Apéritif [ Carmy Berzatto || THE BEAR FF ]

Chapter 10 - Dinner at My Place

*since this is chapter 10, I'm treating y'all. Warning: mature scenes in this chapter... enjoy. And also please let me know what your thoughts are! I have a vague idea for this plot but want to see what the readers thoughts are first :)
_______

The evening unfolded and it was time for you to meet Carmy at his apartment door. He had shared his address not too long before you left your apartment. Revealing that he lived just three stops down the L line—a distance that seemed to shrink the city around you.

Right as you knocked on his door, you heard the clatter of pans ring through the apartment. After a few moments, the door swung open.

Carmy was dressed in a nice simple long sleeve with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He smiled at you as he ran his hands through his hair, tugging on the ends in an attempt to look more 'presentable'. You noticed his eyes follow from yours, to your lips, and to the slight skin showing through your top. A red ruffle top, that was intentionally tied smack-dab in the middle of your chest. Sexy enough to allure him but casual enough to not look like you tried too hard.

"You look great." He smiled.

"Thank you, I can say the same for you." You blushed.

Carmy moved to the side letting you in. You watched as he scurried to pick up the random articles of clothing on the ground and straighten the cushions on the couch.

"Well this is it, not very appealing. But it does what it needs to do." He gestured around the small apartment, dimly lit by the soft glow of a single candle on the table. The aroma that flooded the place was like something you've never smelt before.

There was an oak table with two chairs placed perfectly in the middle of the room. Two plates, with what Carmy had prepared that evening decorated the table.

"Wow I don't even know what to say. This is really nice Carmen." You brought your hands to your lips in amazement.

"Carmy." He corrected you with a clearing of his throat.

"Carmy." The hair on the back of his neck stood up straight after hearing you say his name. He pulled your chair out and helped you sit.

As he settled into the seat across from you, the soft glow of the candlelight painted his face with warmth, casting delicate shadows that highlighted his features. His eyes meeting yours only to look away when you did the same.

The conversation unfolded rather quickly. The sounds of the cutlery clinking against the plates paired perfectly with the soft laughter and giggles that you shared. You lost yourself in each bite. The way the meat melted on your tongue, the savory taste from the butter and rosemary. You were experiencing heaven on earth.

"So chef, what inspired you to start cooking?" You rested your chin onto your palm, not breaking eye contact with him.

Carmy placed his fork down before answering and took a quick sip of his wine.

"It's a long story, actually. But my family was always into cooking. Especially my mom and uh my brother."

"Oh I think, Fak-" you jutted in, "I believe that's his name, he mentioned that your brother used to be the owner."

"Yeah he was, when 'The Bear' was actually 'The Beef of Chicagoland'." He chuckled to himself at the name.

"Well how's your brother?" You dug your fork into the last bit of steak that was left on your plate. The slight 'clang~' from the fork coming into contact with the ceramic made Carmy jump a bit. His breath hitched at the idea of having to answer this. You chewed away at the meat waiting patiently.