#that's why it's SydCarmy all day

[melfinawins]

The Bear is your fave Hallmark movie/Doc Hollywood (1991) crossover with 1000% more drugs and dysfunction. In all the best ways. But we're not ready for that conversation!

[thoughtfulchaos773]

I've come to a conclusion:

Antisydcarmies love to say that Sydney represents the restaurant industry, so they can't be together.

It was also argued that the reason Carmy's panic attack stopped when he thought about Sydney is because she simply reminds him of work and believes in him. So, thinking about work is what calmed him.

It's suggested twice by Camy that he admits to Richie and Claire that, even though work is gnarly and gross and not always fun and requires hardwork, at the end of the day, he loves and chooses the job over anything else.

Carmy Loves work = Carmy Loves Sydney

Now, about the gnarly and gross parts, it can be at times challenging in a partnership to love each other. Love can only be feelings at first and is led heavily by that at the beginning. The hormones are going off- and the heart is beating fast because of attraction. A teenage love.

But when love is no longer a feeling - or when the feeling can't be the only thing that holds it together. Love then becomes a choice. A choice to prioritize the relationship and choose to keep working on intimacy and growth on both sides, to choose to lead each day with love, the relationship deepens.

From what I recall, Chris Storer wanted to make a show where love can be shown to sometimes be kind but also ugly and complicated - which makes sense given his life story dealing with trauma and the complicated dynamics of family.

Anyway, despite it being gnarly and gross and 200 hours on and off. Requires his complete focus and nothing else. Carmy still chooses to love Sydney since she was the only one he got to choose to love in the first place. She was someone his family didn't choose for him. She's part of his found family.

Now, repurposing trauma makes sense. He loves his work and what he does, but there's trauma attached to it. Similarly, he wants to love someone and be loved, but there's trauma associated with loving someone and being loved. Therefore, he has to repurpose his trauma related to both work and relationships with Sydney, and make it beautiful and kind rather than just challenging. If he repurposes his trauma, he can start to heal and find joy and purpose in what and who he loves.

[november-rising]

YA’LL!

YA’LL!

DAMN NEAR TWO HOURS!

WHAT?!!!

I (probably) won’t finish tonight but it’s about to be a thing. I want to cry, throw an emotional support spoon, eats some short ribs (which I made Monday…it was just overcooked 😱😭), and maybe decide to be a nuisance to my family.

I’ve got my pillows ready on my couch the same way I watched the first season when I was going through too much. I’m gonna order samosas at the last most respectful hour. Things will happen.

When I think about 9p:

[melfinawins]

I think it's very telling that Syd found out about Claire from Natalie. If it was just the restaurant, he could have told her about Claire, even if it's just a " I gotta thing with an old friend on [pick a day]. I won't be in the restaurant." But he doesn't say that. And he's such a mess, because when she does find out and they talk about it in front of Marcus, SHE'S THE ONE THAT WANTS HIM TO DEFINE HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH CLAIRE. Like, Syd may not like Claire or whatever (as a concept- Claire=poor time management for Carmy/less time with Carmy), but she's got it together enough to ask Carmy the hard questions he doesn't want to think about! And she respects Claire enough at least somewhat to get this man to define a relationship she has nothing to do with for Claire (because Claire deserves that at the very least)--even if it makes her job and relationship with Carmy more difficult.

The way Carmy starts avoiding and distancing himself from Sydney after he starts going out with Claire. Like you can't make this shit up??

[erins-quinn]

Do you have any sydcarmy fic recs? I feel like I’ve read a lot of the ones on ao3

*rubs hands together maniacally*

(organized by rating. canon compliant unless stated otherwise (like an AU u know the drill)

(If there’s a star by the author’s name you should read more of their work. read everything read it all)

General Audiences

Crush on the Red Line by Blissymbolics*

Did you call me baby? by imenawriting

la valse de sydney by malariamonsters* (@songkangsbottomteethcirca2020)

Teen and Up

viscum album by cruciomione* (@cruciomione)

They Know by tiltedtemple*

before you came into my life (i missed you so bad) by hotelfoxtrot*

106 miles by MissAmyShay* (@missamyshay)

almost home by papercranium*

you change all the lead, sleeping in my head by adogwithabirdatyour_door*

two worlds collided by heydoeydoey

let lips do what hands do by wispenwillows

Mature

Copenhagen (let me go home) by turbulenthandholding (@turbulenthandholding)

Again and Again by 2shytheshippy

child with a child pretending by emilybrontay* (@sennenrose) (single parent AU)

Why Can’t We Be Friends? by currymanganese*(@currymanganese)

write me like it’s your last time, I’ll read it like it’s my first by puzzlepuppy (me! :D)

Fire One Chicken Noodle by DoubleApple* (@doubleappled)

Seasons of Sydney by shewalksoverme (@shewalksoverm3)

it’s all for you, everything I do by Amiera_Sapphire* (@amieraisposting) (pregnancy AU)

and I can tell that you’re my good girl by mariyanas

nobody ever got my soul right like she could by seh28* (@yangsharperavery)

infraction by bobaheadshark

as if the dream of you, it sleeps, too by icouldnotsee (herprettysleeper)

Explicit

the raspberry room by shroooms

Mouthful of Petals by Galatria57 (hanahaki AU)

The Support by peachybunnybabie* (@ethxocore)

These Stones Will Shout by Anonymous

A Pear Tree (or Any Other Tree in Bloom) by OysterKnife*

Fundamentals for the Fun and Mental by bioloyg* (@bioloyg)

gotta get up to get down by somethingdifferent

if i’m butter then he’s a hot knife by minecrafter42

fireproof by kneeinjury

with the intention of forever by sashafiercer* (@sashafiercest)

his private joy by tvfanatic97

if you want it you can have it by mediumsweet

You With The Dark Curls (You With The Watercolor Eyes) by swaggnation

bonus:

this isn’t sydcarmy but sydlip (from shameless) and I’ve been fucking obsessed with it despite never watching an episode of shameless a day in my life so. yeah. read it. Two Ghetto Geniuses by sashafiercer (@sashafiercest) (college AU)

all of this shit up here hits so hard. sincere and joyful and angsty and passionate and everything in between.

this is just a drop in the bucket. if you’re on this list please keep writing. if you’re not on this list please keep writing. keep writing and keep writing and keep writing and keep writing. this is me telling you your words have so much fucking value and they’re so beautiful I am BEGGING you not to forget that if you write fic at all.

[fairestbeard]

Heat and dry ice. (A Sydcarmy fanfic)

Carmy felt crazy all day. It was a hectic day doing prep and overhauling the previous menu format and rearranging everything while in the worst place he’d ever been with Syd. She still wasn’t talking to him but they had to work together and be polite while jamming and revamping the menu.

It was all so unlike her to give just enough and nothing more in terms of ideas. He was always the one to reign her in when her great ideas got away with her and became too much and she was the one who inspired him to go further than the box he usually confined himself to.

Now, while her ideas where still great- excellent even, they didn’t seem as inspired. She looked sad. She looked tired, almost resigned. She also seemed to avoid him at all costs. She clocked out earlier than usual now, most times Luca hanging around to pick her up at close of work. He had only a week more to stay and was obviously using it wisely, making sure to see Syd everyday, much to Carmy's annoyance.

Which is why the vibe he got lately was jarring and confusing. The space between them felt a little more charged, even through the cold air that swirled around them. He could always feel her presence when she was anywhere near. One time he had caught her eyes on him for a moment and it seemed filled with among other things- and it was completely bonkers to even think of that word, but- longing? He felt even crazier this morning when he had to squeeze past her while she, Richie, Tina and Marcus congregated by the fridge to read a review he didn’t particularly care about, ignoring all calls of “behind”.

It was just a moment. It wasn’t enough to make him lose his mind like this. Or maybe thinking that it even happened, or could have happened, was a symptom of him completely losing his mind at this point. Anyway, it had felt like, for a fleeting second while he brushed past her, her back to him, she had ever so slightly…leaned into him? He had tried to brush it away from his mind as much as he could but his body stayed heavy with the feeling of her body cupped against his and he didn’t know what to do with it. Didn’t know how to shake it off. He knew he had to be making stuff up in his head again. It was hard to tell when he’s mind was messing with him.

The day trudged on. He carried his weight around like a wet sponge and tried to use what logical part of his brain was still hanging on to brainstorm with Syd some more. They were putting finishing touches to a duck dish and it felt like she was trying today more than usual. The dish came out excellent and Carmy was very grateful.

“This is really good. Thank you, Chef” he said , watching her face.

“Yeah. Thank you too. This is something.” she nodded.

“Yeah, it’s amazing actually" he just wanted to keep them talking  “I wouldn’t have thought about this. Really, you’re amazing at this.”

He was hoping for a smile, a kindly look, anything to dispel a bit of the dry ice that that floated between them. Instead he was stopped cold by the look of exasperation that crossed over her face.

“Yeah, sure, okay” she said in a dry tone and walked off.

He closed his eyes and steadied himself. This had to stop. He needed her to say something. Anything about what’s she’s feeling or what he'd done to warrant her attitude lately. He watched her talk briefly to Tina at the garde de manger, then walk off into the fridge. Perfect.

He followed behind, making sure he wasn’t being too obvious especially to Marcus, who was riveted by some other purple delicious contraption he was cooking up. He opened the door gently so as to not make a noise with it.

She had her forehead pressed against the fennel container, face angled away from the door. She seemed to be taking slow deep breaths and the sight of her made his heart lurch. He would do anything to make her feel better. Make them okay again. She didn’t notice him come in, and if she did she didn’t show it. He walked quietly towards her and was very close when she turned around.

The look in her eyes was disarming. Her beautiful face, ever so sad and full of questions knocked the wind out him. Whatever words he hadn’t even planned got stuck in his throat. He just wanted to physically reach out to her. Touch her. He saw her eyes scan his face from his eyes to his mouth and back to his eyes again and found his body reacting faster than he could think. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers.

He didn’t have any plans. He just left them there for a moment, pressed against hers while he could feel his heartbeat hammering through his ears. He felt her tense up for a second then relax again. Then he felt her gently lean into him too and move her lips around his to part them. She slid her hand up towards his shoulder as he took her in and it was then he realized his hands had been hanging loose. He cradled her face with one hand and found the small of her back with the other, pulling her into him.

The feeling of the inside of her lips as she gently pried his and slid her tongue into his mouth sent an indescribable feeling through him. Kind of like a tingling and a buzzing. He’d been kissed before but not like this. He didn’t know a kiss could feel like this. A thousand flashes were going off in his brain and though he could feel every single sensation course through his body, it felt like he was having an out of body experience. He felt like he was standing at the uppermost part of his brain, staring down at the most insane scenario he could ever conjure up in his mind.

It lasted forever but only a second at the same time. There was a ringing in his head but not the kind he usually got that made him want to crack his skull open. This was pure pleasure. He felt it in every inch of his body. He could hear his own moans at a distance. He couldn’t even control what he was doing, all sense of self consciousness melted away from him. He could only mirror her motions, her lips caressing his and her tongue darting and prodding and teasing the insides of his mouth. It was too much and not enough. His hand pressed on to the small of her back for dear life. He could feel her trembling lightly and heard her moan softly as they glided over each other and swayed and staggered and finally lightly crashed into the shelves.

The small shock of the crash must have brought them to their senses because he felt Syd tense up again, so he slowed down and broke free. She looked down, her breathing shaky.

“Hey” he whispered to her, bending his face to level with hers but she was looking away.

“Syd, hey, look at me.” he implored, touching her left shoulder. She pulled away and looked towards the door as if indicating to him someone might come in. He stepped back a little, realizing they looked too compromising still.

“I just… we can’t” she said backing further away.

“I know. I’m sorry. Can we just…”

It was no use finishing as she was already walking away. He closed his eyes as he heard the fridge door close behind her. The moment felt unreal. He dug his nails into his skin to make sure it wasn’t a dream, afterall. It wasn’t .

He was shocked by his own audacity. And the response that followed. How was this even possible? For how long has this been possible?

He was still buzzing all over. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths.

“Fuck fuck fuck fuck” he muttered to himself as despair washed over him. “Idiot. Idiot.”

He leaned back on the shelves, eyes closed, took deep breaths and waited a while in there till he stopped shaking. By the time he got back in the kitchen, he could sense she was already gone.

P.s: This is my first fanfic ever. I'm not even really a fanfic person and didn't even want to post it but here goes. 🙈 Anyway, hope it's not totally terrible.

[chefkids]

Realistically, what are you thinking is the cause/ what’s gonna happen as a result of the Sydcarmy alleyway fight?

it’s the only thing keeping me sane for S4 at this point!

Syd had basically given up on fighting with Carmy in season 3, because she was giving up on him/the bear. If they are back to fighting and yelling at each other I think that's honestly a healthy sign that she wants to make it work with him at The Bear and doesn’t quit.

Because otherwise she would have just backed out and left quietly without a fight like she was about to do when she was trying to tell him about Shapiro's offer.

We don't know what exactly they are fighting about. We just know Richie and Marcus will also be there at some point. And that she's wearing her muse bandana from her first day and when she made The Dish. Could be about the menu, could be about Shapiro's offer, could be about him seeing Claire again, could be about Sydney and Luca, could be about the Michelin stars. Who knows. I think it will most likely be about something similar to what his fight with Claire is going to be.

The whole Claire slump he's been in is about to burst and that will inevitably bring back up his feelings about Syd again like it did with the panic attack.

In his fight with Claire she accused him of lying to her and doing something and he swears up and down that he didn’t do it then apologizes. So maybe Carmy was lying to both Claire and Sydney about the same something. Which would make sense cause he has been keeping his actual feelings about both of them to himself. 

Richie and Carmy will likely make up at some point before the Claire Carmy fight cause he’s supposed to be there. Richie has kind of been working against Syd and Carmy but not really on purpose.

He had pushed him to be with Claire in the Fishes flashback, but he actually never pushed Carmy to be with Claire once Syd was in the picture. He said it was interesting that he was hanging out with Claire but only pushed him to see her at friends and family once he had already told him she was his gf.

I think before Carmy and Richie make up he is going to fuck with the sydcarmy by pushing her towards Luca like his little evil notebook suggested.

Carmy has still yet to realize that everyone wants Sydney. He doesn't know Marcus asked her out, he doesn't know Shapiro is trying to poach her, he doesn't know Luca was flirting with her. That's all on purpose. He's going to find out eventually and maybe that will freak him out and make him jealous/upset/angry that she was keeping all of this from him.

I think once Richie realizes Syd might leave, he’ll try and fix Syd and Carmy’s dynamic because he knows if she leaves that place is going under.

On the other hand Marcus has invested so much into The Bear. He wants it to work probably even more than Syd and Carmy do at this point. He knows they need to stay together for it to work and they need to fix things.

He's always kind of been at the periphery of their relationship but never really noticed them (clearly). The whole new menu suggestion back in season one he was right there but he didn't notice them getting close. Then Sydney told him about Carmy making her the best meal ever. The whole Claire is his girlfriend or friend that's a girl where Sydney was jealous he didn't really clock it. He was there with the whole you look nice moment but didn’t seem to notice it as something more between them. I feel like once he realizes what's up with them he's going to push for them to fix things.

I think Marcus is going to try and get mom and dad back together. And if his violet dessert is any indication of it, it might work.

I think the sydcarmy fight will be after the Claire fight and be the main incident that will lead to him being actually being honest with himself and Sydney as to why he is doing all of this and how much she means to him.

[gingergofastboatsmojito]

Syd is the pattern breaker

Which is great news in terms of Sydcarmy ENDGAME.

It's not like we all, Sydcarmy truthers, haven't seen that one coming. Of course, we have always known this lady came to turn it all around in Carmy's world from the very get-go, it was always painfully obvious.

BUT

Here is another pattern that she has come to erase from the life of Carmy (and the show)

(He's fighting it like a champ, I must say)

Storer likes strong women who take charge and take the initiative to go after the men they love so the man doesn’t have to (in fiction, IDK about his real life). The guy is the one who gets to decide whether he accepts her advances or innuendos and responds to them, but he doesn’t really take the first step; she does.

Refer to my napkins theory (handkerchief section) please.

Exhibit A: Jess

Jess made it clear she was into Richie in 2x7. Also, at Syd's party. She is up for it and made it clear, even when Richie has not picked up her handkerchief yet.

I don't know about Tiff, nor do I care

Exhibit B: The C person

He created the C person and I will not elaborate on that one. Fuck her!

Exhibit C: Sugar

He created Sugar who is clearly the one who wears the pants in the relationship, and taking into account Pete’s personality, was probably the one who was all over him from day 1, and he was just like: “Yeah Nat, whatever you say, you’re so great, ILY.”

Exhibit D: Tina

He created Tina, same energy as Nat but her husband is no Pete, so I’m not sure about how her relationship with her husband began, I can only safely assume she always speaks her mind. So I’m sure she was open about her feelings when she met her husband, no riddles.

Exhibit E: Donna

He created Donna and same, there’s no version of the story where Donna was ever shy or quiet and not open, if not too open, about her feelings when she met Carmy’s dad (like you know who: the C person) and that’s probably why they got together to begin with and also one of the reasons why he left her eventually. She’s overwhelmingly vocal about how she feels for ppl because the excessive booze removes any social boundaries and barriers and she’s always ready to shout it in everyone’s face. That’s changing though. But that's how she was written into existence by Storer, to begin with.

The game changer → Sydney Adamu

So, that takes us to Syd who never openly flirted with Carmy, unless we count Pasta 2x2 (which I don’t).

And never really read the awkward signs he was trying to give her (which I hate but totally understand because they are business partners and she's a professional).

And so… we have a pattern breaker here. That in Storer’s book means MEAT.

We've reached the meat of the matter, chefs! YAY!

So, there are about a zillion foreshadowing leads we could analyze of how that game change in terms of the female role in the courtship dynamic will play out SOON, Storer wasn't precisely slick throughout the series, but the most obvious and recent one was brought to us hidden in plain sight, in S3 -3x5- and I already went over it here (my own RB notes from 7/27):

The point is that as the post it says: "ALL QUESTIONS ASK SYDNEY!"

That means that dynamic will have to be reversed for Sydcarmy to happen, CARMY WILL HAVE TO POP THE QUESTION. LOL!

No, not that question. Well... maybe eventually, but I'm actually talking about the CONFESSION and asking her out, asking her out on a date or something and I don't mean a symbolic date like the fucking funeral he completely ignored her at and where he then ditched her too. I'm talking about really and openly telling her how he feels for her, and exposing himself to her rejection. Not the other way around.

She has to enable this, of course, so in a sense, she will have to break her patterns for Carmy too, because love is an act of mirroring, as we all know by now.

But it´s Carmy who will have to grow a pair and put into words what has remained unspoken between them and is starting to decay inside -and it's ruining their whole relationship-. He will have to turn the dynamic around and take the role that Storer usually puts "strong women" in, and open up and go after who he wants. He will have to be the strong one and say it out loud. ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS because Syd has all the answers and her answers are the game changers of the show.

I wish it went like this (let's imagine Tanner is either Shapiro or Luca):

Fun fact: Demian Lewis said that he characterized Bobby Axelrod by playing him like a wild animal, tapping into that energy and bringing in it on set every day to play his scenes. He didn't say the beast was a bear though.

Bonus track: Ayo Edebiri. Ayo´s pattern is to be the pattern breaker of the plot. The → plot twist.

Ayo always plays the game-changer character. In Omni Loop, she did too, I'm sure her next movie with Luca Guadagnino will be the same thing. She is drawn to that type of characters and plays them beautifully.

Remember to follow my tag #Gingerpovs💋

[ciaomarie]

Waiting on my AO3 invite. Here's a one shot Sydcarmy story. Canon compliant. Post season 2. Please excuse the grammar/spelling mistakes. I need season 3 to get here quickly!

Title: Won't You Be My Neighbor

It was her break and for the 89th time in the last three days Sydney reassessed the apartments within 15 minutes walking distance from The Bear. As CDC she no longer wanted to depend on the train should there be some kind of accident, strike, or weather event. There were three that she could afford on her own and many more options if she were willing to become a roommate. She wasn't. If inspiration for a recipe struck her at 2am she wanted to get up and cook if she wanted. She loved the freedom of walking around naked after a shower, picking out her clothes or getting a snack. Most of all she missed turning up her music and dancing like an inflatable tube man in private.

She had sent a message to each leasing office to schedule an appointment next Monday and two of the three had confirmed a 10a and 11a showing. It had been more than 48 hours since she messaged the third so she called. The leasing agent informed her that the specific unit she wanted was no longer available, but they had a gorgeous 2 bedroom for $3800 a month if she was interested. "Okay, now that's just two options" Sydney muttered after getting off the phone.

"Hey mija, what you looking at?" Tina asked sitting down to eat lunch.

"Just apartments. I finally have the funds to move" Sydney answered with a sigh.

"What's wrong? Aren't you happy to be getting out on your own?"

"Oh, yeah for sure. It's just I'm really picky"

"Well, it doesn't have to be forever. Just make sure to read the reviews. You don't want roaches or bed bugs".

"Oh, I can't stand bugs! My dad still has to kill them for me, but I better get a fly swatter and spray now that I'll be on my own soon."

Break was over and Sydney stood up to resume her duties. First she needed to talk to Natalie about the upcoming private party. A celebrity had reserved the entire restaurant next Thursday evening. The names of all staff members on duty that night had to be submitted ahead of time with signed NDAs. It was all happening so fast and The Bear's debt was likely to be paid less than a year after opening. First there had been a Grio article about her being a rising black chef. That led to Keith Lee, the TikTok restaurant reviewer, raving about his to-go order that included the T-Bone and the Michael cannoli. It went viral and suddenly, they were booked for the next three months with a waiting list. She was working harder than ever, getting paid pretty well, and she deserved a place of her own.

After talking to Natalie, she found Carmy working on her prep.

"Hey, thanks! I can take over that now if you want"

"Actually….it's done. I wanted to take you somewhere for like 30 minutes" he said finishing up and cleaning the station.

Sydney folded her arms, her eyebrows raised high.

"Okay, where are we going?"

"I know you've been looking for a place and I think know the perfect apartment for you. Just a 10 minute walk from here. The landlord gave me the key so I could show you today" Carmy said trying to sound casual, but a deep pink flush rose in his cheeks.

"Why is he being weird?" Sydney thought but simply said "Okay, that's dope."

The Chicago air was soft and warm, the clean sunlight making everything look new. Summer afternoons like this made you forgive the brutal winters here. Carmy directed Sydney when to turn left and right, but refused to tell her where exactly they were going. Soon they were standing in front of his building.

The reason for his weirdness was now perfectly clear to Sydney and she felt so flattered that she had to avoid looking at Carmy when she said "So, there's an open unit in your building?"

"Uh, yeah. The people who lived just above me moved and I, uh, thought you might want to see it".

The apartment was on the fourth floor. Carmy unlocked the door and let Sydney go in first. The walls were freshly painted in "Cloud White" and the oak hardwood floors creaked comfortably under their feet. The layout was the same as Carmy's apartment with plenty of windows to let in natural light and a shockingly large kitchen for a 1 bedroom place in Chicago. As Sydney inspected the appliances and bathroom, she decided that if the rent was going to eat up even half of her check it was worth it. She had always admired Carmy's spacious apartment and with her sense of style she could make hers, a cozy bohemian oasis filled with plants, wall art, and actual furniture (eventually).

Carmy had let her roam around in silence for a few minutes, muttering and emitting tiny sounds of joy to herself. When she met him in the living room again, he said trying not to grin too widely, "If you like it, it's already yours."

"How? I know places like this are snatched up fast" Sydney said her eyes finally able to meet his again.

"The landlords, they're a couple, and their 20th wedding anniversary is coming up. They want reservations at The Bear." Carmy explained, desperately hoping to sound nonchalant about it.

"Oh, that's nice work, Carmy."

Then Sydney squealed and cried "This is just what I wanted!!" and she flung her arms around his shoulders in a wild hug. Carmy commanded his body not to shudder as he hugged her back. She was just wearing a t-shirt and without her usual layers of clothing he felt her delicate frame, her slim shoulder blades imprinting on his fingers.

In a moment Sydney pulled back shly and let her arms fall to her sides, her face burning. She made a mental note: Hugging Carmy. Not a safe activity for those who want to cook along side him using sharp objects or sleep peacefully at night dreaming innocent thoughts.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!" Sydney said taking another step back and making another turn around the room.

Carmy nodded and concentrated on not melting into the floorboards.

"You're okay with this? We already spend 60+ hours together at the restaurant every week and now I'd be in your building! And literally living on top of you."

"Yeah, well, I want you to. You deserve everything you want, Syd."

"Then I'll take it! Just a warning though. If you hear someone belting out Kpop and an occasional thud, that's just my weekly one woman concert, which will be over no later than 10pm. I'm not being murdered."

Carm was no longer unable to contain the width of his smile. This girl is so cute, his body physically ached. How would he get through service tonight?

With a happy shake of his head, he replied, "Thank you, for the heads up!"

With that Sydney marched towards the door and exclaimed "Take me to your landlord!"

Carmy floated behind her.

Cue: Maxwell's "Whenever, Wherever, Whatever"

[thecapricunt1616]

Sunflower 🌻

Syd x Carmy one-shot

♡ Summary: A/U where after graduating from the CIA at the top of her class, Syd goes on a food tour in NYC & ends up hooking up with the most talented CDC, at the best restaurant in the world.

♡ W/C: 3,434

♡ Posted Date: 04/12/2024

♡ A/N: This is pure filth I tried adding some plot- I hope it turned out the way I saw it in my head. As always requests are open - for SydCarmy, CarmyxReader as usual! I hope you enjoy :)

♡ Warnings for BTC: Smutsmutsmut nsfw 18+ - Oral (m receiving) , Barely edited bc we die like men.

➵ 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 ♡

Sydney Adamu had just graduated top of her class at the Culinary Institute of America. She’d been hunkering down with her dad, for a long four years, she was desperate to get out of there. She already had a plan all set up. 

She’d take the last bit of money her grandfather had given her for college, and make a catering business of her very own. It would be dedicated to her parents, (of course) Syd’s hopeless romanticism was thanks to their perfect, beautiful love story of course. She’d known since sophomore year of culinary school - Sheridan Road would be her baby. 

She’d settled on this idea - with any possible odd’s and ends money she’d made during her CIA training - she’d go out for as long as it would last her. She’d learn, study, and observe, then- create her catering business, with the confidence she’d gotten a taste of the very goal she had, a star. Well - three would be absolutely fucking insanity to her- but one? One she felt like if she had it? Her father would believe she was in a real line of work, instead of just happy she was perusing her own happiness. 

It was the perfect plan in her mind. She’d already set aside the amount of money, with extra safety net, for all of the licensures, and documentation she’d need- as well as her commercial kitchen rental she’d make the food out of. Then - with the extra 5k she had left over, she booked a full food tour of the most prestigious, luxurious restaurants in NYC. 

She’d planned the tour 6 months before she graduated, since the 3 restaurants wouldn’t even accept a reservation if it wasn’t made out any later then that, and when she walked the stage, 3 days later she was on the train into the city. 

She’d be staying at a decent hotel for 12 days. Each day, she’d be having one large meal including an app, two main courses, 2 cocktails, and 1 dessert from a Michelin starred restaurant. She would be staying 4 days for 1 star, 4 for 2 stars, and 4 for 3 stars. 

The schedule was as followed; 

Monday - Hirohisa *

Tuesday - Dirt Candy *

Wednesday - The Musket Room *

Thursday - The Red Paper Clip *

Friday - Atera **

Saturday - Jungsik **

Monday - Saga **

Tuesday - Daniel **

Wednesday - Per Se ***

Thursday - Le Bernadin ***

Friday - Masa ***

Saturday - 11 Madison Park ***

When she’d got off at Penn station- she was nearly vibrating with excitement - she quickly brushed passed people grabbing their obnoxious suitcases in the overhead compartments. 

“Sorry! ‘Scuse me! Fuck- shit sorry- exscuse me!!!- whoops! Sorry- scuse me- aah! Ugh- I Didn’t mean to- oop- oh- Jesus!! Excuse me!!” She rambled, frustration building in her chest. Getting off The L wasn’t this hard- why did Amtrak feel worse?!

She took a deep breath, her nose scrunching. 

Mm. So instead of cow shit - smog, I feel at home already. 

She’d thought to herself as she briskly walks with the crowd towards the exit she meant to take onto fifth. 

She slipped her wired headphones into her ears, texting her father 

‘made it!! Love you daddy!!’

Before opening her Spotify, hitting one of her comfort albums, Broken Clocks, as she walked briskly outside - the crisp city air hitting her like a ton of bricks. 

She leaned against the brick of the McDonald’s next door, avoiding the streams of people going down and up the sidewalk, taking a deep breath. She’d not been to New York before, she’d grown up in Chicago- been to the city more times then she can count, but the suburbs were her home. Being in the city- and let alone- a city like Manhattan versus Chicago- she was looking around, trying to gather her wits - and quickly.  She clicked the maps application on her iPhone 7, tugging her umbrella out of the water bottle pocket of her backpack and tucking it under her arm as she typed the address to her hotel and clicking for the walking directions.

It honestly kind of pissed her off that each day’s food was better than the last. She’d wanted to not give a shit about stars and just focus on giving people an experience to remember - but it was cut & dry that now that she’d tasted this kind of food - she was going to do whatever she could to become as talented as the chefs that made it. 

But - she hadn’t even tried the best yet. 

The best, the best, THE best. 

She honestly couldn’t believe she was going to be trying the food from Eleven Madison Park - but she couldn’t help but be so nervous. Every other Michelin starred restaurant she’d been to - the dress code was Formal attire. But this one? THE best restaurant in the fucking world? Oh- they just say on their website ‘many of our guests dress up for the occasion, but we do not have a dress code’  

Her entire trip, She’d been cycling through 2 very different floor length gowns. One of which she wore to her graduation, and the other she’d found at Windsor on sale but it did the job. She didn’t wear luxury attire often, okay? She was too busy being Culinary school for Christ sakes! And tonight she couldn’t for the life of her choose which one she’d wear. 

This being because she was attending a main dining room tasting, which was ten courses. Easy, luxury dining courses were stupidly small. But- she was also trying their bar tasting menu which was an extra four courses. Sitting at a bar in that stupid fluffy dress for two hours would not be comfortable. But- again- best. restaurant. in. the. WORLD!!! 

She knew for a fact that she would be mad at herself if she got there and everyone around was dressed to the nines, but - for comfortability sake she went with the simple silken red gown. 

The front of house service was literally perfect. She was glad she’d brought a new notebook, because she’d never have had enough space to take all the notes she was taking tonight in the one she’d been using the majority of the trip. Their staff was very casually mannered, and they made it very easy to order. Everything was very calm and comfortable, the furniture felt very luxurious in the sense of comfortability. 

After she just had the best meal of her entire life, she knew she had to speak with the person who made it. Her mind was blown for lack of a better word. The food was fucking incredible. She had a rule to keep herself able to taste as much as possible: she was only allowed one bite of each dish, but here- she couldn’t just limit herself to one. Each dish she was taking 2 even 3 bites- but when she got to the sunflower dish? It was brilliant. She finished every bite, she couldn’t not. It would be sinful to waste it. And the only thing on her mind was that she had to talk to the chef who’d made it.

Her waiter comes back to her table, giving her back her card and receipt. 

“Thank you for dining with us this evening, have a wonderful night” he told her 

“Thank you- Um- may I speak with the chef who made the sunflower plate please? I’d like to pay my compliments in person if possible.” She asked hopefully. 

“Of course, that would be Chef Carmen- give me just a moment I’ll go get him for you” he nodded and headed back to the kitchen. She looked over her notes, remembering the questions she’d wanted to ask about the dish. 

Carmen, she wondered if he’d been named after the saint. His talent was surely straight from the hands of the Mother of Christ. 

Shes interrupted from writing in her notebook by a husky, silvery voice 

“Excuse me- I was told you’d like to speak to me, I’m Chef Carmen, I made your sunflower dish this evening.” 

“Hey- I’m Sydney - that dish was- ” she stood up to face him- and when she realized who was in front of her, her heart began to race. Of course, she’d thought, of course - only a JBA contestant could come up with a dish so ingenious.

 “Oh- um…Hi.. Hello- you’re like -” she blinked a few times, in utter shock. “You’re Carmen Berzatto“ She swallowed thickly. 

Sydney was obsessed with this industry- she stalked the JBA website every year to see who would be nominated, dreaming that some day she’d be on that list. Being even nominated would allow her to die happily feeling as if she’d won a fucking Nobel Prize. That was how much she respected those damn awards. 

“I am” he said and cleared his throat nervously. 

“Well- firstly congratulations on your nomination- you like- if it was up to me you’d win because that sunflower dish was-” they’re interrupted by one of the food runners coming over 

“Chef Carmen- Chef Daemon requests you in back of house now.” she said urgently, the girl looked like she was on the brink of tears as she continued taking the tray of food over to the table it was meant for. 

“So sorry, i’d love to hear what you have to say but uh…” he trailed off. 

“Yeah- yeah- sorry, sorry I wont keep you-” she said and he shook his head a bit 

“No- no- um… I mean -” he wouldnt usually be so bold, but his ass was going to literally be kicked if he didnt get back there in the next 5 seconds. “I’m gonna go out for a smoke at 11:15. If you wanted to keep talkin’ ill be there” he said before heading back to the kitchen.

Sydney was nearly shaking - there were so so many things she wanted to ask him. She also realized he was much - infinitely hotter in person - how that was even possible? She remained unsure. She had reapplied her lipgloss and her perfume, nervously pacing back and forth along the sidewalk. 

She hears the back door open and she looked over, out emerging the greek god incarnate she somehow got so lucky as to run in to tonight. “Hey!” she said with her famous warm smile. 

He didnt return it, actually- he looked pissed. She swallowed thickly, rubbing her lips together nervously “Hey - sorry again I uh- fuckin’ boss” he muttered, fishing his cigarettes out of his pocket. 

“No- don’t apologize please, I totally get it. I mean, you're the CDC at literally the best restaurant in the world. I wouldn’t have bugged you if I knew, I mean- my table, like- I’m not a critic..I guess I should have clarified cause of the notebook thing but they usually are more…low key? I thought? Do they usually just come and whip out a notebook? That would make it easier I think… But nonetheless I’m so so grateful to have been able to eat a meal that-“ she rambled on anxiously but he stops her.

“You talk when y’nervous” he said with a small smirk, lighting the cigarette between his lips and inhaling, leaning against the brick.

“Uh-” she stuttered, her face feeling hot suddenly. “Sorry- I’ve uh… i’ve been told” she chuckled a bit, taking a few steps towards him and leaning on the brick only 2 feet or so between them.

“It’s charming, y’smoke?” he offered her the pack with a red top, she looked down at it.

“I don’t- not- not yet anyways” she joked, crossing a slim arm over her waist. He couldn't help but realize how the action made her breasts more prominent. 

“You’re a chef?” he asked, taking a drag of his cigarette.

“Yes! Yes- well.. Just graduated, not working anywhere yet- I’m going home soon to try and start my own catering thing…” she explained and he nodded.

“Where’d y’graduate from?” he asked, exhaling the smoke away from her direction.

“CIA - 2 weeks ago, Valedictorian actually, y’not the only chef around here with street cred” she joked and he chuckled.

“Really? Word. Thats sick, good job. Y’said y’re headed home? Where’s that?” he asked, taking another drag of his cigarette.

“Chicago! Can’t wait to get back, Hudson life is… not for me- I forgot how convenient public transportation was” she said. 

He raised his brows in surprise, “Chicago huh? Thats my old home base.” he said 

“I know! You’re actually… really famous did you know that? Like- they talk all about you during lectures, you’re the new golden child of the culinary world” she teased and he rolled his eyes playfully.

They’d been inching closer and closer without realizing throughout the whole conversation, she was now so close that she could see the barely there scar on his cheek, her focus locked on it. His gaze was locked on her plump lips and he was imagining how they’d feel around his cock.

“I do unfortunately - you’ll learn soon enough that praise means being a target in this industry.” He said 

She bit her lip, meeting his striking blue eyes once again. “I really meant to tell you earlier was that sunflower dish was the best meal i’ve ever had. And i’m not just…sucking your dick because you’re you - I knew that before I knew you made it” she laughed a bit.

He followed suit, “Well if you want to- i’m not gonna say no.” he said and her eyes widened a bit, feeling her core pooling with heat at the idea. Of course he was half joking. It was so sudden and out there he would have never expected her to indulge him. 

“I mean- here? What if your boss comes out?” she asked, a bit quieter as if she was trying to assure they’d not be caught.

He nodded towards the row of 12-wheeler trucks parked 50 or so feet away. “Haven’t moved in 6 weeks” he shrugged casually  “Lead the way Chef”  she motioned with her hand, a frisky smirk on her lips.

“Holy fuuuck” Carmy groaned, pushing his cock deeper into her tight hot mouth. “Y’like takin cock like this mmm? Y’like bein’ my little fuckin slut?” he muttered, thumbing away the warm tear that was gathering in the corner of her right eye. “So fuckin’ good f’me-” he growled, moaning at the wet gurgling noises emitting from her.

She swallowed around him, looking up at him with tear-filled dark lustful brown eyes, widening her jaw further and tonguing over the pulsing vein on the underside of his length, gently squeezing his thighs to urge him further. 

“Y’want me t’fuck y’throat? Mmm? Dirty fuckin girl” he gathered her braids into his fist, wrapping them around his palm and roughly tugging her off. 

She whined hotly, the sensation of his rough hand sending waves of pleasure through her being. “Please” she said wantingly, tonguing over his slit before wrapping her lips around the tip of his head in a sensual kiss.

He took his thumb, pulling her jaw open wide and thrusting into her mouth with a satisfied grunt. “Y’know-shhhit y’know what? I think this is the only way t’shut y’ass up? Mmm?” he inhales sharply as she pushed his foreskin back and spit on his exposed sensitive tip.

“Jesus fuckin-” he sharply inhaled through his teeth as she gently grazed her teeth over the sensitive head, his abs clenching in pleasure and hips quivering from the overstimulation “fuckin-h-aaaa-ahhh-mm-shhhhit-jesus fuckin christ” he whimpered, his head falling back against the metal with a sharp bang as she took the flesh into her mouth, flicking her tongue sharply over the weeping tip before smoothly sucking over the buzzing stimulation. He knew if she kept up the act he’d be filling her mouth with his seed within seconds.

“S-sooo fuckin filthy - y’want my cum in y’throat? Mmm? Little fuckin whore- h-holy-oh god- i-” he nearly suffocated her as he buried his cock further down her throat. He reached down, his fingers rubbing along his thick length buried in her warm tight throat. 

“F-fuuuuuck- ah- oh shhh- mmm- thats it- thaaaaaat’s it- good fuckin girl” he grumbled, roughly and sloppily guiding her head in such a way that the noises being made if it weren’t her he would think theyre overdramatic and disgusting. He also didn’t know where the hell all of this talking was coming from. 

Normally in the bedroom, he was quiet. Very quiet. The only way the women he was with knew he’d enjoyed himself was if he even came at all. Sex usually wasn’t about his own pleasure since in the presence of another he found it so hard to get off - it was more about giving him imagery that would help him later in regards to finishing. 

“You are so fuckin good at that huh? You take my cock so well such a good fuckin girl” his jaw goes slack as she put her hands on his hips to steady him and slowly sinks her mouth all the way down to the hilt, her eyes shut in focus. 

She gently rubbed her thumbs over his hips, swallowing around his length in a way that made whimpers fall past his lips he didn’t know he could make himself. “Holy shit y’fuckin- oh- ohhh fuck” he grunts as she takes one of her hands and begins massaging his balls and looking directly into his eyes, pulling off his length to breathe and gently pushing the foreskin back, kissing over the sensitive flesh with her plump lips. 

“You can fuck my face- but deepthroating after a meal like that is pretty hard, id love if I can keep it down” she said, even with spit running down her chin, teary eyes, and swollen lips - she still looked adorable to him. 

“Sorry- sorry” he muttered, loosening his grip on her hair “keep doin’ that fuck yesss” he breathed out as she swirled her tongue around his head. He thrust in and out of her mouth, gradually moving faster but being careful as to not slam into the back of her throat. 

She stroked the bottom half of his length with her other hand, eyes closing and doing her best to swallow around him all the excess saliva that was dripping down her throat. She hollowed out her cheeks, looking up at him as she slowly and carefully sunk down once again, keeping her eyes locked on his. 

“Mmm-shhhit-I’m fuckin-“ he groaned, his knees nearly going weak and head falling back with a thud. Blood roared in his ears, his hands shook slightly from the tension rolling off him in waves. 

She nearly choked at the amount rolling down her throat. She pulled off slightly, swallowing - more like gulping, assuring to hollow her cheeks and swirl her tongue as she pulled off with a pop as to not waste any of the sweet salty mess. 

“You- you- you are fuckin crazy” he breathed, looking down at her. 

She wiped off her mouth, chin, and neck with a tissue she’d kept in her purse before saying “I’d say you’re crazy, “ she got off her knees, picking up the chefs coat he had thrown down for her to kneel on, to which she insided it out before she did so it wouldn’t show any dirt. “If I had that coat? It would never touch the floor” she shook it off carefully. 

He quickly fixed his pants “he’s a friend it doesn’t matter I can always get a new one” he countered, putting the coat back on and buttoning it. 

Her eyes widened “friends?! How the hell did you run into him?!” She asked. 

“You- y’re into fashion ‘n shit?” He asked and she nodded enthusiastically 

“Are you fucking kidding me?! Thom Browne is insane all his shit Is absolute fire. I wish I could afford one of his jackets like- it’s totally a dream wishlist kinda thing” she took some gum out of her purse. 

“When do you uh…go back?” He asked. 

“Tomorrow. Headed to Chicago on Wednesday” she said and he nods. 

“Oh- yeah okay..It was uh…it was nice t’meet you” he said awkwardly “I should probably um..” he trailed off, clearing his throat nervously.

“Totally- yeah great to um…great to meet you too chef.” She nodded 

“Could I um…” he rubs the back of his neck anxiously “could I maybe get y’r…” he trails off, cheeks pink with embarrassment. 

“My number?” She asked, grabbing her phone out of her purse. 

He nodded, cheeks bright red with embarrassment “yeah sorry-“ he mumbled

“Yeah- if I can get yours” she teased, clicking open the blank contact screen

[foreverjustaplace]

The Bear in the Room

AHHHHHHH!! I'm not at all normal about Syd and Carmy. Like not at all. I have been reading and writing fanfiction since elementary LOL, but it's been years and years since I wrote anything. I've devoured just about every single fanfic with the Syd/Carmy tag I could find and then some. I've had this tumblr for over a decade and posted ZERO things. Now I've retweeted every other sydcarmy post and debated sharing my own theories and fics. But it's time. Feedback is welcomed! But be gentle, my darlings, I'm not exaggerating when I say I haven’t written fanfiction in over a decade. I'm nervous. Here's an excerpt from the first chapter, which will hopefully be up soon on AO3. It's called The Bear in The Room and will be a 5+1 Time fic.

5 Times Syd called Carmy "Bear" and 1 Times he calls her "Bear"

Syd is irritated. “Look, Carm. Effective teamwork begins and ends with communication.” She doesn’t tell him she stole that line from Coach K. “How can we build this up to be as successful as we want it to be if you’re not even telling me you’re going to be late? Or, I don’t know, text me if you’re not going to come in at all during our scheduled time.”

“Syd, that was one time. And I didn’t realize my phone wasn’t plugged in properly which is why it died and I couldn’t text you until much later. That’s my fault. I was tired–”

Sydney cuts him off. “Carmy, dude, I’ve literally gotten less than five hours of sleep each night for the last couple of weeks. We’re all tired. We’ve been tired. This shit isn’t new for us. We need you on your A-game. I need you at your best!” 

Carmy runs both of his hands through his hair, and his voice is strained but louder than it’s been all morning. “Syd, you are the one person who gets me at my best. If I’m fucking up out there,” he gestures to the windows behind them as he continues, “I’m doing everything in my power to not bring that shit near you. I give you whatever my best is, okay? You have to know that I want this restaurant to succeed, and I want to get you those fucking stars.” His face redding as his electric blue eyes look into her expansive brown ones. 

Syd’s annoyance is fizzling out. She knows she shouldn’t let it. She wants to keep it at the forefront of her mind. She tries to force herself to keep thinking about how he’s been absent, hanging out with his girlfriend–a friend who’s a girl–Claire–whoever she is to him–but he’s still Carm and she’s still Syd. And though she hasn’t worked on the menu with him in his apartment in weeks, and though the moments of them talking about nothing and everything outside during a smoke break, where he somehow is always just finishing the cigarette he came outside to smoke as she opens the back door and comes to sit right next to him, haven’t been as frequent, she still feels deeply connected to him. 

So all she can do at that moment is bite her bottom lip and swipe her tongue on that same spot so quickly, you’d miss it if you blinked, before hesitantly responding. “You have my best, too, and I—” But she doesn’t get to finish because Fak chooses that moment to push the restaurant’s new door open and boisterously yell out to no one in particular, “Look who I found! It’s Claire Bear and she is going to help us with our GET-THE-BEAR-FUCKING-READY-FOR-OPENING-DAY day!” Syd can’t help but stare at Claire, a beat too long, with her full face of makeup and fancy-looking shirt. At least she put on some closed-toed shoes for today. Before Claire can get out of Fak’s embrace, Syd turns back to Carmen and says, “I need your best to be better,” as she walks off to find Nat.

Soo what do you think? Is it worth posting?

[freedelusionshere]

Keep on writing your meta and thoughts! I appreciate it a lot. I have a hard time putting my thoughts into coherent sentences sometimes but you do it so well! It’s so cool!!!

Also your particular observation on how a part of the Bear fandom thinks “overworking yourself for success is the only way to go about life, I don’t need love or anything else” is so spot on! I’ve not only seen stuff like that on Reddit as you mentioned but I also did see videos of this on TikTok and it was so frustrating cause the Bear is showing the audience how that does not work out.

That’s why I hope Season 4 is more explicit with how this thinking is detrimental for its characters specifically the main character.

The way I would be so happy to see Carmy removing this idea from himself, showing more intimate moments with the Bear team and doing things he enjoys. I would be so happy!!!

also to then have him experience romance with Sydney

to actually get to see SydCarmy 😅😅 likeee djsjdjd

that would really shake things up!

okay Thks for reading lol

Thanks for writing me! I think that what you're talking about here is actually the whole point of this show. It's about escaping systems that do not really benefit everyone and having solidarity within your community, not with empires and enterprises interested in doing extraction (Chef David) and treating people like robots. Why is Syd zesting lemons and only that when she's super talented? Hmm, I have questions, and I think the show does, too.

This is why Carmy ending up with Syd and not circling back to what his family wants for him is an important part of the overall themes of this show. Even when you start to get free of this stuff it doesn't mean that healing relationships and dealing with your past requires you to stand still in one place and live through your past lens.

Carmy's family is part of a system as well, they reinforce it constantly throughout the series, even while resenting it the whole time, they play the game. Michelle knows this, it's why she tells Carmy to get out of there in Fishes.

The show also depicts Carmy dragging Syd back into the fine dining stuff when she explicitly said in S1 she wanted to do something different. Syd admits she's been his accomplice in S3, so Syd is going to be unpacking some of this stuff with him in S4, I feel? The where did this go wrong; we know we're good together/for each other kind of convo. Because they are. The show has already depicted that when they fell for each other in S1. They're like a married couple getting a separation at this point.

What I've had on my mind the past few days is how Carmy and Syd basically in a very short period of time got in real deep with each other, entangled their lives (they essentially live at the restaurant), are behaving in almost all ways like partners except in one area: they're not physically intimate or experiencing the joys of that and the bonding and comfort it can provide. They both crave intimacy and are afraid of it at the same time.

And all these people in the media and fandom playing games about how they're better as friends or whatever? LOL. They can save it, these two want more than friendship from each other.

[noangeleither]

headcanon for sydcarmy that I've had for months now that i was reminded of rewatching Fools Rush In yesterday (rip Matthew Perry) and reading @ambeauty 's new fanfic.

i love the unplanned pregnancy trope with them and also the idea that they would do every milestone backwards or hit them super fast in terms of their relationship. hear me out

what i love about sydney and carmy is how intense they are about each other while not knowing each other for that long. carmy spends braciole acting like a heartbroken widower and ends the episode by planning on revamping his family restaurant with a girl he's only known for a couple months. the restaurant dream he thought died with his brother, the person he loved the most (woah). while sydney is her most emotionally vulnerable with a guy she barely knows (and physically too, i.e the hug after the fire suppression test and the table scene) and constantly gives him second chances when he doesn't deserve them.

they are weird and intense about each other even with all these platonic and professional boundaries they put in place.

in my mind that is rotting from tumblr and ao3, when those boundaries disappear they will do the relationship shit on speed drive. oops they get pregnant after a few months of dating or a situationship. whats having a baby when you have a restaurant? they are already the mom and dad of the bear!

they would elope randomly on a tuesday afternoon after dating for a couple months bc they practically eat sleep live and breathe each other every single day anyways? carmy tells syd he doesn't want to wait when he already knows she's it for him. syd says he's crazy but she may just be crazier for agreeing (also grew up with hearing her parents love story who got married super young and fast so why cant she?)

oh they just started dating a few days ago? syd moves in or they start looking for new places. shes already here all the time when they menu plan. carmy already buys her fave snacks, subscribes to a couple streaming services for the first time bc syd loves to binge-watch shows, and has a couple of her scarves laying around.

and i love that this could go really bad, how intense and how much they love each other (bc im an angst enjoyer) or most likely really great bc these two losers want to practically live in each other's skin and make each other better.

side note: after watching fools rush in again...need a sydcarmy au bc the premise of two people from different cultures, values and perspectives foolishly rushing into a big thing like opening a restaurant having a baby is so them!

[thoughtfulchaos773]

Syd and Carmy- A Lover's Quarrel

This meta focuses on the Sexy Complications that I mentioned in a meta called Romantic Beats. I will focus on the clash between Syd and Carmy and what makes their conflicts so compelling to watch on screen.

Truth be told, I get fired up watching Carmy and Syd argue. They're like the turning point between all the other conflicts on the show.

Maybe it's because Carmy really zooms in and focuses on Syd when he's ready to fight?

Or the blocking- which has been covered before in the sydcarmy ship.

Maybe it's how Sydney goes toe toe-to-toe with Carmy if she needs to, but she's the only one to calm him down and snap him out of his patterns.

I think it's all the above.

In screenwriting- how you write arguments it's big on subtext. What I love about Syd and Carmy's arguments- in season 2- is that they're equals, and the truth of what they're really fighting about is starting to reach a boiling point. So what is the argument really about between Carmy and Syd?

2x03 Sundae Carmy turns to Syd once he hears she's not pleased with the changes. He suddenly walks towards her- why is he so close? The argument is about miscommunication and how Sydney feels left out of their process to open The Bear- whereas Carmy thinks they're still fine; they're just as close as they were before. But the blocking- Syd steps away- hinting that this should be a private discussion with Carmy. He's taking her dissatisfaction with the wall literally, and while deep down- Syd is saying- hey, I'm feeling unsure and I'm scared- you gave me all the reason to doubt you today. Please don't give me a reason not to trust you. Once she gives him the solution, Carmy only understands what Syd means- you let me know. But his inner conflict was early that day. Carmy's conflict lies in this dilemma of what it means to be closer to someone- to let someone in and what makes a good relationship. Keep in mind he shut out many people when he was in New York, and now, since Mikey, he has this opportunity to experience a deeper relationship. But that entails being present, making the person happy, and expressing his love without past hurts. He wants love to be fun and joyful. But he needs to figure out how to get there. He's telling Sydney- hey, I'm scared too; this is new to me, and I don't know how to do it because past hurts are showing up for me again. This feels complicated. I'm supposed to be doing this thing with Mikey and it only hurts it's not fun for me. but here you are and I'm also experiencing different emotions I've never felt before and I don't know how to handle it.

Sidebar: The way Fak walks away in the left gif- like he just knows some shit is about to go down between them and the stares from Marcus and Richie (while Fak looks away). So I'm one of many entranced by their arguments?

2. 2x05 Pop

I love that Claire said the errand was anti-climatic- really, the romance between them is anti-climatic (thanks to @currymanganese edit). The climactic moment happens at the end when Syd and Carmy almost argue- something Carmy clearly wants to do with Sydney. But he's mad at himself more than anything. Sydney says you're dismissing me and you weren't there, and I feel alone here. Carmy is saying I know I'm at fault here, I know it's on me- but I'm still here, right? I just want to experience something different this time- and that may get in the way, but I'm still here.

2. 2x08 Bolognese Sydney and Carmy are arguing about Claire going over the menu. But it's about trust, Carmys wanting a better experience with all the trauma he's faced, and this person who's in between their relationship. Someone he doesn't call a girlfriend creates a wedge and steps in where she shouldn't. Carmy and cannolis isn't the issue- it's an important part of his life that he should have shared with Sydney. Sydney is saying this is something you should have shared with me. You're leaving me out again. You won't let me in.

4. 2x10 The Bear

The boiling point of season 2. Carmy is triggered when he thinks he sees his EMP boss. When he returns to the kitchen, he sees the cold dead fish(is there subtext here?) and lashes out at Sydney.

This isn't about the expo station or the cold fish. It's fear that tips over for Carmy. Carmy is back in a cycle he does not want to be in. Carmy is saying, " I'm scared. I've been here before and don't want to do it again. I'm back in this stressful feeling of being in that kitchen. His kitchen. This needs to be perfect.

Sydney is clear in this argument. He was not there. Something Carmy needs to hear.

The conflict lies in Carmy getting out of his old ways so he can build a healthy relationship with Sydney- whereas Sydney has to learn trust and let go and fall so Carmy can catch her- Sydney has to be patient with Carmy's past experience, and Carmy has to learn how to be there for someone, how to know and be close to Sydney.

A well-crafted argument can change the whole dynamic of a relationship. The impending big fight is covered on this sydcarmy ship a few times, but I just wanted to point out how excited I am with the inner conflict in Carmy and Syd's dynamic.

Sooner or later- the truth boils over in arguments between two characters. Will this argument continue to reveal what Syd and Carmy are scared of- will the arguments draw understanding and closeness?

Bring it on season 3!

[chefkids]

how are you so sure that the table carmy was setting in an empty the bear was for sydney? i mean it's more likely it could be for claire?

(pls reassure me i am so worried about what s3 could mean for sydcarmy)

Cause Carmy doesn't care about Claire lmao He has never put any effort into anything with her and I doubt he's starting now.

Table settings are representative of Syd & Carmy's relationship.

Sydney had tried to get him to go over smallwares and the table setting with her and he left her to go hang out with Claire.

That same day there were also issues of the electricity brought up and they had the whole fight about the generator that she didn't call Carmy about, and then Claire interrupted them.

Then Richie was asking Carmy about the table setting and the lighting levels right before he decided to call Claire his girlfriend and make her dinner.

Then Natalie was the one to figure out that the lighting levels were off and that they were out of forks for the small wares. Electricity, lighting levels, table settings, are all connected to Syd and Carmy.

He clearly is going to care a lot about them in Season 3 as he fights with Richie over the bowls, because he is trying to be perfect to get Syd a star.

Season 2 Episode 9 ended with Carmy doing a big romantic gesture for Syd in a table to try and apologize for being absent and not giving her his focus.

He is going to try to do the same thing in Season 3 Episode 9 after he realizes he's been pushing her away with how desperately he's been trying to get her a star. He is looking at The Bear in darkness with an empty used table in the same spot they had their table moment in last season. Sydney is always represented in light. So I'm thinking that's when she tells him she's leaving, and why it's so dark and empty as opposed to the last table scene, because this time his apology wasn't enough.

[gingergofastboatsmojito]

Why Luca and not Shapiro

You know what I was thinking, Sydluca truthers? If Syd accepts Shapiro’s offer AND gets a taste of Luca 😍 who is Carmy’s healed/sane version, like I mentioned here, Carmy won’t get to see them together, so what’s the point? I don’t wanna miss out on jelly Carmy! That kinda behavior would be such a gem on him! Give it to me!

Luca has to be his “who’sClaire?” Carmy has to give us his “I’m saying goodnight! moment”, which I’m guessing won’t be this elegant:

And Syd can’t keep on quitting every other season, C’mon! This time around she has to stay and cheat on her work husband, not leave him. She has to play it differently and stay close enough to Carmy for him too see her happy with someone else and suffer. That’s how we all win.

He will suffer if she leaves, of course, but it’ll be a clean cut. Not torture. Every day, seeing her with someone that can actually, make her willingly wanna leave him (unlike Shapiro that feels like pulling teeth to her). Someone like Luca that can take her away from him and succeed exactly at what he failed. And this is not an assumption, as many anti-Carmys are fantasying about with Shapiro. This is factual. We have already seen Luca in action in the kitchen and in life and even under stress, and he told us how he was under stress too. We know enough about him already not to have to guess how he would be like and whether or not he is Carmy 2.0. He’s not. He’s totally different, has a different energy.

So far what we know for sure about Shapiro is that he went to the restaurant and may or may not be linked to the review, as @berzattohugs points out here 🔗

and might be a bit “shady” as @unladyboss clocked here 🔗. And I wanna point out something else about him: Chef Terry is Future Syd, is her character’s progression, what Syd can and will become in the future. Chef Terry is Chef Shapiro’s Platonic partner, not his Syd bc she’s platonic and we all know that Syd and Carmy are not, I mean there is a sexual tension element with Sydcarmy that is just not there with Shaperry (yes, I just made that name up) BUT what is there between them is that she can keep him in line. We don’t know what Shapiro will be like off her leash and with more power, a power he probably always wanted, as under Chef Terry’s wing he was stuck as an eternal CDC, never EC, never owner, he was comfortable there, yes but being the go-getter and ambitious character he is, there’s no way that being EC never crossed his mind and he had to swallow the hard pill of never getting there. And lastly, we know this:

My point is: In this context Storer gave me this season I want torture! Not Carmy’s demise. I want him to suffer and have the chance to change and redeem himself, while she’s still around and then I want her to have to choose between 2 sexy chefs, not a hot piece of shit and Fuck you, Garrett!. Call me crazy.

Bonus track: I do appreciate that at least Syd gave Shapiro her real number though 🤭 that’s enough. Give all the rest to Luca, Syd. We got you.

Remember to follow my tag #Gingerpovs 💋