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cloveroctobers · 1 year

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CARMY BERZATTO — x BLACK! Reader — spring prompts 🕊️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It’s the bear now Richie.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Neither was I.” Sydney pointed out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carmy dipped his head, “yeah?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cause you’re a cool cat ♪

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

Tapping on the toe with a new hat ♪

She began to sway:

Ooh, just cruising

Driving along with the swing of the king ♪

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

Feeling the beat of my heart ♪

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

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

Feeling the beat of my heart ♪

Ooh, you’re a cool cat ♪

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

Coming on strong with the chit chat ♪

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

Ooh, you’re alright

Hanging out and stealing all the limelight

Messing with the beaaaat of my he-aaart

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The one and only.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carmy pinched the bridge of his nose.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Oh, is he—

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

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

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

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

“I—I didn’t?”

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

“Really?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richie waved his hands about, “For…?”

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

“Good something or shit something?”

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

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

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

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

“Let’s not go there, Richie.”

Richie scoffed, not saying anything more.

Smart choice.

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

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

Richie frowned, “Who the hell is meech?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Who’s Jacob?” Sydney asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Gregory!” Janine hissed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Any requests?” Cambria asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Cane…” carmy started, curious.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She quit, if you missed that earlier.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Okay.” He decided.

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

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

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

“You have everything already?” Carmy was surprised.

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

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

“Where’s the other two?” Carmy asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Only if you be his best man.”

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

Ever.

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

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

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

“With these legs? Hell no.”

“Sorry, I am a passenger princess.”

“What about a pillow—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Really richie?”

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

Carmy was glad Richie was being serious about this.

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

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

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

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

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

Going home with him.

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

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

“Gatorade?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Non-fiction.”

“Type?” Cambria almost panted from the water.

“Memoirs.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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