#office catering sydney

[sammyscatering]

Top Reasons to Hire a Catering Service for Your Next Event

Are you planning on organising an event? Have you decided on hiring a catering service for the event? If you are still not sure about hiring a catering service, then go through our blog to understand the importance of catering service for your event. Food is the best enjoyed part of an event, to which every guest looks forward to. If the food is appealing to the eye, it satisfies your brain; if it is delicious to your tongue, it satisfies your stomach. That’s the reason you need to pay special attention to the food service. One of the best brunch catering services in Sydney is Sammys Catering and Co. They are one of the Sydney’s favourite charcoal chicken & Lebanese restaurants. They have been providing professional catering services to many offices, corporate and family occasions.  

For an event where many important people will be attending, the food should no doubt be exquisite. There are numerous reasons to hire a professional catering service provider to take care of your party thoroughly. Sammys Catering and Co is in charge of the food from the beginning till the end of your event. Hiring a reputable food service will save you time, and hiring the best food service in the city will lessen your load and relieve your stress. We at Sammy’s are known to provide preparation, presentation and delivery of food for any kind of event, corporate or family. Our office catering Sydney team has received appreciation for the best presentation of food from almost all the companies that have hired us. You can choose your own menu from the list of food items given on our website and place an order. If you are not sure about the quantity of food you will have to order for the number of people you have invited, our business catering Sydney team will help you with that. We also cater to other services such as setting up the table, providing props and disposables; serve ware and outdoor catering equipment. You will not have to make a separate listing and planning for it. 

Our catering setup and styling is unique and can be customised according to the theme of your event. If it’s a wedding party and you are looking for Bridal Grazing Table menu or Groom’s Breakfast menu, we have pre-listed the items on our website’s Setup and Styling page. If you need a change in the pre-listed items, feel free talk to our breakfast catering services in Sydney team. If you are looking online for corporate catering Sydney visit our website at https://sammyscatering.co/ 

[chefkids]

Claire is Carmy's projection of Sydney.

Costuming is one of the most straightforward ways to tell an audience what a character is like and what their role is. Claire's costuming choices show how she was literally just a clear blank slate for Carmy to project Syd onto. So come peel this onion with me.

When he first sees her after being away from him for a while she's wearing a green jacket, who else famously has worn a green puffer jacket all throughout the series and when she reconnected with Carmy after she left?

When he takes Claire on that post office trip drive through Sydney's favorite UPS route, Sheridan Road, she's wearing a brown jacket which looks very similar to the kinds that UPS drivers like Sydney would wear.

When Claire is at the party with him trying to get with Carmy and pursue a new relationship, she just had a denim jacket. Which we have also seen Sydney wear a denim jacket around him when they were trying to start a new relationship aka partnership together by building the new restaurant.

And then we see her white button shirt, dark pants, and the blue denim jacket when Carmy takes her back to the restaurant, which is basically all Carmy saw Syd wearing for most of the time while at the restaurant when she was in her white button down, dark pants, and blue apron.

When he cooks for Claire we see her for the first time in a tank top at the exact same time we see Sydney the most undressed she's ever been in a bra.

When she's in his kitchen she's in his white t-shirt she tries to have a somewhat vulnerable moment with him. She asks him what he is thinking about when he's clearly stressed and he deflects to just complement her. Later when he is with Syd in her white t-shirt in their kitchen at The Bear, he is vulnerable with her about his mother and tries to get her to be vulnerable with him and she finally tells him about her mom dying.

At Friends & Family night is the one time we see her dressed in the most uniquely herself way in a black dress, and she looks like she's ready for a funeral. Which it essentially was the death of her and Carmy's relationship that night. We also know that this is what Sydney will be doing at the start of Season 3, going to a funeral with Carmy. RIP Claire. (yes i know it's marcus' mom but the metaphor is still there and this is still a comedy after all)

Claire has very little identity of her own because Carmy never bothers to know her like he knows Syd. When Claire is on her own she's always in her scrubs, because he doesn't have much else of an image of her besides the fact that she's a doctor now. But he knows Syd well enough to know the exact designer brand she likes to wear and make her a custom jacket.

He knows about Syd's mom dying because he repeatedly asks her about her family and parents without even knowing them. Claire told him about her cousin dying and he basically said "damn that sucks" even though he knew him personally. He knows about Syd's struggles with her job history through catering and fine dining. Claire told him about her life as a doctor and the only thing he came out with was that it was a time intensive job and that he thought she liked taking care of people by helping to fix them. Which is exactly what he tells Sydney he notices about her later on. She likes to take care of people and to fix things like she tried to fix the restaurant.

He didn't give af about Claire's life or personality, he just wanted to project Sydney's onto it. Carmy wanted to want to be with Claire, because everyone around him told him it was what he should want from Mikey to Fak to Richie. So he chose to see and project as much of Syd, who he already knew deep down he liked but was too scared to pursue, on to Claire. That's why he took her on that drive and why he made her the Sydney's pasta recipe that he knew Sydney already liked. Because he doesn't bother getting to know Claire, he just assumes Sydney's identity on to her. And what he did come to know and do with her that was her choice, like going to a party with drunk friends, only ended up associating her with his alcoholic mother and his brother at their Christmas party.

And in the end he still realized he couldn't just replace Sydney in his mind with her.

[nolita-fairytale]

Carmy as Your Baby Daddy | Social Media AU & Headcanon Series | part six

part five | masterlist | part seven

your third trimester & meeting baby bear

your third trimester fatigue really starts to set it, rendering a slow-down on you and carmy's sex-a-palooza (era coined & named by @starbritestarlite). the less-than-desirable symptoms come back: extreme fatigue, smell/food sensitivities, and your back and feet are almost always tired/sore.

sugar insists on throwing you a baby shower, and you let her because you know how happy it makes her. you can't believe she actually wants to throw (and host) the party, even though she has a fourteen-month old, but like she said, she insists. sydney offers to cater it and with that addition, you and sugar are both game.

it's there at the baby shower that sugar finds she's pregnant AGAIN and sydney cannot fathom what she must've done in a past life to deserve two pregnant best friends who can't even drink.

sugar gets pastries from your favorite bakeries around the city: marcus' croissants, mochi donuts decorated like baby bears, cupcakes, while sydney takes care of the rest of the food. it's the sweetest thing and carmy is grateful yet a little overwhelmed by the huge celebration that sugar has orchestrated because you swear she's invited everyone you and carmy have ever known.

most sundays when you host brunch at your place, you whip up a great brunch spread and fantastic playlist, and after all of your guest are done, you and carmy spend the afternoon napping, making out, and dreaming up the rest of your life together.

i'd just like to reiterate the pregnant people in overalls concept because i did in fact go to a ceramic sale and see so many pregnant people in overalls. it's a thing. it's a vibe. i'm not sorry. just picture it: you, pregnant in overalls, painting the second bedroom and turning it into a nursery. you and carmy tag team this huge diy project. while you paint, carmy can't stop checking in: "are you sure you're supposed to be around these paint fumes? you feeling okay? you want to sit down, sweetheart? how's baby bear?" and it's so endearing that he's worried but you're having fun doing this with him and you'd really like for him to stop worrying for a second.

shopping. for. baby. clothes. one day you come home from the office with a tiny little denim baby jacket. "i know baby bear won't be able to wear it for a while but..." and carmy is just in tears.

baby bear pajamas. baby bear bed sheets. baby bear wall decals. baby bear everything.

one day when carmy has a night off, he's made dinner for you by the time you get home from the office. while you insist on doing the dishes, he cuddles up with you on the couch later that night. without warning, he begins giving you a foot massage, and it's the best one you've ever gotten. "baby, if you ever decide to change careers, you might have a future in massage." he blushes, reluctant to tell you, but inevitably shares that pete took him to a prenatal massage class. you are speechless. "i'm sorry. you went to a prenatal massage class with pete?! better not let richie find out." but all of your teasing falls by the wayside as you more than happily accept his foot and back rubs night after night.

on top of talking to baby bear, you and carmy begin reading to baby bear. you buy baby bear a few children's books to start and while you prefer to read them to baby bear, carmy has another idea. one afternoon when you fall asleep, he begins reading (and commenting) on a few cookbooks he's owned for most of his career. things like: "hmmm that seems like a little too much salt." and "2 oz of carrots, shredded, then pickled with-. would you pair carrots with jicama for an escabeche, baby bear?" some days you pretend you're still sleeping just to hear him do it because it truly is the most precious thing you've ever heard in your life.

carmy is terrified that he'll be a bad dad, considering his dad left and his mom is... his mom and freaks out one day. in an effort to calm him down, you finally admit that you've been listening to him read to baby bear when you fall asleep. "a man that a works on a recipe with his unborn kid... that's dad material if i've ever seen it." while he still has his worries and anxieties, it makes him feel loads better when you remind him that more than anything, you believe in him.

when you go into labor, carmy drops everything to get to the hospital as soon as possible. while not planned or preferred, you end up having to have a c-section with baby bear. it's the strangest experience (did you know they literally have to take your organs out to get to the baby?!?!?!) and it's not what you pictured, but the minute you hear baby bear cry, it doesn't matter. it is emotional: army is crying and you're crying and baby bear is crying, and you both know your lives have just changed forever.

"welcome to the world, josephine antonia berzatto," you whisper as you hold your baby girl in your arms for the very first time.

a/n: my heart exploded writing that last part. rip to me.

in a wild turn of events, i WILL be writing a 'your life with baby bear' headcanon for this series NEXT, and then eventually a 'carmy as a dad/you and carmy as parents' headcanon.

i forgot to add... i just want to say that @carmensberzattos did in fact call it, insisting that baby bear be called antonia. which is insane considering in season 2 we learned that carmy's middle name is anthony. and that's on being psychic. name was edited bc it flowed better this way!!

[in-my-feels-probably]

I can’t remember fr 😭 but here’s maybe another idea? Carmenxreader where the reader works as a chef at the restaurant as well and one day when they’re specially stressed out carmy blows up on her face (kinda like how he does to Sydney on ep 7) and she straight up walks out as well, the difference here is that they live together and obviously they can’t exactly ignore each other at home OR as an alternative, he blows up in her face and she has that kinda silent anger that’s even scarier than when someone has a screaming match with you, so when she simply turns around and goes back to work, Carmy is afraid for his life because he can practically see the anger radiating off of her, either one is fine! And ending is up to you! (But make is happy pls because I am a baby and will cry at too much angst :’)) thank you!!

Crash and Burn

Request: Carmenxreader where the reader works as a chef at the restaurant as well and one day when they’re specially stressed out carmy blows up on her face (kinda like how he does to Sydney on ep 7) and she straight up walks out as well, the difference here is that they live together and obviously they can’t exactly ignore each other at home OR as an alternative, he blows up in her face and she has that kinda silent anger that’s even scarier than when someone has a screaming match with you, so when she simply turns around and goes back to work, Carmy is afraid for his life because he can practically see the anger radiating off of her, either one is fine!

Hi! I’m so sorry for the long wait, I’ve been so busy but I’ve got some time now. I’m still getting the hang of writing for Carmy, so bear with me if it’s a little bit rusty. Anyways, I hope you enjoy it!

(Warnings: swearing, shouting, slight angst, let me know if i missed anything)

—

Today was not your day. It wasn’t anyone’s day at the Beef’s, to be more specific. 

And to make it worse, you were prepping for a catering event Carmy couldn’t say no to. You needed the cash, and so it had to be done. But—of course—everything had to go wrong, one shitty situation after the other. 

First, the meat delivery man dropped off fifty pounds of the wrong kind of meat, which immediately put Carmy in a bad mood. Then, he accidentally scorched the bottom of a pan after he forgot to check it while he was whisked away doing other things, and he had to start his stock sauce over completely. Unfortunately for you, it was a new recipe, and he was the only one who knew how to make it. It set him back at least an hour, and now you were rushing to pick up the slack of his duties on top of yours while he continued his.

It seemed as if everyone was having a bad day. Marcus couldn’t get the consistency of his cake batter right. Richie left his cigarettes at home and was forced to work through his smoke break, loudly griping about it to you while he chopped vegetables. Tina was late to work because of an appointment she had to take her son to, and she refused to cancel it and make another. Not that you blamed her.

You could overhear the phone call she had with Carmy letting him know she was stuck on the L train. When he asked why she couldn’t have just rescheduled, her scolding could be heard even from outside his office door. 

“It took me three fucking weeks just to even get the place to answer the phone without putting me on hold, I’m not about to wait another month!”

Carmy sighed, wiping a hand down his face. “We’re really busy today, Tina, if you could just please hurry—”

“Yeah, I’ll tell the conductor to step on it. Give me a minute, kid, I’ll be there soon.”

She arrived shortly after her phone call, making herself scarce when she saw Carmy hunched over a pot, muttering fragmented sentences to himself that would make a sailor blush. You quickly hurried her over, telling her to grab a knife and help you chop. 

The icing on the fucking cake—metaphorical of course, since Marcus had yet to actually bake any cake—was the client calling Carmy in the middle of the lunch rush and demanding the event’s catering be pushed up half a day, or else they would cancel entirely and expect a refund. A refund you didn’t have, as you had already spent the moneyt, so you had no choice but to oblige them. Meaning that instead of the extra time in the morning everyone had to prep, they’d instead have to finish that evening. And as if that couldn’t get any worse, Richie was going to have to leave halfway through the dinner shift to go pick up his daughter, which was unmissable. 

It would be you, Carmy, Tina, Marcus, and Sydney after the restaurant closed, working overtime and scrambling until you finished. 

Although, it was hard to ponder the next few hours when you were up to your neck in to-go orders, wrapping up sandwich after sandwich that Richie was making and sending your way in between taking orders at the counter. In fact, everyone was up to their necks in duties, frantically working and bustling around the kitchen. 

“Sydney, I’ll sign the lease to my apartment over to you and my savings account for rent if you take that meat cleaver and hit me over the head with it. If I don’t die, at least I’ll get sent to the hospital and be able to get the fuck out of here,” you groaned, wrapping yet another sandwich and sliding it back to Richie at the counter. 

Carmy tsked, not looking up from the now four separate pots on the stove he was managing. “Considering I live there, too, I think you’re gonna have to tough this one out for me.”

“For fucks sake,” you whined, heading into the front of house to grab more wrappers. 

Richie patted your shoulder on your way back into the kitchen, chuckling when you glared up at him. In a rare moment of peace when there was a gap in customers, he headed back into the kitchen to help you with the online orders. 

“Hang in there, kid,” he said, reaching into his back pocket before he groaned. “Shit, do you have any smokes?” 

“Nope,” you replied, immediately souring his relatively calm mood. 

“Fuck!”

He then took to angrily assembling and wrapping orders, shooing you away from the to-go station. Not that you were complaining, you could practically feel the anger radiating off him as he worked. 

You chose to help Carmy, who looked like he was about ten seconds from a mental breakdown. You rested a hand on his back as you approached him, gently rubbing up and down. 

“Where do you need me, love? Can I help?”

He sighed in frustration, shaking his head. “Nah, I’ve got this. Can you help Tina in the walk-in? She’s been in there a while.”

“Yup,” you smiled, hooking an arm around his middle giving him a quick hug, before heading into the back where the freezer was. 

When you opened the door, Tina was standing on her tippy toes, trying to put a big container of sauce on the top shelf. You furrowed your brows in confusion, wondering why she hadn’t asked someone a bit taller, like Marcus, to help her lift it up. She’d been gone from her station for what was probably twenty minutes now, and it was hard to imagine her standing like that instead of simply asking for help. 

You let the door close behind you, stepping in to help. “Tina, what are you doing?”

“I’ve got it, it’s fine. I’ll be right out,” she replied, taking a step up onto the bottom rank of the shelf. 

“Tina—” you gasped, eyes widening. 

She quickly turned towards you, one hand clinging to the shelf, the other supporting the container. “Y/N—”

Suddenly, her foot slipped down off the shelf, and she lost stability. The container came crashing down, splashing sauce all over the floor and across your shoes and the bottom of your pants. You quickly jumped over the puddle, offering your hands for Tina to take. 

“Come on, then. Get down, I’ll get us a few rags and we can clean this up,” you said, taking her hands in yours as you helped her step down. “We only lost the top bit, I think the rest of this is salvageable. I’ll ask Marcus to put this up on the shelf once we get it cleaned up in here.”

“Damn it,” she muttered, slipping her shoes off at the door so she didn’t track sauce all over the kitchen. 

You did the same, opening the door for her. “It’s alright, I’ve done this at least twice since I started working here. Sydney, too. It’s not our fault these shelves are so fucking high.”

Tina managed a chuckle, grabbing the mop bucket. “What a shitty day.”

“Agreed,” you replied, heading over to where you kept the clean towels and rags stocked.

You passed by Carmy on the way, who raised a brow at your disheveled appearance. “Drop something?”

“Not me, just in the splash zone. Don’t worry, I’ll get it cleaned up.” 

He was slicing meat now, and he frustratedly paused, setting his knife down. “Which sauce?”

“Uh, the garlic aioli, I think. I’m not sure, they’re all the same color, but it currently reeks of garlic in the walk-in, so I think my guess is pretty accurate.”

“Shit,” he sighed, picking the knife back up. “Could you be more careful, please?”

You raised a brow. “Well, I wasn’t the one who dropped it, but—”

“Yeah, yeah, just be fucking careful, alright? I don’t think we’ll survive any more shit today, we’re barely gonna make it as is.”

You flinched back at his sharp tone and raised volume, trying not to look too affected by his words. Suddenly, Richie called over his shoulder, scolding Carmy. 

“Cousin! Be fucking nice, leave her alone. Don’t be a dick, it was an accident.”

Carmy’s face fell as he watched your falter, and he cleared his throat, sniffing. “I’m sorry, I know it’s not your fault. There’s just too much shit to deal with today.”

You nodded and went to grab the towels, circling back by him as you walked past. You spoke carefully, not wanting to make him feel any worse than he already did. You knew he was under a lot of stress and didn’t mean to snap at you, but you’d much rather avoid any further potential snapping if you could, letting him be. 

“Take a breath, Carm. We’re gonna be fine, we still have all evening.” 

He nodded, mustering up a small smile. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright, really,” you said, rubbing his shoulder as you walked back into the walk-in. 

Sighing, you got down on your hands and knees and started wiping up the mess. Tina stuck to the higher bits of the shelf that the sauce splashed onto. It took about ten minutes, but you finally managed to get everything up. You wiped the bottom of your shoes last, and then all the sauce was gone. Tina ran a mop through the freezer one last time, and you were finished after you got rid of the dirty rags. 

You joined Sydney at her station, tying a new apron around your waist. 

“Shitty day?” She asked, reaching for a sharper knife. “Twenty bucks on it getting even shittier.”

You huffed out a laugh. “I’d lose that bet. I guarantee we’re all gonna want to quit by tomorrow morning.”

“Fantastic,” she said, plastering a fake exaggerated smile on her face.

—

The rest of the dinner shift was—as predicted—miserable. Richie practically danced as he clocked out, saluting everyone before running out the back door to his car. Thankfully, he closed the front of the restaurant before leaving, which saved you all an extra half hour.

Everything settled down a bit once you all were steadily working in the back, but you were still rushing to make your new deadline. Everyone stuck to their own stations, in the zone as they worked. 

You finished your first round of work, deciding to see if anyone else needed help with getting theirs done. 

“Hey, Tina—”

She put a hand up, stopping you. “I’m good, mija. Talk to Jeff.”

“Heard,” you grinned, before walking over to Carmy. “Need me to do anything here?”

He took a breath, eyes scanning over his work before he nodded. “Yeah, uh…I braised the beef earlier. Could you slice it up thinly, and then pass it to Sydney? She needs it for prep.”

“Yup,” you nodded, grabbing a knife and the tray of meat. 

You began to make small talk as you worked, first with Carmy, then with everyone else. It was beginning to get late, and you all were a little delirious. Soon enough, the kitchen was full of laughter and scuffling feet as you moved around, telling joke after joke. It was a little loud, admittedly, but everyone seemed to be in high spirits. 

“Alright, alright, I’ve got one,” Marcus said, loading a tray into the oven. “When does a joke become a dad joke? When it’s apparent.”

You stifled a laugh as best you could, but you failed when Tina burst out laughing, crossing her legs. 

“Stop it, I'm gonna piss myself!”

That got Sydney, who’s laughter was practically echoing off the walls. “That’s some popsicle stick shit right there.”

You wiped your eyes with the back of your hand, tears falling as you chuckled. You could feel the heat in your cheeks as you laughed, your stomach beginning to ache. You looked over at Carmy, and realized that he had stopped laughing. He had smiled and chuckled at the first few jokes, but now he was quiet, working with tired eyes. 

“You got any jokes, Carm?” You asked, taking a step closer to him.

“What?” He asked, finally looking up at you. “Uh…no, no I don’t.”

“Oh, come on,” Marcus drawled over his shoulder, turning to look at Carmy. 

“No.”

You nodded, urging him along. “Yeah Carm, just give it a shot.” 

“No,” he said curtly, turning back to his work. 

You gave him a grin, trying to put him in a better mood. “Carm, just try—”

“Y/N! No!” He shouted, dropping his knife on the counter with a loud clang. “Could you just leave me alone for a minute, please? I mean, fuck! What’s with you today? We’ve got shit to get done. Just work! Without all the yammering, preferably.”

“Woah!” Tina shouted, immediately coming to your defense. “Take the stick out of your ass, leave her alone!”

Your jaw slacked at his words, but you quickly recovered, standing up straight. You could feel the ache in your heart at his scolding, and the tinge of embarrassment heating up your cheeks. But you steeled your emotions, setting your shoulders back as you picked up your knife, continuing to chop. You could hear arguing around you, but you ignored it, keeping your head down. 

Carmy immediately regretted his outburst, and he would have reached out to you if Sydney and Tina hadn’t immediately put themselves between you and him. 

“You alright?” Marcus said quietly, coming to stand by your side. 

You nodded, giving him a small smile. “I’m fine, I promise. Thanks.”

“Y/N,” Carmy started, and you could see the regret in his eyes. 

He dropped what he was doing, trying to come over to you. But you raised a hand, stopping him in his tracks. 

“I said I’m fine,” you replied curtly, turning to Sydney. “Syd, I’ll finish slicing the beef so I can give it to you, and I’ll finish up with anyone else who needs me for something. But I’m leaving the second I’m done.”

Sydney gave you a look of sympathy. “You don’t have to, I can finish this.”

“I’m not gonna throw a tantrum and make your job any harder just because I want to leave,” you sighed, throwing a sharp glare towards Carmy. 

You could see his jaw clench, and he cast his eyes to the floor. You scoffed, quickly going back to your work. Working as fast as you could, you finished within the next half hour. Walking over to Sydney, you placed the tray of sliced beef in front of her. 

“Here,” you groaned tiredly, pinching the bridge of your nose. 

She frowned, patting your arm. “Go home, babe. Get some rest.”

“I will, let me just ask Tina—”

“I’m fine,” Tina interrupted, holding her hand up when you tried to speak again. “Marcus, too. Seriously, mija. Go home.”

You finally relented, nodding. “Alright, fine. I’ll see you guys in the morning.”

“Love you,” they called out in sequence, watching you grab all of your things and head for the door.

You called back to them telling them you loved them, passing Carmy on your way out. He looked up at you as you walked past, his face full of regret, and a slight bit of fear. You smiled sweetly at him, making him shift back and forth uncomfortably. 

“See you at home.”

He visibly paled, and you choked down a sinister laugh as you walked out the door. 

—

Hours later, Carmy gently opened up the front door to your shared appointment. He was practically tiptoeing, trying not to wake you up. As he flicked on the lights, he took a startled step back when he saw you sitting on the couch, a book beside you that you had long since abandoned. The TV dimly lit the room, on a low volume.

“There’s leftovers in the fridge,” you said quietly, not taking your eyes off the TV. “Eat.”

You may have been pissed—beyond pissed—but you didn’t want him to starve. The whole day, and you couldn’t remember seeing him eat even once.

“Y/N—” He started gently, but you cut him off. 

“Eat…then we’ll talk.”

He sighed, nodding as he walked over to the fridge. After a few minutes of dawdling around the kitchen, he finally joined you, cautiously taking a seat next to you. 

You didn’t turn to him as you spoke. “Did you finish? Everyone get home okay?”

You could hear him fidgeting next to you, which led to you finally faltering and looking over at him. The look on his face almost made you take pity, but you waited for him to speak first. He finally did, breaking the silence. 

“I’m sorry,” he said, fiddling with his hands in his lap. 

You raised a brow, having to urge him to continue. “For?”

“For being an asshole,” he finished, his eyes softening on you. 

You nearly smiled, raising a brow. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

“You were trying to help, and I was being a dick about it. You were under just as much stress as I was, and it was out of line yelling at you in front of everyone like that. I shouldn’t blow up on anyone like that, but especially not you. I’m sorry.”

“You really embarrassed me, you know,” you said, your voice beginning to waver. 

Carmy winced as you spoke, nodding. “Yeah, I know. I’m sorry for that, too.”

Sighing, you gently took his hand. He immediately clung to yours, squeezing it as he turned to face you more. 

“You could just talk to me,” you whispered, rubbing your thumb along the back of his hand. “Tell me if I’m being too loud, or if you want me to do something else. I just want to help you. We all do. And we can’t do that if you don’t tell us what you need.”

“They all think I’m an asshole, don’t they? I would if I heard someone yelling at their girl like that.”

You shook your head, squeezing his hand again. “No, Carm. They don’t think you’re an asshole. They know you’re under a lot of pressure, and honestly, I think they’d say you’re handling the change of pace really well. Marcus and Sydney would, at least. Not sure about Tina. Definitely not Richie.”

Carmy let out a laugh at that, leaning back into the couch. “Yeah, well…he’s an asshole, too. Takes one to know one.”

You grinned, resting your head on his shoulder. “You’re not an asshole…at least, not all the time.”

“Fuck you,” he spat, although he was grinning, too. “And yes, by the way. We finished up, and everyone made it home safely. It’ll be a long day tomorrow, but we’ve done the hard part.”

You hooked your arm under his, leaning against his side. “I’m glad. It’s good money. We needed this job. Not sure it was worth all the rage, but I’m sure I’ll be saying differently tomorrow.”

“It’ll be worth it,” he said, leaning over to press a kiss to the top of your head. “Thank you.”

You smiled, grinning dramatically. “What would you ever do without me?”

He shrugged, leaning further into you as he let out a deep sigh. “Crash and burn, probably.”

“Well, we can’t have that, can we?”

—

A/N - Hi! So sorry again for the wait, I hope this is what you were looking for. Let me know what you think! Thank you again for requesting :)

[kdbleu]

Costuming and The Bear...

So, costuming on TV, in a movie always means something even if it’s only a representation of the character. The Bear seems to use that on the next level, too, on the more thematic/symbolic level.

Richie wearing only Beef merchandise is the most obvious use of both these ideas, because it’s not subtle, like Richie is not subtle. His adherence to the Beef dress code shows that his character is tied more to the past than the present/future, and that he’s outside the rest of the group as the kitchen staff dons the new blue aprons. The only exception Richie makes in the present is when he’s on a date. Which says something too. That Richie knows how to fit social expectations. Even how to impress if he keeps his mouth shut.

Clear, color separation is used with Sugar. She wears civvies because she doesn’t work in the kitchen, but she’s in orange, the opposite of blue on the color wheel in the pilot, and pink, a social opposite of blue later when she comes to clean up the shot-out glass and search the office for the tax paperwork. This makes it obvious that she doesn’t work in the restaurant, and she doesn’t like it. In the season 2 trailer, talking to Cicero, she coordinates with Carmy and Sydney, showing that she’s coming around.

There’s a distinct present quality in the blue apron uniform as Mikey’s kitchen staff only adds Carmy’s apron to their usual personalized work wear while Carmy and Sydney wear more personally standardized white tops and black/dark pants that not only are consistent but coordinate with each other, already making them a unit within the unit.

This apron/group dynamic is heightened by it not only being pointed out by Tina, but by Tina going from not wearing the blue apron to Carmy remarking that she looks like Sydney when Tina finally does and Tina in return saying to him she’s “profesh” now. It's interesting that Tina wears a white blouse, like Sydney, before the blue apron. It’s the apron and Carmy she resists not the kitchen uniform, but it hints at the future before she joins the present. And before she sheds her individualism.

This desire for individualism leads to Sydney’s scarves, her show of individualism and how she works the fact that she has to hold her braids back into something distinct and bold within her personal uniform that she likely spent a lot of time working towards as she figured out how stand out as herself in a professional kitchen in a way that could not be argued with. Although she also probably played closer to the rules in an attempt to almost hide, wearing something very discreet until she found a place and acceptance at the Beef with Carmy. She wears a more subtle version of her scarf in episode 1 with it rolled then she does in later episodes with the triangle point showing off more color. I envision her wearing the rolled version while catering and interviews because it’s a little sleeker while still hinting and her boldness.

Carmy keeping to his own version of a very classic chef look shows his insecurity even as he comes into his own. He wants to wear something he’s comfortable in that hints at the denim collection and keeps him close to Mikey, but white tee and black work pants with a blue apron is still very professional kitchen. Carmy shows off on the plate, not in his uniform, which he keeps no matter how he’s working in the restaurant or where he’s cooking. Except at home, which is notable. This is echoed in his off-duty clothes, muted colors, and denim, as opposed Sydney’s prints, stripes and screen tees.

All of this is a very winding way to say that all the costume choices mean something. It’s something that the new girl will have a uniform that matches Sugar’s life outside the Beef/Bear. That Richie has Berf merch hidden in someone’s basement, a further tie to the messed up past. That Tina seems to be doing better in culinary school than Ebra. That Marcus and Fak have their own flair.

(There’s not enough of Marcus in the trailers to really guess at his path forward, just rumors, so I’m going to hold off on him in season 2, but in season 1 he falls between present and past but definitely in action looks to his future. I mean, he’s obsessed with possibility and donuts.)

But it also signifies a lot that Carmy and Sydney match in one chaos menu scene but not in the other. Just like it’s important they’re in his home. So, yeah, Carmy and Sydney standing outside their evolving restaurant with Carmy in his personal uniform and Sydney in a personalized inverse of that uniform is a moment that ties them as equals who fit together and complement each other. The fact that they’re together day and, if BTS shot are to be believed, night looking up to the future means they’re a pair. No matter what that future might hold. (the picture is from @devisrina's blog. Thank for posting it.)

[moonlight-sonata99]

Walk The Line

No.3

Carmen Berzatto x reader

A/n: is really a chapter to establish readers relationships:] it was fun. I wanted to try to capture the chaos of The Bear. Keyword being tried.

No.1 No.2

6 am

"Holy shit guys I'm sorry I'm so late, carm.." you say running to the kitchen and stuffing your things into the as you kept your eyes on him

"It's fine chef let's just get to work" he says pacing around putting things into the oven and the others are cutting up things as you put on your uniform

"Chef" a voice comes up next to you as you put on your apron "yea Sydney what's up?" You say fixing your hair and walking to your station "I need to work with Tina with cutting up the onion and preparing a stock afterwards"

"Uh..I'm pretty sure I'm not good with-"

"Here's a recipe" she says quickly ganging you a paper

"I-okay there we have it" you say looking at the paper.

"Okay, then I'll get to the onions and get to the stock, uhm after?" You ask stuffing the paper into your pocket, and she looks through his notes

"Just wait, get those done and I'll tell you. Thank you chef." She says quickly before running away as you get to cutting

"Sure chef." You say watching starting to cut the onions

"Fuck,I forgot these make me cry like bitch"

"Behind, behind" carmy says running behind you and Tina as you two turn back to look at him

"Jeff, you good?" Tina ask looking at him as he rushes to his office

"Yea!yea. I'm good just got something to do." He says rushing out

"He's been doing that alot" you say turning gaze back to the onions

"Yup, Jeff's busy." She says fixated on her own task.

"He's off doing uh..catering?" Sydney says butting in the combo

"No shit..for what? No wait I heard it was for a kids party. God help them kids are the fucking worst. Sometimes." You say shaking your head with a smile as Tina chuckles

"Wait, did he take Ritchie with him?" You ask, looking at Sydney as Marcus nodded behind her.

You sigh "if anything says kid-friendly it's definitely ritchie." You sigh out

"Fucking ritchie.." you say again as you imagine Ritchie cussing up a storm in a party.

As Tina begins to laugh besides you, you let out a soft laugh that begins to gradually build up.

3 pm

"It's really not funny. yo-if carmy finds this he's gonna freak the fuck out." You say pacing around the broken arcade machine that keeps replaying the theme song .

"Can somebody please call fak?" You ask, pulling out your phone and calling

"Whyd you ask if you were gonna do it?" Ritchie asked coming near you eating sandwich

"I don't- just because" you say looking away shaking your head

"Don't turn it off." You say pointing a finger at Ritchie

"Why?"

"Tina said not to, I forgot why." You say waiting with the phone at your ear.at the corner of your eye you can see him beginning to inch closer to the plug

"Ritchie-ritchie don't you fucking dare." You say looking him in eye as he stops

"Alright- damn just wanna help that's all"

"Yes I know! It's just if you fuck it up carmy will be on your ass. And mine too if he feels like it"

"Hello?" A voice at the end of the line

"Fak!Thank god you busy? We need help with the"

"What?No- this is carm," the voice says at the end of the, obviously confused. Your eyes widen as you look at the caller ID

'Shit' you mouth

"Oh-uhm, wrong person bye"

"Wait wh-"

You hand up as you look at Ritchie "we need to get this fixed before carmy comes back, call fak please!" You huff out, beginning to walk away sighing as Ritchie takes out his phone and begins to call fak. " also don't tell carm, have done it before he comes back" you say again before running back into the Kitchen.

"yea, yea…" ritchie says waiting for fack to pick up the phone.

9 pm

Only silence fills the air and the sound of cars coming by could be heard every now and then.

"fucking Choas of a day huh? " . / You ask in a soft tone as she looks at you and nods

"yeah" She responds, turning her gaze to the sky.

. " But … aren't you, Used to this type of Stuff?" you ask as you hold your Phone on your other hand -

I and you look at her awaiting an answer.

"Uh yeah.I am." She sighs. Her hand lands on her thigh as She seems to be in her thoughts. "sometimes it's just to..."

"Much?" you add finishing her sentence, as she nods.

"yea."

" I'm not even a pro, but I feel you." You mumble softly, leaning back, closing your eyes to enjoy the peace and quiet even if it's just a few minutes.

" Damn you're getting really good at that." You gasped out wide-eyed, walking over to Marcus's table to look at him mixing some batter.

"Thanks," he says, looking up from some paper

"Is it because i don't help you anymore Or… " you say with a smile as he smiles as well

"No, no, no" he begins to say, laughing

"Just messing with you" you say "but seriously these two cakes you made before were delicious."

" Thanks, good to know, I'm slowly getting this recipe perfect then," he says, writing off in his notebook. You only stare. Before deciding to leave him be for a while.

1 am

"Fuck me my feet hurt." you breathe out as every wrapped up in the evening, a s your hands move the mop back anal fourth. .

"is that…" Marcus started as he mixed the dry ingredients " yea it's his job but he quote I had an "emergency" you explain sighing as you mop " Why are you here so damn late? "you asked, keeping your gaze on the floor, and Marcus only signed "perfecting these recipes chef" he said, scratching his beanie as you walked next to him to see the batch of pastries he had laid out.

"Wait, are those doughnuts?? Can i -" you gasped out, looking at the goodies in front of you

"Yes, but when there done. " he said, chuckling as you drooled over the doughnuts

"fuck yea" you cheered under breath as you continued mopping.

A few hours later you were able to finally try those doughnuts,

"Dude - these are fucking- " mouth full, you were unable to finish the se fence, seeing that the man was deep asleep. You covered your mouth, picking up a sticky note and leaving it on his beanie saying, " 5 Star"

With a little star next to the five. Putting away the remaining dishes or things that were misplaced by him.

"You're still here?" a voice from behind as you flinched

"Oh shit, carmy " you say, turning around to carry, setting down a bucket and a brush in hand. "forgot you don't go home " you chuckled Setting down the mop

" yea no- finishing up here for now," he says in a hushed tone, looking at Marcus, Your gaze follows his " he's dedicated to his craft, getting really good at it too." You whisper as you turn away, gesturing for him to let you help him. and he gave you the bucket beginning to scrub the floors.

"That's good, really good. He replies before doing the same.

"So, how have you been?" You say after a while of scrubbing as he turns to look at you.

" i 've uh been good, been running this restaurant for a bit, and Uhm, it's been chaotic as hell. '' Carmy replies with a small smile as you nod with a small laugh.

"That's good, i suppose," you reply with a smile, " and...?" you ask, shaking your head and looking at him with a questioning gaze.

"And that's it," he replies, shaking heal keeping his gaze on the floor.

" So like… nothing personal? no girlfriend?" " you ask trailing off and keep scrubbing as he stops for a minute to look at you.

"Okay, Okay i get it" You add lifting up your hand. "But tell me something im so fucking bored, and it so quiet in here." you say softly sitting on your knees as you let out a huff gazing into the empty kitchen.

"How did you Uh, Start working here?" Carmy asked, looking at the floor glancing at you every now and then to see your answer.

you grabbed the brush and began to scrub again,

" Think you know the answer to that, " you answered before stopping for a brief moment.

"But if we're being specific, I had uhm moved out of my parents' place after a large fight. long story. but yeah, I moved here to start anew. away from the bullshit my dad did, "you explained and noticed Carmy's eyes on you.

"he was well - is an alcoholic,I don't know, haven't spoken to them. " You say bluntly."Don't worry about it. I'm way past it. " You add you as he slowly returns to scrubbing quietly.

"im sorry, i don't, know why i just unloaded all of that onto you like a fucking idiot " you blurt out feeling a warm feeling in your chest. as you internally recoil

" It's all good" He softly says laying down.

"Yea....'" you mumble and it went quiet once again, the only sound filling the air was your scrubbing the floors.

"This is weird, but you're the first person I've told that to. " You say out of the blue, " i didn't have friends, so " you say, shrugging.

"Same. " he replies, "was a loner for most of school " he says sitting up.

"Yea, mikey told me'' you admitted "but then he would list all your achievements." Upon hearing this his gaze didn't leave Your face

"What?"

 "It just… he never mentioned you." Carmy admitted and you stopped brushing for a moment. 

"Really? " . you breathed out , leaning on the floor with your palm and your.. gave turning to him in thought  "Huh"

The two of you Stared at each other before you turned away.

"That's fucking weird" you murmured as he mumbles a 'yea' before sitting down on the floor and sitting silently. 

Minutes went by as you two didn't speak. 

"I guess he had his reasons," you said softly. and nodded his gaze on the floor.

Carmy only let out a sigh

"Yea,"

Biting your lip, you look at carmy, "he was good, y'know?" You whisper to him, carmys hand stopped moving as he turned his gaze to you. "I don't know anything about your relationship, so I don't wanna assume anything..." eyes looking at the suds that gathered between the cracks of the tiles,

"He was proud of you, that I do know." You add meeting his gaze and looking away to begin scrubbing again.

"Yea...I uh..thanks. thank you." He softly says, holding his brush still. As his eyes stayed on your form, having a dazed looked on his face

Turning to him, you nodded and smiled.

"Yeah.."

Afternotes: don't worry if you feel like this is moving slow, I'm already planning to get things moving a bit quicker soon:>

[anonymousewrites]

A Study of the Heart and Brain (Book 3) Chapter Eight

Father Figure! Sherlock Holmes x Teen! Reader

Chapter Eight: Bloody Guardsman

Summary: Sherlock tells a story of one of John, (Y/N), and his cases.

A while ago…

            Sherlock stood in front of the wall of wedding information he’d compiled for the wedding. He had approached preparation like a case, with categories for wine, catering, transport, and rehearsal. Sherlock had been so honored that John had chosen him as his best man that he had decided nothing would stop him from making sure the entire day was perfect (which inevitably meant it wouldn’t be, but the heart was there).

             Mary had a 3D model of the reception venue in front of her, John was on his phone (the stress was getting to him), and (Y/N) had the guest and RSVP list in front of them.

            “Need to work on your half of the church, Mary. Looking a bit thin,” said Sherlock.

            “Ah, the orphan’s lot. Friends—that’s all I have. Lots of friends,” said Mary. She smiled, and (Y/N) cocked their head. There was something in the muscles that twitched in her face, something in the size of her smile, that put (Y/N) off.

            “Schedule the organ music to begin at precisely 11:48,” said Sherlock, and (Y/N) focused back on the task at hand.

            “But the rehearsal’s not for another two weeks,” said Mary.

            “I thought people wanted everything to be ready soon,” said (Y/N), looking up from the lists they were correcting.

            Mary sighed. “Let’s get back to the reception. (Y/N), there’s John’s cousin. Top table?” she asked, gesturing to the RSVP card.

            (Y/N) glanced at the name and card. “No, she hates you. Doesn’t even like thinking about you.”

            “Seriously?” asked Mary, surprised.

            “Second-class post, cheap card bought at a petrol station, last minute, the stamp has three attempts at licking, so she unconsciously retained saliva. All signs of dislike,” said (Y/N).

            “Ah. Let’s stick her by the bogs,” said Mary.

            (Y/N) tossed the RSVP card into the pile that had been designated as the worst guests (aka: should be shoved as far away from the bride and groom as possible)

            “Who else hates me?” asked Mary.

            “(Y/N) made a list,” said Sherlock. (Y/N) held it out silently.

            “Oh, great—thanks!” said Mary with faux-brightness as she took it.

            “Priceless painting nicked. Looks interesting,” said John, looking at his phone.

            “Table four?” said Mary, looking at Sherlock and (Y/N).

            “Done,” said Sherlock.

            John chuckled as he looked at another case in the inbox. “ ‘My husband is three people.’ ”

            “Table five,” continued Mary.

            “Major James Sholto. Who’s he?” asked (Y/N).

            “Oh, John’s old commanding officer. I don’t think he’s coming,” said Mary.

            “He’ll be there,” said John.

            “Well, he needs to RSVP, then,” said Mary.

            “He’ll be there,” said John firmly. He looked at Sherlock and repeated the latest case possibility he’d found. “ ‘My husband is three people.’ It’s interesting. Says he has three distinct patterns of moles on his skin.”

            “Identical triplets—one in half a million births. Solved it without leaving the flat,” said Sherlock, and then he got back to the wedding planning. “Now, serviettes.” He reached under the coffee table and pulled out a tray with two folded napkins. “Swan or Sydney Opera House?”

            Mary stared in surprise. “Where’d you learn to do that?!” she exclaimed.

            “Many unexpected skills required in the field of investigation—”

            “Fibbing, Sherlock,” said Mary, calling him out immediately.

            “I once broke an alibi by demonstrating the exact severity of—”

            “I’m not John, I can tell when you’re fibbing,” said Mary.

            “Okay—I learned it on YouTube,” said Sherlock.

            “You’re very good,” said (Y/N). Mary had surprising skills at times. She was…smarter, or at least more preceptive and aware, than most people.

            “Thanks,” said Mary, smiling. She looked at Sherlock. “Um, Opera House, please. Ooh, hang on. I’m buzzing.” She pulled out her phone and headed towards the hall.

            John stood. “If that’s Beth, it’s probably for me, too. Hang on.”

            “What do we do while they’re gone?” asked (Y/N).

            “Fold,” said Sherlock, tossing napkins to them. They had watched the videos while he did, so they could do it.

            The pair sat down and mechanically began folding. (Y/N) liked the repetitive motion. In the midst of all the chaos and planning, it was calming.

            John finally walked back into the room and stared at the mass of Opera-House-napkins piling up around the father and kid.

            “That just sort of…happened,” said Sherlock in response to the stare.

            “Sherlock, (Y/N), um…I’ve…” John sighed and sat down. (Y/N) and Sherlock exchanged glances and followed him. “I’ve smelled eighteen different perfumes. I’ve sampled nine different slices of cake, which all tasted identical. I like the bridesmaids in purple—”

            “Lilac,” said (Y/N).

            “—Lilac. Um, there are no decisions left to make. I don’t even understand the decisions that we have made. I’m faking opinions, and it’s exhausting,” sighed John. “So, please, before I have to do anything else, pick something.” He held out his phone to them, on the page to show case offers. “Anything. Pick one.”

            “Pick what?” asked Sherlock.

            “A case. Your inbox is bursting. Just…get me out of here,” said John.

            “You want to go out on a case? Now?” questioned Sherlock.

            “Please, for me. I just need a break,” sighed John. (Really, he knew (Y/N) and Sherlock needed one since they were working way too hard on this).

            As dutiful friends as ever, Sherlock and (Y/N) nodded.

            “We’ll get you out of this,” said (Y/N) while Sherlock looked at the options.

            “ ‘Dear Mr. Holmes,’ ” he read aloud. “ ‘My name is Bainbridge. I’m a Private in Her Majesty’s Household Guard. I’m writing to you about a personal matter one I don’t care to bring before my superiors—it would sound so trivial—but I think someone’s stalking me. I’m used to tourists—it’s part of the job—but this is different. Someone’s watching me. He’s taking pictures of me every day. Don’t want to mention it to my major, but its’ really preying on my mind.’ ”

            (Y/N) hummed in consideration and flipped over their lollipop.

            “Uniform fetish,” decided Sherlock. “All the nice girls like a soldier.”

            “I think the phrase is ‘sailor,’ ” said John. “And Bainbridge thinks his stalker is a bloke.”

            “It could be a gay man, but the odds aren’t exactly in that idea’s favor,” said (Y/N).

            “Let’s go and investigate, please?” said John, looking between the two detectives.

            “Elite guard,” mused Sherlock.

            “Forty enlisted men and officers…Wonder why this grenadier is special,” said (Y/N).

            John grinned. They were in. “Now you two are talking.”

            “Okay,” said Sherlock, handing back the phone to John.

            (Y/N) stood up from the ground and walked to the door with John and Sherlock. Mary entered the room at the same moment.

            “Bye,” she said into the phone.

            “Er, we’re just going to…I need, um, Sherlock and (Y/N) to help me choose some, uh, socks,” said John.

            “Ties,” said Sherlock at the same moment.

            “Pocket squares,” said (Y/N) simultaneously.

            “Why don’t we go with ties?” said Mary, obviously amused.

            “Yeah…” said John, laughing nervously.

            “I mean, I know (Y/N) still hasn’t bought one,” said Mary.

            “I’ve been a bit busy,” said (Y/N), shrugging and going along with the lie they all knew was one.

            “And you want it to go well with the theme of the wedding,” said Mary.

            “Right,” said Sherlock, nodding.

            “It’ll take a while, right?” continued Mary in amusement.

            “My coat in there?” asked John, walking to the kitchen.

            “Yes,” said Mary, smiling.

            “Just going to take him out to run him down,” said Sherlock.

            “You said you’d find him a case,” said Mary, grinning. She was playing them all (though, by the look on their face, (Y/N) was a little more aware than the others that Mary was orchestrating time for John and Sherlock to relax and have fun).

            “Come on, you two,” said John, pulling on his coat and opening the door.

            “Coming,” said (Y/N) and Sherlock going after him.

            Mary gave them a thumbs up and happily closed the door for some peace and quiet of her own.

l

            The trio arrived at the barracks, and Sherlock and (Y/N) let John walk ahead since he was the veteran among them. He held up his military ID to the duty sergeant at the barrack entrance.

            “We’re here to see Private Stephen Bainbridge,” said John.

            “He’s on duty right now, sir, but I’ll certainly let him know when he’s free,” said the sergeant.

            “And when will that be?” asked Sherlock.

            “Another hour,” said the sergeant.

            John, Sherlock, and (Y/N) left the door to the barracks and headed to a bench facing the gates. They sat down, leaned back, and waited.

            Eventually, Sherlock spoke up and remarked upon something that had been on his mind since the morning. “So, why don’t you see him anymore?” he asked.

            “Who?” asked John.

            “Your previous commander, Sholto,” said Sherlock.

            “Previous commander,” repeated John.

            “You ex,” said (Y/N).

            “Previous suggests I have a current commander,” said John. He eyed Sherlock. “Which I don’t.”

            “Sure,” said (Y/N).

            “He was decorated, wasn’t he? A war hero,” said Sherlock.

            “Not to everyone. He led a team of crows into battle,” said John.

            “Crows?” asked (Y/N).

            “New recruits. It’s standard procedure, break the new boys in—but it went wrong,” said John. He looked down. “They all died; he was the only survivor. The press and the families gave him hell. He gets more death threats than you.”

            “Probably not from worse people,” remarked (Y/N), and Sherlock nodded in agreement.

            “Why have you two suddenly taken an interest in another human being?” asked John suspiciously.

            “Just chatting,” said Sherlock. John raised an eyebrow in complete disbelief. “Won’t be trying that again,” decided Sherlock.

            “Changing the subject completely,” said John, saving everyone from embarrassment or vulnerability. “You two know it won’t alter anything, right, with me and Mary getting married? We’ll still be doing this.”

            “Oh, good,” said Sherlock, and (Y/N) nodded.

            “If you two were worried,” said John.

            “Wasn’t worried,” said Sherlock.

            John sighed and looked down at his hands. “See, the thing about Mary—she has completely turned my life around, changed everything. But, for the record, over the last few years there are three people who have don’t that…and the other two are—” He looked back up and found that Sherlock and (Y/N) had disappeared. “—complete dickheads.”

l

            (Y/N) and Sherlock marched behind the guards playfully to get into the building. Honestly, (Y/N) was surprised the guards weren’t guarding that well, but they weren’t about to complain.

            The pair took off the hats they’d put on and fixed their flattened hair before continuing on through the halls. Two guards in khaki army uniforms were on patrol, and (Y/N) and Sherlock hid around the side of the stairs until they were gone. They crept onwards, and they came across a room with voices within. (Y/N) opened the door for a moment and peeked inside. It was a group of soldiers chatting and relaxing. They closed the door, shook their head, and continued on with Sherlock.

            “Hey, you two!” shouted a guard.

            Damn, I guess some of them are good at their jobs, thought (Y/N).

l

            “Sir, caught these two snooping around,” said the sergeant who had found Sherlock and (Y/N) as he shoved them into the changing rooms of the guards.

            A body lay on the ground, wet and soapy, clearly having died while in the processing of showering. John was already standing inside, and judging by his and Major Reed’s (they had noticed his office earlier, and seeing as he was the man in charge, it was definitely him) expressions, they were all in trouble.

            “Is that what all this was about?” demanded Reed, glaring at John. “Distracting me so these two could get in here and kill Bainbridge?”

            (Y/N) cocked their head. Their client was dead, and that meant there was something more to this case than met the eye.

            “Kill him with what? Where’s the weapon?” said Sherlock, instantly dispelling the idea they had killed anyone (and making sure (Y/N) wasn’t pushed around anymore).

            “What?” asked Reed, furrowing his brow.

            “Search us. We don’t have any weapons,” said (Y/N).

            “Bainbridge was on parade. He came off duty five minutes ago. When’s this supposed to have happened?” asked John.

            “Those two obviously stabbed him before he got into the shower,” said Reed.

            “No,” said (Y/N).

            “No?!” cried Reed incredulously.

            “He’s soaking wet, and there’s still shampoo in his hair. He got into the shower, and then someone stabbed him,” said Sherlock.

            “The cubicle was locked from the inside, sir. I had to break it open,” said the sergeant that had come across the body.

            “One of you must’ve climbed over the top,” said Reed stubbornly.

            “We’d be wet, too,” said (Y/N), crossing their arms.

            “Major, please,” snapped John, his voice full of authority and irritation. “I’m John Watson, Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers. Three years in Afghanistan, a veteran of Kandahar, Helmand, and Bart’s bloody Hospital. Let me examine this body.”

            Reed stared at John for a moment before looking at Bainbridge’s body and then back again. He nodded sharply.

            “Thank you,” said John in exasperation, and he knelt beside the body. Sherlock and (Y/N) leaned over him.

            “Suicide?” asked the duty sergeant.

            “No, the weapon again—no knife,” said Sherlock.

            (Y/N) cocked their head as they noticed someone and leaned closer. “There’s a wound in his abdomen, isn’t there?”

            John nodded. “Very fine, but yeah.”

            “Man stabbed to death. No murder weapon. Door locked from the inside. Only one way in or out of there,” mused Sherlock.

            (Y/N) peeled back one of his eyelids to check for any other signs of death. A soft breath landed on their hand. They blinked. “He’s still breathing.”

            Everyone’s head snapped towards them.

            “Oh my god!” exclaimed the sergeant.

            “What do we do?” asked Sherlock, looking at John.

            “Give me your scarf,” said John, in complete doctor mode.

            “What?” asked Sherlock.

            “Now,” said John, and Sherlock unwound his scarf and handed it to John. He looked at the sergeants and Reed. “Call an ambulance.”

            “What?” asked one of the sergeants.

            “Now!” ordered John, and the sergeant jumped to obey while John pressed the scarf to Bainbridge’s wound. “Nurse, press here, hard.”

            “Nurse?” said Sherlock and (Y/N).

            “I’m making do,” said John, reaching out with one hand and dragging Sherlock closer so he could put pressure on the wound. “Keep that on there.” He moved back to Bainbridge’s head. “Stephen? Stephen, stay with us.”

            (Y/N) looked at Sherlock and John as they saved Bainbridge’s life. Their eyes flicked from his face as he tried to breath to the wound Sherlock was pressing on. It was in a rather specific place. Long, thin, precisely made…If only (Y/N) could put it together.

Taglist:

@stilesstilinskiforlife-blog

@im-making-an-effort

@ilse235

@schrodingers-intelligence

@awsedrftgyhujikol

@lxserthxngzzz

@forever1313

@mentallyunstablemanlover

[loveforcarmen]

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 - CH. 2

- 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 | - 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘰 𝘹 𝘧𝘦𝘮!𝘰𝘤 𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳

NOTE: new chapters will always be posted on wattpad first!

please lemme know your thoughts on this chapter once you finish, thank you!!

There was little breakthrough of a friendship between Margaret and Carmen. He didn't go to another meeting and she stayed out of his way. It was easy like this. Pretend the other didn't exist.

-

"Why the fuck is no one avalible for catering today?" Carmen yelled out as he walked into the kitchen with the calendar in his hand. He skimmed over it 3 times now to make sure he hadn't missed anything but no. Almost everyone was not able to help with catering today.

Tina shrugged, "Someone's gotta manage the kitchen while you're gone." she babbled her spoon around as she spoke, "Everyone can't have taken off, that's ridiculous." she added

Before Carmen could speak, Ebraheim walked by with a box, "Corner!" he called out. He set down the box by the back door, "I don't do kids man,they don't know how to eat food properly. Always have it all over their face." he said as he stood back. Tina made a face, silently agreeing with him.

"Only super young kids eat like slobs." Sydney cut in, walking over to Carmen to look at the spreadsheet. He showed her in defeat. "Ah, wait." She pointed a finger at a name and lit up. Carmen shook his head, looking up her. She nodded rapidly and called Margaret over.

"Sydney, no." he said under his breath before Margaret approached them. Carmen let out a sigh and he made sure Margaret heard it.

She did. She made a sour face towards Carmen then turned her attention to Sydney.

"You're free today, right? You up to help Carmy with catering for a kid's birthday party?" she asked, waiting for her response. Margaret's eye flicked over to Carmen, then back to Sydney.

"You can't do it?" she asked.

Carmen threw his hands up, almost in relief, "See, she doesn't want to do it." he looked at Sydney, "I can do it by myself, it's no problem." Carmen started to turn around but stopped by Sydney as she put an arm out in front of him.

"Weren't you just complaining not even 5 minutes ago how no one was available to help you today?" She raised her eyebrows, knowing she had Carmen in a hole that he would not be able to get out of.

He gently pushed her arm back down to her side, "I wasn't complaining, I was just questioning why everyone wasn't available for today."

"Sounded like you were complaining, Cousin." Richie called from over the counter. Margaret say his head pop up from the ground.

"Richie, shut the fuck up!" Carmen yelled back, which was responded with a snicker from Richie. "Fuckin idiot."

"You wanted help," Sydney turned Carmen's body back towards Margaret, "There's your help."

He groaned but didn't resist the idea of Margaret helping. Kids were a lot and it would be nice to have an extra set of hands. He stared at her for a good 5 seconds before he made his decision.

"Go start loading the boxes into the car out back. The boxes are towards the front of the car, come get me when you're done." Carmen ordered. Margaret bit her lip, hard, but didn't object. She brushed past him, making it known that she was annoyed with him bossing her around like that. She went out the back doors and began to load the car up.

Sydney looked at Carmen with a disappointed "mom" expression, crossing her arms, "Go help her." She pointed to the door, waiting for Carmen to leave.

"I got stuff to do in here. She'll be done soon, she's a quick worker." Carmen shrugged. He retreated to his office, closing the door with his foot. He flicked on the plug-in fan and began to organize the stacks of bills he'd been tackling for the past couple weeks. He had waited around 3 minutes before Margaret came back to get him.

They both changed into their regular clothes, but brought their aprons with them. Margaret had decided to go with a patterned sweater, paired with bootcut jeans and black doc martens that had a singular star on the toe.

"Margaret and her fucking stars." He thought to himself. He thought it was extremely tacky but he would never tell her that.

They loaded into the car in silence, stacking the boxes in the trunk just right so they wouldn't topple over on the drive there. Margaret hopped in the passenger seat and Carmen in the drivers. Almost the entire ride there, the pair rode in silence with the radio playing softly.

"YOU'RE LISTENING NEW HITS ON CHICAGO'S 9.31 FM. THIS IS ANDERSON PAAK. THIS IS "THE BIRD".

Margaret leaned over to turn the volume up then began to hum along to the song. As soon as she moved away, Carmen switched the volume off. "Stop humming." he said, resting his hand back on the steering wheel. He propped his head up with his other hand, clearly tired of this arrangement already.

Margaret turned to look at him, offended that he turned off the radio. She reached for the volume on the radio again to turn it back up, but Carmen put his hand over the volume knob, stopping her hand.

What he really wanted to do was swat it away.

"Why do you hate me?" Margaret asked as she settled back into her seat, "I've done nothing. You haven't liked me since day 1 when I came in to train." she rested her hands on her lap, "you can move your hand, I won't touch it."

He huffed, pulling his hand away "I don't hate you." Carmen replied bluntly, staring ahead at the road.  Margaret stared at him, squinting her eyes in an attempt to pick up on any tones of sarcasm but there was none.

She turned away,  "Well you sure act like it. You barely talk to me, you always seem annoyed when I'm around and you didn't even want to work with me today for this catering thing." she spat.

Carmen let out a small laugh, running a hand through his hair, "Well you don't exactly go out of your way to talk to me."

"Because you've made it obvious that you don't want to talk to me, so I don't bother." Margaret paused, letting a smile creep on her lips. "I'll make you a deal."

For the first time the entire car ride, Carmen looked over at her. "I'm listening." he looked back at the road.

"If today goes well, like no fuck ups or fights, we have to promise each other that we will attempt to become friends. Or at the very least, coworkers who can have a friendly conversation every now and then." she paused and looked over at him, holding out her pinky, "Deal?"

He kept his eyes on the road but responded, "Deal." Margaret cleared her throat to get his attention on her. He glanced over and saw her extended pinky. He rolled his eyes, looking back at the road, but offered up his pinky. They interlocked fingers and Margaret sat back in her seat satisfied. Carmen reached over and turned the radio's volume up.

For Margaret's sake.

-

The catering for the party was going smoothly. Conversation between the 2 was a bit rocky at the start but they found their flow within the hours of having nothing to do but talk. They had resorted to asking each other absurd questions along the lines of,

"Would you rather 2 extra hands or an absurdly large head." Margaret would ask. Carmen would really think before responding, "2 extra hands, it's like having another chef in the kitchen."

The party was starting to wind down, so Carmen and Margaret began to pack up for the evening. They worked quickly, developing a system so they could efficiently load everything into the car in the smallest amount of time.

Both desperately wanted to get out of there and go home for the day. Unfortunately, they had left once rush hour traffic had started. This tacked on another 45 minutes of sitting in the car together. Neither of them could think of a conversation topic they hadn't already talked about.

"Who was your person?" Margaret asked, interrupting the silence. She looked over at him timidly.

"My person?" He glanced over at Margaret, clearly confused by her question. Her eyebags were extra dark from her lack of sleep these past couple weeks, paired with party today.

She looked away, unable to hold eye contact, "The reason you go to meetings." Carmen studied the side of her face for longer than he wanted to before looking away. He was silent for a bit of time after that.

"My brother. He uh..." he began to say quietly before trailing off. He smoothed his hair as a resort to calm himself down.

"Take your time, Carmy." Margaret said, testing the waters using his nickname. His nickname coming from her mouth was a foreign sound for both of them.

"Suicide, shot himself in the head." He said, beginning to tap his fingers against the steering wheel. Margaret gave a slow nod, looking back at him. She scanned his face for emotion but there was nothing. "Left that shithole of a resturant to be and a fuck ton of debt to me though!" he said a bit louder than he intended to.

Margaret turned away and looked out her window. "Who was your person?" Carmen asked as traffic finally started to move.

"Is." she corrected, "But he feels dead to me. My father, a severe alcholic." she said, without adding detail. Carmen could tell she did not want to expand on it so he didn’t press.

Traffic had quickly picked up and they were approaching the restaurant before the silence became unbearable. Carmen parked the car, and got out to begin unloading the boxes. Margaret joined him, tossing the empty boxes in the recycler and bringing the leftover food into the kitchen. It was quiet, the staff winding down since closing time was nearing.

"Hey you!" Sydney greeted her. Margaret turned around, "How was that?"

"I'll tell you when I'm done," Margaret called back as she left for more boxes.

She walked around to the trunk of the car to see Carmen closing it, "All done." he said walking past her. She nodded then went to retrieve her belongings from the car.

When she came back inside, Sydney was at one of the tables eating and clearly waiting for her. She waved Margaret over, patting the spot across from her. Margaret walked over as Sydney squirm in her seat like an excited child.

"So," She held her finger in front of her face while she chewed. She swallowed then continued her sentence, "How was it?"

Margaret drew in a deep breath before answer, "Surprisingly good?" She cocked her head and her pitched raised slightly at the end of her sentence, "There was really no fighting." she nodded, grabbing a fork and eating off of Sydney's plate.

Sydney clapped her hands together, "So it worked!" she exclaimed, "I gotta tell the rest of the kitchen."

Margaret set down her fork and grabbed Sydney's arm as she stood up, "What worked?" she asked

"Our plan." Sydney sat back down, "It's been really obvious that you and Carmy do not get along. It was leaving a sour feeling on the rest of the kitchen so we decided that you and Carmy needed some "bonding time", if you will." she said, making air quotations. She wiped her lips with a napkin.

"So that's why everyone took off today..?" Margaret closed her eyes and shook her head, "You little shit stirrer, what if your plan backfired and Carmy still hated me after the event?" She playfully smacked Sydney’s arm.

Sydney stood up with her plate and utensils, patting Margaret's head, "Well, it worked well enough because you're using his nickname now."

Margaret opened her mouth to object but realized Sydney was right. They did make breakthrough with their friendship, finally.

Margaret followed behind Sydney to the kitchen, setting her fork in the sink. She then went to the lockers where Carmen was putting his things away. She walked over to her locker without a word, neatly folding and setting her apron away. She grabbed her coat and closed her locker with a hard kick.

"Good job today, chef." Carmen's voice made her turn around.

"Thank you, chef," she smiled at him, "but don't forget our deal." she added. Carmen just shook his head at her comment. "Night."

"Night." he replied, buttoning up his jacket. He felt his eyes on her, which caused him to look up, his face saying "what?".

"You going to a meeting tonight?" she asked. She waited for his response. Part of her hoped he would be there, the other part did want him there at all. That was her safe place and she didn't need him invading it.

"Nope." he said shortly, closing his locker. She felt the knot in her stomach loosen at his response. He walked past her, heading to the front to leave.

She trailed behind him, "Why not?" she questioned.

He opened the door, holding it open because he knew she was close behind him. She followed him outside, thanking him for holding open the door. "Cause I don't want to." he replied as he grabbed his pack of cigarettes. He fumbled through his pockets for a lighter when Margaret tapped his shoulder, holding up his lighter. He glared then mumbled a "thanks" and lit the cigarette.

"Can I have one?" she asked, half joking. Carmen looked at her unable to tell if she was being sarcastic. He wanted to laugh. He could not imagine Margaret, out of all people, to be a smoker.

"You smoke?" he lightly laughed, the cigarette hanging loosely between his lips.

"Yeah." Margaret lied through her teeth, "not that much though." Carmen quietly snickered to himself as he pulled a cigarette from the pack. His hair flopped onto his forehead as he lit it and handed it off to her.

She look at the glowing cherry at the end. She put the cigarette to her lips then inhaled for much longer than she should've. This had resulted in a massive coughing fit to rack from her body. "How the fuck do you smoke these?" she managed to say through her coughs and sputters. She held out the cigarette to give to him and turned away to cough.

Carmen took the cigarettes from her fingers, replacing his dwindling one with her fresh one, "When you're an anxious mess with a dead brother, you'll understand." he took a draw from the cigarette, blowing it away from Margaret so it didn't waft back in her face.

"You won't ever have to worry about me stealing your cigarettes." she joked as she pulled out her phone to check the time. "I have get home. I have a cat to feed. Bye Carmen." she gave a small wave before walking in the opposite direction Carmen was heading.

"Bye." he watched her walk away before turning around and walking to his apartment.

END

-

NOTE: so what did we think of this chapter?? i had a fun time writing it! i apologize if there's spelling mistakes, i only proofread my stuff once 🫣

with love,

marley

[carmenized-onions]

I’m speechless (I have so much to say)

Your mind?! Your skills?!

I totally forgot that the fucking iconic freezer fight never happened in the first chapter because Tony/Inky/Chip/Best Repairwoman To Ever Live/ Baddest Bitch To Ever Exist/ etc got there just in time, so to see it HERE??? So fucking satisfying. It’s like a train wreck you can’t look away from and you managed to completely recreate that scene, only now it’s Tony’s heart breaking instead of Claire’s 😔

I also love the fact that it was the “You’re fucking nothing!” line that prompted Tony to intervene. The same thing Lee said to Michael 💔 (Fuck that guy)

And your characterization of Tony is honesty my favorite because it’s like Carmen says, she defends herself without being mean (even though he deserves to be locked in the freezer again AND the office just for good measure) and THAT makes Carmen’s words all the more vicious because she knows he’s spiraling about something, she’s trying to be compassionate, she’s trying her damn hardest to believe that he doesn’t mean it, but then he delivers the final blow to an open wound and yeah…he must mean it

Also, Richie ready to throw down with Carmen after he made Tony cry??? Sydney immediately comforting her??? Both them AND the staff ready to WALK??? Sweeps not knowing what the fuck is going on during his smoke break??? I love them all 💕

“No. Richie’s got it. You’ve gotta keep your kitchen in order.” The way I would say the same shit just to be petty 😊

Also, the Exec asking for her number??? ew

Jump scare fr, didn’t see that coming at all 😂

Carmen’s gonna have an aneurysm when he reads that

The parking lot scene between Tony and Richie was so cathartic. They grieved Michael’s death separately for so long, blaming themselves, and now they can grieve together 🥺

I once again fully support Tony’s decision to let the stray fur ball eat Carmen’s flowers AND to leave the black plate out to fend for itself 😊

And FINALLY, “I know you said I’d be a perfect match for your little brother…” I’m SOBBING. Carmen was out here thinking that Michael and Tony were a thing when all along his older brother was trying to play matchmaker 💔

I’m gonna need about 5 business days to recover

I’m also gonna be very disappointed when season 3 drops next week and I don’t see Chip pop up within the first couple of seconds. Like THIS is season 3. It’s canon. 💜💜💜

I feel bad not responding in order but I have to start with the end. Can I be so fr. Me too. LMAO. I HAVE R O T T E D MY BRAIN. I HAVE RUINED THE BEAR FOR MYSELF LMAOOOO. I'm gonna be watching in 6 fucking days going,,,, but,,, but toneee???? but chipp??? where chip!!?!?!?!!

So I'm glad other people also think this. Delights me. I am hoping that a bunch of plot points I did still happen in season 3, because some of writing this has genuinely been either me guessing or just wanting a fun thing to happen in S3 (I.e I think wedding catering ep would genuinely be so fucking fun. like terrible. but so fun)

ANYWAYYYSSSS Back to this chapter's thoughts.

Thank you sm for having sm to say because I love to hear it-- An analysis??? ooohhfhsdfhksdjfh i could. i could maybe die. Fuckin love when people DIG IN!!!

I don't remember if I always planned for this fight to lead with the freezer fight, but I do remember seeing like a gifset of the freezer fight, and going oh I can't just let this all go unsaid. It would be AN INJUSTICE to Carm/Rich to not let that air out. You gotta level a building to rebuild. And there's just something I think on like, a reader level/ me writing it of like-- Knowing when this was supposed to happen and where that really adds so much to reading it this time, because instead of a door between them it's fucking YOU!!! FUCK !!!!!!

YEEAAGGHHH!!!! (You will see why I cannot comment more on this point of Uncle Lee later. But Just know. YEEAHFKJDFHGKJDFHGFKJDFG!!!!!!!!!)

Every time people say they love Tony as a character, an angel gets it's wings. That's how it feels for me. But 100% it made that whole scene so much more brutal because she's trying to explain and trying to understand but that's simply not how any dynamic Carmen's ever been in has worked and so it's just making him wig out more. RAH!

The other thing, that I think is like, a golden rule in writing fights-- Or at least it's always been one for me-- The hardest hitting line will always be the one that the person hearing it thinks is true about themselves. Peoples princess? Sure. Don't work here? Ouch but okay. The one thing that haunts you every day that you blame yourself for and were just waiting for one person to affirm it for you? OH!!!! OH!!!! BABYYYYYYYYY!!!!

The aftermath with the kitchen was so tough for me to think out, because I was like-- I cannot have them fucking punch Carmen. Like we can't do that. But also like. Richie would do that. WOP WOP! But I eventually agreed with myself that he'd go with chewing him out BEFORE the punch, and thankfully Chip stopped him in time.

Syd was me, when my friends cry. The yoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyo-- came from an extremely real place. and that place is my mouth. I love The Bear and Tony's relationship, which is also what makes the I don't think anyone's my friend all the more heartbreaking, because everyone was on her side there. And she just cannot see that. SON OF A BITCH BROOOOO BROOOOO STOPPPPPP I'm the one writing it who am I telling to stop?

I-- With the petty line, bro,,,, I wanted to dig into hell so bad. I wanted to snatch that motherfucker's soul-- But I left it at your kitchen because it just wouldn't be in Tony's like,,,, energy? to do so?? Like she'd already been murdered at that point, so she couldn't turn on roast mode. my poor bird.

JUMP SCARE EXEC!!! There were actually surprise surprise whether you believe me or not, a lot of different ways his dinner could've went, and I'll probably share them in another ask down the line, but the one thing I felt pretty solid about is he would be into Tony. ew.

The parking lot scene really was everything for me tbh, I'd been waiting to write this chapter overall for some time, but that one like,,,, fuck i really adore these two and it's exactly like ya said, so very cathartic for them to finally get to be absolutely not over anything togetherrrr yknow?

And that's another vote for---Fuck it, poll,

As for Mikey Matchmaker,,,,, -- You know what, i'm gonna save this for after either the series is done or after chapter 13, pending. But remind me later that i need to tell you something about Mikey and ,,,,, fire???? Yeah. Tell me I need to tell you about that, after chapter 13 or so.

[charlesandmartine]

Monday 14th October 2024

Theatre day today at the tiny Drama venue within the Sydney Opera complex, so after 18,000 steps yesterday walking to the Spit, we thought it prudent to take it easy this morning. Necessary as well as prudent because precipitation is definitely in sight, if not far away. Well this is Spring after all. The schools have gone back this morning after their holiday and suburbia, usually quiet anyway, has returned to the hallowed cloisters of the norm. It's true we did get the whiff of a small party/ bbq yesterday but the Aussies don't make a fuss. It's also true, it seems, that instead of making a mess at home, convocations gather on grassy places by the beach; impressive table networks, mass catering equipment and food galore sufficient for the 5,000 mystically appear with no outward concerns for shelter but usually under trees seeking protection from the sun rather than rain as would be the case in the UK. As we crossed Clontarf Beach yesterday there were many such groups each having a very jolly relaxing time, well practised as though a very regular activity was taking place. The local authority amenity BBQs were also being fully exercised.

So this morning it was a book in the modest garden and for some, the Archers on catch-up.

After an early lunchtime egg and ham sandwich we set off on the 173X to the City, first stop Museum of Contemporary Art on Circular Quay.

I have to say that I must be a lapsed Modern Art appreciator. The first exhibition we innocently submitted to was by a 74 year old Contemporary Australian artist, Julie Rrap who possibly for the security or anonymity it offered reversed her given name of Parr. Julie's work expresses her interest in images of the body, especially the female body, mainly as far as I could tell, hers. The big screen showed herself sitting naked on a very big sheet of white paper holding a camera in one hand and a big stick of charcoal in the other. The aim of the game was to rotate and draw around various parts, hands, feet, legs and the stunning result was a very large scribble in a sort of spirographic form. Well that was good wasn't it! On the way into the area was a little sign which said there was adult content and the establishment would not stand for any lude or provocative behaviour. Moving on we came across a sort of patio made up of small tiles which you were invited to trespass upon. All the while there is a kind of drilling noise, regular but in pulses. Somewhat perplexed about the image I was to take away, I enquired of the attendant what the meaning was of the noise. I agree she said, it's SO annoying, it's been going on all day. They are doing some work in the next room. Oh I said, it's nothing to do with the artwork then? No, she said with inflection, and looked at me like I was an idiot.

We would have left there and then but it was raining so we wandered around some other idiotic displays.

Contemporary Art and me are on different planets.

Then it was to an early dinner before the show. We dashed through the rain to a very nearly closed food hall between the IBM office and Woolworths. Saving an Indian meal or two from a night in the bin, we secured two Rogan Josh and Chicken Tikka plates with nan bread, which was filling if nothing else. Sadly, due to the viscosity of the sauce and my careless eating habits, I ended up sharing memories of the meal encoded within the fabric of my shorts with my fellow theatre goers at the Sydney Opera House!

The billing for Julia said this 'In 2012, Australia's first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, gave a speech that sent shockwaves around the world'. Justine Clarke plays Julia Gillard in a powerful monologue representation of her premiership but starting her story from her early beginnings in Barry, South Wales. The influences of her mining roots, the stories of the 1960 disaster at Six Bells colliery, the 1966 tragic loss at Aberfan shaped her thinking for justice. Moving to Adelaide in 1966 as £10 poms, she determined to study law. The play builds us to the speech on 9th October 2012 when in parliament and as PM she has to both condemn the actions of the Speaker of the House, Peter Slipper, for making sexist, misogynistic comments in a text message, whilst ensuring that her position remained firm in a minority government. She was being attacked by the the leader of the opposition party in a no confidence motion by, Tony Abbott. The speech that sent shockwaves around the world turned the tables on Abbott, pointing the finger at multiple examples of hypocrisy, sexism and misogyny by Abbott himself! Brilliant play, brilliant performance by Justine and incredibly interesting subject even to someone from the Motherland. As she donned the red wig and slipped into the power jacket, Justine became Julia and boomed out the acclaimed speech. She took a standing ovation from all corners of the stalls.

Ferry back to Manly, then with 30 minutes to spare we thought how nice it would be to finish a great day out with a small beer in the Bavarian. Quarter past nine it was, sorry we are now closed they said, it's Monday! Wow, you Australians sure know how to party! Same for all the other pubs in town!

ps. Mince pies seen in Coles!

[destinyc1020]

Challengers is going to be such a stepping stone for Z. Like both Mike and Josh are unknown actors ngl so the pressure is on for her marketability international to sell seats. My production is the film is going to make 400 million. What do you think? Also, what are your opinions, especially after taraj p henson's outcry about black actresses not getting lead roles and studios' opinions that black lead films do not sell well outside a franchise. The last black actor I could thibkvof that had that universal appeal was Will Smith.

Yes! I'm excited Anon!! 😊

FINALLY!! A film led on her own on the big screen. 😁🙌🏾 I'm actually glad that Z went the more gradual route and honed her acting talent for years on TV (with Euphoria) and doing several smaller parts as a costar on the big screen in large films before tackling a huge film on her own where she's the lead.

I think that was very smart and strategic imo.

As far as box office numbers? Ooof....I honestly don't know girl lol. I'm the worst person to predict that.... Especially since it's not often that we see a woc in a role like this opposite TWO white men lol 😆

Roles like this USUALLY go to white girls, so I'm honestly not sure what the box office numbers will do tbh. 🤷🏾‍♀️ But Z has a HUGE fanbase, so I def don't think it will be a "flop".

That film "Anyone But You" seems to be getting butts in the theaters (at least, around my area 👀), and Sydney and Glen are not huge box office draws on their own. I think people just like the plot premise and want a light hearted rom-com. 🤷🏾‍♀️

I can see similar audiences being interested in "Challengers" as well, especially if they market the film right.

Re: Taraji....

I def think Taraji was speaking TRUTH. Hands down. There is a lot of inequality in Hollywood.

On one hand, YES, I DO think that some black films DO have a hard time getting worldwide appeal just simply due to racism factors, and society in general. Another issue too though is that a lot of Hollywood studios just don't spend the same kind of money on Black actors and Black films when it comes time for promotion, sooo how are Black films supposed to do well overseas when you're barely sending them overseas to promote, and are barely spending money to generate hype for the films??

Yes, Will Smith had crossover appeal, Denzel had/has crossover appeal, etc... But one of the reasons why Will has crossover appeal is because look at the types of films he's been doing in his career. For many years he was in large films that had a diverse cast that would have gotten a lot of attention and promotion anyway. Plus, he's charismatic asl! Say what you want about Will Smith, but it's undeniable that he has a charm and an energy about him that's larger than life. Def "movie star" energy. That also helped his worldwide appeal.

This is a very deep question Anon, because on the other hand, I honestly don't think that Black films CAN'T do well overseas/worldwide (look at "Black Panther" and "Get Out" for example).

But I def feel like it depends on many various factors....

The film genre

The cast

The money to back up promotion

The plot of the film

HOW the film is marketed

One of my biggest issues sometimes with HW is that they've made films with a predom. Black cast into a term called "Black Films", as if they should be a genre in their own right, when in reality, they're just FILMS that just so happen to have a predominantly Black cast, and should just be treated like any other film out here imo. 🤷🏾‍♀️

There shouldn't be one way to market one film with a certain race of cast members, and a separate way to market films with another set of cast members. 🤔

Another gripe is that a lot of films that are catered to us usually focus on struggle, racism, slavery, etc.... and while there's absolutely NOTHING wrong with films like that, sometimes it's nice to see a predom. Black cast in a film in a genre like adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, light-hearted rom-com, horror, ROMANCE, thriller, action, etc. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Not all of us (even as Black people) want to see struggle in the screen all the time. Many people go to the movies to ESCAPE.... not to be reminded of how awful life is lol. 😅

I def feel like well-written, well-acted, and well-promoted films can do pretty well regardless of the cast demographics.

That's one thing I've been appreciating about A24.... They've been taking risks, and things have worked out pretty well for them. I look at films like "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once", and "Moonlight" for example. Both smaller, indie films, but both had Oscar appeal and won Academy Awards for Best Picture.

So, films with a Predominantly Black cast CAN succeed, even worldwide, I just think that there are a lot of factors that have to be in place, and one additional factor is people of other races needing to be more OPEN-minded and willing to watch more films with predom. Black actors.

Jmho 🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️

[cutmyglass]

If you are looking for Glass Splashbacks in Sydney for your kitchen, bathroom or office, look no further than right here. Cut My Glass can match any colour of your choice, from standard and metallic to mirror. All our glass splashbacks are custom made and we completely cater to our clients needs. All our Glass Splashbacks in Sydney are a Grade A Safety Glass and come with a seven year warranty. We cater to all of Sydney, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, Upper and lower North Shore, Parramatta, Forest District, Berowra, Sydney City and the Inner west. Call us today for your free measure and quote on your next Splashback. Contact No. 0473 961 170. Also You can visit our website.

[proshredservice]

Secure and Reliable Document Shredding Service in Sydney: Trust Proshred

In today’s fast-paced business environment, safeguarding sensitive information is more important than ever. For businesses and individuals in Sydney, Proshred offers a trusted and professional document shredding service Sydney. Our services are designed to ensure the confidentiality and security of your documents while complying with Australian privacy laws. Call us today at 0412 863 248 to learn more about our shredding solutions tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Proshred for Document Shredding Services?

At Proshred, we understand the importance of protecting your sensitive information. Whether you need regular shredding for your office or a one-time service for a large purge, our document shredding services are secure, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Here’s what sets us apart:

· Professional and Secure: Our shredding process ensures complete confidentiality.

· Environmentally Friendly: We recycle 100% of shredded materials, reducing your carbon footprint.

· Flexible Services: We offer on-site and off-site shredding to meet your requirements.

· Compliance: Our shredding methods adhere to Australian data protection standards.

The Importance of Document Shredding Services in Sydney

In an era where data breaches are a significant concern, securely disposing of sensitive documents is not just a good practice — it’s a necessity. From financial records to client data, improperly discarding confidential information can lead to identity theft or corporate espionage. Our document shredding service Sydney provides peace of mind, knowing your documents are destroyed securely.

Key Benefits of Using a Professional Document Shredding Service:

· Data Protection: Prevent your information from falling into the wrong hands.

· Legal Compliance: Meet Australian privacy laws and avoid hefty penalties.

· Cost-Effective: Save time and resources compared to in-house shredding.

· Convenience: Schedule regular pickups or request one-off services.

How Our Document Shredding Process Works

At Proshred, we make document shredding seamless and stress-free:

· Collection: Schedule a convenient pickup or drop-off at our secure facility.

· Shredding: Documents are shredded using industrial-grade machines, ensuring total destruction.

· Certification: We provide a Certificate of Destruction for your records.

· Recycling: All shredded materials are responsibly recycled.

Why Sydney Businesses Trust Proshred

Sydney businesses rely on Proshred for their document shredding services because of our proven track record in protecting sensitive data. We cater to businesses across industries, including healthcare, finance, education, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why should I use a professional document shredding service?

Professional shredding ensures secure destruction of sensitive documents, preventing data breaches and maintaining compliance with Australian privacy laws.

2. Can I schedule regular shredding pickups?

Yes! Proshred offers flexible scheduling for recurring shredding services to suit your business needs.

3. What types of documents can be shredded?

We can shred all types of paper documents, including financial records, legal documents, and confidential files. We also handle staples, clips, and small binders.

4. Do you provide a Certificate of Destruction?

Absolutely. After every shredding service, we provide a Certificate of Destruction for your peace of mind and record-keeping.

5. How do I get started with Proshred?

Contact Proshred Today

Secure your sensitive information with Proshred’s reliable and affordable document shredding service Sydney. Whether you need one-time shredding or regular services, we have the right solution for you. Call 0412 863 248 today and take the first step toward secure document disposal.

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Engaging Sydney Team Building Activities for Stronger Connections

Sydney team building activities are designed to create meaningful connections among team members, encouraging collaboration, trust, and improved workplace dynamics. In Sydney, there’s a diverse array of options that cater to various group preferences and objectives. From outdoor adventures to creative workshops, every activity focuses on enhancing communication and fostering a sense of camaraderie. Outdoor challenges, such as treasure hunts across iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House or the Royal Botanic Gardens, provide teams with the chance to work together in solving puzzles while exploring the city’s beauty. For teams that enjoy a physical challenge, rope courses or water sports on Sydney Harbour deliver excitement and require collaborative problem-solving. Creative team-building workshops also have a significant impact. Cooking classes, art workshops, and escape room challenges offer participants a platform to think outside the box, contributing to innovative problem-solving back in the office.

Boost Collaboration with Sydney Team Building Activities

Sydney team building activities are the perfect way to strengthen collaboration within your team. Activities like escape rooms challenge participants to solve puzzles together, requiring excellent communication and problem-solving. Outdoor options, such as kayaking or scavenger hunts, further foster trust and teamwork. These events not only improve workplace dynamics but also create lasting memories.

Enhance Productivity with Sydney Team Building Activities

Participating in Sydney team building activities can significantly enhance team productivity. Through interactive challenges, employees learn to communicate more effectively and identify each other’s strengths. Whether it’s a cooking competition or a ropes course, these activities provide a structured way to practice collaboration, resulting in increased workplace efficiency.

Creative Problem-Solving Through Sydney Team Building Activities

Sydney team building activities encourage creative thinking and problem-solving. Activities like design sprints or creative workshops push participants to think outside the box. When teams engage in these experiences, they develop innovative approaches to workplace challenges, fostering an environment of ingenuity and adaptability.

Outdoor Adventures in Sydney Team Building Activities

Outdoor Sydney team building activities are ideal for groups seeking adventure and collaboration. Options like bushwalking, sailing, or zip-lining in scenic locations provide participants with the chance to bond in a natural setting. These experiences not only boost morale but also enhance trust and camaraderie among team members.

Sydney Team Building Activities to Strengthen Workplace Culture

Sydney team building activities are excellent for creating a positive workplace culture. Participating in engaging and fun activities helps break the ice and fosters meaningful connections. Activities like team sports or charity events build a sense of purpose, ensuring a happier and more harmonious team.

Building Trust Through Sydney Team Building Activities

Sydney team building activities help cultivate trust among team members. Whether it’s through challenging outdoor pursuits or team-building workshops, these activities encourage transparency and mutual respect. As trust grows, teams experience improved communication and a stronger bond.

Host a Memorable Day with Sydney Team Building Activities

Hosting Sydney team building activities ensures an unforgettable experience for your team. From creative workshops to adrenaline-filled adventures, these activities cater to diverse interests. Organizing a well-planned day strengthens relationships and creates a more cohesive, motivated workforce.

Conclusion

Sydney team building activities are more than just fun experiences—they’re essential tools for fostering collaboration, trust, and innovation within your team. By participating in tailored activities, teams can develop stronger bonds, enhance communication, and build a foundation for long-term success. Whether you’re looking to resolve conflicts, boost morale, or celebrate achievements, these activities provide meaningful opportunities to create lasting memories. Investing in such initiatives is not just about improving workplace dynamics but also about ensuring a cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team. Let Sydney team building activities be the stepping stone to your team’s growth and success.

[thatsmyspot-com-au]

The Problem with Corporate Parking

Navigating the complexities of corporate, commercial, and mixed-use parking can be a daunting task. As workplaces evolve, so too do the demands on parking spaces. No longer confined to traditional office settings, commercial spaces now morph seamlessly from bustling office areas by day to vibrant hospitality and entertainment hubs by night. This dynamic transformation calls for equally adaptable parking solutions, ensuring all users—from tenants to visitors—enjoy a seamless parking experience.

The challenge lies in equitably allocating a limited number of parking spaces among various users. This often results in frustration, inconvenience, and increased costs for owners, tenants, and facilities managers. Tenants may struggle to find convenient parking, while facilities managers are tasked with the complex job of efficiently managing and enforcing parking resources. These issues can directly impact the return on investment for commercial property owners.

Introducing ThatsMySpot

At ThatsMySpot, we understand the critical importance of delivering a seamless parking experience in mixed-use environments. Our innovative solutions are designed to optimize parking allocation, streamline enforcement procedures, and boost overall parking management efficiency. By leveraging our expertise and cutting-edge technology, we help tenants and owners overcome parking allocation challenges, fostering a harmonious environment that caters to everyone’s needs.

The Parking Solution for Commercial Property Owners

Case Study: Goodman Property – Rosebery Engine Yards, Sydney

Goodman Property faced a unique challenge at The Rosebery Engine Yards, a new mixed-use commercial site in Sydney. Designed to accommodate flexible office and co-working spaces by day, and transform into a dining and hospitality hub by night, the site required a parking solution as versatile as its use cases.

To address this, we partnered with Goodman to implement a flexible parking system that transitions seamlessly between office and retail hours. During business hours, parking bays are reserved for office occupants, providing them with convenient access. After hours, these bays become available for retail and hospitality patrons, ensuring a smooth user experience for all visitors.

The site features a total of 70 parking bays, split between 40 indoor and 30 outdoor spaces. Our smart parking bollard technology enables automated control and allocation of parking spaces, allowing for the easy adjustment of zones based on user needs. Office residents can securely enter and exit their designated bays, while facilities managers can operate multiple bollards to cater to bulk user requirements.

By implementing our smart parking bollard solution, Goodman achieved:

Operational Efficiency: Facilities managers can quickly and easily switch use allocations based on time zones.

User Satisfaction: Tenants and visitors enjoy assured parking availability during their designated slots.

Convenience: Automated bollards provide swift and easy access for commercial tenants throughout the business day.

Our tailored parking solutions not only enhance user experience but also streamline the transition between diverse use cases, ensuring optimal operational efficiency and satisfaction for all involved. At ThatsMySpot, we're committed to listening to our customers and continuously improving our offerings based on your feedback. Let us know how we can further enhance your parking experience!

[arcticrisk9]

WHS Training in Hunter Valley and Sydney with Arctic Risk

Introduction

Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) training has become a cornerstone of modern businesses, particularly in high-risk sectors like construction, mining, and manufacturing. For businesses across Australia, maintaining rigorous WHS standards isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safeguarding the wellbeing of employees and creating a productive, risk-free work environment. Arctic Risk, a trusted provider in WHS training solutions, has built a reputation for delivering specialized training programs tailored to meet the unique needs of industries in the Hunter Valley and Sydney regions. This article will explore how Arctic Risk's WHS Training Hunter Valley programs and Workplace Safety Training Courses in Sydney are making a real difference, helping businesses and individuals maintain the highest standards in workplace safety.

The Importance of WHS Training

Workplace Health and Safety training is essential to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational hazards. A structured WHS training program ensures that employees are aware of potential risks, understand how to handle hazardous situations, and know their rights and responsibilities concerning workplace safety. In industries such as mining and construction, which are prevalent in Hunter Valley, WHS training is critical for protecting workers from the region's specific risks, such as machinery-related hazards, exposure to harmful substances, and more.

Moreover, in cities like Sydney, where diverse industries operate in close quarters, having a WHS-trained workforce ensures compliance with stringent safety regulations. Effective WHS training helps businesses avoid fines and penalties from regulatory authorities, protects employee health, and enhances productivity by reducing workplace incidents. Arctic Risk’s Workplace Safety Training Courses in Sydney are designed to meet these exacting standards, equipping employees with the knowledge and skills they need to perform their jobs safely.

Arctic Risk: A Leader in WHS Training

Arctic Risk has established itself as a leader in workplace safety and WHS training solutions. The company provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the safety needs of various industries. Whether it’s a company looking to train new employees on workplace safety basics or an established business aiming to refresh and update their WHS practices, Arctic Risk offers targeted training programs that cater to all requirements.

Specialized WHS Training for Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is home to some of Australia’s most demanding industries, including mining, agriculture, and heavy manufacturing. These sectors require specific WHS training due to the inherent risks involved. Arctic Risk’s WHS Training Hunter Valley program focuses on the unique needs of businesses in this region. The program covers:

Hazard Identification and Risk Management: Employees learn how to identify potential hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures to prevent accidents.

Safe Use of Equipment: Given the heavy machinery and equipment used in industries in Hunter Valley, Arctic Risk emphasizes training on safe handling practices to avoid injuries and ensure equipment longevity.

Incident Response: In the unfortunate event of an accident, employees trained through Arctic Risk’s programs are prepared to respond effectively, minimizing harm and ensuring quick recovery.

By addressing the specific challenges of Hunter Valley, Arctic Risk’s WHS training ensures that businesses in the region can meet compliance standards and create a safe working environment.

Comprehensive Workplace Safety Training Courses in Sydney

In Sydney, the variety of industries demands a more generalized approach to WHS training, but one that’s no less comprehensive. Arctic Risk’s Workplace Safety Training Courses Sydney cater to diverse business types, including retail, hospitality, construction, and corporate offices. Some key components of Arctic Risk’s Sydney-based courses include:

Basic WHS Principles: For businesses that are new to WHS, Arctic Risk provides foundational training that introduces essential safety principles and regulatory requirements.

Customized Safety Training: Depending on the business sector, Arctic Risk customizes training content to address specific hazards, such as chemical safety for labs, ergonomic safety for offices, or electrical safety for construction sites.

Emergency Preparedness and Response: In high-density urban environments, quick and efficient emergency response is crucial. Arctic Risk’s training emphasizes procedures for fire safety, evacuation plans, and first aid.

Key Benefits of Arctic Risk's WHS Training Programs

1. Compliance with Regulatory Standards

One of the primary advantages of WHS training is regulatory compliance. Australian WHS laws mandate that businesses provide a safe work environment, which includes ensuring that employees are well-trained in safety practices. Arctic Risk’s training programs help businesses align with these regulations, reducing the risk of penalties and ensuring smooth operations.

2. Reduction in Workplace Incidents

A well-trained workforce is less likely to experience accidents. With comprehensive WHS training from Arctic Risk, employees are better equipped to recognize potential hazards and avoid risky behaviors. This proactive approach significantly reduces the incidence of workplace injuries and creates a culture of safety across the organization.

3. Increased Productivity and Morale

When employees feel safe, they are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work. Arctic Risk’s training programs contribute to a positive workplace culture by ensuring that everyone is aware of their safety responsibilities. A safe work environment fosters employee loyalty and satisfaction, contributing to overall productivity.

4. Customization for Industry-Specific Needs

Arctic Risk understands that no two industries are alike when it comes to safety requirements. The company tailors its training programs to meet the unique challenges of different sectors. For instance, WHS training for a manufacturing plant in Hunter Valley might focus more on machinery safety, while a course for an office environment in Sydney might emphasize ergonomic safety and emergency response.

Arctic Risk’s Training Approach

Arctic Risk combines traditional classroom learning with hands-on training methods to ensure that employees retain critical WHS concepts. The company uses simulations, role-playing, and interactive exercises to engage participants and reinforce key safety principles. This blended approach to learning ensures that employees are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying their skills in real-world situations.

Additionally, Arctic Risk offers online training modules, making it easy for businesses to provide WHS training remotely. This flexibility is especially beneficial for companies with a hybrid workforce or employees who operate from different locations. With online training, Arctic Risk helps companies maintain consistent safety standards across their entire workforce.

Case Studies: Arctic Risk’s Impact in Hunter Valley and Sydney

Case Study 1: Mining Safety in Hunter Valley

A major mining company in Hunter Valley partnered with Arctic Risk to improve its WHS standards. With Arctic Risk’s training, the company was able to reduce workplace incidents by 30% over a six-month period. The training focused on equipment safety, hazardous material handling, and emergency response. Employees reported feeling more confident in their ability to work safely, and the company achieved full compliance with industry safety regulations.

Case Study 2: Retail Safety in Sydney

A retail chain in Sydney wanted to enhance its WHS practices across multiple locations. Arctic Risk developed a customized Workplace Safety Training Courses Sydney program tailored to the retail sector’s unique needs, such as customer interaction and crowd control. After completing the training, employees demonstrated a 40% improvement in hazard awareness, and incidents related to customer interactions decreased significantly.

Why Choose Arctic Risk for WHS Training?

Arctic Risk’s commitment to safety, flexibility, and industry-specific training solutions makes it the ideal partner for WHS training. Whether a business is looking to address the specific challenges of the Hunter Valley or provide general workplace safety training in Sydney, Arctic Risk has the expertise and resources needed to create safer workplaces. The company’s trainers are certified professionals with years of experience in WHS, ensuring that every participant receives the highest quality education.

Conclusion

Workplace Health and Safety training is an essential investment for any business, and Arctic Risk stands out as a premier provider in this field. With its targeted WHS Training Hunter Valley and Workplace Safety Training Courses Sydney, Arctic Risk is helping businesses protect their employees, meet regulatory standards, and cultivate a culture of safety. By choosing Arctic Risk, businesses can rest assured that their WHS needs are met with professionalism, expertise, and a commitment to creating safer workplaces across Australia.