketed, leaving you sweating with even the slightest amount of movement, and that wasn’t taking into account the hot flashes that came with pregnancy.

❀᧓ yours, cb. by @lovebitters carmen berzatto x reader | fluff, 1.02k

-carmen writes a letter to you the day before he proposes, reflecting on your relationship.

marauders era

sirius black

❀᧓ sirius blurb by @wzrd-wheezes sirius black x reader | smut

-reader who has a hard time cumming and sirius helps with that

❀᧓ little lies by @amiableness sirius black x fem!reader | smut 18+, male masturbation, oral fem receiving, fingering, unprotected sex (pls be so careful!), reader wears a bikini top, and jealousy, 11.4k

-james asks sirius and y/n to pretend to date after he blurts out they are to lily.

james potter

❀᧓ late night snacks by @shiftermia james potter x reader, platonic!peter pettigrew x reader | fluff

-where james catches you and peter in the kitchens

❀᧓ end game by @pretty-little-mind33 james potter x slytherin!fem!reader | fluff/hurt and comfort, rivalry, chaser!captain!james, chaser!captain!reader, secret relationship (previous enemies to lovers), injuries, swearing, protective!james

-playing quidditch against your secret boyfriend is usually fun…

remus lupin

❀᧓ a christmas special by @moonstruckme remus lupin x fem!reader | mentions of alcohol, smut mdni, p in v, oral (fem receiving), praise, inexperienced reader, shy little idiots in love, 11k

-after christmas eve at remus' flat, thick snowfall prevents you from going home. he's more than happy to host you

❀᧓ grumpy x sunshine by @underoospeterparker  grumpy!remus lupin x sunshine!fem!reader

-"why the annoyed look, moons?" sirius laughed, nudging his best friend. "problems in paradise?"

poly!marauders

❀᧓ ❝i am half-agony, half-hope. . . i have loved none but you.❞ by @sunnami (1/2) poly!marauders x reader, (james potter x reader, lily evans x reader, remus lupin x reader, and sirius black x reader.) | reader is referred to as she/her and a mother throughout the whole fic[!], reader is a violent gremlin who craves blood but the marauders love you for that, implied child abuse[!], mentions of blood and violence[!], disgustingly sappy poetic fluff, no angst, happy ending, not proofread we die like finnick odair

-how the marauders loved you in their time. featuring harry potter the time-traveller and sixth-wheel.

❀᧓ ❝time will tell.❞ (2/2) by ^ poly!mauraders x reader, (james potter x reader, sirius black x reader, lily evans x reader, and remus lupin x reader.) | reader is referred to mum, with she/her pronouns[!], canon-typical violence [!], canon-typical deaths mentioned[!], very brief marauders as soldiers of the order[!], creepy old men being creepy[!], child abuse[!], pureblood arranged marriages, a minor character expresses wanting to die[!], depressed and traumatized slytherins, the capital is important[!], themes of misogyny [!], teen boys fuck around and find out there are consequences to their actions, THERE IS ACTUALLY A LOT OF FLUFF, angst, 9.5k

-❝you are loved. and harry thinks there is no better description that that.❞

❀᧓ you'd be the love of my life when i was young by ^ poly!marauders x reader (sirius x reader, remus x reader, lily x reader, and james x reader) | slight angst, fluff, lucius malfoy, happy ending

-gryffindors wear their heart on their sleeve when they fall in love. slytherins keep their heart locked far away to keep it from breaking.

❀᧓ possessive by @ellecdc poly!wolfstar x fem!reader | slight injury, nothing major, fluff

-“okay, well the wound is closed but there’s not much i can do about the bruising or the blood on your shirt.”

❀᧓ cute fic by ^ poly!WolfStar x fem!reader | territorial boyfriend, slight jealousy, dom/sub dynamics if you squint but SFW

-you weren’t hiding. not really...

but you were also sort of kind of definitely hiding.

❀᧓ funny blurb by @luveline poly!marauders x fem!reader | mdni please!, 1k

-“what is that?”

[orbitariums]

home this christmas | carmen berzatto x black reader smut

happy christmas! wrote this in a pinch, hope u love

also, all my steve rogers fic readers— what say i finish up girls on film over winter break? just for shits and giggles. enjoy!

the drive to your family’s heirloom brownstone in brooklyn was almost impossible as you and carmy took turns navigating the snowy roads and the panic attack that was new york traffic during the holidays. it would’ve been absolute agony if you weren’t right by your lover’s side and didn’t have tons of r&b christmas classics blasting through the entire time. at the first hotel, the two of you were too exhausted to even talk to each other, but carmen’s arm still found its way around your waist like something of an unconscious mechanism. you had to smuggle yourself free in the morning. by the morning, the two of you were determined to finish up the four-hour drive and make it home for christmas. 

no time for rest though. the minute you and carmy stepped in, you were bombarded with the sound of luther vandross belting christmas classics. the smell of good cooking — candied yams, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and glazed ham- overwhelmed your senses. any tension that had built up on the road was immediately released the moment you walked in, carmy holding a huge crate of ingredients that he would use to make chicken piccata.

“cuzzo!” squealed janae, your favorite girl cousin, and a recent howard u grad, as she ran up with her arms opened wide like a snow angel etched into the snow. 

“hey boo,” you grinned, basking in the warmth of her hug. you held on for so long— halfway through today’s trip, carmy’s car heat stopped working and the both of you had to opt for multiple blankets and layering up in all the coats and scarves you could find, plus whatever slightly warming object was in the back of his trunk.

“hi baby, hi carmen. merry christmas!,” your mother, hustling over to the sink with a large pot full of hot water cooed out.

“merry christmas, ms. __. so good to see you, can i help you with that?” carmen asked, setting down his crate and heading over to your mother, getting straight to business.

“carmen, you know to call me denise,” your mother nagged, waving her hand at carmen dismissively. “what i keep telling you about that?! you’re family. now leave me alone and ‘gon get started with your little chef shit over there.”

carmen smiled, that deep dimple sinking into his cheek that made you fall in love with him all over again each time you saw it. 

“yes ma'am,” he relented.

“ooh, your man is so fine, yn,” your sister announced as she walked into the kitchen. “and a gentleman, but we been knew that. hey, carmy. it’s good to see you, boy.”

“yeah, good to see you, too. how’s uhh— how’s benny?”

your sister scoffed,

“stupid, as always. and he don’t even cook. hey, yn!”

your sister laughed and pulled you into a hug.

“home sweet home,” you grinned, jumping right into the business of the kitchen. 

the rest of the day was chaos, but the kind you could only ever love. if anything, carmy preferred this chaos to that of his family’s thanksgiving and back home. this chaos felt organized and loving, not to mention hilarious. it took so long to convince your family that carmy could really cook, but once they finally met him just a few months before and he put down a peach pie like never before, they could not shut up about how fine and talented your man was, and how he was one of the good ones.

today, the same routine. this time, watching carmen cook for your family in your family home revved up a stir deep inside of you that would linger on your mind for the entire afternoon. everywhere you turned you couldn’t help but eye him — his big arms, littered with tattoos, flexing as he stirred a pot of mashed potatoes; the way his brow dug into his forehead with concentration as he definitively scattered parsley over the chicken; his tongue darting out to lick the side of his lip when he was focusing deeply on something. 

for the first time in the past 24 hours, you were practically separated from carmy. he was focusing on his dish and tending to the demands of the practically all-female kitchen (no men were allowed, bar for carmy and your aunt’s husband), so he didn’t get to talk to you, doubly engrossed in your christmas dinner duties, much either. though the times that he could sneak away or had to pass by you, he reassured you with a light squeeze around your hips or a hand on the small of your pack as he got by you. unbeknownst to him, it was only feeding the stir that was increasing by the hour between your thighs, and polluting your mind with the most unholy thoughts. 

the air was thick with flour, smoke, and the smell of a grand dinner by the time you all were finished cooking. while you let the food cool, you opened gifts. carmy had something for everyone in the family, even your baby cousins, nieces, and nephews. by the end of the gift opening, everyone had agreed that carmy was their new favorite. 

“merry christmas, baby,” carmy muttered against your lips, pulling you in for the first kiss you had shared for a few hours now. he placed your gift in your lap. 

“merry christmas,” you smiled against his lips, which tasted like sweet wine and marshmallows, as you pulled away. 

“c’mon now, what’d he get you?” your aunt hollered from her seat, clapping her hands together joyfully. 

you grinned, sloughing away the paper, which was wrapped to perfection, just like everything carmy dared touch. you nearly squealed when you saw the box: black and white with big bold letters: chanel. 

“baby, you did not,” you whined, frowning as you looked over at carmen. again that dimple reappeared and it took you everything not to jump his bones. he stroked his hand with his chin in that pensive way of his, his smile sheepish and yet smug.

“open it.”

you opened it slowly as if you were scared. then you practically tore it out of the box when you saw just what it was — the metallic pink chanel bag you had liked just once on instagram, posting it on your story with the caption “need.” you didn’t expect anything to come of that, and yet, here carmy was, going above and beyond to keep up with your expensive and exquisite taste. you couldn’t help but screech in excitement, waving the bag in the air while you stuck your tongue out.

“y’all look what my man got me!”

“my man, my man, my man,” some of your cousins echoed, humored, in the background.

the entire living room practically erupted with noises of affirmation and disbelief from your family. 

“girl, let me hold that for you!” your cousin janae pleaded jokingly. 

you broke out into a little dance on the couch, ending it with another kiss planted on carmy’s lips, pulling away with a loud smacking noise. 

“you really didn’t have to, baby. i love you.”

“i love you. that’s why i did it,” carmy grinned, his eyes boring deep into yours, promising his love to you. 

“i just know that’s right,” your mother called out. 

dinner was active and loud, as always. carmen’s chicken piccata barely lasted, and folks were starting to compare it to your aunt’s famous fried chicken, but carmy shut that down immediately.

“nah, don’t get me in trouble,” he smirked, holding the plate you had made for him. 

there was something so indescribably sexy about watching him just standing there. that he was so easily integrated with your family, so helpful, and charming enough to please your own mother and father had you weak in the knees. not to mention the insane gift. he told you he’d been saving up for a few months ever since he saw you post that, and that only made your heart melt more.

when carmy wasn’t so in his own head, he was a man of true, deep intention. you were the one who brought him back to homeostasis, to equilibrium. his mental state seemed to clear of all the “bad shit” when he laid his head on your chest, on your lap, your hands figuring their way through the ringlets of his curly hair. 

“yeah, don’t get him in trouble,” the aunt in question echoed as she walked past.

“don’t worry aunty, i still like your fried chicken better. sorry baby,” you awarded carmy an apologetic kiss on the lips. “but i stand on my shit.”

“as you should,” carmen nodded, an amused smirk playing on his lips. “you like other things about me better though, yeah?”

that last part came as a low murmur against your ear, his lips just barely brushing against the lobe. the words, in tandem with his warm, familiar breath fanning against your neck, made you squeeze your legs together involuntarily. you could practically taste the wine on his lips and it made you dizzy. the stir that had been brewing inside of you for an entire day now was now changing pace, becoming quicker, more violent. if you didn’t fulfill your needs soon, you’d overflow. 

you smiled to save face in front of your family, squeezing carmen’s hand as if to say “later.” but god, later couldn’t come fast enough.  

the rest of the night you were glued to carmen, practically hip to hip. you sat on his lap while your family talked around the tree, and he made sure his hands caressed your thighs ever so softly, just enough to keep you reeling from his trickling touch. you wanted him to squeeze, wanted him to sink his palms into you and then some. 

it wasn’t until nearly midnight that people started to pile out, and only then did you find it appropriate to head upstairs with carmen, bidding adieu to your family. 

“aww, it was so good to see you yn, and you, carmen. what a blessing you’ve been to this family,” crooned one of your aunts as she also made her way out the door.

“blessed to be here. thank you guys for welcoming me, seriously. i couldn’t be luckier, holy shit. excuse my language,” carmen rambled,

the words spilled out with ease because of the wine and because he genuinely felt this way. his whole life, he’d been blessed with found family, reminding him that sometimes water could be just as thick as blood. and when you came with the package? he’d never let go. 

people began to peeter out late into the night, and by the time everyone was gone, only then was it appropriate for you to bring carmy upstairs to get ready for bed. 

both you and carmy spilled out a few more jokes and goodbyes before you took carmy by the hand and led him upstairs. as you were walking up there, it hit you that it was his first time being in your childhood room. you only ever stayed here when you were visiting, so it still had a very y2k theme to it that you hadn’t changed since high school. a poster of lil kim with her legs spread was plastered on your walls, along with nsync, backstreet boys, and a couple other 90s-2000s classics. you still had a half-used bottle of juicy couture viva perfume on your desk, the bow wrapped prettily around the cap. 

“oh shit, it’s been a while,” you chuckled. 

carmen was taking it all in, looking around with a thoughtful grin etched across his lips.  

“always been a fashion girl, huh?” he prodded you.

“oh forever.”

you sidled up in front of him, so close you could feel him up against you.

“you were amazing today,” you reached up to kiss him as he towered over you, in height and energy. a soft, wet kiss that left carmy wanting more. so much so that he unconsciously wrapped his hands around your waist and pulled you in even closer. 

“yeah?”

“yes. i love watching you with my family. and with the kids, you just…”

“y’know, when i was cooking i kept feeling eyes on the back of my neck. any idea who that could’ve been?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow up as he gazed down at you.

you shook your head knowingly, pulling your bottom lip in between your teeth, returning his gaze tenfold.

“no,” you replied, your voice sweet like honeydew and so, so telling. 

“fuck,” carmy’s gaze seemed to deepen as his lids sunk lower, drinking in the sight of you. “don’t look at me like that, baby.”

he started to pull you closer towards him, back and back and back until you were plopped down on his bed. his legs, wide and bulky, forced you to spread yours over his lap, welcoming his thighs into a straddle. 

“like what?” you asked, your eyes twinkling as you looked down at him and he looked up at you, his hands roaming your thighs freely, like an expanse of land that was entirely his property. 

“like that, like you’re gonna make me do something you’ll regret.”

“regret? how could i ever regret anything you do to me, baby?” you questioned with a very intentional roll of your hips against him. you felt him grow, blossoming against your own crotch, which made you moan quietly.

“if you’re loud enough—” carmy punctuated his words with a kiss against your neck as his hands went to take off your shirt. you lifted your arms up and your shirt came sliding off, your skin exposed to the cool air. “you just might regret it.”

carmy kissed the side of your neck, eliciting a quiet huff of pleasure from your lips. you closed your eyes, allowing yourself to sink into the pleasure. his fingers danced delicately against your bare sides until finally, he rested the whole of his palms against your body, easing them up and down like he was smoothing you out. 

“mm, i’ll be quiet, daddy,” you hummed, arching your back just so, his hand connecting with the small of your back and fitting right in.

“take your pants off,” he commanded quietly, his eyes practically closed as he studied you with heavy lids. the exhaustion certainly didn’t assist the horny daze he was sinking deeper into, tired and full of lustful thoughts that seemed to weigh him down.

“only if you take your clothes off too, carmy,” you whined, but you shimmied out of your pants anyway, watching him with hungry puppy-dog eyes while he did the same, yanking off his shirt, belt, and pants and throwing them halfway across the room.

“and your bra, too,” carmy said softly, his words coming out delicate like petals falling off a flower. he was completely focused on one thing, and it was you— nothing else mattered, nothing else existed. time moved slow when he watched you like this. 

you started unhooking it, then carmy’s hands flung to your clasp to help you, removing it in record time and throwing it across the room. you opened your mouth to make a joke, but you were immediately silenced when his lips attached hungrily to your breast, closing in on the fat surrounding the small of your nipple while the other hand grasped onto the other. 

you whined quietly and started to roll your hips against carmy even more now, grinding deep against his crotch which was covered by his boxers. you could practically feel him poking inside of you, lubricating your pussy even more than it already was. 

“carmy,” you whined. “can feel you.”

“mhm?” he hummed brokenly, his breaths heavy and dysregulated. you were so warm, sharing in each other’s heat, in the still dark of your bedroom. the sheets all done up, practically untouched. he pulled away from your breast, unlatching with a soft pop of his lips. his hand replaced his mouth, feeling the warm trail that his lips left. “can feel you too, sweetheart.”

he let his hand drift down to your crotch, cupping you over your underwear, which had a big wet spot in the center. 

“yeah, that’s what i feel. you’re so fucking wet, honey,” he crooned into your ear, making sure his lips brushed against your earlobe before he traveled down to kiss on your neck some more, sending shivers down your spine that made you buck your hips involuntarily into his hand. carmy chuckled that dark, smug chuckle that made you hate him and want to ride him all the same. the kind that only came out when you were being desperate— when he had control over you and not the other way around. “what’re you doing, baby? go slow, yeah? be patient.”

he made a wreck of you, obliging you anyway by circling a finger against your clit through your panties, feeling the way your slick seemed to pool endlessly at his touch. wanting to feel it on your skin. 

“shut up, carmy, fuck!” you moaned quietly, your arms wrapped around his neck for balance. 

he played with you just a little more, wondering just how far he could take it until your quiet moans turned into pleading whimpers, until he made you start to beg just for his fingers, so that by the time he sat you down on his lap, letting you sink all the way down onto his cock, you had no more voice to beg. that was on his mind, and yet, in his tired, sex-drunk haze, he knew to give you what you wanted now, before you went and turned the whole house into a personal fuckfest. 

still, he couldn’t help but tease just once more. 

“it’s christmas, honey. what’re we doing?”

“i don’t care,” you huffed. “it’s practically tomorrow, it’s like 11:30.”

carmen nearly snorted,

“need it that bad?”

you didn’t reply, and so he asked you again, this time with a kiss of his lips against your neck, sucking and attaching firmly to the sweet, soft skin there, and with his fingers, pulling down your underwear. slick sounds filling the air as it detached from your wet core, a trail of your arousal in between the cloth and your heat. 

“hm?” carmy hummed, letting his fingers dance along your slit, ever so gently and delicately, like they were trailing up your entire being.

“god, y-yes, carmy. need it, need you. please,” you whimpered, muffled as you buried your head into the crook of his neck, lurching into him like you were surrendering, a natural lull you didn’t even realize you gave into every time without fail. full disregard, letting him take over, letting yourself let go. 

“need my fingers inside you, yeah?” carmy panted, finding it hard to control himself.

all he wanted was to be sheathed fully inside of you, whether that meant twisting you open with his fingers, lapping you up with his tongue, or fucking his cum into you as deeply (and quietly) as he could. he obliged, slipping one finger inside with such gleeful ease, feeling the digit get soaked in your arousal. 

you gasped sharply, lurching forward involuntarily. carmy brought you back down with another hand wrapped firm around your waist.

“no no no, stay right there. and answer me, what do you need?” 

“need you carmy, need your fingers, please, another,” you nearly cried out, your voice going up an octave just to beg. perhaps carmen’s favorite sound from your lips, and it didn’t even sound like yourself— it sounded like someone who was forced into impenetrable bliss and didn’t have a vessel to express it, just the voice.

“okay, okay, sweetheart,” he was sweet and giving, so generous, so dazed and yet still so in charge. dipping another finger into your slick, wet heat and burying his fingers to the hilt inside of you, causing you to squeak out. “fuck, gotta be quiet, honey.”

“yes, yes, i’m sorry,” you scrambled to apologize, which only made him want you more. hungry, he grunted, jerking his hips up to feel something, anything. your hands flew to his crotch, palming him over his boxers, but he gently pulled your hand away. 

“don’t worry about me, baby. don’t worry. gonna have you bouncing on my cock in a minute, just wait. wanna make you feel good first,” he assured you, and in your haze, you nodded agreeably, eyes screwed shut with pleasure.

he moved, slowly, so you could feel his fingers sliding against your walls. you threw your head back, a muffled noise of pleasure escaping from your throat. he kept his eyes on you, unblinking, pumping in slow and controlled one, two times, then he picked up the pace, and with it, you got wetter, slicker, soaking his fingers and his thighs. 

your breath caught in your throat, you couldn’t even make any noise. just stilted from the pleasure that you felt, feeling it burn and rev in your stomach— that slow, churning stir back again, working towards completion. all you could hear was your slick as carmy fucked his fingers in and out of you, fast and dangerously deep, hitting every single spot inside of you because his fingers were so thick. carmy’s eyes glanced down for a minute to see his fingers disappearing inside of you like they fucking belonged there, like they were supposed to be inside of you, making you so wet that it was all you could hear. he watched as your arousal painted your mound and spread across your thighs, breathing out heavily in disbelief. he started to fuck his fingers into you faster now, and you whimpered in a pitch he’d never heard from you before. with his other hand, he assisted you in bouncing your hips at the same pace as his fingers. the room was filled with the sounds of squelching as his fingers fucked in and out of you, carrying along your slick with it.

“fuck, you’re so fucking wet. your pussy’s so fucking loud, baby, you must feel so good, huh? feels so good? don’t wanna wake anybody up, do you?” he was delirious, saying whatever came to his mind, his grip on your hip tight and his fingers wrecking you at such a torturous pace. 

“mm-mm, mm-mm,” you cried, rocking your hips against his hands and damn near taking his knuckles— his interjections of “such a pretty wet pussy” and “you’re doing so good for me, you sound so fucking good, baby” brought you to your high, and you rode it out whale bouncing your hips up and down. legs shaking and thighs trembling as you tightened around his fingers, releasing all over him. your voice a muddled mess as you cried out. “fuck, carmy, i’m coming. i’m coming.”

“fuck,” carmen said through gritted teeth, his cock jumping in his boxers. “fuck, you’re so good. you’re so fucking good, yn, that’s it. that’s it sweetheart.”

you whimpered as you came, his fingers still deep inside of you and thrusting while you rode it out/

“i know, i know,” he muttered reassuringly, letting you get yours and then pulling his fingers out softly, resting his head against your rising and falling chest. 

his hands returned to a smooth, kind roam as he let you catch your breath, touching every part of you to comfort you. when you had found your basis again, you sighed lovingly and wrapped your hands around carmen’s neck, pressing your forehead against his and gazing into his eyes. 

a soft smile tugging at your lips, you whispered,

“i love you, bear. wanted to be around you all day, even after spending two days straight with you. still wanted you.”

“i always want you,” he replied without skipping a beat. he lifted his head up to kiss you. “and i love you too. if we can survive a twelve-hour road trip we can survive anything.”

“shit, if we can survive christmas with my family we can survive anything,” you giggled, kissing 

his forehead.

“yeah, i love your family though. mom’s dope. sister’s hilarious. cousins are wildly talented. it fucking runs in the family. i don’t know what runs in my family, maybe… i dunno, bad shit,” he chuckled with a huff, shaking his head. 

“hey,” you pouted. “don’t say that, bear. you’re sweet… attentive… loving… a perfectionist until it kills you, but, that’s valuable. isn’t it?”

you punctuated each word with a kiss, trailing down his neck and around his clavicles.

“fuck,” he breathed out. “don’t start something you can’t finish, now.”

“try me,” you grinned devilishly. 

[gallaghrh]

been thinking about dad!carmen

[cloveroctobers]

CARMY BERZATTO — x BLACK! Reader — spring prompts 🕊️

A/N: happy for season two! OC/Reader Cambria” is intended to be black and of color. Not fully described but she’s got textured hair. I also incorporated characters from two other shows for this bit: Abbott Elementary and Power Book II — Ghost — mostly a character is mentioned from Power…lurking at best! and it all takes place in the same setting for story purposes 😬

Using this prompt list and number 3.) spring fever + [gif belongs to user: @heardchef]

SYNOPSIS: Carmy’s got a teeny crush and when he’s invited over…he’s not really expecting this to lead elsewhere. It’s only some fluff and humor y’all!

❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗

Carmy’s late by the time he’s pulling up to her condo downtown. Todays in the low fifties so he has to pull the collar of his jacket up around his neck to protect himself against the spring breeze. He’s a bit jittery with a few other thoughts on his mind but he’s quickly pulled out of that anxiousness as his shoulder is bumped.

“How the fuck is she paying for this shit?” Richie questions, cigarette perched in between his lips while he cradles a juice jug underneath his arm, “what did you say she does for a living again?”

Carmy can’t help but to roll his eyes and thinks about ignoring the taller man. He didn’t even invite him nor did Cambria but yet here Richie was in all of his brash glory.

“Why do you feel like that’s your business, Richie?” Sydney spoke what Carmy was thinking, now exiting the car behind them.

“Damn! I can’t make conversation and be curious about my cousin’s girl—

Carmy interrupted the bearded man, “Shut the fuck up will you? And let’s just get inside, we’re already late because of your bullshit.”

“My bullshit? You’re the one sneaking around Chicagoland—

“It’s the bear now Richie.”

“Whatever!—Making meals and thinking you can just ride off into the sunset with your sidekick here to this undisclosed location as if I don’t know Cambria. A pretty customer.” Richie argued while Sydney shook her head at the “sidekick,” insult.

Carmy flared his nostrils in annoyance, “it doesn’t even fucking matter. I went over this already. I was doing something for a friend and Sydney showed up and decided to help. There was no sneaking around because we’re currently closed, are we not? Also Weren’t you supposed to be with the kid this weekend?”

Richie grumbled to himself at that, not caring for the topic switching over to his child and it wasn’t Carmy throwing a jab back per say but it was genuinely a question on his part. When Carmy received a text from Cambria telling him to slide through when he had the chance, he didn’t want to show up empty handed so yeah he entered the bear (yet again) to whip something up. Sydney showed up while he was waiting on the prime rib to finish and she got to work preparing the grinders for the meat to go on, then together they dressed the sandwiches and wrapped them to go.

Richie caught them just as they were gathering the sandwiches and of course gave them a hard time about it. Now here they were with Richie stalking off to the gates of Cambria’s condo.

“I think you hurt his feelings.” Sydney muttered as she held the back car door open.

“The both of you can fuck right off!” Richie yelled on the front stoop of the condo, alerting them that he heard what was said even if there was a increase of distance between them.

Carmy scoffed, “he’ll get over it. He wasn’t even invited.”

“Neither was I.” Sydney pointed out.

Carmy slightly dipped his head, “true but I sent out a text to Cambria to let her know and she didn’t get back to me. I’m sure she won’t mind, she actually likes you.”

Sydney gave a small smile at that before Carmy followed through the gates and walkway to Cambria’s home.

“What’re you five?” Carmy and Richie were in a mini slap fight, the long-haired one out of the two yanked Richie’s hand away from repeatedly ringing the door-bell.

Richie mocked Carmy, sending him a nice middle finger in response followed with a squat.

“Wow I’m surprised your knees still work, Richard.” Sydney tossed in with a laugh, which Carmy snickered at.

Richie’s round blues widened in irritation and before he could spew something misogynistic, the front door was pulled open.

At the front door stood a brown skinned man with broad shoulders, lean but fit frame, low-cut fade, large brown eyes, and some facial hair.

“Hey, Carmy right?” He spoke first to Carmy on his left.

Carmy dipped his head, “yeah?”

“Oh. I’m Gregory, friend and co-worker of Cambria’s. She gave me the green light to let you guys in…but she didn’t say there would be a third person coming too.” His large eyes shot to Richie who put the unlit cigarette back behind his ear.

Richie than held out his hand for Gregory to shake, “yeah I guess my cousin forgot to mention that the life of the party was also comin’ through! I’m richie, man. Nice to meet ya!”

Gregory shook his hand with a slow nod of his head, blinking quickly, probably at how loud Richie was.

“If you or Cam need to kick him out, please don’t hesitate to do so.” Carmy added while Richie blew a raspberry, “it’s cool to finally put a name to the face, Gregory. Cam’s told me a little about you.”

“Same man.” Gregory smiled making Carmy start to wonder what exactly Cambria shared and hope it wasn’t his depressing life story, “Come on in…oh also as a fair warning to you guys, Cambria’s a little bit on one.”

“How so?” Sydney asked from behind, “also I’m Sydney by the way.”

Gregory nodded his head silently letting her know that he was aware due to the text messages, “Nice to meet you. Oh it’s nothing too bad just something to be prepared—

A soul beat became prominent as the group of four now stood in the industrial living room with bright lighting. There Cambria stood on top of the square coffee table, fuzzy feathered scarf wrapped around her neck as she sauntered across the table on her tippy toes to the lyrics.

Cause you’re a cool cat ♪

She spun just in time to hop down from the table, snatching the swifter handle back up to her lips as she mouthed the lyrics:

Tapping on the toe with a new hat ♪

She began to sway:

Ooh, just cruising

Driving along with the swing of the king ♪

Carmy watched in amusement as Cambria carried on, walking on her toes as she swung the scarf around along with her head, her now chopped soft waved hair glistened from the natural night, while she went to slap the scarf against Richie’s chest.

Feeling the beat of my heart ♪

She walked the line, singing that into Gregory’s face, making herself almost his height while he gave her a nod and a smile. He then shot a look to the three, hinting at this was what he was talking about as he closed the front door to the home.

Once she got to Carmy, she grabbed one of his hands to place right against her chest, alarming him as she continued the lyrics.

Feeling the beat of my heart ♪

Ooh, you’re a cool cat ♪

She shoots a wink at Sydney who gives a equally awkward thumbs up.

Coming on strong with the chit chat ♪

She turns back to Carmy, stepping back from him with a wiggle of her hips as she sung:

Ooh, you’re alright

Hanging out and stealing all the limelight

Messing with the beaaaat of my he-aaart

She lowered the mop as she actually attempted to hit Freddie’s high note.

Ooh, messing with the beat of my heart, yeah ♪

Cambria brought it back up slow as she clutched her chest, before letting out a smile and bowing as the instrumental played on. Richie was the first to clap it up for Cambria who grinned over at him while Gregory sped-walked away to the kitchen.

“Hey guys,” Cambria greeted as she lowered the music then turned back to them, “glad you made it. Come make yourself comfortable.”

Carmy cleared his throat, “hey uh, we brought some steak and pepper grinders. You know your favorite, from the spot.”

“With prime rib?” Cambria stared over at Carmy underneath her eyelashes, anticipating his response.

“The one and only.”

Cambria squealed, doing high-knees that Richie couldn’t help to chuckle and shake his head, looking over at Sydney who was still wide-eyed at Cambria’s antics.

The short haired woman tossed her arms around Carmy, squeezing him tightly to her chest and pecked his cheeks with kisses, further making Richie smirk at his cousin who seemed to be folding.

“Where’s Syd and I’s kisses? We helped too!” Richie boasted as Cambria turned to Sydney first to also give her a tight squeeze and rocked her from side to side.

And saved Richie for last, who purposely made the hug last a little too long for Carmy’s liking.

“Okay, back off.” Carmy shoved the taller man away from Cambria, who laughed and took the bags of food from Carmy and Sydney to take to the kitchen.

Sydney moved to sit on the mustard couch, followed by Richie who didn’t excuse himself as he crossed over Sydney to sit right beside her, arms stretching along the back of the couch.

“I hope we made enough.” Carmy started, eyes scanning the place.

He’s been here once or twice before but it’s clear Cambria did lots of updating since then. It felt much bigger than before with Cambria deciding to transform the walls to eggshell compared to the dark gray they once were.

“I’m sure you did.” Cambria commented, smiling over her shoulder at Carmy.

A door to the right creaked open, revealing a very short brown skinned woman with curly short hair, she was probably the shortest in the room smoothing down her long-flowy skirt as she entered the space. Carmy watched as Gregory’s eyes seemed to immediately lock on her before she even spoke, her gaze setting on Cambria instead.

“Whew! Cambria, I see you’ve decided to finally take a break. Good for you.” She swiped her fist through the air in a supportive nature, that Carmy wondered if she was really as happy go-lucky as she put out.

Cambria shook her head, leaning back against the counter as she looked over at the woman, “absolutely not! There’ll be no rest for the wicked. This is just a brief intermission Janine and you should know this. Also say hi to the new guest who just arrived.”

“You should have just gone with the flow and let her stuff her face then we wouldn’t be in this mess.” Gregory hissed before yanking the fridge open to bury his head inside.

Janine was a gaping fish as she slowly turned to the new faces in the room before glancing at the crew that were to the right of Carmy then back, “oh, my apologies! You guys sure did get here quick! Not as fast enough to help prevent the bruises on my back but nonetheless you made it!”

“What happened to your back?” Sydney sat up on the couch.

Janine awkwardly rubbed at the sleeve of her cardigan, “I’d rather not say—

“She tried to secretly do the running man in my bedroom to ‘Put Your Records On,’ tripped on my moss rug and broke part of my bookcase.” Cambria informed, making Janine clench her eyes shut in embarrassment.

“So that’s what happened?” Gregory peeled out of the fridge, “I warned you about that rug earlier.”

“I know! But I love that song and you can’t say Cambria doesn’t have a solid playlist. It’s so broad. And I’m going to do my best to help you rebuild the shelves.” Janine clasped her hands together in sincerity.

Cambria fanned her hands at the woman, digging into the bag to retrieve a sandwich, “Don’t worry about it. I can’t tell you how many marks I got on my body from almost breaking my neck to my jams. My playlists are fire and I’m glad you acknowledge that, bestie.”

Janine grinned at the mention of being considered someone’s friend. She soon cleared her throat realizing the crew was probably zooming in on her face, considering one of the men stepped closer to her and whispered, “I thought you guys left with Jacob and hope you consider deleting that footage from a few hours ago.”

Soon Janine moved into the living room to greet the new faces she had yet to officially meet, “Hi! I’m Janine Teagues. Cambria’s bestie and a fellow teacher at Abbott Elementary.”

richie sized Janine up and held his hand out, “Richie, hun. Are you sure you’re not one of those kids?” Before letting out a obnoxious laugh, elbowing Sydney who shook her head at him, ready to whack him with the diffuser that sat on the table.

Carmy pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Please don’t pay this idiot any mind. Hi, I’m Sydney. That’s Carmy,” She pointed back at him who stepped a little closer with a wave of fingers, “and we all work down at the bear.”

Janine bounced on her toes and seemed to smile a little brighter as she put Carmy’s name to his face, “Cool! What’s the bear?”

Richie chatted with his hands, “It’s originally called the original beef of Chicagoland, sweetheart. We’re rebranding right now but if that helps jog your memory that’s what it’s called. We own a restaurant.”

“You don’t own shit.” Carmy huffed, “its mostly a sandwich shop but we’re getting more variety of items coming soon. The restaurants been in my family for years.”

“Am I not your family, Carmen?” Richie placed his hand on his chest, while Carmy simply looked at him, “wow! Okay! I’m gonna eat!”

He squeezed himself by Janine, heading over to the kitchen where Cambria teared into the sandwich, cheeks puffing up like a chipmunk as she danced next to Gregory, who appeared as if he wanted nothing more than to leave already despite his expressionless face.

A small smile of satisfaction appeared on Carmy’s face before he brought his focus back to Janine.

“Oh, is he—

“He’s fine. He’s always like that, real dramatic.” Sydney assured Janine who pursed her lips glancing over her shoulder just to make sure Richie didn’t decide to explode, but she was sure she would probably hear it if he did.

Janine turned back to face the two and smiled with her signature gap, “hey, you know you look kinda familiar.”

“Me?” Sydney questioned, pointing to herself and peeking back at Carmy who lifted his shoulders.

“Yeah…what did you say your last name was again?”

“I—I didn’t?”

“It’s funny because you kinda remind me of my sister. The resemblance is almost pow! In your face you know?” Janine slowly sat down where Richie previously sat.

“Really?”

“Yes,” Janine nodded her head and called behind her, “Cambria, Gregory! Doesn’t Sydney remind you of Ayesha?”

Cambria lowered the music again and titled her head as she stared hard at Sydney who hated that the attention was on her now, “She does!”

“I don’t see it.” Gregory disagreed, taking the sandwich Richie handed to him.

“What?! I’m gonna find my phone and FaceTime her.”

“That’s okay. A picture would be fine.” Sydney tried to suggest but Janine was already up on her feet, searching the room for her purse.

Sydney looked back at Carmy who smirked and raised his hands in surrender. He left Sydney despite her calls for him not to do that as he entered the kitchen. Carmy eyed the updated stainless steel appliances and dark almost gray wood cabinetry. He then leaned against the large island, focusing only on Cambria who had her back to him, now fumbling with her phone; probably looking for the next best song to play.

“You’ve got something on your face Carmy and it ain’t the ugly.” Richie yelled with a mouth full of food.

Gregory’s large eyes went back and forth between the two, watching as Carmy unconsciously rubbed at the corner of his mouth, making Richie smirk. Gregory’s also noticed that Carmy’s been eyeing his friend real hard since he’s got here and it was evident that he felt something for her…possibly more than platonic.

Yet it wasn’t his business so he didn’t bother speaking on it like he knew Janine wanted to…if she got around to it that is.

Carmy sent two middle fingers his way and before he could spike up a conversation with Cambria, she slammed her hand on the counter in front of her. “Oh shit!”

“What was that for?” Gregory flinched but also asked calmly.

Cambria stared off into space thinking, “what time is it?”

“Four thirty.” Janine told as she tried to call her sister.

“I’m late!” Cambria disappeared from the kitchen for a moment.

Richie waved his hands about, “For…?”

Gregory shrugged his shoulders, “there’s no telling with that girl. Man, this sandwich is something.”

“Good something or shit something?”

“That doesn’t make sense but good something.” Gregory replied, “super flavorful, colorful and tender. It’s a well made sandwich. Where did you guys get it?”

“From our spot: The bear. You should check it out when we reopen in a few. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” Carmy felt pride that Cambria’s friend was also enjoying something he made.

Gregory snapped his fingers in acknowledgment, “that’s right! Cambria did mention she’s got a potential chef husband but i of course didn’t take that seriously. You must be it.”

“Potential husband? This guy?” Richie jabbed a thumb at Carmy who tried not to roll his eyes.

“Let’s not go there, Richie.”

Richie scoffed, not saying anything more.

Smart choice.

Carmy can be lethal with his clapbacks when he wanted and Richie was always talking shit. He couldn’t help it, it just seemed to be in his nature for as long as Carmy’s known him.

“Meech, where’s my bag?” Cambria entered the room again.

Richie frowned, “Who the hell is meech?”

Gregory just shook his head, silently telling the older man not to further question Cambria’s mind.

Carmy sat up from the island, “uh, what color is it?”

This wasn’t his first time looking around for lost bags thanks to his disheveled mother.

“Aw, Ayesha can’t answer right now. She’s about to board another flight to some place tropical. Must be nice being able to travel the world whenever you please.” Janine thought out loud before zoning back in on the conversation, “what’s happening?”

“My bag, Janine.” Cambria notified, “it has my birth control in it and it was in the chartreuse bag that Jacob was modeling—he stole my bag.”

That’s the thing with Cambria, she wasn’t too private about much. She was a open book and Carmy found himself also being somewhat open with her when they had the chance to hold one on one deep conversations. So this wasn’t much of a shock to him whereas Richie choked a bit on his sandwich and Sydney patted at the back of her braids.

Gregory stopped eating, saying with a dry tone, “Nooo, not Jacob.”

“Who’s Jacob?” Sydney asked.

“Another co-worker of ours. He was here earlier dealing with Cambria’s spring fever. I mean cleaning.” Janine slightly stumbled over her words.

“I’m gonna call him and if he doesn’t answer then I know he took it. That’s the only place where I keep my pills.” Cambria snatched her phone up from the counter while Janine got to her feet, ready to ease the tension.

“If jumping to conclusions was a person, am I right?” Richie joked.

“We all know that you have a very active brain so maybe you decided to put them somewhere else.”

“Or jacob put them somewhere else.” Gregory added, making Janine widen her eyes at him.

Janine defended the man, “Jacob isn’t a thief! If it was Mr. Johnson here…then that maybe a different story but Jacob wouldn’t do that. We don’t steal from our friends.”

“I don’t know…Cambria did say he was modeling with it.” Sydney said, “could it be a possibility?”

“Jacob can be easily impressed. He was trying his hardest to get me to help him determine what color the bag even was.” Gregory stated.

Sydney hummed, “So he brought the bag to your attention? Did you see him leave with it?”

“I can’t say for sure…when he gets to going I learn to tune him out majority of the time. There’s a lot going on in this house if you haven’t noticed.”

“Gregory!” Janine hissed.

Cambria shushed everyone in the room, making all eyes turn to where she stood behind the couch, phone raised in the air.

“I might have taken the bag with me, forgetting that it was attached to my body after getting some pics…and I realized I was all the way on the other side of town by then. So I’m borrowing it for now. I will return it if not by tomorrow then definitely on Monday at work. Oh wait…you quit. You know, the bag would also work quite well with my dinner date outfit with Zach tonight so it all works out. Sorry for the inconvenience, love you bye!” Cambria lowered her phone as the automated message carried on after the voicemail.

Janine gasped and dropped her head, “Jacob is a thief! And I was ready to go to war for him and he let me down.”

“Mhm. Can’t defend someone who committed the crime.”

“That’s circumstantial.” Richie argued making Gregory frown back.

Janine deeply sighed, “Don’t do Jacob like that.”

“Jacob did Cambria like that.” Gregory fired off.

Cambria’s fingers went flying over her phone screen, sending Jacob a lengthy text as she began pacing the floor and abruptly stopped after pressing send. She then let out a wiggle, shaking her body about, “enough of that low vibration! It’s over and done with, if I end up pregnant or with a period then Jacob will be held accountable. Let the festivities resume!”

Richie mouthed, ‘who the fuck are these people?’ As he walked by Carmy, then Cambria before tossing Sydney a sandwich.

“Any requests?” Cambria asked.

Gregory was quick with it, “Reggie Becton, Stevie Wonder, or Victoria Monet.”

Janine also added, “Maybe VanJess, Whitney Houston, or Otis Redding.”

Cambria settled on a Doechii track, proceeding to vogue towards Carmy before grabbing his hand and pulling him away to her bedroom. Richie noticed this, ready to yell out something but Sydney shoved the remote into his gut.

“Or not…” Janine sighed as she moved towards Gregory.

Cambria welcomed Carmy into her spacious bedroom, placing her phone onto the night stand. Carmy hopped up onto her bed, spotting the few broken shelves that were once built into the wall and was knew that Cambria loved a good book resulting in many that covered the entire wall.

“Love what you done with the place,” Carmy complimented, as Cambria kicked the door to her closet closed.

Cambria smiled as she crossed over Carmy, her scent lingering in the air that he knew he had to fight within to contain himself. She pulled herself up beside him and picked up her buzzing phone, “why thank you Carmy, mhm no cane we’re not dealing with your back and forth today. Decline and on officially do not disturb for him specifically.”

“Cane…” carmy started, curious.

She shook her head, “nope! He didn’t show up for me so therefore he doesn’t matter. Only my real friends do so…how’re you today?”

Carmy raised his brows with a smirk playing on his lips, “Jesus you’re gonna give me whiplash how quick you’re able to switch everything up…but I’m good how are you? Finally slowing down for the evening with this spring fever?”

“No. You’re taking me to your apartment tonight so I can get to planning what needs to be organized with yours.” Cambria beamed sweetly at Carmy, hands clasped in her lap as she lifted her shoulders in happiness at the thought.

Carmy asked with a curl of a smile, “are we? When was that decided?”

“My place is done so it’s time to move onto the next and don’t say you can’t because you’re taking a break from the bear.”

“It’s not really a break. There’s still plenty that’s being done behind the scenes: lots of planning and brainstorming recipes, budgeting, taking inventory and figuring out what needs to stocked with those new and old recipes, paying off debts, possibly getting some new appliances, utensils for the place—

There he goes rambling but that’s what happens when you’re so passionate about your craft. Cambria admired that, she used to be like that with teaching but…we all know how that worked out.

She quit, if you missed that earlier.

Cambria briefly massaged her fingertips against Carmy’s temples, attempting to calm his mind, “Yes but you can’t fully do that without a clean space. A clean space helps the mind breathe better.”

“Ah, okay. Whatever you say.” Carmy scratched at his brow in thought after Cambria placed her hands back down. He was feeling a bit tingly? Just from her briefly touching him…was that norma?

Anyways, Carmy knew Cam wanted to help his mental the best way that she knew how and if it was anybody else he was positive he would have shut this idea down.

“So that’s a yes? I get to stay at your place tonight?” Cambria asked.

Carmy stammered then, “I—um. I dunno everything is kinda all over the place and I’m not prepared to have you over?”

“Are you being shy on me? I don’t care what you have going on, we’ll take care of it. I only need two to three days tops.” Cambria expressed.

Carmy rubbed at the back of his neck. He hasn’t shared a space with anyone in a long time, especially with someone that he was fond of. Was he making a mistake or would this be a bonding moment?

To be closer to Cambria did actually sound nice and before Carmy’s mind could berate him about not being good enough to even be in her presence, he answered.

“Okay.” He decided.

Cambria clapped it up, throwing her arms around Carmy’s shoulder to squeeze his cheek against her’s. “Great! Let me get my bag together and we can go.”

Carmy rubbed at his face in nervousness as Cambria went into her closet to grab her things. His eyes zoned back on the buzzing phone and figured this cane guy was trying his hardest to get a hold of her but Carmy didn’t know anything of their relationship. So to avoid the curiosity, he got to his feet and walked through the bedroom while Cambria danced to herself in the walk-in closet making Carmy scoff out a laugh, as he went by standing in front of her wall of a bookcase.

His fingers trailed over the spines of books in a daze that it seemed mighty quick that Cambria was ready to go with a duffel bag.

“You have everything already?” Carmy was surprised.

“Of course!” Cambria shoved her phone charger into the bag, then put the phone into her coat pocket, “this energy is unmatched baby, let’s go.”

Carmy walked by Cambria as she shut the door to her bedroom along with the lights before following after him. The house echoed with the tv rather than music and only Sydney and Richie remained.

“Where’s the other two?” Carmy asked.

Richie uttered, “They snuck off as soon as they got the chance and I don’t blame them.”

“They’re probably off to elope.” Cambria sighed, “love that for my friends.”

Sydney eyed the bag Cambria had in her hand as she went around shutting off the kitchen light, “are you going somewhere?”

Carmy cleared his throat, “um…Cam’s gonna crash at mine for a day or two to help out with my place.”

“Ohhh…” Sydney drawled out, peeking back at Richie with a knowing look, who was all snickers.

Carmy snapped his fingers at the two, “aye, dont do that.”

“You got it, Chef. Sorry, Chef.” Sydney stood up, brushing her jeans off as she shut off the tv for Cambria who walked around the home placing the swiffer into a closet, turning off the diffuser and shoving in the chair at the oak table off to the side.

Cambria called out after double checking the side doors, “alright, everybody ready?”

“For what…you and Carmy to play house?” Richie groaned with a stretch, his arms raised high in the air.

“Only if you be his best man.”

Richie’s mouth formed into a o-shape while Carmy gripped the roots of his hair, glaring up at the ceiling and fighting his brain to not think about alters and wedding attire. It’s not something he ever thought about.

Ever.

“I’d be fucking honored.” Richie said into Cambria’s face as he went to the door, winking over at Carmy.

Sydney and Carmy followed Cambria to the door, her allowing them to exit first before she locked up her place and set the alarm through her phone then followed them to the car.

Carmy pointed, “get to the back, Richie.”

“With these legs? Hell no.”

“Sorry, I am a passenger princess.”

“What about a pillow—

Richie started just for Sydney to shove him away from the passenger side. He grumbled to himself as he awaited Carmy to unlock the door but he was preoccupied taking Cambria’s bag from her to place in the trunk.

Soon everyone piled into the car with Cambria pulling the aux cord to Sydney, “let’s see what’s on your playlist, girl. I’ve put in enough overtime today with mine.”

“Okay, sure.” She smiled, pulling her phone out.

Richie folded his arms as Cambria pulled the seat up as far as comfortability allowed for them both, “This ought to be good.”

As soft upbeat tune began to fill the car, with Carmy beginning to pull off from the curb and kept glancing over at Cambria.

“Hey…I forgot to mention earlier…I like the um, the new look. You look great. Really great.” Carmy chewed down on his lips.

Cambria ran her fingers over her slicked down 4C hair for the day, still getting used to the processed hair being gone, “thank you Carm…yeah I did the thing since you last saw me. The big chop and got shitted on for it.”

“From who?” Annoyance was clear on Carmy’s face, “Not from Janine and Gregory I hope.”

“Oh no! They’re very encouraging when it comes to life changes for the better. I thank them for that especially when I quit a few days ago, they were really there for this change of course for me. It’s just worse when it comes from people that claim they love you. The ignorance is so hurtful especially when it comes to my appearance.” Cambria vented before reaching to crack the window open, welcoming some spring air.

Carmy peeked over at Cambria sensing she felt a way about her new do. “Fuck them then. It’s your life and if you want to adjust some shit and they don’t like it then that’s their problem. You don’t need anyone’s validation but your own.”

“What Carmy said. Fuck them and tell ‘em to go scratch.”

That earned some laughter from Cambria, followed by the rest in the car.

“Really richie?”

“Well yeah! I don’t play that bullying or verbal abuse shit. Not saying that’s the case but no one should make you feel low because of what they say. Which I know might be a shocker coming from a guy who doesn’t know how to shut their own trap but I stand by what I said.” Richie ranted and it was clear he meant that.

Carmy was glad Richie was being serious about this.

“How ironic is it that the shuffle is playing India.Arie right now? You’re so much more than what anyone says…remember that Cambria.” Sydney quickly added, making the woman smile as she settled into the passenger side.

It was a joy to be accepted when there’s been multiple decades full of trauma. Cambria only hoped she could do the same for everyone in the car, including herself.

The ride consisted of uplifting songs thanks to Sydney reading the room— or rather car which provided a sense of contentment for everyone even if it was only for a little while.

Carmy dropped Sydney and Richie behind the bear where Richie’s 1998 Toyota Corolla sat, the blue eyed man patiently waited for Sydney’s response on if she wanted to take Richie’s offer on getting her home this Saturday evening. When Richie turned his back after kissing both of Cambria’s cheeks through the window and attempted to lightly slap Carmy’s face, Sydney held up her phone mouthing that she’d text Carmy later to let him know she made it alive.

Doing the honors of waiting for Richie’s car to start, which was shaky mind you—Carmy let Richie lead the way from the alleyway, both turning right towards the lights. The ten minute drive to Carmy’s apartment was more nerve-wracking for him than it was for Cambria who seemed like this was the most normal thing.

Going home with him.

And little did they know, the high beams that followed them to Carmy’s apartment contained Cane, watching their every move since they left Cambria’s condo.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Carmy stood at the entryway of the kitchen as Cambria sat criss-cross on the floor, pulling off the sweater she had on underneath her discarded jacket in Carmy’s room, leaving her in a hot pink tank top.

“Gatorade?”

“As if you need anymore sugar. What about some water?”

Cambria tossed her head back letting out a groan, “you’re killing me. Yes, anything is fine, Carm.”

The water bottle slips from his shaky hand, making him let out a few curse words before he retrieved the dented bottle and made his way to the living room. The itchy couch is pressed up against the wall, a glass table is in the center, a floor lamp is tucked in the corner in between the couch and where his small black bookcase sits, which is what Cambria is currently preoccupying herself with, and the tv sits on a stand Carmy scored for a bargain at a flea market back in Fordham.

If it was one place Carmy didn’t mind to be in at his apartment, it would shockingly be his living room opposed to his kitchen. Although he spent the least time at this apartment, Carmy didn’t feel pressure just simply sitting in the center of the home. He didn’t like to get attached to places and he wasn’t sure if this was even that but there was so much surrounding him in the living room that it didn’t feel suffocating like the other rooms.

“Your bookcase is solid,” Cambria mentioned as she flipped the pages to one of the many cook books Carmy’s collected, “not as speculator as mine though. You could use a bit of variety but A- for effort.”

Carmy scoffed out a laugh as he sat back on his couch, “I’ll take it but until you recommend me something just as inspiring, I’ll take that with a grain of salt.”

“Oh I have plenty, just name your genre.” Cambria placed the book back, before sitting back on the floor to almost chug the water.

“Non-fiction.”

“Type?” Cambria almost panted from the water.

“Memoirs.”

“Locked in.” Cambria tapped her temple to remember it.

“So what’s your analysis of this shitty place?” Carmy questions after moments of silence.

Cambria almost whips her head back to look at him, not liking him taking down on this place but said, “just a few tweaks. Nothing that can’t be handled with the power of Cam and Carm.”

“Oh shit, really?” Carmy snorted, “you’re making this out to be like some sort of sitcom.”

Cambria smiled at him, chin tucked into her shoulder that he almost forgot the usual fatigue that was starting to set in, “Cam and Carm has a little spice to it, don’t you think?”

“What’re we a new seasoning now?” Amusement was in his bright blues.

Cambria nodded her head in satisfaction as she popped her collar, “let me cook, chef.”

“Heard.” Carm raised his hands, water bottle in one of them as he gave her a crooked smile before placing the bottle to his lips.

Cambria got to her feet, moving to sit beside Carmy as he placed his feet onto the table. The look she shot him made Carmy roll his head over to meet her burning stare.

“What?”

“It’ll be your task to wipe that down.”

“Fine.” Carmy sighed, making no move to put his feet down as Cambria scooted closer to him, letting her head rest on his shoulder.

Carmy hoped his heart wouldn’t burst right out of his chest at Cambria’s comfortability. So he played it cool, switching on the tv, which illuminated the dim room as he flipped through the channels, settling on some survival in the woods show, which put Cambria right to sleep.

And he followed suit, not long after, with his head gently resting against Cambria’s and her squeezing his tatted arm tighter and locked with her own.

That turned out to be the best sleep Carmy’s received in awhile.

❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗ ❝ ᵕ̈೫˚∗

Continue along with my anthology works I’ve written during this spring season here.

[thatboisus]

maybe i was born to read fanfic and obsess over fictional men idk

[xblackreader]

>> pics i know sydney would have saved on her phone

no real reason… it’s just for blackmail…

carmy’s version

[superhoeva]

𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 – 𝐜. 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐨 (𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟, +𝟏𝟖) | starting a new lil thing starring the reader and carmen aka bunny and bear! p.s. happy black history month <3

“can you tilt back a little? don’t wanna pull too hard.”

you oblige carmen’s request silently, skin warming on the spot he plants two quick kisses onto your forehead.

“thank you, bunny,” he mumbles, face fixing back into the concentrated squint from before. his fingers work with a gentle intent as they wind and twist, unweaving one of the braids knotted near the top of your head.

you huff quietly after a few moments, looking away from the criminal minds rerun playing on the television in front of you. it’s an earlier episode, one with gideon because carmen likes the way he thinks.

“you sure i can’t help? i kinda feel bad about making you doing all that by yourself.”

“not making me do anything, baby,” carmen promises. “already told you, i like helping you take down your hair. plus you gotta finish the ice cream. marcus and syd wanna add it to the menu, and i need you to tell me if it’s good enough.”

eyes falling to the bowl in your lap, you stare at the half-eaten bowl of dessert. good enough? it’s incredible. he’s incredible.

“it’s amazing as usual, carmy. but are you sure you don’t want me to do anything?”

carmen’s fingers don’t falter as he speaks. “you’re doing something already: sittin’ there, looking pretty, eatin’ ice cream.”

you huff again. “you know that’s not what i mean, carmen.”

pausing, carmen sniffs and drops the half-unraveled braid.  he bends a little, one hand sprawling out against your shoulder while the other delicately swivels your head to look at him.

“hey now,” he coos, interrupting himself by pressing his lips into yours. the kiss is long and his grasp on your face moves, his thumb rubbing sweetly at the spot on your skin. “stop poutin, gorgeous. s’okay. i like doing this. like takin care a’you. my pretty girl.”

your hand settles on his inked forearm. he pecks at your knuckles, nose, and cheek before tilting his head to meet your gaze.

“alright, bunny? you’ll let me finish?”

you think for a moment before nodding. no sense in arguing over the fact he wants to be helpful.

“okay, but only if you eat some of the ice cream with me. you made it, you should at least try some.”

you smile brightly when carmen nods and the urge to kiss you again engrains itself deep inside his stomach. he doesn’t get the chance before you’re lifting your spoon to his mouth.

the two of you share a small laugh as you feed him, carmen shrugging as soon as the cold treat touches his tongue.

“could use more vanilla,” he tells you, mouth still half full. you roll your eyes, thumbing away at the small dot of ice cream on the corner of his lip. “turn back around, yeah? makin way better time than before, might set a new record.”

© 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐯𝐚

[emjayewrites]

PASTRY PASSIONS (4/?) (Luca x blackfemoc!)

PAIRING: Luca x Symone (black!original character)

SUMMARY: When Symone secures a coveted position as the social media manager at Noma, the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, she is thrilled to be part of a team that pushes boundaries and captures gastronomic excellence. As Symone immerses herself in the vibrant atmosphere of Noma, she catches the eye of Luca, a talented and career-focused pastry chef within the same establishment. Luca is captivated by her presence, however, with his desire to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life, he resists the growing attraction he feels toward her. Despite their shared passion for the culinary world, Symone and Luca find themselves entangled in a delicate dance between friendship, ambition, and unspoken desires. As the duo collaborates on various projects, from showcasing exquisite pastries to capturing behind-the-scenes glimpses of culinary artistry, they face numerous challenges that test their resolve. Amidst the intense pressures of Noma’s demanding environment and the weight of their individual aspirations, Symone and Luca must navigate their relationship in a career-driven world, where the line between personal and professional blurs, and decisions made can shape not only one’s heart but also their future in the industry.  

WARNINGS: slow burn romance, drama, angst, grueling work conditions/not-so-glamorous life of the culinary world, cursing, slight age gap, sexual content. RATED M (18+)

TAGLIST: @cinewhore @kdoxkeic @wakandamama @afro-hispwriter @nolita-fairytale @lovebittenbyevans @blowmymbackout @superhoeva @barefoothighlander @ihyperfixateoncharacters @soufcakmistress @celestianstars @vlvtkyssis @fadingbelieverexpert @arctvrvs @scottlangswife @lilyed777 @suckthatskittlebiiitch @write-fromthe-start @pantherxrogers @penny44224 @roxyfan14-blog @aieshawilliams2001 @cillianmirphy @sarcasticmrfox @zeeader​ @eddiemunsonreader​ @geekyfer @retrouvailles-film @stargirlfics @mauvecherie-writes @spellbinding10 @blckgrl-sunflower @beahil @stnexus @iamcurlycubana @motivation-idontknowher ​@shar74nett @blackpearlbutterfly @virgosapphire79 @a-lumos-in-the-nox @creativitybewarebeware @becauseimher @crispysublimecupcake @wordswithoppar @mintbong420

AUTHOR NOTE: This is my first fic for FX’s The Bear. This contains spoilers from Season 2, so please don’t read it if you haven’t watched it. In “Honeydew”, Luca mentions that he’s been working as a pastry chef/chef for 14 years, so he has to be in his early/mid-30s (32-34-ish?) and there will be a small age gap between him and Symone. Also, Chapters 1-3 are set a month and a half before Marcus’ stage trip in January. Please DM me if you want to be added to the tag list. Enjoy reading!

CHAPTER IV: Bain-Marie

BAIN-MARIE: A water bath that prevents delicate desserts from curdling, cracking, or overcooking as they bake.

As the days rolled by at Noma, the tension between Luca and Symone lingered like a silent storm. Despite their brief yet intense connection in Oslo, their interactions were now cloaked in an uneasy atmosphere. Both danced around each other, caught in a web of unspoken emotions and unresolved feelings.

Symone tried to bury her emotions beneath a façade of professionalism. She threw herself into her work, channeling her energy into creating social media content for Noma. Yet, every time she glanced in Luca's direction, her heart fluttered, reminding her of the bond they shared during their time away.

Meanwhile, Luca wrestled with his own internal conflict. He found solace in the familiar chaos of the kitchen, throwing himself into refining pastries and mentoring Marcus. However, thoughts of Symone were a constant distraction, leaving him grappling with the unspoken tension that lingered between them.

One afternoon, amidst the controlled chaos of the kitchen, an unexpected lull provided a fleeting moment of respite. Luca stole a glance across the bustling room and found Symone engrossed in her work at an empty table, typing away on her laptop.

Summoning his courage, Luca navigated the sea of busy chefs and made his way toward her. With each step, his heartbeat quickened, nerves coiling in his stomach.

"Hey," he greeted softly as he approached Symone.

Symone looked up, surprised at the interruption. "Oh, hey Luca," she responded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Mind if I... we talk for a sec?" Luca asked, his voice tinged with a touch of uncertainty.

"Sure, what's up?" Symone replied, setting aside her work to give him her full attention.

They faced each other, the air thick with unspoken words. Luca hesitated, searching for the right words to articulate the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him.

"I know things have been weird between us lately," Luca began, his gaze earnest as he met Symone's eyes. "And I just wanted to say... I don't want it to be like this."

Symone nodded in understanding, her expression softening. "Me neither. It's just... complicated."

"Yeah," Luca agreed, a rueful smile crossing his face. "But maybe it doesn't have to be."

Their eyes held a silent conversation, a myriad of emotions passing between them. For a moment, the chaos of the kitchen faded into the background, leaving only the palpable tension between Luca and Symone.

"So...what're you suggesting?" Symone wondered as her eyebrows furrowed. She inched closer to him, causing her delightful scent of vanilla and cherries to waft through his nostrils. Her smell beckoned him and it took all of Luca's willpower to not kiss her right then and there.

He's been trying to be on his best behavior since they came back from Oslo, giving her time and distance to process what happened between them, yet Marcus' advice kept echoing in his mind: he needed to uncomplicate it.

Was he scared shitless? Of course; he didn't want to be in yet another office situationship, however, Symone was proving to be too hard to forget and Luca was willing to risk it at least one more time. Call him reckless, yet he'll be an idiot to try to keep playing this platonic bullshit with her, especially after the weekend they had.

"I dunno," he shrugged, "but I don't want to be here at work feeling awkward as hell, y'know? Symone, we...had fun in Oslo, alright? Why can't we continue to have fun here?"

Her annoyed eye roll tempted him to chuckle, yet somehow he managed to keep it together. Luca enjoyed watching her reactions; she was such an open book.

Symone crossed her arms over her chest, which emphasized her breasts even more, much to Luca's chagrin. "I thought we agreed to leave it in Oslo?"

"I know, I know," Luca admitted, trying to diffuse the tension with a half-hearted grin. "But can't we at least be civil? Working like this is driving me crazy."

Symone sighed, her frustration evident. "It's not that easy, Luca. Things are different here, and we have our responsibilities."

"Yeah, responsibilities," Luca echoed, a tinge of disappointment in his voice. "I get it, but does that mean we can't even talk without it being weird?"

She hesitated, looking away for a moment before meeting his gaze. "It's not about being weird. It's about keeping things professional."

"Professional," Luca repeated, the word feeling like a barricade between them. "I guess I just miss how things were."

Symone's expression softened, a flicker of nostalgia crossing her features. "I miss it too, believe me. But we can't go back."

"Can't or won't?" Luca challenged, a hint of defiance in his tone.

"Luca...don't do this." Symone's gaze softened briefly before she regained her composure. "This isn't the time or place for... this."

An awkward silence settled between them, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. Luca ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident.

"Alright, then," he said finally, trying to sound nonchalant despite the ache in his chest. "I'll leave it alone."

Symone's gaze softened, a hint of regret flashing in her eyes. "Luca, I..."

But before she could finish, Luca gave her a small, understanding nod. "It's fine, really." With a heavy heart, Luca pivoted on his heel to turn away and get back to his work, but something – someone –stopped him.

"Luca," she stated in a harsh whisper, her fingers lightly gripping his wrist, halting his departure. Her eyes pleaded with him, conflicted emotions swirling within them. "Please."

He turned back around, caught off guard by the sudden contact, and met her gaze, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "Yes, Symone?"

"I didn't mean for it to be like this," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the kitchen's clamor. "It's just... it's complicated. Can we talk about this later? Just you and me?"

He searched her eyes for a moment, seeing a mix of regret and longing. "Sure," he said. "Where?"

Symone's grip on his wrist loosened, her hand falling back to her side. "My apartment. I can make us dinner."

"Trying to bribe me with food, huh?" Luca let out a low whistle, shaking his head in mock displeasure. "That's cold, Symone."

Symone managed a small, rueful smile, a glint of warmth in her eyes. "Hey, it's the least I can do."

Luca chuckled softly, the tension in the air easing just a fraction. "Alright, fine, but I can't promise that I'll enjoy it as much as I want to."

"Liar," Symone quipped. "You know damn well you've been itching to try my cooking."

"We shall see, Symone." He glanced over at his workstation. "I have to finish up my work, but I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay," was her response.

Symone silently watched as Luca headed back to his tasks.

______________________________________________________________

The hours passed slowly for Luca, his mind occupied with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty about the upcoming evening. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, he found solace in the familiarity of his work, channeling his restless energy into perfecting the desserts for the evening service.

As the day wound down, Luca glanced at the clock, realizing it was time to leave. With a sense of both apprehension and excitement, he made his way to Symone's apartment, the thoughts of their impending conversation swirling in his mind.

Upon arrival, Symone greeted him with a warm smile, the aroma of a homemade meal filling the cozy space. They exchanged a few light-hearted remarks about their day, attempting to mask the unspoken tension that lingered between them.

Dinner progressed smoothly, the conversation flowing more easily than expected. Symone's culinary skills surpassed his expectations, and Luca couldn't help but admit how much he enjoyed the meal. They laughed and reminisced about shared experiences, momentarily letting go of the weight that rested between them.

As they finished their meal, Luca sensed Symone's demeanor shifting, her expression becoming more earnest.

"Luca," Symone began, her tone tinged with a mix of hesitation and resolve. "I've been distant, and I want to apologize for that."

A reassuring smile appeared on his lips. "I understand. I'm sure it can be weird coming back after all the things we've done in Oslo." He added a sultry wink at the end and Symone kissed her teeth at his antics. "I'm not sure about you, but after something like that, fucking you like that, I can't just be friends, Symone. Don't you miss that? Don't you miss how we felt together?"

"I do miss it," she confessed, her eyes meeting his with a twinge of vulnerability. She wouldn't lie to herself to say anything else; it took so long to admit it. Since that weekend in Oslo, all she could dream about was Luca's big, calloused hands on her smooth skin. Symone was unable to shake off the feeling of Luca inside of her, fucking her relentlessly. Call her touch starved, a sex feign, whatever; yet it was no denying how wonderful it felt to be with him, even for a brief moment.

Luca's heart skipped a beat at her honesty. "I miss it too, more than you know."

The air between them crackled with unspoken emotions, but there was an unspoken agreement, a silent understanding that they both yearned for more than just professionalism between them.

"I want to find a way to balance this," Symone said, her voice soft but resolute. "But I don't even know where to start. I mean—fuck!" She used both hands to cover her face and mumbled out a few incoherent sentences. Exhaling a deep breath, she finally removed her hands from her face. "Sorry, I can be a bit melodramatic. Obviously, what we had was fun..."

"Yes," smiled Luca, "it was really fun. I'm down to keep going if you are, Symone. Just say the words."

If it all was that simple, she thought. But it could be...

As soon as that intrusive musing popped up in her mind, she quickly forbade it, pushing it to the deep depths of her consciousness. Symone felt a mix of emotions swirl within her, a whirlwind of hesitation, desire, and caution. Luca's proposal sounded both appealing and daunting at the same time.

"It's not that simple," she murmured, her gaze lingering on Luca, feeling a tug-of-war between her longing to reconnect and the fear of the repercussions. "Listen, this is hard for me to navigate, okay? I have a career to worry about. I mean, we both have careers. What if someone finds out?"

"Then we figure it out, Symone," Luca said all too calmly. "This isn't my first go-around for something like this and I can understand your concern, your worry, but...how 'bout we put a timeframe on it, okay? Let's say until Noma officially closes its Copenhagen restaurant? Until then, we're friends with benefits, a couple, whatever you want to describe it."

Wow, he has all the answers, doesn't he?

A sense of frustration flickered within her, the conflict evident on her face. "And at work?" she wondered, rolling her eyes at the uncomfortable ease he had towards this. It sounded ludicrous and she hated the idea of sneaking around. It made her feel all too reminiscent of her younger, teenage self hiding her boyfriend from her nosy, overprotective father.

Been there, done that, and still remember the punishment of that entire ordeal.

Luca shrugged nonchalantly. "Work is work, but alone time is just us."

"And then what? What happens after Noma closes?"

His demeanor remained composed, a hint of determination in his eyes. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there."

Symone pondered his proposition; it stirred a sense of reluctance, yet there was an undeniable pull toward Luca, a chance to rekindle something they had lost, which was something she so desperately craved. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes," he agreed. "Whether it's at your place or mine, we can be whatever you desire, and at work, we are strictly professional. How does that sound, baby?"

"Baby?" Symone scoffed. "So we're jumping right in with the affection, huh?"

"Fuck yeah," he said as his eyes twinkled with mischief. He eased out of his chair to saunter over to her. Despite his innate desire to erase any specific timeline from their connection, he recognized the necessity of gently rekindling their relationship.

He towered above her, the gravitational pull between them was undeniable, a magnetic force that seemed to transcend the boundaries of logic and rationality.

As he stood there, close yet not touching, Luca grappled with the conflicting desires within him. He prided himself on patience and adhering to rules, but Symone had a way of dismantling his resolve, sparking an urgency that tugged at his restraint.

"Symone," he began, his voice softer, a deep timbre, and he reached out tentatively to caress her cheek. "We'll do whatever you what, okay?"

The touch sent a jolt through both of them, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken connection that lingered between them. Luca felt the familiar tug of attraction and the urge to unravel the intricacies of their bond, and as much as he tried to exercise restraint, reminding himself of the importance of patience and understanding, his fervor for her managed to overtake his entire existence.

Cupping her chin, he leaned down to kiss her. Their lips met in a passionate embrace, igniting a fire within them that burned hotter with each passing second. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the intoxicating taste of each other's lips, their bodies pressed together in a desperate need for closeness. The world around them faded away, leaving only the electrifying sensation of their kiss. It was a moment of pure bliss, where desire and longing merged into one unforgettable experience.

Their embrace deepened, and a low, passionate moan escaped Symone's lips, echoing the intensity of their connection. Her fingers tangled in Luca's hair, gently massaging his scalp, heightening the pleasure of their intimate exchange.

Luca pulled at her clothing, and Symone quickly got the hint, separating briefly to remove her t-shirt. Her breasts were covered by her bra yet Luca still growled at the sight of her — she was still as gorgeous as he remembered.

"C'mere," he said as his hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her back to him. Symone melted into him, her body responding instinctively to his commanding presence. Their lips moved once again in sync, a dance of passion and longing, as Luca's hands trailed up her back, tracing the delicate curve of her spine. With a surge of courage, he unclasped her bra, letting it fall to the floor, and exposing her breasts to his hungry gaze.

Luca's eyes darkened with desire as he hungrily took in the sight before him. He leaned down, capturing one of her hardened nipples with his lips, teasing it with his tongue. Symone gasped at the sensation, arching into his touch, craving more.

Sensing her need, Luca gently lifted her off her feet and carried her towards the bedroom. Symone's heart raced with anticipation as they entered the room, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm ambiance over the space. She could feel the heat radiating off Luca's body, a tangible reminder of their growing desire.

As he laid her down on the bed, she reached up to pull him down on top of her. Symone's hands roamed over his muscular back, feeling every inch of his sculpted form as they continued to explore each other.

Breaking away from their embrace, Luca looked into Symone's eyes with a mixture of tenderness and urgency. "I want you so fuckin' much, Symone," he whispered hoarsely. "Do you want me too, baby?"

She nodded in silent agreement and with practiced ease, Luca removed her lounge pants and panties before discarding his own clothing. They were both naked now, their bodies entwined in an embrace that left no room for doubt or hesitation.

Luca gazed at Symone with reverence before claiming her lips again in a passionate kiss. His hands roamed over her body, refamiliarizing himself with every curve and dip before settling between her thighs.

Symone moaned as he began to explore her most intimate parts with skilled fingers, eliciting waves of pleasure that coursed through her body. She clung to him tightly as they moved together in perfect harmony, lost in sheer ecstasy. Her back arched into a bow and her hips moved in tandem with his ministrations.

"That's right, baby, let me know how much you need this," he crooned. "Do you want to cum?"

"Yes." Symone could feel the waves of pleasure building within her. She moaned his name, her body surrendering to his touch.

Luca's lips trailed down her neck, nipping and kissing at the sensitive skin before making his way down to her breasts. He took one nipple into his mouth, sucking and flicking it with his tongue while his fingers continued their rhythmic movements.

Symone could hardly think or speak, completely consumed by the sensations coursing through her body.

With a wicked grin, Luca slid down her body until he was positioned between her legs. His tongue replaced his fingers, sending a jolt of pleasure through Symone's entire being. She cried out as he expertly circled and flicked at her clit with a teasing touch before plunging it deep inside of her.

Symone's hips bucked uncontrollably as Luca continued to tease her with his skilled tongue. She felt herself getting closer and closer to the edge, ready to topple over into pure pleasure.

But just as she was on the brink of release, Luca stopped and moved back up to kiss her deeply. Symone groaned in frustration and pulled him closer, craving more of his touch.

"I want you inside me," she whispered against his lips.

Without hesitation, Luca positioned himself between her thighs and slowly pushed himself inside of her. They both moaned at the feeling of being joined together again after so long apart.

Their pace quickened as they moved together in perfect sync, each thrust taking them higher and higher towards their climax. Symone dug her nails into Luca's back as he drove into her with a new intensity. The room was filled with their moans and the sound of skin slapping against skin. They were both lost in the moment, consumed by their desire for each other.

"Harder," Symone gasped, her eyes locking onto Luca's.

He obliged, picking up the pace and thrusting deeper into her. She felt his hands grip her hips tightly, his movements growing more urgent. Symone could feel herself getting closer to the edge once again, the pleasure building inside of her like a fire that was about to explode.

With a guttural groan, Luca leaned down and captured her lips in a searing kiss as he reached his own climax. Symone followed soon after, crying out his name as she rode out the waves of pleasure coursing through her body.

They collapsed onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, both breathing heavily and basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking.

"I missed you," Luca said softly, stroking Symone's hair as they lay there together.

Symone felt the soft, gentle touch of Luca's fingers as they combed through her braids, soothing and comforting her. "I missed you too," she replied, turning to face him with a smile. "I can't believe we finally did this again."

Luca chuckled. "Me neither. But it was definitely worth the wait."

______________________________________________________________

The sun filtered through the sheer curtains as Luca and Symone lay tangled in each other's embrace. Symone traced lazy circles on Luca's chest, her fingertips gliding along the contours of his toned muscles and the outlines of his tattoos. Each touch sent a shiver down his spine, igniting a dormant fire within him. He reveled in the weight of her body against his, the softness of her skin against his own.

Luca let out a contented sigh, savoring the feeling of her being in his arms. It had been too long since he had held her like this, since they had been together in this way. He couldn't believe how much he had missed her.

"How 'bout I make us some breakfast?" he said and Symone let out a chuckle. "What? Aren't you hungry?"

"I can eat," she replies, "but I figured you'd want to...enjoy each other's company for a little while longer."

"Ah..." Luca smiled at the revelation of her words. "I mean, I'm a good multitasker. I could always cook something and fuck you at the same time."

"Bullshit," she scoffed, giving him a playful nudge.

He tilted her chin upwards so that they were at eye level. "Do you wanna take that bet, love?"

Symone's eyes sparkled with mischief as she considered his proposition. The thought of Luca managing to cook breakfast while simultaneously pleasuring her seemed both impossible and enticing. She couldn't deny that the idea excited her.

"Alright," she finally conceded, an impish grin spreading across her face. "I'll take that bet."

Luca's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of excitement glinting within them. He never backed down from a challenge, and this was no exception.

He led Symone towards the kitchen and instructed her to take a seat on one of the barstools before donning an apron, washing his hands, and getting to work.

As he moved around the kitchen with fluid motions, Symone watched intently. Luca put on a fresh pot of coffee and then set off to gather supplies for waffles.

"Do you have any bacon?" he asked as he examined the refrigerator.

"Nope," she quipped, "but there's prosciutto."

"Interesting," he mumbled to himself. "Alright, prosciutto it is." He started the batter for the waffles, and he gazed at Symone as he whisked the ingredients together. "Spread your legs."

The unexpected command intrigued her, and she did as she was told, spreading her legs as wide as she could. She was ready dripping with arousal and it was no way of hiding it.

Luca licked his lips in anticipation. "Fuckin' hell, you're soaking already. I am always amazed by how quickly you become wet for me."

"I mean it helps when you're easy on the eyes."

"Charmer," Luca goaded as he carefully poured the batter into the waffle iron. He set the timer and then turned his attention back to Symone. "Play with your pussy."

Symone felt a rush of excitement at the command, but she tried to keep her composure as she reached between her legs and began to tease herself. She let out a soft moan as she circled her clit with her fingers, feeling the familiar tingling sensation begin to build within her.

Luca watched her studiously, his eyes darkening with desire. He could see how ready she was for him, and it only fueled his own arousal. Symone couldn't help but squirm under Luca's fiery gaze as she pleasured herself in front of him. She focused on her pleasure, rubbing her clit and occasionally dipping a finger inside herself. She let out another soft moan, imagining it was Luca's fingers bringing her to the brink of ecstasy.

He couldn't resist any longer and stepped forward, placing a hand on her thigh as he bent down to capture her lips in a passionate kiss.

Symone eagerly responded, wrapping her arms around his neck and deepening the kiss. She could feel his hard length pressing against her through his apron, and it only made her want him more.

Breaking the kiss, Luca pulled back slightly to look into Symone's eyes. "I couldn't wait any longer," he whispered huskily.

Symone nodded in agreement before leaning back on the barstool and spreading her legs wider for him. Luca wasted no time in positioning himself at her entrance.

He slowly pushed inside of her, savoring the feeling of being surrounded by her warmth. They both let out a simultaneous moan as he began to move within her, their bodies moving together with ease.

The sound of the timer going off distracted them from their intimate connection, causing them both to chuckle. Luca pulled out and helped Symone off the barstool. He then turned off the waffle iron and skillfully plated their meal.

"C'mon," he ordered, gesturing for Symone to follow him to the dining table. He set their plates down, but instead of sitting down as she expected, Luca pushed her gently against the table, causing her to gasp in surprise.

"Hands on the table," he instructed, his voice low and deep.

Symone shivered at his dominance and complied without hesitation. She braced herself against the table as Luca moved closer behind her, pressing himself against her back and running his hands up her sides.

"You like being told what to do?" he whispered into her ear before nipping at her earlobe.

"Yes," Symone breathed out in response, feeling a surge of pleasure shoot through her body at his touch.

"Good girl," Luca praised as his hands lingered on her ass. He slapped the right buttock harshly and Symone hissed at the sting. "Fuck, Symone, you have no idea what you do to me. Can I have like this, baby? Can I bend you over the table and fuck you?"

Holy shit, she thought. She nodded her head hurriedly.

"Use your words, baby," he told her as he sent another slap to her ass. "Tell me what you want."

"Yes, yes," was her response. "Please fuck me, Luca."

Luca's deep chuckle was like honey to her ears and Symone's entire being went abuzz with exhilaration. She felt his pierced penis head brush against her entrance before slowly pushing inside of her once more. Symone moaned loudly as Luca filled her, feeling every inch of him as he began to move within her. He set a steady pace, his hands roaming all over her body as he kissed and nipped at her skin.

With each thrust, Symone's pleasure intensified until she was overwhelmed by it. She could feel the heat building in the pit of her stomach, signaling her impending release.

"Luca," she gasped out, gripping onto the edge of the table for support.

"I know, baby," he grunted in response, picking up his pace. "Me too."

Symone felt as if she were on fire, her body consumed by the pleasure Luca was giving her. Her mind was hazy with desire and she could only focus on the sensations coursing through her.

Luca's hands moved from her hips to cup her breasts, kneading them gently as he continued to thrust into her.

His movements became more frantic and desperate as they both chased their climax. Symone could feel herself getting closer and closer until finally, they both reached their peak together.

They collapsed onto the table in a heap of sweaty limbs and heavy breathing. They stayed there for a few moments, catching their breaths and basking in the afterglow of their passionate encounter. Luca pressed kisses to Symone's neck before slowly pulling out of her and helping her stand upright again.

He turned her around to face him and pulled her into a tight hug. "Best waffles I've ever had," she joked breathlessly, causing Luca to chuckle again.

"You can have them every morning if you want," he replied with a smirk.

After a few minutes of standing there in each other's embrace, they separated and cleaned up the kitchen together. It was a comfortable silence between them now, filled with stolen glances and shy smiles.

As they sat down at the dining table to finally eat their waffles, Symone couldn't help but think about how perfect this moment felt. Even though she knew that this wouldn't last forever, she felt content with just being with him, and she wanted to revel in this feeling as long as she possibly could.

______________________________________________________________

A couple of days later, Luca woke up with a newfound pep in his step. The previous night, after a long and mentally draining distance, he had made up with Symone.

As he made his way to Noma, Luca couldn't help but smile at the memory of their passionate encounter. It felt like a turning point in their relationship, a moment of understanding and connection that they hadn't experienced before. And as he entered the chaotic kitchen of Noma, Luca's heart was still filled with that exhilarating energy.

Luca walked into the bustling kitchen of Noma, and he spotted Marcus, the stagiaire he had been working with lately, and motioned for him to join him at the workstation.

"Today, we're going to tackle the shiso gelee," Luca said, his voice filled with confidence.

"Yes, Chef," Marcus nodded eagerly, ready to learn from the master.

"So just watch me. When you're comfortable, jump in. Don't try to be a hero and then fuck it up."

"Yes, Chef," affirmed Marcus as he focused on Luca's movements. Marcus watched as Luca carefully demonstrated each step of the plating process to Marcus, explaining the importance of precision and attention to detail. "It's like Operation," commented Marcus.

"Bzz," joked Luca as he placed the final layer, a caramel cracker, on top. "Alright, there you go." Luca wiped his hands on the towel that was strategically placed in his apron's pocket. "Go 'head and try that out for me."

Marcus grabbed a nearby fork and dug right in, chewing delightfully. "Whoa. It kind of tastes like a, um..."

"Minty Snickers bar?" interrupted Luca.

"A minty Snickers bar," laughed Marcus. "That's crazy. Yeah."

A small smile appeared on Luca's face. "Symone said the same thing when she tried it. I want you to think of a name for it, if you're up for the task, that is. I don't think Minty Snickers bar will gel well with our customers."

"Yeah, of course, no problem," Marcus grinned. "Thanks for teaching me."

"It's my pleasure," Luca replied before turning his attention back to the other tasks at hand. Amidst all this chaos and creativity, there was one person who continued to linger in his mind – Symone.

He wondered what she was doing at that very moment; if she was thinking about him as much as he was thinking about her. He yearned to see her again and wanted to have another recap of their last time together.

As lunch service came to an end and preparations began for dinner service later on, Luca decided to take a smoke break. The fresh air would do him good after being cooped up in a hot kitchen all day.

Luca stepped out of Noma's kitchen and into the cool Copenhagen air. The chill in the air was refreshing after being holed up in such a high-intensity environment for hours on end. He lit a cigarette and took a long drag, savoring the taste and feeling of the smoke filling his lungs.

As he exhaled, Luca's mind wandered back to Symone once again. He couldn't help but smile as he remembered that night, and early morning, together. But as much as he wanted to see her again, Luca knew that work came first. And with dinner service about to begin, he needed to focus on that.

"Chef?" called Marcus, snapping Luca out of his thoughts.

"Yeah? What's up?" wondered Luca as he finished his cigarette and flicked it onto the ground.

"Making sure you're good, that's all," said Marcus with a shrug. "You seem...cool now. I figured you spoke to Symone?"

"Yeah," nodded Luca, "We cleared the air. Thanks, Marcus."

"So, it won't be awkward between y'all no more?"

"Nah," chuckled Luca. "No more awkwardness. Let's go back inside and get ready for dinner service."

As he re-entered the kitchen, Luca immediately got back into chef mode, checking on all of his team's stations and making sure everything was running smoothly. The air in the kitchen was filled with a symphony of sizzling pans, clinking utensils, and the rhythmic chopping of vegetables. Luca's team moved with well-rehearsed precision, each member focused on their designated tasks.

Maria, Luca's trusted sous chef, was delicately crafting miniature chocolate tarts. Her nimble fingers danced across the counter, gracefully shaping each tart shell and filling them with a luscious ganache that tasted like pure decadence. Not too far away from her, Theo and Marcus worked together on the bread, kneading and separating the dough, getting it ready to use as tonight's dinner rolls.

The dinner service entered its peak hours, and Luca's mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of Symone. He couldn't wait to see her again and make up for all the lost time they had spent apart.

But just as he was about to sneak off for another smoke break, the door swung open and Symone stepped in, followed by James and Rene.

"Thank you for coming to Hart Bageri despite such short notice, Symone," said Rene with a warm smile. "James and I can't wait for your plan to come to fruition."

"It's my pleasure, as always," replied Symone with a charming smile. "And thank you for the pastries."

Luca couldn't help but be intrigued as he watched James and Rene warmly speak with Symone. He was aware of their previous collaborations but wondered what specific project required her to be at Hart Bageri. As much as he wanted to talk to Symone to figure out what was going on, work always came first, and he needed a small reprieve before jumping back in.

The kitchen was finally starting to wind down after a successful dinner service. The last of the customers had left, and the staff was busy cleaning up and prepping for the next day's service, Luca finally had a chance to approach Symone. He took a moment to swing by her office.

"Hey," Luca said, catching Symone's attention as she finished up some paperwork at her desk. "I saw you earlier with James and Rene. What's this project you're working on together?"

Symone looked up, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Ah, Luca," she said, smirking. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?"

Luca leaned against the edge of her desk, a playful smirk mirroring hers. "Well, surprises can be quite exciting, don't you think?" he teased.

She chuckled softly, her gaze never leaving his face. "True, true. But I think we both know that other things can be equally exciting."

His heart raced at the implication in her words. Memories of their passionate encounters flooded his mind, and he felt the familiar heat of desire igniting within him. Despite the professional façade they had to maintain during work hours, there had always been something simmering just beneath the surface. It was a delicate dance they performed, balancing their insatiable lust with the need to maintain a certain level of professionalism in the workplace. But now, with Symone's suggestive comment hanging in the air, Luca couldn't resist the magnetic pull between them any longer.

With a coy smile, she leaned back in her chair, and Luca took a seat at the corner of her desk.

"Do you have any plans for tonight?" he asked, his voice low and seductive.

Symone felt a shiver run down her spine at the sound of his voice. "Just you," she replied, matching his tone. "But I do have some work to finish up here first."

Luca gave her a playful pout. "Can't it wait?"

She couldn't help but laugh at his impatience. "As much as I would love to jump into your arms right now, I have some important paperwork to take care of before we can have any fun."

He rolled his eyes in mock annoyance but nodded understandingly. "Alright then, I'll leave you to it. But don't take too long," he said with a wink before getting up from the desk. "If you want, I figure we head over to my place if that's alright?"

"Yeah, that's fine," she smiled. "I'll be ready in an hour."

"Sounds good."

Symone watched him walk out of her office, feeling a sense of longing and excitement building within her. She quickly finished up her work and made arrangements for the next day before grabbing her belongings and meeting up with Luca for their evening together.

That night, as soon as they arrived at Luca's apartment, he pulled her into a passionate kiss as soon as they stepped inside. Symone caught quick glimpses of his space: most of the walls were painted a deep burgundy, the color contrasting nicely with the exposed brick. The apartment was very much bachelor pad with an industrial feel complete with abstract paintings and a mixture of wood and leather furniture. It smelled exactly like him, sandalwood and the musk from his cologne.

His hands roamed over her body, igniting sparks of desire that coursed through her veins. They fell onto the couch, their lips still locked in a fierce embrace. Symone felt Luca's hands unbuttoning her blouse, and she eagerly reciprocated by pulling his t-shirt over his head. They both knew what they wanted, and there was no use wasting any time.

As they continued to explore each other's bodies with eager hands and lips, Symone felt the familiar heat building within her. She moaned softly as Luca trailed kisses down her neck and across her collarbone, sending shivers of pleasure through her body. Symone couldn't believe how naturally they fit together, their bodies moving in perfect synchronization. She couldn't help but let out soft moans as Luca worshipped every inch of her skin. Symone felt like she could get lost in Luca forever, drowning in the overwhelming rush of feelings he ignited within her.

"I could never get enough of you," he said as he removed her last article of clothing. "God, Symone, you don't understand what you do to me."

Luca bent down to take one of her nipples in his mouth and sucked on it gently, eliciting a gasp of pleasure from Symone. His hands continued their exploration, caressing her thighs and slipping between her legs to find her already wet with desire.

All mine, he thought as their bodies eventually connected again. And I'm never letting you go.

And from the one sentiment, he knew that this could never be something casual, especially when it came to her.

TO BE CONTINUED....