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#carmen berzatto x female reader
queers-gambit · 1 month
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Silence
prompt: ( requested ) anxiety plays tricks on your mind, making you mistake your boyfriend's stress for anger - at you.
pairing: Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto x female!reader
fandom masterlist: FX's The Bear
word count: 2.5k+
note: it's short but to the point.
warnings: cursing, hurt and comfort, depiction of mental health: anxiety, slight self-destructive thoughts.
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Silence could be a good thing.
Libraries were silent for ample focus. Theaters were silent during the showing. Sometimes, long drives were peacefully silent.
Silence could also be a bad thing.
Demanding an explanation and the silence stretches. The silence before a doctor delivers life-changing news. Asking someone if they're okay and they don't answer.
When your boyfriend, Carmy, had returned from work that evening, he slammed the front door, dropped his backpack, toed out of his shoes, and stormed around the apartment silently. He didn't greet you, didn't offer a kiss, nothing - just breezed past you as if a pile of dirty laundry he's ignored for the past two weeks. You watched him from the kitchen, sipping a glass of wine, worry sprouting in your gut and chest. It was obvious something was bothering him - but couldn't fathom what it was that made him ignore you; to make him not look at you one single time.
It was like you weren't even there with the way he projected his moodiness. Even on his worst days, he always always always greeted you with a kiss; but the lack of affection hallowed your chest into a pit, wondering what you had done to make him avoid you.
Suddenly, the silence was eerily deafening, coiling your stomach and pumping lead through your veins; no TV or radio switched on to fill the void and create passive, background audio. Carmy was obviously upset about something, but the fact that he didn't even look at you made you think he didn't want to talk. This worried you because before dating, you and Camry Berzatto were the best of friends; talking about literally any and everything you could think of. He came to you with every single grievance, every frustration, every slice of drama - so why wouldn't he now?
Unless... Unless you were the cause of his annoyance? The idea made the pit in your chest stretch to your gut - anxiety rapidly spreading, confusion warping rational thought into something darker and self deprecating. The idea of upsetting Carmy - or anyone, for that matter - was enough to bubble nausea and turn your skin clammy. Muscles tensed, eyes darted, and your mind was plagued with every single thing you had said or done in the past 16 hours.
However, your memory couldn't pinpoint any moment you could've upset him; things had been normal and easy-going lately, there being no clear indication you were the culprit of Carmy's anger. However, there didn't need to be anything clear because your mind was fully convinced you were the bad guy now.
After swallowing a gulp of wine, your eyes adverted to give him privacy and begin on dinner; being obvious that his phone was much more important than you right now. Unfortunately, when it came to picking which sauce to dress your meal with, you were forced to slowly enter the living room where your boyfriend had taken refuge.
"Hey, baby?"
"Hmm?"
You tried not to be offended by his lack of verbal acknowledgement, but your intestines flipped and grew heavy. "Uh, just wondering, you want the marinara or Alfredo tonight with the - "
"Doesn't matter, you choose."
"I mean, which would you prefer?"
"I just said it didn't matter," he repeated with a hardening tone, "it's not like it's a difficult decision to make."
You didn't want to make his attitude worse, so you backed off silently and returned to your task. Yes, yes, Carmy was the professional cook between you but that didn't mean he wanted to come home and continue the act. So, you learned a few new recipes to keep meals interesting - a feat your boyfriend didn't seem to appreciate or even recognize most days. Tonight especially.
Tension tangibly filled the apartment the longer the silence stretched. Your mind conjured a hundred questions at once, begging your mouth to run rapidly if it meant getting answers - yet your logic stuck the words in your throat, refusing to let them fly, and even shoving them deep down for your soul to hold.
You poured a second glass of wine, throat thickening with silent emotion. There was always the worry in the back of your mind that Carmy would one day realize you didn't fit into his life and would break up with you. Or that perhaps, his irritation tonight wasn't due to anything you did specifically, but instead, was attested to your normal behavior and quirks - like the want to talk throughout the day.
Blinking the moisture away, you remembered Carmy hadn't answered a single one of your texts the entire day - a normal act for you, but maybe one that now got on your boyfriend's nerves. You dished up dinner, standing in the open kitchen with two plates and feeling silly for the nerves prickling your skin. You barely noticed the slight tremor in your hands. "Dinner's ready, Carm," you alerted, leaving the plates on the kitchen island you normally ate at; distracted by the need to pour a glass of water.
When you turned, your heart stalled in your chest when you noticed his plate missing - locating him in the living room, again, and it being obvious he didn't intend to eat with you. Now you knew for sure, you had indeed done something. So, you gingerly took a seat and tried to take up as little space as possible; shying in on yourself, eating silently and quickly so you could do the dishes right after.
Sure, there was usually the rule that the cook didn't clean, but there was no way you were gonna ask Carmy to do the simple chore; afraid of pushing him over whatever edge he teetered at. After storing any leftovers, you started the dishwasher and retreated to your bedroom with another glass of wine and the intention to get a bath. You felt like a glaring inconvenience all of a sudden, regret inking your blood and reprimanding yourself for being so - so - so... Clingy?
Is that what it was? Did Carmy think you were clingy? Perhaps texting him throughout the day without him ever answering was the final straw of annoyance he felt toppled the haystack. You wanted to apologize and eliminate the tension, but couldn't necessarily understand what you were sorry for; thinking you were simply paying attention to him, being attentive and interested in his everyday life.
Maybe you needed to apologize for being suffocating? Was that it? Your love was suffocating him? Was he feeling pressured by you? Did he think you two too comfortable in this relationship? Was your wall of texts an indication you were more serious than he? Oh, God, was that it - did Carmy think you were getting too serious, too fast?
Granted it'd been a few years of dating, a lifetime of friendship before that - so how much more serious could you get? Why would your attempts of communication rub him the wrong way? How could the pair of you ever manage to fall off from the same page? Make him think you were pushing for something more? Didn't he know he was enough for you? Didn't he appreciate your presence? The want to be closer? Your desire to maintain the friendship your relationship was built off of? The appreciation you had for him? The support you wanted to offer?
You soaked in epsom salt for the better part of half an hour. Draining the tub, drying off, and changing into pajamas were done silently; feeling almost fearful to venture out of the bedroom to return your wine glass to the sink.
So you decided to just get in bed, figuring if Carmy was so angry at you that it resulted in him ignoring you, he wouldn't want to sleep beside you, either. With your thick framed glasses on, you nestled into bed with your newest novel, trying not to let your mind go into overdrive as your need to fix whatever was upsetting Carmy was overwhelming. Yet there was also the nagging idea that trying to fix whatever was 'broken' would've made things worse - again, resulting in you doing nothing and giving Carmy his space.
The silence haunted the apartment like a ghostly presence; leering over your heads, embracing you uncomfortably.
When the bedroom door opened, you masked your surprise and just read the same paragraph three times in a row - distracted by your boyfriend milling around, preparing for bed. Your eyes widened in shock when the bed dipped and shifted, jostling you as Carmy got into bed beside you, but you still didn't look up from your book.
"What're you reading, sweetheart?"
His mood swings often gave you whiplash. You glanced at Carmy, finger holding your place to let you fold the book over and present the title on the cover. You worried that anything you said and did could make this tension fester, so, you remained silent and went back to reading.
"Is it any good?" He pondered, watching your profile. You nodded mutely, lips slowly rolling between your teeth in a show of anxiety Carmy could now recognize. "Hey, hey, you all right, babe?" He asked softly, sounding mildly confused - perhaps even alarmed.
"Yeah, 'course," you mumbled.
"Well, how was work?"
"Fine."
"You sure?"
"Mhm."
There was a brief pause, then Carmy gently pried, "C'mon, baby, what's wrong? Why're you so quiet?" He chuckled gently, "Usually so talkative in the evenings."
You offered him a bewildered look with slightly pinched brows, swallowing nervously and slowly shutting your book to trace the spine mindlessly in an effort to distract yourself. Typically when anxious, your hands needed stimulation, something tangible to do and feel when your mind numbed with nervousness.
With a great deal of bravery, more than you thought was necessary to muster when talking to the person you love, you asked softly, "Are you mad at me, Carm? I mean, did I do something? T-To upset you?"
"Wait, what?" He asked in confusion. "Nah, baby, you didn't do anything, why would you even ask?"
"'Cause you've been ignoring me...?"
He scoffed, "Ah, 'cause I didn't answer your texts?"
"That, and you've been ignoring me in favor of your phone since you got home. Slamming doors, brooding in the living room, didn't eat dinner with me - got a little snappy when I asked what sauce for dinner? Feels like I did something but I don't know what, so I don't know how to fix this."
Carmy sighed, leaning back to the mound of soft and fluffed pillows you had stacked on your shared bed. "Shit," he breathed, huffing a dramatic sigh, "didn't even realize I was doin' all that, baby."
"If you're mad, just tell me what I did - "
"No, no, hey, hey, hey, hey," he rushed, turning on his side to look at you, elbow supporting his weight; clocking the glassiness coating your eyes. "You didn't do anything, baby, I swear. There's nothing for you to fix 'cause you didn't do nothin'. I just - I've been havin' a shit day, didn't realize I was bein' mean to you let alone that you'd take it to heart."
"Kinda hard not to when I'm the only one here."
"No, right, I get that," he sighed. "I'm sorry, baby, I know you get anxious when I shut down like that, but I promise, I'm not mad at you."
"Well, who else would you be mad at? I thought you were annoyed 'cause I was texting you all day. Thought I was, I don't know, being clingy or something since you didn't answer me."
Carmen frowned, "Sweetheart, no, hang on, listen to me. You didn't do anything to upset me, okay? I didn't answer you 'cause I dropped my phone in the sink and it got all glitchy, I couldn't answer you. I tried to fix it when I got home, but I think I fried it - should just get a new one. It was just one of those days that everything went to shit, it all built up, got the better of me."
You nodded, still looking dejected and making a shot of guilt plunge his heart. "You usually talk to me when you're upset," you pointed out softly, "and when you didn't say anything, I thought I was the reason you were upset. Figured you wouldn't talk to me if I did something to cause your attitude."
"No, hey, I'm sorry, c'mere, baby," he opened his arms and curled them around you when you shuffled into his chest. "Shit, I'm really sorry, I didn't even realize what I was doing - but Goddamnit, that's no excuse, though. I don't mean t'take my shit out on you, you don't deserve that."
"I just got a little nervous, maybe let my anxiety get the better of me."
"That's okay," he promised, kissing your forehead, "I can understand why. I was a dickhead, being snappy and ignoring you when all you do is support and love me. I'm real sorry, sweetheart," he sighed against your skin, tightening his arms to keep you cocooned in his warmth. "You know, you can always talk to me - don't gotta shut yourself down and avoid me."
"Do you even hear yourself? Should take your own advice."
"Yeah, I should," he smirked. "Hey, promise I'll do better not to shut down like that."
You nodded in acceptance, wondering softly, "Do you wanna talk about it? Whatever happened today?"
"Uh, nah, you know what? Think I owe you some cuddles, maybe a dessert? You know, to make up for my bullshit attitude."
"You don't have to - "
"I got you all worked up, feels like the least I can do."
With a hum, you smirked, "I won't say no to a slice of cheesecake."
"What baby wants, she gets," he grinned, a hand caressing your cheek to direct your eyes up to his. His thumb swept back and forth under your eye, "Still sorry about today. I didn't mean to be such an oblivious dickhead, I swear."
You nodded, "I know, baby. Just don't shut me out next time. Had me worried when you didn't even kiss me when you got home."
"A heinous crime on my part," Carmy smirked. "Should I remedy that?"
"I'd be offended if you didn't."
He chuckled and pressed his lips to yours in a soothing kiss, hand sliding to the back of your neck. It was a slow and languid kiss, something he took his time in engaging; lips sticking together, moving in-sync, creating chains of saliva when he pushed his tongue against yours. "Yeah," he mumbled, "I'm the dumb fuck who had you thinkin' I didn't want this from you." He pressed another kiss to your waiting lips, "You're intoxicating, baby - always want your kisses. Yeah? Always. The day I don't, take me out back like Old Yeller."
You wanted to voice that he wanted your kisses now until one day, he simply wouldn't - but refrained from doing so because you knew it was just anxiety talking. So, instead, you chuckled at his comment and leaned in to initiate your own kiss.
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requesting rules and masterlist
FX's The Bear masterlist
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hi baby!! dont worry!! it was about reader getting so stressed and annoyed while building a gingerbread house that they throw it in the garbage because its going all wrong and carmy finds it hilarious lol then he builds one for her hehe<3 love u
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Perfectionist.
Your boyfriend being a professional chef has its perks - especially when it comes to gingerbread houses.
pairing - carmen berzatto x female reader warnings - cursing word count - under 1k!! short and sweet author's note - just a little dose of carmy at christmas for you. thanks baby angel for sending this request in (twice!!) <3
masterlist. inbox.
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"Fuck this."
Carmy hears your raised voice and immediately comes running, coming to a halt in the doorway of the kitchen.
"You good, baby?"
"No."
The frown on your face is amusing him to no end, fighting to keep his smile from breaking out. He doesn't want to minimise your feelings, but you're cutest when you're mad.
Carmy takes in the scene in front of him, surveying carefully. There's chunks of gingerbread scattered across the table, icing dripping from the tablecloth. Your kitchen looks like a candy store exploded - sweets in red, green and blue littered over every surface. You're caked in frosting, hair falling into your eyes as you take deep breaths to try to keep your anger at bay.
"I knew this wouldn't be easy, but fuck me, Carmy... I'm on the brink of a breakdown here."
He makes his way over, grinning like an idiot. It's not often he gets to help you with things - you're fiercely independent, determined to get stuff done all by yourself. He likes teaching you, getting to feel like he's easing your worries a little.
"You want my help?"
"I said I'd do it," you huff, on the verge of stamping your feet and pushing the table over.
"It won't kill you to ask for what you need, baby."
You roll your eyes, bottom lip caught between your teeth. It's difficult for you to admit defeat, but you might rip your hair out if your gingerbread collapses one more time.
"Can you help me, Carm?" you whisper.
"What was that, honey? Say it again?"
You sigh in exasperation, slumping back into your chair.
"Can you help me, Carmen? Please?"
He beams at you like the cat that got the cream, making his way over to sit next to you at the table.
"Lets start again, hmm?"
"Good idea."
You pick up the remnants of your gingerbread house and throw them so forcefully, the trash can almost tips over. Carmy laughs, wrapping his arms around you from behind.
"I think we've finally found the one thing you're not good at, honey. It's a Christmas miracle."
You can't help but chuckle, leaning your head back to rest against his shoulder. He presses a kiss or four into your neck, nosing at the spot under your ear.
"Okay, Mr Michelin Star. Show me what you got."
You bake, first, Carmy explaining how to get the perfect texture you need for structural soundness. He even gets out a ruler, measuring the rolled out dough so the sides will be even.
He kisses you lazily while your gingerbread is in the oven. You're propped up on the counter as he stands between your legs, arms thrown around his shoulders. He tastes like cinnamon and spice, groaning when you lick the sugar straight from his tongue.
When it's cooled, you begin your assembly, sitting back while Carmy trims and remeasures. He draws out a template with a pencil and cuts accordingly, ensuring each piece has a straight edge. You watch in awe as he works, so careful, so attentive. You're fighting not to jump his bones at any given moment.
It's time to build, and Carmy has the perfect plan. He's made a thickened sugar syrup that acts as a glue, hardening when it dries and keeping everything together. His tongue darts out to wet his lips as he concentrates, determined not to mess this up for you.
He steps back, then, to let you decorate. You clearly have a vision, your picturesque idea of what you wanted your original creation to look like. Carmy makes you multiple bags of icing in different colours, and melts down candies so you can make windows and doors. He opens packets of chocolates, and carves into them with a knife to make little trees for the yard.
Hours later, when you're both covered in powdered sugar and melted chocolate, you step back to admire your masterpiece.
"Holy shit, Carm."
"We did good, huh?"
"Is there like, a business in this? Can we do this for a living?"
He laughs, the sound vibrating through you from where his chest his pressed to your back. He's got you tightly in his arms, swaying gently to the soft music that plays from the radio.
"What were you saying about finding the one thing I wasn't good at, Berzatto? Hmm?"
He spins you, pressing his forehead into yours.
"I take it back. I take it all back, baby. You're good at everything."
"Especially gingerbread houses."
"Especially gingerbread houses."
You lean up to kiss him, wiping some frosting off his cheek with your thumb.
"Thanks for not making me feel like an idiot."
"I would never. Life is a learning curve, baby, You taught me that."
"I love you," you whisper. "And just so you know, we're never eating that. It's going to have to be display only."
He laughs, full chested and whole hearted, moving his hands to cradle your face.
"I love you too, baker extraordinaire. We don't need to eat it, anyway. We've got all this candy to get through."
You reach behind him to pick up a chocolate, tossing it into your mouth.
"It isn't as sweet as you," you wink.
A blush rises up his cheeks as he rolls his eyes, pulling you in closer.
"Merry Christmas, baby."
"Merry Christmas, Carmen."
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devils-dares · 2 months
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Mac N' Cheese
summary: waking up in the middle of the night with pregnancy cravings
pairing: carmen berzatto x pregnant!reader
wordcount: 526
warnings: language, smoking
a/n: first carmy fic! let me know what you think + join my celebration!
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Gooey gooey pull apart cheese… crispy bread crumbs sprinkled in… perfectly boiled pasta.
If you didn’t get your hands on the mac and cheese from that place on Second Street right this second-
You had just fallen asleep when you started salivating- frothing at the mouth- for the damn mac and cheese. You toss and turn, even getting up to take a sip or two of water to wash that craving out of your mouth but it doesn’t work.
Your phone lights up the dark room as you check the hours for that place. Of course it’s closed, it’s two in the morning. You groan quietly, not wanting to wake your boyfriend.
But it’s so cheesy and messy and-
“What’s goin’ on?” He says, startling you.
“N-nothing, go back to sleep.” He groans, sitting up. He rubs his eyes with the backs of his hands.
“Is pumpkin botherin’ you?”
“She wants the mac and cheese from that place on Second.” He blinks in the darkness.
“It’s probably closed.”
“It is, I checked.”
“...we can grab some tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Your mouth falls into a pout. “Your daughter’s givin’ me heartburn for this damn mac and cheese.”
“Pumpkin, quit the heartburn, it’s sleepy time.” He slides back down, resting his head on his pillow again.
The son of a bitch yawns and falls right back asleep. You glare at his slumbering form- must be fuckin’ nice- his breaths evening out into a sweet slumber.
A sigh, more tossing and turning. Carmy wakes up, leaving the bed.
“Where are you goin’?” You ask, but he doesn’t respond, instead mumbling something incoherent and walking out of the bedroom.
“Stay.”
“I’m not a dog-”
“Will you just not argue with me for one night? God, always sayin’ shit. I get all the damn naggin’ from work already. Could make that shit better than that fuckin’ place on Second.” He says, voice fading as he walks to the kitchen. You yell after him, but still you stay put sitting in the bed.
You can almost smell the cheese, imagining floating to the kitchen on the smell like a fucking cartoon. You hear him grumbling about, and a window opens. He’s been smoking out the window since you got pregnant, trying to limit the amount of second-hand you get exposed to. You’ve been trying to get him to quit, but he cites specifically Richie as his “pulmonary demise”.
His footsteps grow closer and closer, and you see his silhouette in the doorway.
“Bear special for you and the pumpkin.” He serves it to you all messy and gooey, breadcrumbs sprinkled haphazardly on the top.
“Holy fuck.” You say, snatching the bowl from him and digging in almost immediately. He sighs, clambering back into bed and pulling the covers up and over his head.
“Go to town.” He says, and you can practically hear the eyeroll in his voice.
You destroy it, the cheese pulling apart from the noodles so messy, all golden and crunchy from the breadcrumbs.
It’s a goddamn masterpiece.
“Carmy, Carmy.”
“Hm?”
“Did you have any extra?” He turns over quickly to peek at you.
“You fuckin’ finished it all already?”
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MORE CARMY PLEASE!
Can I please please request Carmy and reader having the HIGHEST sexual tension?? But no smut! I like to edge myself and the audience 😈
well you're a dirty little devil aren't you 😂 how can i say no to this request lol enjoy!
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summary: you're a tailor, and carmy urgently needs a suit for tonight's event. just so happens that he needs a date, too.
pairing: carmen berzatto x female reader
genre: fluff
warnings: sexual tension, sexual themes.
Masterlist
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"what do you mean you're going to the event in that? you're covered in grease and sauce for goodness' sake." richie points out.
carmen shrugs, "it's just a small event, it's fine."
"small event??" richie scoffs, "cousin, they're going to announce the chef of the year, and you're nominated for it. at least look the part, will you?"
carmen waves him off, not really paying attention to what he's saying.
right on cue, you enter through the bear's back doors with a neatly pressed suit richie requested yesterday. carmen frowns, checking who just barges in like that, and ducks almost immediately when he sees it's you.
"amazing work, as usual." richie compliments. "aaaaalso, could you possibly get me one more suit? for tonight? please?"
you sigh. "really? another last minute request?"
"come on, it's for my cousin, carmen. you know him, right?"
at the mention of carmen's name, your ears perk up and your eyes widen in interest. "u-um, yeah. i've.. met him a few times."
richie has to physically drag carmen away from his station -- where he was wiping an already clean spot to look busy, and basically presents him to you.
"hi." you awkwardly lift a hand and immediately drop it.
"hi." he says back in a thin smile.
great, he thinks you're weird now. you curse yourself.
"alright cousin, just go with her and get a suit. it won't take long, so just go." richie pushes both you and carmen outside of the restaurant, and you're both awkwardly standing there.
"go!!!" richie has to shout from the window before you two finally march on to your shop.
the walk there is obviously silent, and while you try your best to come up with a good conversation starter, carmen notices you taking glances at him and tries his best not to smile.
he's had a crush on you for a while now. well, less of a crush and more of a burning desire. you'd come to eat at the restaurant sometimes and carmen would purposely approach you to give you a menu, go back to the kitchen to make your order, and serve it to you. he doesn't care how inefficient it is.
you, on the other hand, have made it a habit to come to the restaurant a few times a week. just to get a sneak peek at carmen and get some extra time with him. it sounds stalker-y, but something about carmen just shuts you up and you don't know what to say to him. all you can ever muster up is your usual order, a please, and a thank you.
at this point, carmen's memorized your order and always has it warm and ready for every time you walk in the bear. he still takes your order just in case you might get something different, and also to hear you say please. it does something to him.
"so, um," you start, "do you have any type of suit in mind?"
carmen snaps out of his trance, looking at the rows of suits around him. "not really, i'm.. not really good at this stuff."
you nod and pull out a few suits you think will fit him. "well, this one is always a classic, or we can go for something that looks a little classy. this one's navy blue, i'd say this is more of a casual-classy look, it's not plain like the black suit but also not too out there-" you realize you're rambling and clear your throat. "um, yeah. so... preferences?"
carmen smiles a little when he can see your face flush -- and his smile makes it worse, actually. he bites his lip and points to the navy suit, "let's try this one."
"o-okay," you hang the suit in the changing room with a white button up shirt. "you can try it on in here."
while carmen is getting changed, you can see a little opening from the curtains not being closed properly. and you're guilty of peeking through that opening and not looking away... until carmen catches your stare with a smirk.
of course he left that opening on purpose.
once carmen says he's done, you go into the changing room and he scoots over to make room for you and so you can see the suit on him. he looks amazing.
"i think i might need to alter the pants and sleeves." you say, "i'll measure and shorten it."
you take your tape measurer and carmen holds his hand out. right in front of his hand, is the perfect view of your cleavage, and he feels his pants getting slightly tighter. if he keeps this up you might not need to tailor his pants after all.
you make some marks with your pins before moving on to his pants. it's like clockwork - you measure the cuffs, then the inseam. you realize what you're about to do, and your heart rate picks up.
you're on your knees in front of him, dragging the tape measure from his ankle all the way up to you know where.
carmen sees your breath get heavier and somehow comes up with the courage to cup your chin, making you look up at him. oh how good you look on your knees with those eyes.
"stand up." he whispers.
you follow his command, not breaking eye contact, and he walks closer to you until you're barely an inch apart. walking backwards until your back hits the wall, carmy puts his hand behind your head so you don't get hurt, and slowly moves closer.
you're not sure where to put your hands. right now they're on the lapels of his suit, feeling his heartbeat that's going faster, and he's so warm. why is he so warm?
his grip on you is firm, and all he can think about is how badly he wants to kiss you, to take you right here.
"c-carm, i-"
the bell attached to your shop door rings, signaling a customer, and both of you stare at each other. your right side is free, you're free to go greet that customer, but your legs don't want you to move.
"hello? is anyone here?" they ask.
carmen caresses your cheek with his thumb, while his other one has moved from the back of your head to your waist, drawing circles and squeezing every now and then. it makes your knees feel wobbly.
the customer leaves, and none of you break eye contact.
"what are you doing tonight?"
"h-huh?" you're surprised by the question. "nothing, just... some work."
he leans in and kisses you just below your ear. "good. you're coming with me."
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mrscarmenbearzatto · 3 months
Text
nurse cupid | carmen berzatto
claire and carmen used to date. you work under claire, and are now dating carmen. what a fucked up triangle ─ 1.33k cw: fem!reader, she/her pronouns used
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Ever since you were young, you knew you wanted to be a nurse. Every career day at school, your answer was the same: "I want to be a nurse and help people!" usually written in yellow crayon.
So, managing to score a job in an ER in Chicago was a dream come true. You loved Chicago and your charge nurse, Claire, was one of your closest friends. Emphasis on was. That was before you and Carmy met.
Carmen Berzatto. The boy you met through Syd, one of your oldest friends. After weeks of back and forth flirting, you and him finally asked for each other's numbers and set up a date, much to Syd's apprecation since all he talked about outside of work was you and if you were stopping in.
Claire only found out about your relationship with Carmy after he insisted taking you to work one particularly snowy morning, leaving you with a goodbye kiss.
That day, she gave you more work then usual. More charts, more patients to watch over and check on, and that was on top of your usual work load. Plus, everytime you asked her a question she gave an exhausted sounding sigh and explained it to you like you were a child, with a condescending tone in her voice.
"Claire." You walk over to her, setting the charts (filled out) down on the desk. "What the hell is your issue with me today? You've been giving me your patients and frankly, your attitude towards me is passive aggressive. If there's something I did, tell me what it is and I can fix it." You request.
Her pager beeps as she hums. "The chief wants to see you." She says, beginning to walk off, and you follow her.
──
As soon as you stepped foot into the chief’s office, you knew what was happening. One of the ladies from HR you’d met once before, the chief, and Claire. Sat around a coffee table.
“Hi Y/n. Glad you could join us.” You know that’s HR talk for “glad we summoned you, let’s tell you what you did wrong.”
You sit down, noticing the look Claire gives you. It’s almost a glare.
“Mm. Can I ask what this is about?” You question.
“Well, Claire here has a feeling that you’re trying to shove a personal relationship in her face. I understand you are dating her ex and she just feels that-”
“That you’re basically trying to remind me of what Carmen and I went through. What we once had.” Claire cuts Aileen (the woman from HR) off, tilting her head at you as she waits on a response.
You stare at her, actually letting out a mix of a scoff and a laugh. “I’m sorry? Claire, Carm and you broke up nearly a year ago. Why are you still hooked on him?”
“This isn’t about me. You knew damn well I’d be at work this morning when he dropped you off.” “It was freezing cold! He didn’t want me walking or taking a cold train, so he offered to drive me since it’s on his way to work. He gave me a kiss and I never even brought it up to you.”
“Ladies!” The chief cuts you both off. “Aileen has agreed to investigate this further. Y/n, refraining from engaging with your boyfriend for respect of Claire’s feelings would be best.” He encourages.
You actually have tears in your eyes from the frusturation, your hands shaking from where you sit. "I'm sorry, can you excuse me for a moment?" You ask softly, standing up before they answer and practically running out of the room.
You barely make it out before you hear the office door shut, not by you but by Claire. "Y/n-"
"What the hell did I do to you, huh? Is this because Carmen and you broke up, or maybe because I didn't come running to you asking for your permission before I began dating him? What is it?" You question, throwing your hands in the air before slapping your hands against your side.
"Don't blame me for this. You're the one who had to go and act like a.. like a school girl bitch and put your relationship with him near me." She scolds. The tears you had been fighting back actually start falling at that, as you wipe them quickly. You shake your head, as you push past her and the flood of doctors.
──
Cold air be damned, you cross your arms over your chest as you lean against the brick wall outside. Ambulances soar past toward the ER exit, but you don't pay them any attention. It isn't until a familiar car pulls up in front of you that you actually look up.
"Hey, pretty girl. You okay?" Carmen's comforting voice asks, getting out of his car with his coat in hands, putting it over your shoulders. His heart breaks at the sight of your tears, nose red from probably the cold and crying, a frown matching yours.
You bury your face in his neck, only moving it to speak. "Claire saw you drop me off this morning and reported me to human resources. Then called me a school-girl bitch for 'putting our relationship near her'." You answer, your voice soft.
He nods slowly, trying to keep himself calm near you. "Why don't you go get in the car, huh? I'll go grab your stuff from inside." He asks, taking your hands in his. You smile. "Thanks, Carmy. Just behave yourself, please." You request, before climbing into the passenger seat of the car.
He watches to make sure you're safe in the car before he goes inside, fists clenched at his side. Behaving himself was something Carmen had never enjoyed doing, so why would he?
He spots Claire almost immediately, walking over. "Carmen-" She begins.
"Claire. What the fuck is your problem?" He cuts her off, staring at her. "Y/n has done nothing to you. If you're pissed about how we left things, that's fine. But you have zero right to harass my girlfriend over how I’ve moved on. I suggest you do the same.”
He doesn’t wait for a reply, instead making his way up to the chief’s office. Knocking on the door and waiting for the faint "come in", Carmen steps into the office and clears his throat as his jacket hangs off one arm.
“Hi, sir. My name is Carmen Berzatto, I’m-”
“I know who you are, son.” Ed, the chief, says with a nod. “And I know why you’re here. And I’d like to only say this once, so I’d appreciate your listening. Y/n is a fantastic employee as I'm sure she's a fantastic partner. I hate to see that girl crying. So, allow this to be a warning.." Ed stands, circling the desk and sitting on the edge, arms crossed right in front of Carmen.
".. If you hurt her, and I find she comes into work again crying because of you, I will end you. Are we clear?" Ed asks, and Carmen immediately asks. "Yes, sir, thank you." He says.
Carmen made his way back to the car, finding you in the frontseat, staring at the radio. He sets your bag in the backseat, climbing into the passenger's seat. "Your radio is all weird." You mumble.
He laughs, placing a kiss on your head. "I'm sorry about Claire. I should have told you.. I promise I am gonna spend the rest of the day making it up to you." He says.
You smile at him. "As long as I've got you, I don't care, Carmy. It isn't your fault."
He grins. "Well, you've got me for as long as you'll have me."
──
It doesn't shock anyone when you're moved to a different unit a week later, this time one where your boyfriend didn't date the charge nurse that would harass you. At least if they did, Carmy would be there to comfort you.
Like he always is.
˙ ✩°˖🌸 ⋆。˚꩜
shine on, shine on, my loves!
thank you for reading! please feel free to engage with this post by reblogging, commenting or sliding into my inbox to leave feedback! i appreciate all of you! check out my carmen berzatto masterlist here for more fanfics!
- mae
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aestheticaltcow · 26 days
Text
Boyfriend Treatment
MDNI 18+ Another addition to the cigarettes multiverse Part 1: Girlfriend Treatment
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“Carmen, I don’t like ultimatums,” you said, rolling your eyes as you contemplated walking out the door to prove to yourself that Carmy was bluffing. He crossed his arms over his chest, “You like my cock.” he said, licking his lips.
You wanted to say yes. Carmy was your favorite out of your rotation. He’d always make sure you came when the two of you hooked up, even if it was a backseat quickie between dinner prep and service. He brought you soup the last time you were sick and stayed to keep you company even though he didn’t get his dick wet. When you accidentally sent him a TikTok intended for a different text chain, he started sending you stupid TikToks daily. When your conversations shifted from ‘you up?’ to actual conversations, you felt yourself getting too attached to him.
Carmy stepped forward, making you step back and bump into the counter that separated his kitchen and living room. Carmy let his arms fall to his side before reaching out to grab your hips, “Yes or no?” he whispered as he ducked down to kiss your jaw. You hummed in response and reached toward the button on his jeans, “You gonna do the same?” you sighed as Carmy’s teeth grazed your skin.  Carmy smirked against your skin and nodded softly as you undid the button on his jeans.“Yes, Carmy. I’ll be your girlfriend.”
You squealed when Carmy suddenly picked you up and threw you over his shoulder, “Put me down, Carmy!” you laughed as he carried you toward his bedroom. Carmy chuckled as he smacked your ass, “Don’t worry, baby, I’ll put you down.” he reassured before using his foot to open his bedroom door. Carmy set you on his bed and hovered above you. Your hands went back to his pants, “Someone’s eager.” Carmy muttered as he pressed his lips to your throat.
Clothes were shed and Carmy found home between your legs. He looked up at you while he dragged his tongue through your folds slurping your slick before sucking on your clit and slipping a finger into your core. Your moans are music to his ears as he adds another finger. He pulled his mouth away from your clit and pumped his fingers at a steady rhythm as he watched your face contort in pleasure. Carmy leaned forward to kiss you. You tangled your fingers into his hair and pulled him closer to you. Carmy pushed his tongue into your mouth and pulled his fingers out of you making you whimper. 
“Fuck- this pussy was fuckin’ made for me.” Carmy groaned as he thrust into you. His movements were met with your breathy moans. You closed your eyes and moved your hands to massage your breasts. Carmy’s mind went blank as he watched you mewl under him. He pressed his forehead to yours as one of his hands went to rub small tight circles on your clit as he hungrily kissed you.
You clutched at the sheets, and your toes curled as your orgasm crashed over you. Carmy continued fucking into you. “Fuck Carmy!” you screamed as you sunk into his mattress. He responded by pounding into you before pulling out to release on your stomach. Carmy hovered over you for a moment before collapsing next to you to catch his breath. 
“Wanna take a shower together?” Carmy asked as he passed you his shirt to clean your stomach. You nodded and wiped away his cum before getting up to throw his shirt into the hamper. Carmy walked around his bed and put his hands on your hips. He pulled you closer to him before leaning in to kiss your neck, “Ready for round two already?” you laughed as you wrapped your arms around his waist. Carmy scoffed playfully, “Just happy.” he mumbled.
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stars-before-sunrise · 10 months
Note
Hc for them taking your virginity
ooh, yummy 👀 also i got a new man in the lineup. everybody say hi carmy berzatto
joel miller, miguel o'hara, marc spector, carmy berzatto
reader is: female
warning: 18+. loss of virginity. minors dni. look away.
taglist: @evyiione
Masterlist
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Joel Miller
In a world where you have to defend yourself from basically zombies, sex is really the last thing on your mind. That's until you found refuge in Jackson, and for the first time in your life you let yourself relax, breathe, live a 'normal' life. And then you meet Joel, a man who's rough around the edges, and seem to have a permanent frown on his face. You fall in love. Joel isn't surprised when you tell him you're a virgin. He's not judging you for it, he just wonders if you really want him to be your first. "you sure about this, darlin'?" "yes, Joel." "don't wanna hurt you..." he sighs, resting his forehead against yours. "you know it's gonna hurt, right?" You nod. You've seen how big he is. "use your words, baby. I need to hear you say it." You gulp as he stares into you, cock nudging your dripping pussy from his earlier ministrations. "please.. please fuck me, Joel. Take me. I want to feel you inside me."
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Miguel O'Hara
He's a little mischievous about it. For some reason it gives him a boost of ego. The fact that he's the first to ever touch you like this, to make you feel like this, to see you entirely.. like this. Your hands cover your chest when you feel Miguel staring, and he only glares at you, pinning your hands above your head. A flush of red is on your cheeks, and Miguel thinks it's so cute. "..Stop staring..." "I just wanna see you like this for a minute." His hands trail down to your breast and gives it a gentle squeeze, grazing his thumb on the hardened nub. His stomach tightens when he sees that you're sighing in pleasure, biting your lip so you wouldn't be too loud. "fuck, you're so hot." You're panting when you look at Miguel. He's been dragging his cock up and down your pussy and clit and it's driving you insane. It feels so good you're clenching around nothing. "ready, mami?"
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Marc Spector
You're clutching onto him. It's not as painful as you thought, but it's an odd feeling. Makes you feel weird.. it's almost like an itchy feeling, and it feels hot. Without understanding what's happening, your hips roll down on Marc's cock on its own, and you moan. "mmh. Eager, are we?" "I.. I.." You're at a loss of words, squirming on top of him while he smoothes his hand on your back. You must've done something cause Marc is letting out noises you've never heard before. "fuck you're fucking tight." "Marc, please.." You bury your face in his neck, hiding your face. "Please move." With a chuckle, Marc gently lays you down on the bed. The slight movement making you clench even harder and Marc groans. "baby, I swear to god if you do that one more time..." "Do what?" You clench again, seeing the dark look in his eyes, but yours are a bit playful. He closes his eyes. "do you want me to be gentle or not?"
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Carmen Berzatto
You forgot to tell him. He's just so good at kissing and touching in all the right places that you forgot to tell him you're a virgin. You've been imagining this night for months since you met Carmy and now that it's happening you can't help the ache you feel down there. Carmy's tongue is pushing down your throat while his hand in your panties, giving gentle nudges here and there before rubbing your clit with his palm, his fingers teasing your entrance. "you're so wet." Your moans are muffled when he pushes two of his fingers in. "Carm- Wait-" You take a sharp breath. He stops when he realizes there's more restriction than what he's used to and his eyes widen when he sees blood. That's not period blood. "I'm sorry, I- I forgot to tell you.." "you're a virgin?" You bite your inner cheeks and nod. "stay here." Carmy stands up and leaves the room. You're convinced that you just ruined everything, and that he must either be disgusted by you or think you're a prude. You have your eyes closed and covered by your arm when you suddenly feel something warm against your core. A warm towel. To ease the sting. "better?" he asks and you nod, still with tears in your eyes. He reaches up to kiss you gently, leaving more kisses down your body until he's leaving a kiss on your clit. "let me make this right."
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-----
slightly longer for carmy, but i just binged the bear and now i love him ok?
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peppermint-toads · 2 years
Note
i neeeed jealous Carmy smut with an equally intense reader
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𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜 i decided to combine these two because duh 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 carmen berzatto and female reader, smut, jealousy, sad reader, carmen has feelings, 1.7k
The day had been boring. It was raining, cold, and a bank holiday. Even Richie was in a sour mood, not cracking jokes and busting your balls like usual. 
You mindlessly wiped down the counter with a sopping towel, leaving behind streaky water marks in your wake. As you were about to drop the towel back into the little red bucket on the floor, somebody caught your eye. 
He had dirty blonde, curly hair that kind of looked like Carmen’s. You remembered him, barely, from your algebra class in high school. He looked a lot different now, a lot taller, his limbs were crammed into the booth he sat in. 
Technically, it wasn’t your job to wait tables; you were only responsible for ringing in the order and shoving the greasy food over the counter. But something carried you away from the register and over to his table. 
Just a friendly hello, that’s all you wanted. Confirmation that it was him. Nothing more. 
“Can I get you anything else? More water?” You asked with a bright-eyed, charming smile, allowing him a few seconds to take in your face, see if his memory served like yours did.
You waited for the moment of realization to sweep over his features. His eyes lit up and a small smile curled his lips, and he beamed as he recognized you. 
“Y/n? That you?”
“Yeah,” you nodded, pinching your brows together, though, to look confused. “How do you know me?”
Coy, coy, coy.
“Oh, uhhh, we had algebra together senior year. We were lab partners.”
“Right!” You acted surprised. “You're Matthew, aren’t you?”
He shook his head in disbelief as he recalled further, an air of pure nostalgia clouding the two of you into a foggy bubble. “That’s right, it was so long ago I forgot! You went out with that Brent guy, I never got the chance to make a move on you.”
You felt your face heat up. 
“I always flirted with you, you know?” His green eyes were getting a little too intense, a little too pretty. Your stomach sank as you thought about Carmy who had to have been only a handful of feet away. 
“I was too busy staring at Mrs. Johnston’s hairy mole to notice.”
The two of you were lost in a fit of snorty giggles, so lost, in fact, you barely noticed Carmen sneaking out of the kitchen and staring at you from behind. 
Carmen had been so abruptly lured from the kitchen by laughter, your laughter intermingled with another deeper tone.
He watched as you placed both of your hands flat on the table, leaning down closer to the man. He couldn’t see, but he was sure your v-neck shirt wasn’t leaving much to the imagination from that angle. 
He smacked his spoon on his open palm, harder and harder the longer he watched the interaction unfold. He reached his limit when Matthew reached up to rub the end of your shorts between his thumb and pointer finger, glancing up at you with I’m absolutely dying to fuck you eyes. 
He’d taken it too far when he touched you like that, and you let out a nervous breath, about to tell him you should get back to work as the guilt really sunk in. 
Carmen had never really understood jealousy until that moment, until his hand grazed your thigh. You'd never given him reason to feel threatened. He didn’t quite understand why his throat burned the way it did, or why his teeth clenched the way they did. 
Before he knew it, he was approaching the two of you, greeting your ‘friend’ by grabbing him by the shirt collar and pulling him out of the booth. He stumbled to his feet, shouting a “What the fuck, man!” But Carmy was pulling him close to his face, almost spitting in his face. 
“Get the fuck out, alright?” 
His tone was low, but effective, because Matthew was running towards the door. 
“And don’t fucking come back!”
You stood there uselessly, mouth agape and sputtering, probably catching flies. Carmen stood there with you, running his hand over his mouth and down his chin, then letting it drop by his side. 
And Richie whistled, finally perking up at exactly the wrong time. He raised his eyebrows and glanced around at the entire staff as if he were asking you guys seeing this shit?
“Fuck, Carmen! He didn’t even fucking do anything!” 
“Really?” He gaped. “He had his hand up your goddamn shorts?”
“What do you care anyway, huh?”
He just stared at you, jaw still clenched tight. 
Suddenly feeling very aware of your coworkers eyes boring holes into your skull, you rubbed your arm and looked down at your non-slip shoes. “I’m going home, Carmy. Go fuck yourself.” 
“Your shift isn’t over for another four hours!” 
Too late. You were already out the door, getting soaked in the downpour. The train ride home was long, wet, uncomfortable. 
You were entirely ready to sulk in your apartment by yourself, showered, fed, in your pajamas. You pulled your comforter over your head, willing yourself to stop thinking about Carmen, to just go to sleep. But you couldn’t stop counting down the hours, minutes until Carmy would be closing the restaurant and starting his commute home, silently expecting him to show up at your door. 
And he did. 
Banging on your door with a closed fist, Carmen stood outside of your apartment. 
You flung back the covers, shoving your feet in your slippers and wrapping a blanket around your shoulders. 
You let him in. You didn’t even have to think about it. 
He pushed past you, pacing in your tiny foyer before grabbing your face and shoving his lips onto yours. You hummed, temporarily relieved to feel his soft, soft lips pressed onto yours so perfectly. But then you were shoving him off of you, so hard he almost hit the opposite side of the hallway. 
“Are we gonna talk about today?” You asked, trying to conceal how breathless you were from just one kiss. 
“He was being an asshole.” 
“He was just flirting with me, Carmen. You’re not my boyfriend. You said it yourself.”
And he had told you that, told you that the restaurant was his priority, not you. He remembered the day he’d said that to you, and how closed off you were the rest of the day. He thought he maybe saw you crying.
“Is that what this is? Are you trying to get back at me, or something?”
Your tone quickly turned defensive, but the more you thought about it the truer it sounded.
“Fuck–Maybe! Maybe you made me feel like shit, Carmen! Maybe you made me feel like I’m just here so you can get your dick wet!” 
He couldn’t even begin to synthesize his thoughts and put them into words, that wasn’t something he was good at, ever. He decided he could only try and show you. 
His lips were back on yours in a frenzy and you couldn’t decide if you wanted to push him off or crumble under his touch like you always did. You let him shove your back into the wall, his hands shakily pulling off your t-shirt. 
It was his t-shirt, but for once he wasn’t going to be an asshole and bring it up.
The entire thing was rushed and frantic. You weren’t even sure how you ended up in your bed with your legs wrapped around his hips, him shoving his cock into you greedily, like he couldn’t get close enough, deep enough. 
The groans he let out, that you swallowed right up because his mouth was so, so close to yours, were steady and deep and made your stomach flutter.
“You feel so good.” He whispered, kissing right where your ear connected with your face. “Fuck I—I wanted to tear him apart. Hated seeing you with him.”
“I’m sorry.” That was all you could say as you searched his eyes, only finding hurt behind them. 
His hand smoothed up your thigh, grazing the spot where your old friend’s had hours earlier and you felt like crying. You felt like telling him you loved him. 
You bit your tongue, turning so you didn’t have to look at him anymore. He dropped his head into the crook joining your shoulder and neck, hot breaths tickling your skin. You felt his curls on your collarbone and you couldn’t help the sob that got stuck in your throat. 
Carmen pushed himself up on one arm, using the other to push your hair back from your face and kiss your forehead. 
Soon he was shuddering as he came inside of you. His head drooped between his shoulder blades and he stared down at your heaving chest. 
He pulled out, resting his back against the pillows. When you didn’t move, he hauled you up the bed himself, tucking you under his arm. 
A tear rolled down your cheek and onto his bare skin, and you smiled sadly. The warm pad of his thumb swiped it away. 
Maybe you were crying in anticipation, expecting him to leave again, maybe you were crying because of how much you loved him. 
You felt him sigh, your head sinking and rising with his breaths. 
“I didn’t know what to do today.”
You glanced up at him through wet lashes. 
“When I saw him touching you.”
You looked away from him again. 
“Tell me—” you paused. “—tell me what we are.” 
You didn’t want to tell him, and never would, but you were so tired of the back and forth. 
“I don’t know.”
He felt more of your tears on his skin. 
“All I know is, when I saw you with him I knew I didn’t want to see you like that ever again.”
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plentyoffandoms · 1 year
Text
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Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto x f/Reader
Main Masterlist ♡ Miscellaneous TV Shows
Warnings: Swearing, alot of swearing. Mentions of Mikey's death.
Just like all my other stories, this has not been proofread, but please enjoy.
WC: 2900
Gifs & Photos do not belong to me. 1st gif @emziess 2nd gif @sarcasmcloud 3rd gif @grantaere
Summary: Carmy got drunk & texted his girl something that he knew wasn't right. He finds out some secrets along the way & finally they get to talk.
Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto POV:
".... Carmen." Came out of her mouth quietly. She was looking down at the floor as she spoke and I didn't hear her properly.
"What?" I snapped back at her, trying to deal with the influx of orders that were heading my way.
"Fuck you."
I almost cut myself, not expecting her to snap back at me like that. I turned to look at YN, not believing what the hell I just heard.
I placed my knife gently on the countertop, wanting to slam it down, but I didn't. I turned to look at Sweets, fully this time, ignoring the stares from everyone else in the kitchen. She wasn't looking at the ground anymore. She was looking right at me, with a look, I never knew she could even muster.
Hate.
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A look I never expected to ever see from her, even more so in my direction. "Get back to work Sweets and we will talk later." I couldn't fold, not with everyone looking at me. Not when it was dinner service and we need this to run smoothly. Not like it ever did, but I can wish.
She let out a laugh and shook her head no at me. She wiped at her eyes and I could see that she had angry tears that were threatening to fall.
"How dare you, Carmen. How fucking dare you blame me for what happened to Mikey," I heard the gasps from around the kitchen and Tina covered her mouth, not believing what the hell she is watching.
I took a step towards her and she took a step back. I was hurt but I didn't let it show. Syd and Tina were standing beside one another, between her and me, off to the side, looking back and forth, waiting for one of us to do or say something.
The whole room was quiet, except for the sounds from the front room and Richie's big mouth, which sounded like it was getting closer and closer to us.
"What the fuck is going on? We got people waiting for their goddamn food Cousin."
I looked up at him and Sweets took that opportunity to walk out the back door, throwing her apron on the ground.
Every single one of us was looking at the door, not believing what the hell just happened. I cleared my throat and told everyone to get back to work.
No one moved, as they too were stunned about what just happened.
"I said get back to work!"
"Yes, Chef," was mumbled throughout the kitchen and even Richie went back to the front of the house. I turned back to chopping the peppers when out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tina bend down to pick up the discarded apron. She folded it neatly in her arms and looked at me and shook her head.
"Got something to say, Chef?"
"You messed up Jeff," and she walked away from me.
I tried to forget what the hell even happened between Sweets and me. Ever since I came back here, she has been nothing but there for me.
She was the one who didn't back away when I lost it on everyone. She helped to stay around and clean up when everyone left. She covered for me when I went to the AA meetings, which I thought were helping me, but I messed up badly last night.
I decided to have a drink, thinking that I could do just one, but one turned into four, which had me do something I would have never done or said to her in the first place.
'It is all your fault he is gone.'
When I saw that message I sent, I felt sick to my stomach. Hoping that Sweets forgot to charge her phone, which she does quite a bit. I threw up the contents of my stomach and headed in early to start on prep.
I kept checking my phone, waiting for her to reply, but nothing came. I was hoping that the message somehow didn't go through, but I never had luck on my side.
So as the day went on and everyone started to trickle in for their shifts, I waited for Sweets to come in, angry and upset. Ready to slap me in the face, but she came in, smiling like always. Laughing at something that Marcus said.
"Hey, I tried to see if you wanted to grab some breakfast before work, but you weren't answering any messages," Syd said to her.
"My charger stopped working and I had to get another one. I am going to charge my phone now and by the time my break starts, it should be good, but rain check on the breakfast?"
I breathed out a sigh of relief, knowing I had time to go into her phone and delete the message that I sent.
But I got distracted as the day went on. I felt like I was being pulled in all sorts of directions and never got a chance to do the one thing I needed to do.
And that is how I now find myself, leaning against the wall, with a smoke between my lips and my head in my hand.
"You are one dumb motherfucker Cousin."
"Not now Cousin," I said to the tall man.
"No, I think now is a perfect time Carmy,"
He lit a cigarette and took one long drag as he looked at me. "I don't have all night Richie," I said, impatiently, I might add.
"You do, but what you need to do is go and apologise to Sweets before she walks away from you and the rest of us."
"I know, fuck, I know I do, but she won't answer her phone."
"Well, no fucking shit. You blamed her for your brother's death. What the hell is wrong with you?"
"I fucked up alright! I got drinking and I woke up to this mess I caused."
"She did everything she could when she found out what the hell Mikey was doing, but it was too late Cousin. She called Sugar and me as she was racing to his place, to try and talk to him. To get help for him," He stepped closer to me and leaned down. "She was the one who found him on the State Street Bridge. She heard the gunshot and ran to him, Cousin."
"I had no idea."
He stood up straighter as he said, "of course, you didn't. Your head is so far up your ass, you never once thought to ever ask any of us how we are doing, but that is just how the Berzatto family is."
Richie was right of course.
"But listen here Cousin, Sweets found the hidden stash that he kept in his desk a few days before and she casually brought it up to him."
"She told me that she did try to talk to him about it and that was it."
"Mikey, knowing Mikey, probably just said some words to appease her and it worked for a few days until he just didn't show up to work. Didn't call out or anything. Sweets became concerned and came here, found his goodbye letter to her in his office and she knew he was going to try something."
I started to tune him out as he was just basically repeating what he said, trying to get it through my thick skull.
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SWEETS POV:
I cried myself to sleep when I got home, after walking all the way home. Not caring at that moment that I left my car at The Beef.
I woke up with a pounding headache from how much I cried and decided to take a nice, hot bath to try and relax, but all I kept seeing when I closed my eyes was the one sentence that I never thought I would ever see.
'It is all your fault he is gone.'
I read it a couple of times when I first saw it, not believing what the hell I was staring at. I couldn't keep the tears at bay when I saw him just standing there, slicing the peppers.
I felt like I was going to throw up when he took a step towards me, as it finally dawned on him that I saw the message.
When Richie distracted his attention, I was gone out the back door. Ignoring Tina and Ebraheim as they called out for me.
I thought about calling out sick today, but I can't just be alone. I needed to be around people, but I also didn't want to be around him.
So I decided to take a nice walk before I headed to work. I was just going to go in, do my job and leave and not hang out with Carmy like I normally would on a Friday night.
But as I was about to head outside, it started to rain. I groaned to myself knowing that nothing was in the cards for me today.
I picked up my phone and called the restaurant back line, which only we and a few vendors know of, hoping that he wouldn't pick up, but just like rain, I wasn't going to get what I wanted.
"Hello," his tired voice answered. I gulped, feeling all the emotions I thought I pushed aside from last night, came rushing back to me.
"Carmen," I didn't get to finish what I was going to say.
"Sweets, I am sorry. Please you have to know I am."
I closed my eyes and willed myself not to cry.
"I am not coming in tonight, I don't feel we-we-well," I stuttered out the last bit, just trying to end this conversation.
"Please come in Sweets, I need to talk to you. We can work this out." His voice was going soft. I shook my head, trying not to give in.
"You hurt me Carmy. You blamed me for his death,"
"I know Sweets and I know it wasn't your fault. I just got drunk and,"
This time I didn't let him finish, "you got drunk? You know when people drink, their true feelings start to come out? I say this from the bottom of my heart, fuck you Carmen Berzatto," and before he could even respond, I hung up the phone and just turned it off. Not wanting to deal with anyone from The Beef today.
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Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto POV:
"Fuck you Carmen Berzatto," was the last thing she said before she hung up on me. I stood up from my chair and kicked it back from me.
I grabbed the closest thing to me and threw it against the wall. When I heard the item fall apart, I realised that it was my phone.
"FUCK!" I shouted as I bent over the desk, trying to catch my breath.
"Bear are you okay?" I groaned when I heard my Sister's voice.
"I am just fine Sugar,"
"I can see you are not," She stepped into my office and closed the door behind her. I turned around and just fell to the ground, not wanting to talk to her about it. She took my discarded chair and sat on it.
"Cousin called me and told me what happened."
"Fuckin' Richie," I muttered.
"No, he used his head and called the one person besides Sweets, that you listen to. Now tell me your side, and we are not leaving this room until you do."
I knew my sister was being serious, but I also knew I could get past her if I needed to, but why cause more shit.
"I got drunk and then texted Sweets, blaming her for Mikey's death. She told me she knew he was taking the pills and I just, I fucked up Sugar and now she isn't talking to me."
"For good reason. You know her Bear. You know her better than any of us. She loved Mikey like he was her brother. He was too far gone and there was no one to help him. I have had to come to terms with that and you should too."
"I know, I don't know what I was thinking. I fucked up, just like I always do."
"Well fix it," I rolled my eyes at my sister.
"I am serious Bear. She is the best thing that has ever happened to you." My big eyes seemed to get even bigger if possible.
"Wait, how did you know?"
"That you two are seeing each other? I am your sister and I see everything."
I narrowed my eyes at her as I could see the smirk on her face.
"I saw you two at the farmers market, you pulling her into your arms and kissing her and looking at her with so much love, that I didn't know you could look at someone like that."
"I have already lost her and I deserve to be alone."
"What you need to do is apologise and don't wait much longer."
I waited until it was almost closing time and told Syd and Marcus I was heading out. "We will make sure this place is all set for tomorrow Chef," Marcus said as I was putting on my jacket.
I reached into my pocket for my smokes when I felt my keys, and it dawned on me that I have her spare car key. I drove the short distance to her apartment and parked in her spot.
I stood outside, contemplating what the hell I can even say to her when she stepped out onto her balcony.
Her favourite blanket was wrapped around her shoulders and she was on the phone with someone, I couldn't hear what she was saying, even though I wish I could.
She must felt me looking at her. She was always good at telling when I was near. Her sad look became angry and she said something on the phone and then put the phone on her table.
"Go away, Carmen."
"I just want to talk, please."
"Just say it through text. Then I will know how you feel," I called after as she went back into her apartment, wanting to punch the brick wall when suddenly the door opened and it was another tenant coming out to walk their dog.
They held the door open for me as I have seen them previously and ran to the elevator, which seemed to take a lifetime. The door was barely open and I was pushing my way through, hitting her floor number.
Her apartment was three doors down, on the right and I waited outside her door, contemplating what the hell I will even say, so I just knocked. Not using my spare key like I normally would.
"Go away, Carmen."
"I just want to talk, Sweets."
No answer and I waited, so I tried knocking again. I got louder and louder until she flung open the door with an annoyed look on her face.
"You have five minutes Berzatto, make them count."
The moment the door was closed and locked behind me, I didn't know what to say. Well, I knew I should apologise, but that isn't good enough.
I sat on the couch next to her, and she was waiting for me to speak. I cleared my throat and for once in my life, I didn't think as I spoke.
"I didn't mean it, Sweets, you know that. I don't know why I even thought that at that moment. I was drunk and missing him. It was his birthday and I got to thinking about him."
I saw her start to show some emotion besides anger, like almost sadness, but I continued.
"Cousin told me that you were trying to help Mikey. That you found him. I am sorry, why didn't you tell me?"
"I have tried to forget it. At first, I thought I could do something to help him with his addiction and well, we know what happened. I blamed myself and got depressed. Sugar came and found me, curled up in my bed days after his funeral and told me that you were coming home to take over the restaurant."
"I didn't want to come home."
"I know you didn't Carmy," at least she is calling me Carmy instead of Carmen now. Must be making progress.
"But you did and I know it has been tough for you and every single one of us, but God, I am glad you are home, but you really hurt my Carmy."
I grabbed her hand that was in her lap and I kissed her knuckles. "And I will do whatever I can to make up for it. I love you Sweets and you know that."
It was the first time I said it to her and I needed her to know how much I love her and I can lose her.
"I love you too Carmy."
I gripped her chin in my hand and brought my head close to hers and gently kissed her lips. "Let me make it up to you," I muttered against her lips as we deepened the kiss.
"You owe me Mr Berzatto." Sweets said as she stood up and took my hand in hers. I followed her to her small bedroom and I made a silent promise to myself that I will forever try to make it up to her.
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queers-gambit · 1 month
Text
The Business That Pays You
prompt: ( requested ) not all disabilities are visible. being accosted for something out of your control angers the watchdog - your boyfriend, Carmy. additional request: protective Carmy.
pairing: Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto x disabled!female!reader
fandom masterlist: FX's The Bear
word count: 4.5k+
note: it's not the best, it's short, doesn't really focus on Carm being protective but it'll do for now.
warnings: incredibly niche, depiction of invisible disabilities from author's personal experience, need and use of medical equipment, author doesn't pay for therapy and projects hard in this, cursing, Lord's name in vain, strangers picking fights.
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Your mother raised you to be poised, collected, personable. Your mother indeed raised a lady; someone was independent, who valued morals and education, who showed equal respect to both custodian and CEO. Your mother instilled a set of beliefs that you refused to dismantle; becoming someone who knew right from wrong, to be helpful, kind, compassionate, empathetic.
Your mother, however, did not raise you to be a bitch. She did not raise you to take other people's shit, she did not raise you to take life for granted; to walk away from confrontation as much as she taught you to stand up for yourself.
People saw you and made snap judgements; thinking they could manipulate and control you, offer harassment and instill a sense of fear in you. Your mother raised you to only fear the wrath of God, not the opinions of privileged, foul-mouthed nobodies who couldn't understand a Goddamn thing you endure. She did not feed you from silver spoons; you had no preconceived notions about life's realities, but instead of becoming pessimistic, you were extraordinarily optimistic because the world had enough negativity in it.
However, despite the strength your mother built in you, that did not mean you were indestructible or any less human than anyone else. You weren't some robot who could turn emotions off and operate mechanically, you had a heart despite how your mother tried to program it to keep you safe from emotional turmoil.
The world could tear anyone down, she didn't want you defenseless against forces that would take advantage of you; she understood there was often no say in how life played out, so, if she could, she wanted to prepare you for what you could control.
All that to say, your mama didn't raise no bitch - but that didn't mean your feelings couldn't be hurt. While graceful, you had both bark and bite; traits that came in handy when defending yourself against wrongful opinions that drained your energy. Since starting high school at 14, you were always the oddball out - the need for a medical aids making it that much harder to fit in amongst able-bodied peers. Since that age, you were accustomed to every Tom, Dick, and Harry voicing their opinion about you; constantly wondering what was "wrong" when you seemed perfectly capable to their naked eye.
They had no business being in your business. No right to know what medical complications you endure, nor the diagnosis bestowed or any explanation for why you needed medical equipment. Didn't stop anyone from voicing their questions, though, feeling some kind of sick entitlement to answers only you could provide.
You were human, why wasn't that enough? You were a person with real feelings, someone with a heart, someone who bled red and had a thick desire for friendship, love, and acceptance.
One look at you and people would think you're perfectly normal, until the days your chronic medical condition flared its ugly head and forced you to rely on mobility aids. You looked normal, but the truth was, you body was in a chronic state of malfunction and sometimes, you needed braces on your ankles, knees, wrists - shit, even your hips! They couldn't tell by looking at you, but the pain was insurmountable. They couldn't tell by looking at you, but you were at a constant disadvantage. They couldn't tell by looking at you, but life was a never-ending nightmare of confusion that made everyday a little extra complicated.
No, nobody could tell - until you were on the ground. Until you had a dislocated joint. Until you lost control of your body and were forced to operate with limited energy and capability.
As you got older, you learned new tips and tricks that could help navigate life a little easier. You made sure to prioritize your rest, drank two liters of water a day, tried to keep a balanced diet, always took your medicines, and exercised to the best of your limited ability. You did whatever was in your power to help yourself, but most people didn't see it this way.
A lot of people just saw you as an inconvenience, someone who complained a lot and held no stake in this life.
One of your newer accommodations was actually more of a necessity. A qualified rheumatologist recommended you get a cane to help keep your balance and prevent unfortunate injury - being a common occurrence for you. So, a cane was added to your inventory and holy shit, did you hate it. You were used to your disability being invisible, allowing you to just skate by under most radars, but with this mobility aid, you couldn't deflect anymore. You were victim to gossip, a spectacle for people to stare at, a curiosity people questioned without real regard to your emotions.
They figured since you were sick and had been for so long, you were at peace with what was "wrong" and wouldn't be triggered by their jarring questions. You hated it, being asked what was "wrong" with you, why you needed a cane when you appeared fit, how you split your lip or sprained your ankle, why you didn't play anymore sports and spent your free time at a hospital - not considering it wasn't a choice you made willingly.
They considered you selfish for prioritizing yourself; telling you that the world was cruel and unfair, that you weren't special, that you didn't deserve "special treatment" because your disability wasn't directly in their face.
They questioned why you wore braces one day and not the next. They wondered how you got sick to begin with. They wanted to know how bad it truly could've been if you still appeared well-enough.
Many thought you were lying about your disability, not understanding what a "flare up" meant; where your body had lulled into a state of homeostasis before being rattled into painful action. They didn't consider that your "normal" was probably on par with their "worst days". Their questions irritated you, yes, but their assumptions just straight up pissed you off - thinking their hour of Googling was enough to compete with years of attending specialty appointments with qualified physicians.
As a direct result, you developed the philosophy that you can't know something if you don't ask questions. However, now you just hated having the responsibility of teaching them thrust upon you when already being the patient - thinking it shouldn't be your role to play.
You already didn't ask for this illness, you certainly didn't ask to be the one that had to make people understand that you were still viable and worthy - like every other human being. You didn't think educating the ignorant should be your duty, but yet again, who better could understand and put everything in words? Who else could convey your situation, explain how you felt, narrate what you endured?
So, for years, you developed a sort of passive attitude, figuring if someone was curious enough to ask questions, the least you could do was answer truthfully to avoid speculations and assumptions. Perhaps it would make the next chronically ill / disabled person's life a little easier by lifting the burden of education from their shoulders. There was no use in feeling bitter anymore, this was your reality and there was no escape; so, your attitude softened and you became a little more open and forthcoming in your tribulations.
Something Carmy admired since the first day he met you.
It was natural for you to feel skeptical when a desirable, able-bodied, very attractive and talented chef took a sudden interest in you; fearing he had some weird kink or wanted to get his jollies by dating "the sick girl". He proved you wrong around every corner, and after keeping him at bay for several months, came around to the idea of going on a real date. This time, when he asked questions to better understand you, your answers were honest, raw, open, and detailed - wanting him to get the full picture to avoid surprise later down the line. It was the least you could do: giving him a look into what dating you would look like, providing every opening to let him run away.
If anything, it made Carmy cling to you tighter.
He impressed you by how easily he accepted your truth. Next thing you knew, the label "sick" or "disabled" was all but vanished from your mind; Carmy making you feel simply human and as if your state was more than enough for him. He treated you with compassion, and if you had a flare-up in front of him, he remained calm and level headed in order to best care for you. Didn't mean he wasn't afraid or startled, but he was at least capable to help in the moment and ensure your safety. That was something Carmy made you feel: safe.
Safe, understood, like you were enough. As if your condition didn't deplete you, but added to who you are.
Carmen Berzatto - or Carmy - was truly one of a kind. A man of rare stock and breed, someone you confided in and trusted; someone who never needed you to be anything more than what you already are. Yes, you were disabled, but Carmy made you feel alive, passionate, and excited to tackle each and every single day; a sensation you have not known since childhood. Since before your illness took over your life.
However, there were some days that even Carmy couldn't save you from. After being assigned your cane, you were recommended to a physical therapist, who taught you the proper ways to best utilize your new mobility aid. Never have you considered there to be logistics behind such a device, but after a brief tutorial, you could feel the difference in use and developed a sense of gratefulness for the helpful tips.
"One last thing," the PT informed you before you could leave, "I'm not saying you will, but a lot of our patients who have invisible disabilities have reported they've encountered individuals who harass them for using their aids in public."
You didn't put stock into his words, just nodding and using your cane to hobble to your car and get back home.
You honestly didn't even think about the warning for weeks... Until one day, you were boarding the bus with your cane and boyfriend with the intent of heading to The Beef to pick out appliances for the renovations. Carmy normally would've drove, but his car was at the mechanics - leaving you both dependent on public transportation like your days in college.
You panted lightly as you climbed the stairs, feeling more tired than a normal day, but still smiling and nodding at the bus driver, swiped your pass, and limped down the short aisle to an open handicap seat Carmy pointed out to you. With a breath of relief, you relaxed slightly to try and relieve tension in your muscles, boyfriend standing beside you to let your head rest on his belly; the bus making several stops before your destination.
When approaching The Beef, you pulled the wire, heard the bus chime in acknowledgment of your stop, and stood from your seat with Carmy's helpful hand in yours; stomping your cane to catch your weight when it lurched while trying to adjust to your new position.
"All right, baby?" Carm checked, eyes wider than normal; able to recognize a flare-up was working into your system as your weakness grew more apparent.
"Yeah," you mumbled, ignoring the sweat dotting your upper lip as your adrenaline was engaged in order to keep you upright.
"Wow," a snotty voice leered slowly, seeing an older, dark-haired woman eyeing you with a curled lip, "bad enough you stole a handicap seat, but you're really using a cane, too?" She scoffed, "Way to lay it on thick. You look absolutely fine, you don't even need that - "
"Excuse me? Do I know you? Did I ask your opinion?" You snapped, the bus going quiet as patrons eavesdropped on the confrontation. Carmy readjusted beside you, his anger and confusion flaring.
"Well, look at you," she gestured, "perfectly healthy but trying to lie about the state of your health? That's so pathetic! You don't even need that cane! Way to steal it out from under someone who does need it, no wonder Medicaid's all backed up. It's 'cause of people like you thinking it's cute and will get them attention or special treatment that the truly disabled can't get their necessary supplies."
You barked a laugh, cutting off Carmy's ready response. He glanced at you in confusion, only seeing entertainment marring yor features. So, you sneered, "Wow, didn't realize I was talking to Superman."
"What does that even mean?" She sneered.
"Oh, sorry, just thought that since you had X-ray vision and all, you must've been him. You know, since you have such an extensive opinion on my disability and all."
"Wow," her eyes rolled as Carmy snickered, "Millennials are truly the worst - "
"I'm Gen Z, bitch," you cut her off, "and just because I don't look like it in your untrained opinion, doesn't mean my disability is any less valid. You know, not all of them are visible - some of us suffer on the inside and hide the outside really well."
"Something you might wanna learn to do - got a whole lot of ugly you might wanna cover up," Carmy scoffed, shaking his head. "C'mon, baby, don't gotta stand here and listen to this kinda bullshit."
"I just think it's shitty of you to steal equipment out from under those who genuinely need it!" The woman continued, making you pause in slight interest. "You're young, your sprained ankle doesn't warrant a cane - you're just using it for the attention, probably want people to feel bad for you. What? Your little boyfriend doesn't dote on you enough?"
"Listen, lady," Carmy snapped, "we've been decently nice, but you're asking for us to get mean. Why don't you fuck off - you don't have the faintest idea what's wrong with her, I don't think you get to say what's necessary and what's not. You're not her doctor, you have no idea what the issue is, so, please, kindly refrain from imposing your bitterness onto other people. Mind the business that pays you, lady, and maybe you won't be so brash and cranky."
"Jesus, she sounds like my little brother when he needs a nap," you tacked on. "Talk about needing attention - throwing a public tantrum is definitely the way to do that."
"I'm just saying!" She defended, noting how the bus of patrons were glaring at her and shaking their heads, "You look perfectly healthy, there can't seriously be something wrong. You would look way worse if there was something real - "
"Jesus, fuck, use your X-ray vision, Superman, then maybe you'd see how brazenly wrong you are," Carmy snapped, your eyes rolling bitterly. You hobbling towards the door, Carmy's warmth at your flank assuring you he was following.
You offered stiffly, "And for whatever it's worth, I had a trained medical professional prescribe this cane as a mobility aid - I don't need some Karen on the bus offering unsolicited opinions."
"I am not a Karen!" She gasped shrilly, looking mortally offended. "You little brat!"
"Not doin' a damn thing to beat those Karen allegations, I see," Carmy chuckled, slinking an arm around your waist; feeling incredibly protective against these judgements. "You might wanna start minding the business that pays you - which certain, isn't us."
"Hope you have as shitty a day as your attitude," you wished her with a smile when the bus pulled up to the curb, easing yourself down the stairs and onto the sidewalk with Carmy's large hands splayed to ensure you didn't trip or fall.
"Jesus Christ," He cursed, glaring at the bus as it pulled away, "you deal with that kinda shit often?"
"More than I should," you shook your head. "Just - let it go, Carm, it doesn't mean shit. The opinions of one dumbass isn't seriously going to make me embarrassed to use my cane."
"Can't believe the nerve of some people," he shook his head, walking on the side of the street to keep you tucked into his side. "I'm sorry you gotta hear that bullshit, baby, Jesus. Only heard it once and I'm fuckin' pissed."
You weren't sure what you felt, but definitely prickly, irritated, annoyed, and very frustrated. Knowing Carmy was just as wound up helped you feel less alone, and the fact that he tried to protect you from the onslaught of rudeness made you a little fuzzy. Perhaps this world wasn't totally doomed...
However, it seemed that wouldn't be your only encounter with a loud-mouth Karen that day. After helping Carmy with certain designs and decisions at The Beef, he informed you that a health inspector was coming to run point and after, you could go home together and soak the irritated joints that were swelling to twice the size they should be. Richie promised to your two a ride home, revoking the need to utilize public transportation. You didn't mind the bus, but it was a helluva lot easier to get in or out of a car, plus it reduces exposure to nosy strangers, their stares, and any comments people might feel the need to voice.
You stationed yourself in the office with Sugar, helping her with anything she asked, and when you limped onto the main floor, you saw an unknown man and woman in pressed suits talking to Carmy and Richie.
You leaned on a counter and listened, cane stationed in front of you, sighing internally when the man eyed you with mild trepidation. You were so close to snapping, but didn't get the chance because he was asking decently kindly (as if you two were friends), "You okay, Miss?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes, yeah," you nodded. "Is there anything I can do to help the inspection run smoother?"
"Do you work here?"
"My boyfriend owns and operates the place, I'm just here to help if it's needed."
"Right..." His head shook, shrugging, "Well, uh, no, ma'am, we're just about to finish. Say, if you don't mind me asking, what's with the cane? I mean, you look pretty young, why do you need it? I mean, is it even necessary?"
Carmy was at your side without you even noticing him approaching, arm sliding around your neck to dangle casually as his brows furrowed with mistrust. He asked stiffly, "What's it matter to you?"
"Well, I guess it doesn't, but I was just curious. You mostly see the elderly with canes, a little weird to see someone so vibrant using one, too. I mean," he eyed you up and down, "you look perfectly healthy in my opinion."
"I don't remember her asking for your opinion," Carmy snapped, arm tightening in irritation to keep you close to his side.
With a sigh, you pet his waist and revealed (a brief and condensed version of) your medical diagnosis, explaining what it meant and what symptoms you were forced to endure all day, everyday. "That good enough for you, sir?" You asked sharply. "Didn't realize medical doctors now did health inspections - bit of a step down, isn't it?"
"I'm not a doctor, I'm just pointing out, you don't look sick to me. I'm wondering why you would use a cane if there's nothing wrong? Look, I know about your illness - I have a niece who has the same condition and she's perfectly fine, doesn't need a cane - "
Carmy snapped, "The fuck are you trying to get at?"
"Carm - "
"No, no, fuck that," he deflected your words, "the fuck is this guy on? Where do you get the audacity to have an opinion on a stranger's health?"
"It's just weird and I'm familiar with the illness," he scoffed, your throat swelling with frustration and strangling any response you might've defended yourself with. Something in your chest warmed with anger, raising your heart rate and blood pressure.
It was as if Carmy could sense this, snapping at the man, "It's not just an 'illness', it's an actual disability, asshole."
"It's literally just an inconvenience, there's not something seriously medically wrong - you'd look a lot worse if there was. I mean, there are other people out there with your condition that don't need a cane or braces, and there's also people who need a cane more than you - "
"Disabilities can be invisible, you fuckin' dumbass," Carmy bristled loudly, making Cousin and the female inspector look over. "You got some nerve, don't you? Trying to have impose an unsolicited opinion on something that has literally nothing to do with you?"
"It was just an observation, sir - "
"That you didn't need to voice. You're being fucking offensive and insensitive, she answered your little questions - which is more than I would've done - so you can fuck off now. Nobody owes you - or anyone else - an explanation about their Goddamn health. It's personal and you're just an asshole for asking a stranger about it. Especially one that was just fuckin' standing here, minding her business - you literally came to her, outta your way, and started attacking her."
"I'm not attacking anyone - "
"We good over here, Cousin?" Richie asked with a growl, stalking over with a glare marring his features; female inspector silently following in obvious discomfort.
"Yeah, Cousin, just this dumb fuckin' asshole harassing Y/N about her cane," Carmy answered, neck and cheeks reddening from his anger. Richie and Carmy narrowed their eyes almost in sync, making the inspector hold his hands up in defense.
"The fuck he say?" Richie snapped.
"That she looks too healthy, how his niece doesn't need a cane and is, also, sick, oh, and that she doesn't need her cane - "
"Why? 'Cause you can't see whatever's physically wrong? So you think she doesn't need extra assistance 'cause you can't outright point at her disability?" Richie barked with anger, a vein bulging and pulsing. "Didn't know we had a doctor in the house, excuse the fuck outta us!"
"I'm not a doctor - "
"Oh, so, just a Karen who offers their opinion nobody asks for?" You finally chimed in after calming your emotions. "Or does that make you a Kevin?"
"No, I think Karen's accurate," Richie nodded at you, hands moving to his hips. "Always sayin' the wrong shit, imposin' themselves, right?"
"Accurate," Carmy snapped, dropping his arm to hold your waist.
"Look, I don't know why you're all getting so defensive! I'm the one with the experience, my niece is sick, too, I'm just trying to understand how you think you're different enough to need a cane," The inspector snapped, "I'm just saying, there's nothing actually wrong with her, my niece has explained the symptoms to me, so why use a cane? For attention?"
"Oh, this fuckin' guy!"
"The fuck did you just say!?"
"Dale," his coworker tried to intervene but was ignored.
"Oh, Jesus fuck!" Richie barked loudly. "Is he fuckin' serious? He bein' serious!?"
"'For attention'?" Carmy repeated over Richie, narrowing his eyes and bunching his brows, "Wow, that's fucking golden! Dude has one family member, had one conversation with her as a patient, and thinks everyone with that condition has the same disadvantages! The same fuckin' symptoms - you fuckin' poser!"
"Fuckin' bitch-ass-loser," Richie still ranted.
"Dumb fuckin' idiot. Who needs the attention now?" Carmy sneered.
"She's too young to need a cane and she doesn't even look - "
"Dale!"
"I think you might wanna fuck off outta here - right fuckin' now," Carmy seethed, "and be prepared when you see your boss next, we're gonna report your dumbass to your superiors. You're being condescending and rude, meddling in someone's health - which isn't remotely any of your business. She was nice enough to answer your stupid fuckin' questions, she even explained what was wrong, but you're still gonna shame her? 'Cause you think she looks fine and healthy?"
"Yeah, time for you to get the fuck out! The more I hear, the more pissed off I feel - get out, goodbye, fuck off, before I make this into a physical altercation," Richie growled, moving forward to coral the inspectors towards the door. He was yelling profanities, the male inspector trying to defend himself and his opinions; still trying to say you must've been faking the need for a cane since there was no way someone who looked like you could need it. The woman was apologizing profusely, but was drowned out over the Chi-Town accents yelling at one another.
When Richie slammed and locked the door, still mumbling to himself in anger, Carmy turned towards you and asked, "You okay, baby? Shit, I'm sorry about that - "
"Don't, hey, it's okay," You soothed.
"It's really not - I mean, Jesus Christ," he seethed, "what the fuck even was that? Twice in one day? Gotta be fuckin' kiddin' me."
"I can't say I'm surprised," you shrugged. "I was warned people get lippy when they see people like me, who don't outright look disabled but still need to use their aids."
"Fuckin' bullshit, that's what it is!" Richie raged in a rant. "How the fuck do you put up with that shit? I'd be swinging that cane around like a fuckin' nunchuck - Jesus - fuck these dickheads! Knock their dumb fuckin' opinionated asses out!"
You paused, slowly perking your brows as Carmy chuckled, "Ah, fuck, you just gave her an idea, Richie, Goddamnit. Am I gonna get a call from the cops to come bail you out after you go on a rampage with your cane as your weapon of choice?" He asked you.
"You might..."
"I'd be disappointed if you didn't, dollface," Richie smirked. "But seriously, babe, what the hell? Does that happen often?"
You sighed, admitting, "More than you'd think, more than I'd like to deal with. People don't believe what they can't see, so they can only go based on what they think they know."
"They don't gotta open their fuckin' mouths, though," Carmy shook his head, skin still cherried from his anger. "It's fuckin' rude - "
"People love having their opinions, baby, that won't change," you sighed, squeezing his waist. "But thank you, both of you, for coming to my rescue."
"You don't need rescuing," Richie sighed, hands back to his hips.
"Yeah, we know you had it covered, just fuckin' angered me hearin' that shit," Carmy scoffed. "You shouldn't be the only one defending your health."
"You want me to hit him with my car? Give him a reason to need a cane, too?" Richie offered, the two inspectors seen outside the window at their truck; exchanging heated words, arguing.
You paused to consider his offer with a hum, Carmy barking, "Hey, hey, no, no, no, bad idea, no hitting people with cars!"
"You're missing the point - it's giving that Karen a reason to use a cane, too, and for us to mock him that he doesn't look like he needs it."
"No."
"Bitch-ass."
When Carmy left you two alone to deal with something in the kitchen, Richie smirked and whispered to you, "I'm gonna hit him with my car."
"You're a good friend," you chuckled, his grin genuine as he offered his arm; letting you take it and limp back into the kitchen.
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requesting rules and masterlist
The Bear masterlist
175 notes · View notes
My request could also work with carmy and Michael too btw 👀🤭 whatever tickles your muse
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There Goes That Dream.
carmy berzatto x female reader, michael berzatto x female reader
warnings - pure angst. sorry about this. happy valentines day!
masterlist. inbox. valentines masterlist.
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“What’s on your mind, Bear?”
Michael has been watching his little brother carefully for the last thirty minutes. Carmy’s deep in thought, lip bitten between his teeth, eyes unfocused and dissociated.
“Nothin.”
“Right.”
Michael doesn’t say anything else, just allows Carmy to sit in the silence for a minute. He knows he’ll have to fill it eventually.
“Just thinking about Valentine’s.”
“Uh oh,” Mikey laughs, shoving his brother’s shoulder. “You having big feelings, bud?”
“Shut up,” Carmy grumbles, leaning back against the kitchen counter. “I’m thinking about asking someone out, but I’ve left it too late. It’s literally tomorrow.”
“Dude. That means it isn’t too late. You’ve still got loads of time.”
Carmy looks over to where you’re laughing with Natalie, both of you giggling over something she’s showing you on her phone. It’s always been like this, for as long as he can remember. You slotted right into the Berzatto family as if it was your last name too.
Carmen fell in love with you that day. He’s loved you every day since.
It’s been ten years, give or take. He’s learned to live with the fact that he loves you, the way people adjust to new climates, or life altering injuries. He knows he has no choice but to carry on.
For the first time in what feels like forever, you’re both single. Unattached to anyone, ready for a new connection. And if that isn’t a sign from the universe, Carmy doesn’t know what is. He’s sick of waiting, sick of pretending like he wouldn’t take a bullet for you at any given moment. He figures it’s now or never. He’s waited long enough.
“Carmen,” Michael says firmly, shaking him back to reality. “Whoever it is - she’s a lucky girl. The worst thing that can happen is that she says no. You’ll be okay.”
Carmy nods, knowing that his brother doesn’t understand, not really - but he’s trying to. You’re not just some girl. You’re the girl.
“Yeah, okay. I’m gonna do it. Later tonight, I think.”
“Good man.”
Mikey leaves him alone, smacking him on the back as he goes. Carmy’s buzzing with anticipation, ready to finally commit to the one thing he’s thought about doing every single day for the better part of a decade.
He stands in the kitchen for a while, trying to concoct the perfect plan. Eventually, he figures that it is literally now or never… and he has to choose now. He makes his way out to the living room and over to Natalie.
“Sugar, have you seen-”
“She’s outside. Out front.”
She already knows who he’s looking for. Because he’s only ever looking for you.
Carmy swings open the front door, ready to yell your name, when he sees you.
You’re sat on the curb, with Mikey next to you. You look like you’re deep in conversation, your eyes never leaving the older man’s face. Carmy figures you’ll be done soon, so he waits on the front step for you.
You laugh, and Mikey gets closer to you, so your thighs are pressed together on the cold sidewalk. Your eyes are still on his, and there’s this look that Carmy can’t quite place. He’s never seen it before, but it’s intense - focused, grounded, warm. There’s a feeling in the pit of his stomach, suddenly. He doesn’t like it.
Michael cups your face in his hands, and Carmy knows exactly what’s about to happen. He can’t look away, no matter how badly he wants to.
You meet him halfway, leaning in to kiss him with a passion that can only be created by time. Yearning, pining, waiting - that’s what this kiss is. It’s an amalgamation of patience.
You separate, lungs heaving, beaming grin on both of your faces.
“I’ve been waiting for you to do that for so long,” Carmy hears you say. “Years, Mikey.”
You’re both laughing, blissfully unaware of Carmen’s heart shattering into a thousand pieces mere feet away.
Michael was wrong, earlier. The worst thing that could happen is this.
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devils-dares · 26 days
Note
hi lovely can i get a carmy x college reader where she comes to his for dinner when the dining hall food is bad 🥹🫶🏻
YES YOU CAN
he's grumbling, pouring over his notebook with a cigarette dangling from his lips. he can't get this one recipe right and it's pissing him the fuck off. he's so pissed, in fact, that he doesn't even hear the door unlock. he ends up throwing the notebook across the room, burying the heels of his palms in his eyesockets. suddenly, you feel really bad about coming here to bother him, trying to sneak back out.
"what're you doin' here, sugar?" he asks.
"was just leaving, i didn't wanna bother you." he sighs deeply, standing up from the floor. he walks over to you, taking your hands in his.
"what's going on?" you blink a few times, thinking about how stupid your disruption really is.
"the dining hall food is bad and i haven't really been eating much. came over here cause i was hungry and-"
"you wanted me to cook for ya, sugar?"
"yeah," you frown, "but you don't have to. you're stressed."
"and my girlfriend's hungry," he says, kissing your forehead. he squeezes your hands gently before pulling you into a hug, "what can i make for you?" as you think, he scoops you up and plops you on the counter, standing between your legs. he brushes your hair out of your face, smiling at you. the stress lines seem to melt away from his face the longer he looks at you.
“make me whatever you feel like making,” you say, smiling at him, “long as it’s warm, i don’t care, it’ll be yummy.”
“bear secret menu item?” you giggle at his words.
“you’re just saying that so you don’t have to admit to stealing syd’s ideas.”
“syd can butt the fuck out of my relationship.” he starts taking some ingredients out.
“nothing too elaborate, carm, just messy and warm.”
“are you hungry now or can you wait?”
“i can wait. i brought my bag, i’ve got some reading to do.” he nods. you slip off of the counter, grabbing your book and notes out of your bag while he starts to cook. the smells enter your nose while you study, and your stomach grumbles loudly.
“when was the last time you ate?”
“good food?” he laughs.
“any food, sugar.”
“i had… a cereal bar this morning.”
“that’s all?” you nod. he sighs.
“how about i make you dinner, and then get some stuff ready for leftovers?”
“please?” he laughs softly.
“‘course, princess.” he starts to chop up some veggies as you pull out your books and laptop. immediately, the stress of school comes back, and you find yourself rubbing at your forehead already. as you;’re getting into the nitty gritty of your notes from your lecture earlier today, you see a glass of wine get dropped off at the table.
“gotta relax more, sugar. all that stress is gonna take a toll on you.” you smile up at him, swirling the wine in your glass before taking a sip.
“you don’t like this one.” you say as he takes a sip as well, “you hate pinot.” he shrugs.
“pairs well with the food.”
“no it doesn’t.”
“no it doesn’t.” he nods, repeating what you said and agreeing. you smile as he turns around, taking a sip of his wine. you can see the sides of his neck tense up, and you imagine the scrunched up look on his face from the taste of the wine.
“carmy-”
“it’s good, yummy.” he says, taking another sip and fighting the sour look on his face.
“i love you.” you laugh. he grumbles and goes back to the kitchen to cook.
soon enough, you’ve got a steaming hot plate of food in front of you, and your laptop gets whisked away.
“eat, and then study if you need to, but you’re not touching this until your stomach is brimming with food. i’ve got seconds.”
“won’t you come eat with me?” you ask, a pout on your face. he tuts.
“yeah yeah.” he refills the wine glasses, his wine looking much darker than yours this go around.
“cab sauv? not the best pairing.”
“better than fucking pinot.”
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Note
angst to fluff with carmy please? 🥹
hope you like this!
Bad Day
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genre: angst to fluff
pairing: carmen berzatto x female reader
warnings: cursing
Masterlist
------
it's not often that you're exhausted from work and the burning out usually never consumes you like this. when days like this happen, all you really want to do is to be left alone with your own thoughts, so you always stick in the office or walk around aimlessly to have some alone time first before going home. after today though, you just want to be in bed.
carmen also had a shit day at work, and usually he can come home, expect you to shower him with love and kisses to make it all better. you're so nurturing and it heals part of him, so when he comes home to a cold environment, he feels something is off.
"hey babe," he finds you in bed, scrolling endlessly on Tiktok.
"hey," you tried to sing-song it but came out flat. you didn't even look at him.
did i do something? carmen thinks to himself.
he hangs his jacket on the coat rack and plops on the bed, seeking warmth from you. "did you eat yet?"
"yeah, a while ago." you say. it's normal for you to eat first, carmen often tells you not to wait for him.
he frowns, noticing your nonchalant tone and scoots closer to you to cuddle, but you immediately scrunch into a ball and that makes it difficult for him to hug you.
carmen's frown only deepens, but he decides to let it go. "okay.. i'm gonna shower. wanna join me?"
"mm, i showered already."
carmen sighs and walks away while muttering, "that never stopped you before..."
carmen wracks his brain in the showering, wondering what he did wrong this morning because you were happy and cheerful. he did leave in a rush earlier today, didn't even have the chance to kiss you bye. maybe you're mad about that?
when carmen steps out of the shower, you're still in bed scrolling on your phone. he gets under the covers to join you, and once again tries to cuddle.
"carmen-"
"sorry i was in a rush earlier this morning," he says, kissing your shoulder.
you hum to acknowledge him and slowly remove his tight hold on you. he's actually not holding on that tight, but with your thoughts right now, it feels like a death grip.
carmen frowns again when you turn around not to face him and scoffs. "okay, what's wrong?"
"what?"
"i'm sorry i didn't have time to say bye earlier this morning, i was running late." he repeats himself, "i'm trying to make it up to you, alright?"
"what?" your turn to frown. "what are you on about?"
carmen sighs and gets up from the bed. "you've been ignoring me all night! i had a shit-terrible day at work and all i wanted to do is to come home and cuddle with you and feel better, okay? i'm sorry if that's too much to ask."
"fuck off, carmen."
"eat shit, carmen."
"get the fuck out, carmen."
that's the go-to response when you're usually in a fight with carmen. it's usually a yelling competition, or carmen being self-destructive, you being passive-aggressive or sarcastic, and it all ends with you two tired, in bed in each other's arms. but now, carmen is met with your silence, and he's really worried that he fucked up.
"did it ever occur to you that maybe i had a bad day too?"
maybe that's when carmen finally sees the dark circles under your eyes, or how you don't seem like you're able to smile. he doesn't think he's never seen you this exhausted, and he doesn't know what to do.
"do whatever you want, carmen."
you've never said that one before. his words hurt you, but you're honestly too tired to fight.
carmen isn't sure what to do. doing whatever he wants involves making you feel better, but he isn't sure he can do that at the moment. so instead, he lies back down in bed next to you and turns off the light.
------
the next morning's sunrise wakes your sleepless eyes, and you see carmen still lying down next to you. usually carmen still has work, but he told syd last night to take over so he can take care of you. well, maybe you don't need to be taken care of, but he decides he should do better and be there for you.
you slowly make your way to the kitchen to make breakfast and coffee, but carmen appears behind you and takes the coffee pot from you.
"sit down."
"i got it, carm-"
"sit. down."
you sigh and sit on the couch. you feel bad for possibly making carmen feel bad last night, but you also feel like he had it coming. he's not the only one who's allowed to have a bad day. then again... you usually don't show your bad days and deal with it on your own, so of course he wouldn't know when you're having one or how to cheer you up.
carmen sits next to you and hands you your coffee.
"thanks."
"listen," he starts. "i'm sorry, i should've paid attention to you more. i should've seen that something's wrong -- i sensed something, i just.. i don't know why i assumed you're fine when now that i think of it, you were obviously stressed out. it was selfish of me. i'm sorry."
you put your coffee down and climbed on top of him, letting him straighten both his legs on the couch while you lay between his legs, head on his chest.
"it's not your fault, carmy." you say. "i never... i didn't have anyone to rely on before you. it's not easy for me to tell you when i'm having a bad day or when i'm struggling because i'm so used to handling things on my own, and somehow i think telling you all that would make me a burden."
carmen slowly caresses your waist, kissing your forehead. "you're never a burden, and however you cope is up to you. just know that i'm always here regardless."
you look up and kiss him passionately. "thank you, carmen."
"there's that smile." he grins, kissing you again.
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mrscarmenbearzatto · 3 months
Text
bedtime kisses - carmen berzatto au
in which you tell willow how you and carmen met during a thunderstorm. | fem/mom!reader
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Thunderstorms were common in Chicago, especially in the spring. You and Carmen had experienced enough of them where they were just another thing to deal with, but the girls were still young. Willow had been terrified of them since she was a little baby, and it hadn't changed. For the most part, Aurora was neutral with them, the thunder causing her to flinch at times but never crying.
During thunderstorms at night, Willow was known to climb into bed with you and Carmy. Aurora, only being a few months old, was used to waking up throughout the night. So, tonight you, the girls, and Carmen sat in bed while the thunder rolled outside. Much past their bedtime (and your own).
"Mama, story." Willow requests where she lays on Carmen, as Aurora lays on your chest, thumb in her mouth. Carmen lays on his back, and you aren't sure if he's asleep or not. You hum as you rack your brain to find a story she hadn't heard and grown bored of yet. "Okay. You want a love story?" You ask softly, and she nods, climbing and curling up into your side.
You hum. "Alright.. there was once a bear. He was sometimes mean to the people he worked with in this fancy restaraunt. Well, one day, a girl began working at the restaraunt. And the bear fell in love with her. So, one night he asked her if she thought he was mean. And she thought he could be sometimes."
"Well, the bear decided to change the way he acted. He started trying to be nicer because he wanted to take the girl on a date. Then, he asked her to go out to dinner with him. And she accepted! He made her yummy food and they talked all night. Then, the girl kissed him. Now they live happily ever after with two little bear cubs." You finish, looking down at Willow whose staring at you.
"Bear?" She repeats, as you nod. "Good job, Wils. Yes, a bear." You confirm. Carmen sits up. "Hold on. You fell in love with me first. Plus, I kissed you first! And she was a pretty girl, the prettiest the bear had ever seen, not just any regular girl." He corrects.
"Who said the story was about you, mister?" You ask. "Yeah, mister!" Willow repeats, her 'mister' sounding more like 'midster.' He stares at you both, ruffling Willow's hair as he leans on his arm. "You were totally talking about me. I'm right, aren't I? I still kissed you first." He argues.
"No, you did not. I kissed you at your apartment after our first date. You kissed me more 'romanticly', as you put it, at Nat's family dinner just before Christmas that year." You point out. He stares at you for a second.
“Nope, your kiss didn't count." He shrugs.
"Oh, boo. Either way, the point is they lived happily ever after with their two little bears, didn't they?" You ask, looking down at Aurora smiling in her sleep. You smile in return, before glancing towards Willow, whose now cuddling Carmen.
He places a kiss on both Aurora and Willow's heads before kissing you on the cheek. "Hell yeah they did." You two smile at each other before a little voice chirps up, "hell yeah!"
The laughter distracts you all from the thunder outside.
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thebearer · 6 months
Note
omg please a filthy blurb of carmy talking you through it 😩😩
"Carmen." You whine, clawing at his arm, head tipping back into the pillows behind you.
"Yeah? What's wrong, baby? Hm, what's wrong?" Carmen grunts, hips moving slowly between your legs, his length stretching you out with every slow roll of his hips.
You twisted, Carmen's hand anchoring you in place, ducking forward to place a kiss to the corner of your whimpering mouth. "What's wrong? You feel good?" Carmen rasped, breath hot, ghosting over your jaw.
Your head bobbed, eyes pinched in pleasure, fingers sinking into his skin. Carmen bit back a smirk, a rather sharp roll of his hips that had you gasping, back arching off the mattress.
"You close? Yeah?" Carmen pressed, his voice tight with pleasure. "You gonna cum f'me?"
You nodded, tongue too thick in your mouth, mind positively numbed from pleasure to think of a proper response.
Carmen shifted his weight to his right arm propped by your head, free hand snaking between the two of you, rubbing your clit. You gasped, hips arching off the bed further into his touch.
"Shh, it's alright, baby. I got you. You know I got you." Carmen muttered, eyes piercing when they pinned you under his gaze. "I'm gonna take care of you. You've been so good. Deserve it, don't you?" You nodded, eyes glazed over and bleary with lust.
"Say it." Carmen nodded, jaw flexing with desire. "Say you deserve it."
"I-I deserve it." You rasped.
"You deserve to cum."
"I deserve to cum."
"Because you've been a good girl."
You hesitated, tummy flipping with heat, another shockwave of pleasure tearing through you, teetering you closer and closer to your own release. "B-Because," You took a shaky breath. "I've been... I've been a good girl."
"You have." Carmen nodded. "A very good girl. Always good, always so good t'me, aren't you? My best girl." He praised you, pressing the ramblings of affection into your heat licked skin.
"Go ahead. Cum for me, baby. I know you want to. I just want you to feel good. Are you feeling good?" The sharp cry you gave was answer enough for him. Carmen kissed down your jaw line, teeth grazing over the sensitive spot that had you gasping.
"You always make me feel so good. You know that? Feel so good, don't you, baby?" Carmen rambled, more vocal now than ever. You remembered when you first started having sex, how quiet and scared he was- look at him now.
"Let go for me, baby. I got you." Carmen felt the shake of your legs, one final hard jab of his hips that had you pushed over the edge, right into the pleasure filled release you'd been chasing.
"That's it. Good girl, that's it." Carmen grunted, his own mind swimming with ecstasy, feeling you clench around him in the most delicious way. "Look at you. So fuckin' pretty, so good f'me. Fuck, you look so good- feel so good."
Your body was shaking, mind numb and swimming with feelings, flooded with aftershocks of pleasure as he rutted into you until he finished.
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infoactionratio7 · 9 months
Text
call it fate, call it carmen - c. berzatto
summary: after carmy runs into a pretty stranger in a coffee shop that morning, he never thinks he will see her again... until she walks into his restaurant.
pairing: carmen berzatto x fem! teacher! reader
word count: 2,506
note: kinda set during season one when the bear is still the beef. no warnings really, some cursing, that's it! :)
read part two here! and part 3 here!
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sunday morning -
The bells of the little cafe on West Erie St chimed as you glanced up from your book, you were waiting for your name to be called by the friendly barista who had just taken your order. You were new in town, and wanted to explore all the different things Chicago had to offer. A man walked into the shop, inhaling the sweet scent of freshly brewed coffee as he went up to the counter and read an order from his phone,
"Can I get a small iced dirty chai latte and a triple shot iced espresso to go? Please, thank you " His voice was soft, as he ran his hand through his messy curls.
He glanced over to where you were standing, bundled up in a winter coat, scarf, and hat (Chicago winters got cold fast). He gave you a once over, taking note of your book, 'Chicago: A Food Biography'. You seemed to be completely enthralled in the page you were reading, captivated by every word. He was not one to ever go up to a stranger, but he felt that he had to take a chance. The barista gave him his receipt and a small smile, telling him to wait over near the pickup counter.
"You ever been to Chicago before?" You look up, wide eyed, not expecting the man to be speaking to you.
"Oh," you exclaim, flustered. "Once or twice with my family when I was a kid, but not that I can really remember."
He smiles and glances at your book, you realize this was the reason he is asking you. It was a very touristy book to be reading. Especially because the cafe you were currently standing in, was highlighted in the book. You had made a list of all the places you wanted to visit that day before you had to arrive at the elementary school down the street to start your new job. "I love trying all the foods that are in the cities I visit, it's like an obligatory tradition when I move in to find places near my new apartment." You spit put your words, not even thinking that you are telling a random stranger in Chicago that you live near this cafe and just moved in. Blushing and looking down at your feet, you hear your name called from behind the counter, rushing to grab your drink and chocolate croissant before the conversation could get uncomfortable. You put the pastry in your bag and quickly wave at him.
"Have a good day, hope you find some nice restaurants" He waves back as you open the door and walk into the blistering wind that had taken over the streets that cold winter morning.
-
You arrived at your apartment building, it was not the nicest apartment you had ever stayed in but it was not the worst either. You walked up the stairs to your door and unlocked it with the hand that was not holding the coffee you just purchased. Rushing into the apartment, you put all of your things on the kitchen table and just took a breath of the cozy air of the room. As you stood there and took off your winter layers, you could not help but think of the man who had approached you in the cafe, realizing how attractive he was, his tattooed hands running through his hair, and biceps anyone could see just from glancing at his bundled up figure. You took a sip from your coffee, thinking how could he get two iced drinks in the middle of winter was beyond you.
You went into your room to grab some of your papers from the desk you had just built from Ikea the night before. You had to do some lesson plans before you did anything else, you had not even started any for that week. It was sunday and all you could think of was when you were in high school, and using your sundays to finish all the work you had neglected to do the week before.
Deciding to just get your work done you opened the package with the croissant, and took a bite. Tasting the buttery and chocolatey pastry seemed to bring a jolt to your brain and body, motivating you to get started.
-
Carmen could not stop thinking about you, he had wished he had formally introduced himself and told her that he was in fact, the owner of a restaurant that was a block away and it would be great if she wanted to visit and try something to commemorate her moving into the city. But no he just waved and let her go, watching her leave into the bitter cold.
"Jeff, you need to focus, you almost cut your finger off," Tina pulled him out of his thoughts with her concerned tone. "What's going on Carmen, you gotta be more careful than that, take a break if you need one."
"Fuck, sorry Chef, sorry" He put the knife down and put the carrots he had finished cutting into the giardiniera container for service later that night.
"You seem more distracted than usual, I can finish the cutting, just go to the office to cool off." Tina glanced over at him as he nodded, cleaning off his knife and putting it away. Right as he walked away, Richie walked into the kitchen.
"Cousi- Where is he going Tina?" He looked from Carmy to his empty station next to Tina, still chopping vegetables.
"He's distracted or something, just let him be Richie, don't bother the poor kid," She turned around to go into the walk-in, grabbing more fresh veggies to prepare for service later. Richie, as he does, ignores Tina completely, beelining to the office, where Carmy is running his hand down his face and pacing around like a madman.
"Cousin, what's your deal? You look like you're goin' fuckin crazy" He grilled, leaning on the door. Carmy shot him a glare, sitting down in the swivel chair that squeaked every time he actually tried to swivel in it.
" There isn't a fucking problem Richie, leave me alone." Carmy pushed himself into the desk so he could look at some paperwork he had been putting off for the past week. "I gotta finish this paperwork."
Richie raised his eyebrows, looking down at the younger man, he wasn't going to push Carmy any further, because the whole kitchen knew what would happen if the chef got mad before a service.
"Fine cousin, just don't take that shit out on the rest of the kitchen." He walked out of the office dorway as the rest of the kitchen crew started to file in to prepare for dinner service.
Carmy blankly stared at his paperwork, thinking about the interaction at the cafe this morning he just couldn't stop thinking about.
sunday night -
You walked down the stairs to your apartment complex, having finished your lesson plans just in time for dinner. Before you left, you had read of a few classic dinner joints in the neighborhood, one of them was called 'The Beef', known for their italian beef sandwiches and spaghetti with meatballs. After looking at some reviews online, you decided that it was necessary to visit this local staple. The reviews talking about how some days it was as calm as anything in the restaurant, but others the employees were screaming at eachother while getting the orders out.
You approached the building, right next to a big parking lot where many people were just standing around with sandwiches. Someone pushed the door open, smells and noise leaked out of the warm dining room. You could hear the screams from in the kitchen,
"We are down five italian beef, sweet and hot dipped, two ravioli, and one spaghetti meatball, Lets go Chefs" A tall man yelled into the kitchen.
The swinging door to the kitchen opened and a woman with a blue apron and white chef's coat replied "We are only down all those things because YOU never fired them Richie, why the fuck are you not firing the orders?"
"Calm down Chefs, just fire the orders, we can catch up if you both shut up and work, okay?" A voice you had heard before cut between the two arguing, they both got quite and looked at the man who had just exited the kitchen with five sandwiches in his hands. They nodded and went back to their respective tasks, "Okay, thank you chefs. I have 5 italian beef, sweet and hot dipped for Chelsea."
You were looking at all options on the menu and had not noticed the man calling out the order was someone you had met before. Carmy scanned the room, trying to find the woman who had ordered the five sandwiches he was about to drop. His eyes stopped on a familiar figure, the same he had been distracted thinking about all day. He didn't even notice when a woman came up asking for her order, scrambling to put the sandwiches in a to go bag and giving it to the woman.
"Excuse me, you're next sweetheart, What'll you have?" A rough voice pulled you out of your focus on the menu as you stepped up to the register. You looked up at the tall man who was smiling down at you like he had never seen a woman before, when he was pushed aside and a familiar face entered your field if vision.
"Cousin what the fuc-"
A woman's threatening voice came out of the kitchen "Richie I swear to god if you don't shut up, I'm going to stab you again."
He stalked into the kitchen, mumbling something about how unappreciated he was in this restaurant. You brought your focus back to the man standing in front of you, beet red as he watched the taller man walk into the kitchen. He turned back to face you and awkwardly smiled,
"Nice to see you again, what'll you be having today?"
You scanned the menu one more time and decided to have a little fun with the man, "Can you surprise me?, I heard that this restaurant is pretty big with the locals."
He looked at you with a pointed look, "Okay," he softly said your name, "What do you want?" After a long pause he wrote down the order, then looked back up at you with his foggy blue eyes. You were flattered he had remembered your name, did he really care that much about a stranger he had spoken to for less than two minutes earlier that morning? You didn't even know his name, but his warm gaze softened you like butter.
"It's on the house okay, I promise it'll be the best meal you've had in the city since you moved here. Be ready in 10 minutes" You were quick to reply,
"No, I can't let you do that, how muc-" He cut you off,
"This one time, I'll cover it, and if you like it, next time I'll let you pay, deal?" He held out his tattooed hand for you to shake,
"Fine..." You smiled, slipping your hand into his rough palm, he shook your hand firmly, then letting it go, gestured for you to wait at one of the tables near the door. You smiled and walked over to the table sitting down. He walked into the kitchen and you could hear his faint yells through the wall, telling the kitchen your order.
"God damn Cousin, you just took my job for no reason what's your problem?" The tall man, who you remembered was named Richie stalked back out of the kitchen to get to the line that had formed. You realized you hadn't even asked the name of the man who had just offered you a free dinner. Richie stopped in his tracks when he saw you, realizing that this might have been the reason his boss had been distracted all day. Thinking about the pretty girl that he had met, and clearly liked her enough to give her a free dinner. He laughed to himself, taking a mental note to make fun of Carmy after service for getting distracted because of a girl.
The blue eyed chef burst out of the kitchen door with a to go bag, and made his way to the table you were sitting, waiting for the food. He placed the bag in front of you as you looked up to meet his eyes,
"So what are you serving me chef?" You tease, "Well that it a surprise you will just have to wait to find out" He grins as you stand up to meet his height.
"Well thank you..."
"Carmen, Carmen Berzatto"
"Thank you Carmen, I'm sure I will enjoy this, and if I don't, I'm afraid I'll have to come back and try something new." Placing your hand on his shoulder and squeezing lightly as you started walking toward the door. "I'll see you Carmen"
You turn around and start walking out of the door when you hear a yell from Richie, "Cousin has got a little sweetheart don't you"
"RICHIE I swear to God-" The door closed behind you before you could hear what the woman who just barged out of the kitchen had to say to the pompous cashier.
You silently laughed as you walked through the street, it was around the time for sunset and the sky had turned a beautiful blend of orange and purple. You reached your apartment in around ten minutes, getting out of the cold and eager to see what Carmen had packed you for dinner.
Putting the bag of food onto your coffee table, you grabbed a plate from the kitchen and started to unpack the meal. The first thing you pulled out was an italian beef, 'sweet + dipped' written on the side, then you pulled out a small side of fries, and lastly there was a plastic container of spaghetti and meatballs, with a piece of chocolate cake. You unpacked everything in front of you and the scent of the food engulfed you. It was a heavenly smell, so you dug in.
When you finished all you could possibly eat you noticed something at the bottom of the bag. A small piece of lined paper, that looked like it was ripped out of a notebook, it said your name on one side in messy handwriting and on the other it had a phone number and more of the messy chicken scratch,
hope you like dinner, would love to show you around the city sometime. call me x
carmy
You immediately opened your phone, putting his number into your contacts, then opening your message app to send him a text.
to: carmen
loved dinner, too bad i won't have to come back and get something else. i guess you'll have to show me around to see if any spots can top this one. let me know when you're free ♡
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