Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Waking up in Vanessa’s apartment was truly a luxury. Feather-top mattress, memory foam pillows, crisp Pottery Barn sheets and curtains that filtered just the right amount of light into the main bedroom.

“Good morning, handsome,” Carmen looked over to see her sitting at her vanity, hair done, makeup nearly complete, but still covered in a short, silk bathrobe that laid against her body the same way his did last night.

“Mornin’, you off already?” He asked, wiping neatly under his eye.

“I’ve got ten minutes,” Vanessa smiled at him through the mirror. “There’s coffee on the stove,” she said, twisting to face him.

“God you’re beautiful,” Carmen replied.

“I know you love coffee, but that seems a bit dramatic,” she laughed, a tinkling sound that shaped her pink lips in such away he could recall how soft they were on his. Now, he wanted to lick the gloss off of them.

“C’mere,” he said, tilting his chin up at her.

The brunette lifted her legs gingerly over the small ottoman bench in front of her mirrored desk, Carmen’s eyes immediately zeroing in on where her bathrobe slinked up her thighs.

“How about right here?” She asked, crossing her legs as she looked over at him, five feet of wood flooring and the end of the queen bed between them.

“Here,” he said, poking a finger into the white duvet that covered his body. She grinned, tip toeing over and stopping at the end of the bed, her white polished toenails tucked just under the dark footboard.

“Here?” She asked, hips swaying forward to canter just over the edge of the mattress.

“Come here,” he said with finality, balling a pillow up beneath his head. She kneeled on the mattress, straddling his body as she carefully crawled up the bed to sit on his midsection.

“Here,” she agreed.

Carmen’s hands naturally fell to her waist, mindful to not snag the pink silk of her robe on his rough and calloused fingers. She felt like holding onto cool water, but he knew better.

“What’s under here, huh?” He asked, reaching up and grabbing one end of her sash.

“Carmy,” she warned.

“I’m just checking,” he said with utmost sincerity – his blue eyes looking up at her like butter wouldn’t melt.

She hoped their babies would have his eyes.

“What do you think’s under here, huh?” She asked, playfully pushing at his shoulder.

“Better safe than sorry,” he shrugged innocently, peeling back the silk. “Wow,” he murmured gently, revealing her lacy bra and panties. “Why so special, baby?” He asked.

“These ones don’t show under my dress,” she said, shamelessly pressing her body down into his. Carmen hissed softly.

“Just for me,” he reminded her with an intentional look.

“Just for you,” she agreed, leaning forward and pressing a kiss to his lips.

“You’re a dream,” he said, chasing her lips again for another kiss. “How’d I get so lucky with you, huh?” He said, giving her hips a squeeze. Vanessa grinned stupidly, swinging her leg over and fluidly moving from the bed. “Wait a minute,” Carmen frowned, “inspection’s not over.”

“Carmy, there’s croissants in the kitchen from Floriole,” she said, padding over to the closet where he kept a handful of crisp white tees and a selection of denim, his Carhartt work pants and a small mountain of white tube socks that Vanessa regularly stole.

Carmen watched, glad to be alive, as she disrobed and grabbed the navy floral dress that was hanging off the doorframe. He watched it wash over her body, stopping a few inches above her knees with flutter sleeves and a square neckline. He eyed the perfect spot to a suck a bruise onto her neck.

“’Mere,” he insisted as she picked up a strappy pair of heels. Vanessa gladly sauntered over as Carmy sat up, feet on the floor with the duvet still dutifully covering his lower half. He held her strappy shoe on his lap and eased her foot into it. Carefully buckling the miniscule strap and fixing it into place, he pressed soft kisses up her shin to her knee. “Next,” he instructed, grinning at her soft squeal as she momentarily lost balance. Carmy slid her foot into the second shoe, buckling it carefully with his blocky fingers.

“Thank you, Carmy,” she smiled softly. Though he didn’t set her foot free, rather pulled it across his lap to rest on the mattress by his hip - effectively moving her body much closer. Reaching up, he cupped her ass in his hands, kissing from the inside of her knee up her thigh to her sex. “Bear!” She gasped, hands instantly diving into his mop of unruly morning curls.

She could be mad all she wanted, his breakfast was right here and waiting for him.

He licked her in a long, hot pull over her lace panties before carefully moving them to the side. A shiver ran the length of her spine as his nose nudged her clit, something that always set off fireworks in her ribcage.

Vanessa groaned as her cell phone began to ring.

“Ignore it,” Carmen said firmly.

“Baby, I gotta get there before the florist and the caterer,” Vanessa whined softly. “I’m hosting the shower,” she added. It was true, she had orchestrated a breathtaking baby shower for her best friend and she couldn’t let the day go awry because Carmen wanted her attention.

“Just gimme a min,” he breathed against her, “won’ take me long.” A beat passed and he pulled back, looking up at her with big eyes and a glistening mouth. “What do you mean, caterer?”

“Baby, Gina wanted something specific,” she began her defense backing away from the mattress slowly.

“What did she want, Ness?” Carmen asked, getting up from the bed and advancing on her.

“Carmy,” she warned, “you don’t mess with a pregnant lady’s wishes,” she said, pressing a hand against his chest in an attempt to keep him from snapping her up entirely.

“Who’s gonna make her a meal better than me, huh?” He asked, pretending to square up with her, loving the rip of laughter that came from her throat.

“Carmen Berzatto!” She squealed as he slapped her bare ass underneath her dress, gripping her cheek in his hand.

“Who is it, huh?” He asked, sticking his face right into her neck, his morning wood introducing itself into the conversation.

“Boka!” She confessed, cupping his jaw in her hands as he let his teeth graze the skin of her neck.

“Boka!” His eyes were wild. “You paid money for Boka to cater Gina’s baby shower?”

“Carmy, Gina asked for Boka,” She insisted.

“Well I hope you all enjoy your dry chicken and overcooked ravioli,” he huffed, smacking her once more before stepping back into the bedroom – knowing he needed to start getting ready for the day.

“Carm, don’t be mad,” Vanessa frowned.

“I’m not mad,” Carm said, his eyebrows raised. “Now I know G doesn’t trust me to feed her and her baby,” he rattled off. “I’ll write this down and store it for later.”

“Carmen Silvio,” she headed after him, circling her fingers around his wrist. “Boka catered their wedding, she wanted to keep with tradition,” she explained.

Carmy could maybe, for a moment, understand tradition.

“Gina knows you’re the best chef in the city and knows you would do it in a heartbeat,” she added, pressing three soft kisses to his lips. “Don’t be mad at her,” she pouted, which melted his resolve entirely.

“I’ll let it slide,” he said, eyes soft. “But just this once.” He kissed her back, hand still sliding to its usual resting place just below her hip.

“Still love me?” She tilted her head, deepening her pout.

“Still love you,” he confirmed, squeezing her gently.

“Still gonna go down on me when you get home tonight?” She asked, tilting her head the other way.

“You have 10 seconds to get out of this apartment or you’re going to miss the shower.”

Chapter Text

Vanessa checked her watch as her heels clicked down the street, a Cartier tankard that was a gift from her father for finishing undergrad. The Bear was just closing down between lunch and dinner service, and she was sure she’d be able to catch Carm for a few minutes.

Her meetings had wrapped up early that day, and after sending her employees home to enjoy the beautiful weather, she thought she could swing by and see her favorite chef for just a short while. He’d no doubt be at the restaurant until late, and their schedules hadn’t lined up in a few days.

Late night and early-morning kisses seemed to be the current pattern. He’d schlep over a few nights a week to sleep in her bed and watched as she got ready in the morning. She hoped the two coffees in her hands would sweeten her odds.

Peeking her head inside the glass door, she couldn’t hear much outside of the kitchen, which had The Fratellis playing loudly – a sure sign the crew was cleaning up between shifts.

“Nessie girl!” She was spotted immediately upon pushing through the half door to the back of house.

“Hi Richie,” she greeted with a warm smile.

“Nessie, how come we never see your angelic figure gracing our doors anymore?” Richie asked, pretending to take an arrow to the chest as he ambled toward her.

“I know, work’s got me so busy these days,” she replied, leaning into his side as he squeezed her in a tight hug. Richie was always overly friendly with Vanessa, mostly because he knew it made Carmen’s skin prickle, but also because he found her incredibly attractive.

“Hi Ness!” Sydney called from the other side of the expo.

“Hi Syd,” Vanessa called back. She loved Syd – a lot. Syd cared about Carmen in a way that he really needed at the restaurant and she firmly believe they pushed one another to be the best they could be. That, and Syd was usually the reason Carm would get a few nights off each month.

“Nessie, when you gonna stop it with this corporate bullshit and come join us in the mud, huh?” Richie asked, walking her through the kitchen and further from Carmen’s office.

“Come on, Rich, you know I’m the sugar mama in this relationship,” she winked. It was true, Vanessa made a very comfortable living as the Vice President of Marketing for a well to do firm in the city, but she also came from family money – something she never took for granted. “Someone’s gotta keep my baby in those vintage Levi’s and stocked with Wusthofs,” she joked – she only learned what Wusthofs were after meeting Carmen over a year ago.

“I’m just saying, business is booming, the new spot is burnin’ up the review pages,” Richie shrugged. “Maybe we could use some new marketing, huh?” He asked.

“You know what, you make an excellent point,” she said as they rounded the corner, Carmen’s office door in sight. “Let me bring it up with the big boss and see what he says,” Vanessa winked, hip-checking the office door and only mildly surprising Carmen at his desk. He thought he could hear his staff singing his girlfriend’s praises.

“Miss honey, you’ve been talking to the big boss,” Richie spread his arms. Vanessa wiggled her finger at the tall man just before the door could close behind her.

“Hi baby,” she greeted. Carmen had abandoned the few items on his desk, his chair turned to face her with a smug grin on his face. Vanessa clicked right over, settling herself between his spread legs, perched to the side on one of his thighs. “Coffee?” She offered, holding up the paper cup. Black, just like he preferred.

“How lucky am I?” He asked, taking the cup, but kissing her first. “What’s Richie on about now?” He took a long pull of the hot coffee.

“Wants me to quit my job to come be a topless server,” she replied casually, taking a sip of her caffeine-free tea.

“What?” Carmen’s eyes popped open, Vanessa let out a tinkling laugh.

“Just kidding,” she grinned. God he loved her smile. He nipped at her side with his free hand.

“Finish up early today?” He asked. She crossed her outer leg over the other, leaning fully against his upper body.

“Yes, the weather was too stunning to be at the office today,” she sighed. “Wanted my team to go enjoy it for once.”

“What a nice boss lady,” Carmen replied.

“We’re not curing cancer, it’s marketing,” she shrugged. “Soon we’ll be in the hell of winter and cutting out early won’t be nearly as fun.”

“Maybe we can take a trip this winter,” Carmen said, brushing an errant bang away from Vanessa’s face.

“A trip?” She asked, eyes lighting up. In 15 months of dating, the pair had yet to take a trip together and she was dying to get him out of that apron for more than 24 hours. Though she did really love the sight of him in that blue apron. “To where?” She asked, raking a hand through his curls.

He loved when her nails were freshly manicured.

“Somewhere warm? We can drink out of coconuts and get sunburns on our ass?” She suggested excitedly.

“I’d never let you burn those cheeks, baby,” he grinned. She tightened her hold on his hair, tugging his head back just harshly enough to send a warning bell down to his cock.

“Want me to plan something?” She asked, batting her eyelashes at her boyfriend, who, at this time, would do just about anything she asked.

“How about February?” He suggested, “that’s usually about the time I start really hating winter.”

“Valentine’s Day,” she grinned viciously. “I’d just die to be on a beach with you for Valentine’s Day,” Vanessa simpered, running a hand up his chest.

“Book it,” he grinned, blue eyes scanning her stunning face. He loved seeing her happy. “I don’t care if I gotta pay Syd triple, we’re going.” Carmen insisted.

Vanessa tucked her heels under her, dragging her hand back down Carmen’s chest as she stood to her full height.

“I’ll go book the trip,” she said airily. “You enjoy dinner service…” She trailed, “and I’ll send you some pics of which bikinis I plan to bring with me.” Leaning down, she pressed a long kiss to the corner of Carmen’s mouth before collecting her coffee cup and pulling the office door open.

“Bye, chef,” she blew a kiss, the door closing behind her.

Carmen ran his hand down his face before dropping his head back against the chair.

February felt a lifetime away.

Chapter Text

Carmen looked around, feeling a bit hopeless as he scanned his small, River North apartment. When he moved home, a studio alcove seemed perfect, but now, with Vanessa visiting his place for the first time, he really wished he had sprung for a proper one bedroom.

It wasn’t completely terrible, but it didn’t quite look like someone lived there – rather, someone who visited from time to time. The only thing he had hung up on the walls were a few photos from his film camera in the kitchen and a Chicago skyline print his mom gave him when he moved to New York.

Now, it just seemed silly in his Chicago apartment.

The apartment wasn’t messy, but it was kind of sad. Two stacked boxes as a nightstand with a bottle of Pepto and a bottle of Advil on top. He quickly grabbed both, tossing them into the bathroom medicine cabinet. His bed was neatly made and his clothes were clean and hung up in the appropriate places. Carmen even lint-rolled the rug beneath his bed (seeing as he didn’t own a vacuum).

The couch was ugly but comfortable and if nothing else, he had a TV. He placed two coasters on the wooden coffee table and lit the one candle he’d ever owned to sit in the middle. It was a gift from Sugar three years ago. At least he was really getting her money’s worth.

The intercom buzzed in the entryway, nearly sending him through the roof.

“Who is it?” He asked, holding the reply back.

“Hi, I’m here for the bachelor party?” She teased. He punched the unlock button, letting her into the building. Thankfully the elevator was working that day and she won’t need to climb the four floors of stairs that usually smelled like mildew.

Carm had been to Vanessa’s apartment several times. On their fourth date she invited him over under the guise of helping her hang some frames but also ordered in his favorite Thai takeout and they watched a few episodes of The Great British Bake Off.

While Carmen was mostly a frugal man and he had nothing be ashamed about financially, he knew Vanessa had money. Her high-rise apartment with a doorman and cararra marble bathrooms said a lot. But she wasn’t stuffy, she didn’t flash money and frankly, she didn’t care whether or not Carmen did.

“It’s my Dad’s money,” she insisted one morning as they woke up together at her place. “Sure, it makes me feel safe, but it’s not mine.”

So even though she insisted it was not important to her, he really wished he had spent a little more time making his place a home.

Carmen collected himself as he heard her knuckles rap on his front door. Swinging it open, her presence calmed him as she smiled widely.

“I hope it’s okay I took some liberties with the pizza selection,” she said, holding up two boxes in her hand with a familiar tote draped over her other shoulder. She stepped inside and he was happy to relieve her of her cargo, holding the boxes in front of him as he leaned forward to kiss her over top. “You like pineapple, right?” She asked, laughing earnestly as she watched his expression drop.

“Very funny, very funny,” he shook his head. She followed him into the kitchenette after dropping her back in an unoccupied corner. As Carmen grabbed napkins, she hopped up on the formica countertop.

“I don’t have a table to sit at,” He murmured, coming to stand between her legs as he flipped open the boxes atop the gas range beside her.

“Good, I’ve been sitting at a desk all day,” she said, tipping her face down to kiss him again. “You smell amazing,” she sighed, slanting her mouth over his more deeply. His hands came up to rest on her thighs, sliding around to squeeze the small of her back.

“Are you sure it’s not the pizza?” He mumbled.

“It might be the pizza,” she agreed, laughing as he landed a loud smack against her ass. “Gimme,” she mumbled, reaching down to grab a big piece of thin-crust margherita. “How was your day?” She asked, tipping her head back and taking as much of the piece into her mouth as possible, groaning at the taste.

“Good,” Carm said, pressing his hips against the counter and grabbing his own slice. “New HVAC is all installed, next week we’ve got the window guy coming in and new furniture should be arriving by Tuesday.”

“That’s exciting!” She grinned, “is the team ready?” She asked.

“The team is excited for the two weeks off ahead of opening,” he laughed. “T’s gonna take her kid down to Florida, Richie’s taking his daughter on a weekend trip,” he rattled off.

“That makes her, what? Your second cousin? First cousin once removed?” She asked, tilting her head.

Carm looked up at Vanessa, unable to stop himself from swiping a small bit of sauce from the corner of her mouth.

“You know Richie and I aren’t actually cousins, right?” He asked, smirking softly.

“What! How would I know that?!” She laughed, “I’ve exclusively heard you two call each other ‘cousin’ for the past five months!”

“I know, I know,” he ducked his head, laughing. “I never explained,” he grinned, rocking to the side as she punched him in the shoulder. “We aren’t related, but he’s family,” was the best explanation he could give. “Shit this is good pizza,” he commented, flipping the lid of the box back down, but only seeing a generic checker print. “Where’s it from?” He asked.

“Secret,” she grinned. “Can’t give all my spots up yet.” Carmen rolled his eyes, taking another big bite.

“So you got a margherita and an all-meat?” He asked, barely swallowing, “covering your bases?”

“I like marg,” she said, taking another bite and pulling a long string of mozzarella away from her face, “and meat for you.”

“What made you pick that?” He asked, very pleased with her selection.

“You’re a meaty boy,” she shrugged, picking up the open glass bottle of Coke next to her.

“I’m a meaty boy?” He asked with a smirk. Vanessa wiped her hands on a paper towel before sliding her hands from the top of his shoulders, squeezing down his biceps and up his chest again.

“Meaty,” she sighed, laughing as he rolled his eyes. “I know you’re watching that protein intake.” She added, making him shake his head. They finished up their slices, and as they agreed to move to the couch, she grabbed her tote again, ready to get out of her work clothes. Carm spread out on the couch after lighting his singular candle, watching her shuffle through her stuff.

“Can I borrow some sweats?” She asked, padding over to his second-hand Ikea dresser.

“What’s mine is yours,” he insisted, watching as she pulled open a drawer, immediately finding a pair of grey Hanes. He watched as she shimmied out of her tailored suit pants, revealing a black thong that instantly made his skin simmer. Tossing the pants on his bed, she double-backed to the dresser, pulling open the top drawer to grab a pair of his tube socks.

“Jackpot,” she grinned, balancing on one foot to pull one sock on after the other. Carmen tracked her movements carefully, eyes trailing up her tan legs to the curve of her ass. Pulling on the sweatpants, she rolled over the waistband a few times and pulled the cord to try and get them to keep from slinking down her frame.

Next, she reached into her bag, pulling out a long-sleeve navy Henley. With her back turned to Carmen, she peeled her work blouse over her head, tossing it on the bed before unhooking her bra and throwing it down as well.

“I think the whole building across the street can see your tits,” Carmen commented.

“Well, lucky them,” she looked at him over her shoulder with a wicked little grin. “They’re nice tits.”

Pulling on her top, she turned back to the living space and dropped her bag down in yet another unoccupied space.

“This too casual?” She asked, shrugging up her shoulders with her hands out by her sides.

“You’re fucking perfect,” Carmen replied earnestly, “get over here.” Vanessa happily sprung over, crawling on top of Carmen and wiggling her body between his legs to rest on his chest. He yelped as she sunk her teeth into his chest.

“Meaty,” she commented. Carmen slid his hand down her back, beneath the waistband of his sweatpants and rest his cold fingers on her warm cheek. “What are you going to do with your two weeks off, huh?” she asked.

“I won’t get as much time as everyone else,” he added, “I’ll take five days.”

“I have a proposition for you,” she smiled.

“Please, proposition me,” he replied.

“I just signed a new client at work - the Four Seasons downtown,” she said, resting her chin on his chest. “And they gifted me two free nights of my choice – full access to the spa, gym, restaurants – everything for free.” She explained. “Any chance you wanna spend 48 hours in a plush bathrobe with me?” She asked.

“That sounds a lot better than what I was planning,” he said, impressed.

“Mm, two days with you all to myself,” she grinned. “Just think of the trouble we could get up to.” She nuzzled her face into his neck and he gave her a tender squeeze, reaching up to toss a throw blanket over them. “God you smell so good, I’m not kidding.” She sighed, “what soap do you use?” She asked, holding back on her deep desire to sink her teeth right into his neck.

“Really expensive, really exclusive,” he tilted his head back, not minding her assault in the least. “It’s called Irish Spring – it’s not sold everywhere.”

“You’re such a little shit,” she laughed, shaking her head, but pressing herself as close to him as she physically could. “Next time I’m putting pineapple on your pizza.”

“Joke’s on you,” he murmured. “I’ll eat anything.”
 

Chapter Text

Vanessa was having a good day. Though the temperature was below freezing, the sun was out and it was illuminating every inch of her apartment. She’d swept the floors, dusted the baseboards, taken out the trash, the recycling and finished her last load of laundry – all before one o’clock on Saturday. She’d even washed and dried her sheets and duvet cover, which was usually feat in itself.

Standing in her closet, she was plucking out items she hadn’t worn in the last year to go to donation when her phone began to chirp.

Crossing the bedroom, she tapped on the screen.

From: Sydney
Remind me your address

Vanessa was surprised by the request, she could always have asked Carmen – it was the peak of lunch rush on a Saturday – she was sure they were together. She rattled off her address nonetheless.

A beat passed before her phone dinged again.

From: Sydney
Putting Carmen in an Uber to your place

From: Sydney
He’s come to work sick for three days and today is the worst

From: Sydney
He can’t be here and he can’t be trusted to take care of himself

Vanessa frowned. It had been almost a week since she’d seen Carmy in the flesh – he was insistent he was busy around the restaurant and helping his sister with a few things. They’d talked on the phone and texted plenty, but he never mentioned being sick.

From: Vanessa
Thanks, Syd. I’ll handle it.

It wouldn’t take long for Carm to arrive, so she set off to prepare.

If there was one thing Vanessa was good at, it was taking care of others. She pulled out her electric tea kettle, sliced lemons and placed a variety of teas on the kitchen counter. Then, she returned to her closet to grab a clean pair of Carmen’s sweatpants and a soft Cubs T-shirt she had stolen from him weeks ago, setting them out on the bed.

Just as she dropped a Vick’s vapor tablet on the shower floor, her intercom buzzed with a warning that a known guest was coming up the elevator. Pulling her hair up into a ponytail, she knew she’d have her work cut out for her.

“Hi there,” she greeted softly as she swung the door open. Carmen looked like hell. His skin was pale and clammy, his eyes were rimmed with red and his nose was tinged pink. She could tell he was exclusively breathing out of his mouth.

“I told Syd not to send me here,” he replied. Confirmed – only out of his mouth.

“Syd’s a good friend, baby,” Vanessa cooed, taking his hand and gently pulling him inside. She untied his apron while he stepped out of his sneakers, standing still with his head hung low. “Now, I’m going to make you some tea and pastina,” she began, guiding him gently through the apartment by his shoulders. “But first you’re going to strip and shower,” she added, bringing him right to the bathroom. “I want you to you use that tea tree oil body wash and make sure you stand over that Vick’s tablet and really breathe in,” she instructed. “I’ll put some of the rub on your chest when you’re tucked in.”

“Ness, I –” His eyes were puffy and his mouth began to morph into a pouted frown. They’d only been dating eight months – it was too early for her to see him this pathetic.

“I know sweetheart, just let me take care of you, okay?” She asked, hands on his chest as she pecked his cheek gently. “When you’re done, we’ll get some fluids down and I’ll make you a nice little decongestant-Tylenol cocktail,” she finished, “doesn’t that sound nice?” Vanessa pushed his unruly curls back from his face. He nodded somberly, and it gave her heart a squeeze.

“’kay,” he mumbled.

“There’s clean clothes for you on the bed,” she cooed, giving him a little love tap toward the shower before she exited the bathroom and closed the door behind her.

She waited to hear the water turn on before setting off toward the kitchen.

Vanessa grew up in a household that made pastina alongside flat ginger ale for any common illness and she’d do the same for Carm. A good fifteen minutes passed before she heard the water turn off. She was finished with lunch a few minutes later and loaded up a tray with a bowl of pastina, a mug of hot tea, an ice water and a flat ginger ale, all accompanied by a sleeve of saltine crackers. That, and a small pharmacy of over-the-counter medicine.

Entering the bedroom, she set the tray down on her vanity as Carmen pulled his sweatpants up over his hips. She grabbed a wide tooth comb from her vanity before walking over and gently running it through Carmen’s hair. She was sure she could hear him purring beneath her touch.

“Shirt on, then in bed, okay?” She whispered, reveling in the touch of his heated skin under her fingertips. “Right in the middle, get comfy with those pillows,” she encouraged. Carmen followed her instructions diligently.

In that moment, she saw a little boy in her bed, looking up at her with muted hope as she neared with a big tray of help.

After setting the tray over his legs, she arranged an extra throw around his feet – just to be safe.

“Tell me what doesn’t feel good, baby,” she cooed, rubbing up and down his blanketed leg.

“M’got a fever,” he mumbled. “My throat’s dry and I’ve been sneezing a lot – nose is all fucked up – stuffed up,” he corrected himself. Vanessa swept over to the bathroom, pulling a thermometer and box of Kleenex from her medicine chest.

“Under the tongue, please,” she said, uncapping the thermometer. Carmen obliged as she sat the Kleenex on her nightstand – still within reach, and a wastebasket just at the side of the bed.

“102.3,” Carmen read off the little digital screen.

“Okay, have you taken any Advil or Tylenol today?” Carm shook his head at her question. “No Nyquil or Dayquil?” She pressed, to which he shook his head again. She kept her annoyance at bay, he didn’t need a scolding, he needed to feel better, and it was clear he wasn’t used to someone taking care of him. “Why don’t you start sipping this?” She gently handed him the glass of ice water. She pulled together a nice little concoction of medicine that would help with the fever and stuffiness alongside a few throat lozenges. She marked the time he took the acetaminophen and how much on her bedside notepad.

Carmy began to nose at the pastina and took a few cursory spoonfuls, groaning happily.

“S’good,” he mumbled.

“Good baby,” Vanessa smiled, “eat as much as you can,” she stood from the bed. “I’m going to grab the humidifier really quick – that’s going to take the edge off your dry throat,” she explained. “Why don’t you turn on the bakeoff, huh?” She leaned over, pushing his half-damp curls back from his face and handing him the remote. “That’ll make you feel better.”

Carmen looked up at her like she hung the moon, and after the last forty-five minutes of interaction, he was sure she probably did.

She reappeared at his side a while later, plugging in the humidifier to mist right over him. It smelled like peppermint – at least, what he was able to smell through his one unclogged nostril.

With his soup mostly gone and both ice water and tea half-empty, she shifted the tray to the other nightstand, “his” nightstand.

She could see the meds doing their job, and his eyelids getting heavier by the second.

“Lay back, Carm,” she whispered, watching as he scooted further down in the bed, the intro to GBBO starting up. “I’m just gonna rub a little Vick’s to help you breathe during your nap,” she said, opening up the little container with a plastic snick.

Carmen stared up at her adoringly as she rubbed in the medicated lotion at the base of his neck.

“M’not even that tired, probably won’t sleep,” he said earnestly, and she did her very best attempt at holding in her laughter.

“You don’t think so?” She hummed softly.

“No,” he mumbled.

“Maybe you could just try for me? I’d consider it a favor,” she said endearingly.

“I’ll try for you,” he said, his eyes close enough to closing that she could see the blonde roots of his lashes. She slowly raised herself from the bed, pausing as he barely rest his hand on hers. “Ness?” He mumbled.

“Yeah Carm?” She asked gently.

“I love you,” he managed before his eyes rolled back and he succumbed all together.

“Love you, too, Carmy,” she grinned. It was the first time they’d said it to one another.

Though, she was confident he may not quite remember it this time around.

Chapter Text

Vanessa loved St. Patrick’s Day – and so did the city of Chicago.

Getting together with a big group of friends, they planned to head down to watch the river turn green and hit the bars.

Now, she just needed the right outfit.

Carmen was more than happy to help her select. He was sitting comfortably on her bed, watching as she flung things around the room, looking for an outfit that was “cute and green” but “not tacky or cheesy” but “still fun!”

He had already watched as she carefully applied her makeup that morning, a hint of green eye shadow on her big brown eyes.

“Can I?” She asked, holding up a pair of his tube socks as always.

“’Course,” he nodded, all too glad to watch her slide his socks up her bare legs. He did, after all, get to pick her base layer of a dark green pair of panties and matching bra. It was taking everything in him not to drop to his knees in front of her and sink his teeth into her soft skin.

She finally settled on a pair of distressed blue jeans that were artfully tattered with a green v-neck t-shirt and a coordinating zip-up to go over it.

“You’re gonna get cold,” Carmy warned, leaning back on the bed as she disappeared into the bathroom once again.

“That’s what I’ve got you for?” She insisted with a crinkle of his nose.

Truth be told, Carmen was nervous to meet Vanessa’s friends. They were looping up with a group of her college girlfriends and their significant others and he didn’t know how or if he’d fit in, but he’d do anything she asked.

His knee bounced up and down in his own Levi’s. Vanessa gifted him a quality green Henley to wear and a little button that said Kiss Me, I’m Irish. The irony that he, a 100% Italian man had any Irish blood flowing through him, was not lost on Carmen Berzatto.

“I’ll be your Irish,” Vanessa reminded him earlier that week – her mother 100% Irish, while her father was 100% Italian.

“Babe, do you think a little temporary tattoo is too much?” Vanessa called from the bathroom, stepping back into the bedroom. Carmen looked distracted.

“No, go for it,” he encouraged.

“Can I put one on you?” She asked with a grin.

“Sure, baby,” he smiled ruefully.

“Carm, you can say no!” She threw her head back with a laugh, padding toward him.

He never got used to how beautiful Vanessa was. No matter how many times it happened, it still made him flustered when she walked toward him like that, affection and intent in her eyes.

“Babe, are you nervous?” She asked, perching herself on his lap – his leg that wasn’t bouncing up and down. She slid one arm around his shoulders and placed the other hand on his opposite cheek.

“No,” he replied, but his eyes said otherwise. “…I want your friends to like me,” He admitted quietly.

“They’re gonna love you,” she insisted. “Don’t even think twice about it,” she tugged on his curls, tilting his head back before slanting her mouth over his. He chased after her kiss, hand sliding around to squeeze her ass firmly, making her yelp. “Carmy!” She laughed, “come on, I made some grasshoppers for us to pre-game and they’re waiting in the fridge,” she tugged him off the bed.

Vanessa was right – her friends did like him. In a large group, he had become fast friends with Nick, who owned a bar on State Street, and brought him into the fold quickly.

In fact, Vanessa was starting to think her friends like Carmen more than her – she was thrilled. They’d been dating for about seven months and while he’d met her best friend Gina in passing, this was the first real test.

Now, Carmen was singing along loudly to some song on the loud speakers outside, his arms draped over the shoulders of two other boyfriends in a line of six of them.

“Do you think we should send them home together?” Gina asked, nursing a green ginger ale.

“We’d never get ‘em back,” Vanessa laughed. “How are you feeling?” She asked her best friend, who told her earlier that month she was officially eight weeks pregnant.

“Good, really good,” Gina nodded. “Tony is sick to his stomach, but I’m thriving,” she teased.

“Can’t believe I’m going to be an auntie,” Vanessa’s eyes lit up excitedly.

“You tell your boy?” Gina asked, nodding over to Carmen who was standing patiently as another one of the men folk was doling out shots.

“Not yet,” she shrugged. “I’ll let you all tell the rest of the group.” She explained.

“You look really happy, Ness,” Gina smiled. The brunette’s eyes cut over to Carmen, who was already looking back at her with a gaze that could only be described as lovesick.

“I am,” Vanessa giggled, bounding over to Carm and tossing her arms around his neck. “Hi baby,” she greeted. “Are you having fun?”

“Lots of fun,” Carm nodded, eagerly intercepting her kiss, which was a lot steamier than she’d usually go for in public. But Carmen made her lose her sensibilities and she was officially making out with her boyfriend in a bar.

Before should climb all over him entirely, her best friend’s husband, Tony, cleared his throat.

“Okay, okay, we get it!” He laughed, “Better be careful, Ness, or you’ll end up like G!” He looped his arm around Gina’s shoulders. A few looks of confusion were shared among the group of twelve. “Pregnant!” He announced, causing half the bar to go up in cheers. Vanessa was celebrating with her friends, but Carmen kept a hand on her waist as she chit-chatted away.

He knew it was early, they’d only been together for a short while, but damn he wouldn’t mind at all if Vanessa were the mother of his kids.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The pair arrived back at Vanessa’s apartment building two hours later, a little drunk, a little cold and extremely horny.

Even in the elevator, Carmen had Vanessa’s legs looped around his waist as they rode up the fourteen floors to her condo. Carmen tried his best to focus, but her hands were everywhere and he was fumbling with the keys to her front door.

“Ness, please, I gotta get –” He grunted, head dropping forward as she rubbed his erection through his jeans, sucking on his pulse point. “Please, baby, I really don’t wanna cum in my pants,” he begged with a pathetic laugh. Vanessa eased up on him just enough for him to get them through the front door and it slammed behind him as he violently kicked it shut.

“You taste like grasshoppers,” she laughed, licking the flavor of the creamy mint off the back of his teeth.

“Want me to find out what you taste like?” He asked, carrying her back toward the bedroom.

“Not right now,” she panted, trying every which way to create some friction between their bodies. “You’re very generous, Carm, but I need your cock inside of me immediately.” She said plainly. Carmen’s face flashed in heat, eyesight blacking out for a moment as he dropped her down on the bed.

It was a race to see who could get their clothes off first, and as she raised her shirt over head, he damn near ripped her jeans off, her body sliding six inches with them. She laughed at her own scream, but it quickly shifted as he palmed his hand over her sex.

Vanessa whined, a soft pant escaping her mouth as she looked up at Carmen with hooded eyes. He was dead serious about finishing before he got inside her and now her blown-out eyes and soft lips were seriously not helping.

“You’re soaked, Ness,” he commented, two fingers easily slipping inside of her, pulling a sob from her lips. “Look at you,” he murmured, the heel of his hand rubbing against her clit. He watched her struggle to apply more and more pressure against him.

“Carmen,” she begged, “please.”

“Anything for you,” he insisted, taking his cock in hand and rubbing the blunt head the length of her lips before pressing it painfully slow into her opening. Vanessa whined, eyes rolling back in her head as she stretched around him. Arching her back off the mattress, she could see stars behind her eyes as he stroked all the way in.

“God you’re so big,” she laughed deliriously, effectively squeezing around him in a move that stole the breath from his lungs. “I’m never going to get tired of this.”

“S’not good for my ego when you say stuff like that,” Carmen laughed in disbelief. He pulled out torturously slow, making Vanessa groan helplessly.

“More, more, more,” she begged. Carmen put her out of her misery, setting a pace just below brutal. His eyes were transfixed on her breasts and if he weren’t focused so hard on pounding into her, he’d pay more attention to them.

Vanessa lifted her legs, resting them on Carmen’s shoulders and nearly screamed at the change of the angle. He was hitting spots in her she didn’t know existed.

Carmen was sure he was dead and this was heaven. He watched Vanessa slide a hand down her stomach, parting her lips to reveal her swollen clit. The sounds emanating from the two of them were raunchy as her wetness overtook him. Carmen leaned over her and she cradled his head as she kissed him like the world would end tomorrow morning. Her legs dropped, hooking around his waist and her heels digging into his ass, sprurring him on to go deeper and deeper.

“Jesus fuck,” she whimpered. “I’m gonna cum,” she exhaled directly into his mouth.

“Right behind you,” he grit his teeth, “Wan’ me to pull out?” He asked, a sweat breaking out across his brow.

“Don’t you fucking dare,” she threatened. He would have laughed if he didn’t think she’d kill him. A moment later, she seized, squeezing him in a way that he thought would sever his manhood from his body. “Carmen,” she cried, hands desperately clutching him to her as she spasmed, jerking softly. The motion setting him off as she shot deep within her body.

Tears pooled in her eyes as she truly thought she lost consciousness for a moment. Carmen jerked his hips into her two, three times, sweat from his forehead dripping onto her chest.

“Fuck,” he laughed, dropping down to rest on top of her. The weight of his body felt delicious on top of hers after the race they both won. “You are,” he paused, gathering his thoughts which were desperately trying to escape him, “I’m – I,” he stuttered.

“You, too,” she complimented, running her hands through his curls. He barely moved, not to get up, but just to adjust, and her heels dug into him again. “No,” she murmured. “Wanna feel you like this for a minute,” she insisted. Carmen wasn’t going to go against her wishes now, staying lodged deep within her body.

He nuzzled into her breast, lazily circling her nipple with his tongue before sucking it between his lips in earnest. Kissing his way up her chest, he returned to her neck, pressing several kisses just below her ear.

“Happy St. Patrick’s Day,” she grinned.

Chapter Text

To: Vanessa
Where are you?

Carmy as agitated, taking one last pull from his cigarette before tossing it to the ground. Vanessa had gone radio silent on him after missing a dinner reservation of theirs. Sometimes he made it just on time, others he was late, but he’d only ever missed two other times over the last 17 months.

Marcus was going through some personal issues and needed to talk – that was, after the evening had already gone an hour over.

It didn’t help he snapped at Syd who reminded him at 15-minute intervals he was going to be late to meet his girlfriend.

Vanessa was across town. She didn’t renege on her dinner plans just because Carmen failed to show. She’d wanted to try that restaurant for months, and she’d had that reservation for just as long, and wasn’t going to miss out.

She did have one or two more cocktails than she planned on, and on a Friday night, she was ready to blow off some steam. It had been a hard week at work – her team was getting antsy to close out two large RFPs and they’d only been selected for one.

She’d worn Carm’s favorite dress to the restaurant that evening, even though it pinched her in a way she didn’t enjoy, and took extra time and care to curl her hair and paint on a red lip.

Carm had a thing for the pin-up type, she figured.

Glancing at her phone, she sighed. Dinner was long gone and she had since moved over to another bar – her friend’s bar, where she always had an open high top waiting for her.

She should text him back, she knew that, but in her alcohol-addled mind, she’d grown petulant. He certainly didn’t think to text her once over the last three hours. Now, going on 10:30 at night, she wanted to get drunk and wanted to go home.

What she had forgotten in her evening to herself, is that she and Carmen had shared iPhone locations months ago. It gave him some piece of mind when she’d go out for runs in the morning or with girlfriends at night.

Carmen, seemingly forgetting that himself, fumbled his thumbs across his phone for the app.

He could see she was on State Street and he figured she must be at Nick’s bar. Not usually a fan of Ubers, he called one anyway, knowing he was already screwed and waiting for a train certainly wasn’t going to help matters.

Vanessa was a social being, always had been and probably always would be. That, in combination with drop-dead gorgeous looks, made it no surprise that her little table was soon swarmed with new friends.

Her friend Nick kept a keen eye on the situation, trying his best to meter how many drinks were making their way over to her. She’d come in pretty well oiled up already.

Carmen would think it was silly that she had three $22 cocktails at the restaurant alone. But what did it matter what Carmen thought? He certainly wasn’t there. And while she wasn’t afraid to eat alone, she didn’t miss the pitying look from the college-aged girls who staffed the maître-d.

The truth was, this wasn’t the first time Carmen had been unreliable and she hated to hold it against him. His work was his passion, and she knew he loved her, but he had also never been in a serious relationship before. Now they’d been together for a year and a half, and she wondered what that looked like going forward if this is what she had to look forward to.

Draining her second beer, and following it up with a shot, she’d had too much. But it didn’t stop another cocktail from appearing in front of her.

Nick was busy with a slammed bar, trying to keep up with orders and helping his staff.

Carmen had just cranked the front door open, the location familiar to him, and a sick stone settling in his stomach. He knew right away the swarm of college grads in the corner were holding court with his girlfriend. Like moths to a flame.

“Hi, hello, excuse me,” he shouldered through the group.

“S’cuse me guy, the kitchen’s that way,” one Chad laughed, jamming his thumb toward the back. Carmen was still dressed in his apron and Crocs.

“Thanks, Chuckles,” he muttered, taking in all of the empty glasses on the table as Vanessa’s gaze was zeroed in on a conversation with a man who easily had six inches of height on Carmen. “Ness,” he called, immediately commanding her attention.

“Carm!” She cheered, “you made it!” she looked down at her watch, “and only four hours late!” Carmen’s face flooded with embarrassment as several pairs of eyes landed on him.

“Ness, can we go and talk about this?” He asked, desperately wanting to excavate his girlfriend from the bar.

“Now? Or later? I’m having a drink with my friends,” she frowned. She’d had too much, that was for sure. Her eyes were a little droopy and her posture was a bit slumped – something that was unusual for her.

“Vanessa, you’ve had too much,” he said, stepping closer.

“She doesn’t wanna go with you, guy,” another blonde Chad spoke up. Carmen’s face twisted in annoyance. When a strange, unwelcome arm slid across the back of her seat, he saw red.

“Yeah and who the fuck are you?” He snarled, “get the fuck out of my way – Ness,” he redirected, “we’re going home.” His voice was firm, and if she weren’t so mad at him, she’d be turned on.

“Why don’t you –”

“And why don’t you back the fuck up?” Carmen interrupted another hero.

“Okay, okay, let these two sort their shit out,” Nick broke up the tension. Vanessa groaned, stepping off her chair and feeling as if her ankles were suddenly made of fiberglass. Carmen instantly looped an arm around her waist, gripping onto her hip. The crowd didn’t give them much space to work with, but Nick did his best to lead them out.

“Thanks for getting her,” Nick said, pushing the door open.

“Yeah, and thanks for over-serving her,” Carmen snapped back, stepping out into the night with his intoxicated girlfriend. He immediately waved down a taxi and helped her into it. Vanessa slid to the far window, putting as much space between she and Carmen as possible.

She was beautiful, and while he was sure she was mad, she was disappointed, and it struck him through the chest to see her so closed off. He couldn’t, however, get the image of her surrounded by those men out of his mind. Guys who probably had more flexible jobs and grew up going to the same summer camps as her. They probably lived in the same hoity-toity buildings and knew the difference between cashmere and brushed wool.

Well fuck them, Vanessa was his.

Vanessa could see Carmen’s clenched fist sitting on the back seat of the taxi and she simply crossed her arms over her chest.

“You couldn’t at least answer my text so I knew you were okay?” He asked lowly. He knew it was a mistake right away. Her wide eyes turned to him.

“You couldn’t have text me once to say you were going to be late or cancel since seven o’clock?” She countered, face pinched in anger. “Fuck you, Carmen, I was so embarrassed.”

Okay so she was madder than he originally thought.

Rolling up to her building, she pushed her door open before he could step around the car and get it for her. She brushed off his help as she wobbled in her heels to the front door.

“You should sleep at yours tonight,” she said, knowing he was following her inside. It stung, seeing as now he felt more at home at Vanessa’s place than his own, but he had to brush it off.

“You’re drunk, Ness,” he murmured, “I just wanna make sure you get into bed, okay?” She slunked against the corner of the elevator, stepping out of her heels and willing the machine to go faster. “You look beautiful,” he commented, eyeing her carefully.

“I know,” she bit back, exiting the elevator the moment the doors split open on her floor. Pulling her keys from her clutch, she fumbled with them for a few moments before finally finding success. She didn’t care if Carmen was following her in, he wasn’t staying over.

Carmen watched as she tossed her heels in the corner, walking back toward her bedroom. He trailed after her shortly, seeing her dress on the floor, his favorite dress, followed by her bra. When he didn’t immediately see her in the bedroom, he turned to see her leaning over her bathroom sink. She was removing her makeup, starting with her red lips, which he knew she did just for him.

He took a seat on the over-sized reading chair in the corner, watching she went about her night routine. No matter how many drinks she’d had, she wasn’t going to sleep in makeup. As she began to finish up, brushing her teeth, he crossed the room to her closet, pulling out her favorite set of pajamas and laying them out on the bed before returning to the chair.

Wordlessly she stepped back into the bedroom, turning her back to Carmen as she stepped out of her panties and re-dressed in the silky short set. She slinked under her covers, pulling her comforter up over shoulders.

“You don’t wanna talk?” He asked. She reached up, flicking off the light on her nightstand.

“Go home, Carm,” she said into the dark. “I’m still too mad and I’m going to say something mean if we talk now.” At least she was being diplomatic. He sighed, lifting himself out of the plush chair and crossing the room. He almost made it through the doorway to the hall when he heard her sniffle, causing his heart to clench in his chest.

To his knowledge, he’d never made her cry tears of sadness. Sure, tears of happiness and laughter, but never this.

He walked out to the entryway, locking the front door before doubling back to the living room. Unwrapping his apron, he kicked off his jeans before laying down on the couch. Scrubbing his hands across his face, he text Sydney.

To: Sydney
Can you cover lunch tomorrow?

His phone pinged not a few minutes later.

From: Sydney
I’ll cover lunch and dinner.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The next morning started early as he heard the coffee grinder go off, jerking him awake. Sitting up, groaning softly, he rubbed at his eyes before checking his watch.

Who gets drunk then wakes up at 6 a.m.?

Looking over into the kitchen, he could see Vanessa leaning against the kitchen island, watching her coffee percolate as she ice-rolled her face. He flashed back to a few months ago when they spent a lazy morning in bed, gel patches under their eyes and him sitting patiently as she ice-rolled all over his face.

“S’still dark out,” he greeted, walking into the kitchen and resting against the counter opposite from her.

“Thought you went home,” she replied, looking over at him with those dark eyes.

“Didn’t feel right leaving,” he murmured.

It was unfair, why did he get to look so effortlessly good so early in the morning?

“Didn’t want to leave with you so mad at me,” he added. She nodded, picking up her coffee and pouring in her cream and sugar. “Still mad?” He asked quietly.

Vanessa glanced up at him over the rim of her mug.

“I’m less mad, more confused,” she said quietly. “Trying to figure out how I fit in, what this looks like for us going forward,” she finished.

Carmen didn’t like the sound of that at all.

“You fit the way you always have,” he frowned, “with me.” Vanessa set her mug down, crossing her arms over her chest. “I know I fucked up and I didn’t call, and I didn’t text, but I didn’t intentionally try to hurt you,” he listed off.

“It’s the third time, Carm!” She sighed. “I know the restaurant is so important to you, and your family and I know you’re like the best chef in the world – I get it! I really do. I don’t want to belittle your passions,” she twisted uncomfortably. “I’m just asking to come in second or maybe a close third.”

“Vanessa, I am crazy about you,” he gushed, “I love you more than anything in the world.”

“Then you could have called!” She gasped. “You could have text, you could have had Syd call or text, or Richie, or the fucking cops! What if something was wrong? What if there was an emergency? Once is an accident, twice hurts and three times is mortifying!” She rattled off.

Carmen felt deep, abiding shame. She was right. He got caught up in The Bear again and it wasn’t healthy for him personally, professionally, or as far as his relationship was concerned.

“I’m sorry, Ness, I really am,” he frowned. “I can’t promise it won’t ever happen again, but I’m going to try really fucking hard.” He sighed, “I don’t care if I have to get Call V tattooed on my fingers, I don’t want you to feel like you’re not a priority to me.”

Vanessa nodded, looking down at the floor as she hugged herself. She didn’t want to cry again.

“I just… I don’t want this all to be for nothing,” she looked up at Carmen, who had inched just a bit closer. “I’m really invested in you – in us – and I don’t care if it’s too soon, but I want this for a long, long time with you.”

“It’s not too soon,” he breathed, slowly unwinding her fingers from around herself. “I knew from the moment I met you, you were it for me.” He said earnestly. “That I’d do anything to keep you,” he held her hands in his. “I’m gonna put a ring on your finger and meet you down the aisle,” he reached up, wiping a tear from her eyes. “You’re gonna be the most perfect mother to our kids,” he elaborated, stepping into her personal space. “And every day, I’m gonna prove to you that I’m all-in – I want this forever.”

“Carm,” Vanessa sniffled. He slid his hands around her middle, pulling her tightly to his chest.

“I’m sorry, baby,” he said, stroking a hand down her hair “M’sorry.” She held him tightly against her, inhaling his scent – Irish Spring, smoke and his aftershave.

“I forgive you,” she mumbled. Tilting her head back she pressed a kiss to his cheek.

“Thank you,” he murmured, kissing her firmly.

“You gotta get going soon?” She asked quietly.

“Took the day,” he shook his head.

“For me?” She asked, doe eyes in full effect.

“Of course,” he replied. “I couldn’t take off without fixing this,” he insisted.

“You’re free all day? And tonight?” She asked quietly.

“All day and night,” he confirmed, kissing her again when he remembered her watery sniffles last night.

“But maybe we can go by tonight and see Syd and the boys?” She suggested softly.

“Only if you want to,” he replied. “But first I think I have some more making up to do,” he said, reaching down and scooping her up in his arms. Vanessa’s legs naturally wound around his waist, her arms about his shoulders.

“You don’t have to make anything up to me,” Vanessa insisted, kissing his neck. “But you’ll be bummed when you hear how good that dinner was.” She added, laughing as he smacked her right on the ass.

“Something tells me I’ll enjoy this a little more.”

Chapter Text

“I hardly see how this is necessary,” Carmen groaned, pinned to the carpet of Vanessa’s living room.

“Can you please just trust me?” She asked, settling on his chest with her knees under each of his armpits. “Just hold my ass so you have something to squeeze because you’re not gonna like it.”

“How much am I not gonna like it?” He winced as she got closer and closer to his face with her sharp tweezers.

“It’s only going to last a minute, I swear,” she promised. “You’ve just got a few stragglers that are detracting from your gorgeous face.”

“I think that’s the first time anyone’s called me gor – Jesus Christ, Vanessa,” he cursed as she victoriously held up a stray brow hair.

“That was a big one,” she said informatively, “the worst is behind us.”

“How can you fuckin’ know, huh?” He furrowed the brows in question.

“Relax your face, Carm, I gotta see what I’m working with,” she tapped his nose. He squeezed her hips tightly as she plucked out three quickly succession.

“Stop, stop, stop!” He begged.

“Baby, I love you so much, but you need to not be such a pussy,” she said, hands on her hips. “Count to forty in your head and by the end, we’ll be all finished.”

“What if I like my eyebrows?” He crowed.

“You mean your unibrow?” She said plainly, effectively silencing him. Vanessa worked quickly and efficiently, ignoring the intermittent hisses Carmen would let out. “Almost done baby, I promise,” she continued. “Count down from 10.”

Carmen counted down from 10, but made it to -4 by the time she finished. Prying his eyes open again, Vanessa smiled.

“Carm!” She cooed, “your eyes are watering,” she ran her soft hands down his face. “All finished, handsome.”

“Of course my eyes are watering, my hair is supposed to stay were it is!” He wound up his hand to smack five fingers across her ass. She laughed, bouncing on his sternum in the slightest.

“It’s am improvement baby, I promise, you look positively, down-right sexy,” she cupped his face in her hands. “I’ve been doing that every two weeks since I was 16 years old, you can handle once a month.” She rattled off, squealing as he sat up, sending her tumbling into his lap.

“Once a month?” He looked at her skeptically.

“Now imagine I forcefully ripped your pubes off with a wax strip,” she shrugged innocently. She watched Carmen’s throat bob.

“My? Mine is fine, right? I don’t need – you’re not saying –” He stuttered out.

“No, no, you’re good there baby, I like the way you manscape,” she said, kissing his lips gently. “I haven’t missed a wax appointment in years,” she finished.

“Y’know, you don’t have to… take it all off,” he shrugged. “I don’t mind.” Vanessa grinned, kissing Carmen again.

“You’re so sweet, but I don’t do it for you,” she laughed, getting up from the floor. “I do it for me,” she shrugged. “Planning on getting it all lasered off this winter.”

“Lasered?” Carmen’s eyes grew comically wide.

“Come on, lover boy, let’s get some moisturizer on that skin,” she held a hand out.

Fifteen minutes later, they were sitting in bed, Vanessa laying back against Carmen’s chest as they watched Jurassic Park – each donning a set of under eye patches and treating their skin with Vitamin C serum.

“Why is Laura Dern so hot?” Vanessa asked, reaching over and picking up her can of Dr. Pepper, sipping it slowly through her straw. “Why is everyone so hot?”

“The 90’s,” Carmen commented, taking her drink and pulling a sip of his own.

“True,” Vanessa agreed. She relaxed against him, their intertwined fingers playing with one another, and Carmen couldn’t help but think he’d like to do this for the rest of his life.

Chapter Text

There were few thing better than coming over to Vanessa’s after a long day at the restaurant to see her laid out on the couch, a few candles lit, and the living room lights dimmed lowly.

She was scrolling on her phone, dressed in his sweatpants and one of her shirts, an open beer on the coffee table and a half-eaten bag of salt and vinegar chips.

“Carm?” She poked her head up over the back of the couch.

“Hi,” he greeted, stepping in, dropping his backpack and leaning over, kissing her. “Mm, vinegar.”

“Did you bring the goods?” She asked, eyeing his empty hands.

“Yeah, yeah, two beefs, no peppers, just onions,” he rattled off, showing her the brown paper bag.

“Actually three beefs if you think about it,” she winked, making him roll his eyes but blush nonetheless. “Get over here, I’m tryna sit in your lap,” she insisted. Carmen dropped his coat, running his hands through his hair. He managed to wash up pretty well at the restaurant before heading over to Vanessa’s, hating the smell that clung to his skin and clothes from time to time.

He crowded into her personal space, tucking her between his legs as he threw his feet up on the ottoman.

“How was your day?” She asked, unwrapping both of their sandwiches carefully, tucking the ends into the foil and napkins.

“Long, but good,” he shrugged. “We got slammed for lunch and we sold out our Thanksgiving to-go meals,” he listed off. “Next week Syd is hosting a pairing class and the food and wine writer from the Trib is coming.”

“Babe, that’s great!” She smiled, leaning back and kissing the underside of his jaw. “Does that mean you have the night off?” She asked.

“The night and the next morning,” he grinned. He slid his hand under the hem of her T-shirt, just tucking his fingertips into the waistband of his sweats. He didn’t realize how much of a skin-to-skin contact person he was until he got together with Vanessa. Now, it seemed foreign to be the same room and not have a hand on her in some form. “How was your day?” He picked up the beer she’d cracked open for him.

“Good, our intern class for this semester is winding down which is hard, but five of them have jobs lined up and we offered to my favorite one,” she smiled. “Ben, he’s a cutie and he works super hard. Next week we’re onboarding a new client, another restaurant,” she wiggled her eyebrows.

“Anybody I know?” he asked.

“Duck Wok, it’s a family place that’s opening up a second location,” she explained. “Food is really good but their branding and physical spaces need some help.”

She settled into his lap, chowing down on her sandwich as Carm ate his, and they both became enraptured in scrolling through the Tik Tok videos on her phone.

Half an hour had passed and she was still nibbling away at her chips.

Carm snagged a few himself, popping them in his mouth.

“I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen you eat salt and vinegar chips,” he said, having a pretty good landscape of her snack storage at most times. He rarely ate a complete meal at home, but would rather ransack her pantry to down as many calories as he could before tucking into bed.

“I know, I haven’t had them in forever,” she agreed, scrolling. “I literally only ever crave them when I’m on my period – that and Swedish fish, but it’s been a while,” she shrugged.

The two returned to scrolling on her phone and she took another sip of beer.

A beat passed.

“…couldn’t be that long.” Carmen said, his mind inching forward at a snail’s pace.

Vanessa was silent, her mind, however, was whizzing by like an F1 race.

“It couldn’t have been that long, Vanessa,” Carmen said, not realizing he was repeating himself. “Because it happens every month,” he concluded in a scholarly manner.

Another beat passed.

“Vanessa?” he cleared his throat.

“Carmen,” her voice felt robotic and she dropped her hand, looking ahead at the wall in front of her. How long had it been? Vanessa meticulously got her period at the start of the month – she and her college roommates always joked that Aunt Flow came just in time to pay rent. It had been that way for years.

So did she get her period in October or not?

The she remembered the 48 hours of sex she and Carmen had over Halloweekend, with her winning The Bear’s costume contest when she dressed up as Carmy (it was very easy for her to source the look).

She hadn’t had her period since September. It was now November 8th.

“Carmen, we need to get a CVS now,” she said, sitting up fully and looking back at him with a wild expression. They jumped off the couch at the same time, the bag of chips flying in the air. He shoved his feet into his Crocs faster than she could get her boots on and twenty seconds later, they were wringing their hands in the building elevator.

Not much was communicated, but when the elevator doors dinged open, they set off toward the front of the building like they were being chased by Michael Meyers. Fortunately for them, there was a CVS just two blocks away settled between a Jersey Mike’s and a T-Mobile store.

“Fuck, which one do we get?” Carmen asked, holding up a ClearBlue and a First Response.

“Both, get them both,” Vanessa insisted, already chugging a giant Evian she’d pulled from the cooler. “I want one with words and one with lines,” she explained. Carmen swiped his cared through the cashier’s stand and while they didn’t run home the same way they ran to CVS, they certainly power walked.

Carmen sat on the edge of the bathtub as Vanessa filled two little shot glasses, setting them on the counter.

“Okay, I gotta dip it and then put the cap back on,” she read the instructions out loud, seemingly to herself. Carmen’s heart was beating out of his chest.

Had the bathroom always been this bright? Had the grout between the floor tiles always been gold? How odd, gold grout.

He looked up at Vanessa, who still had his coat wrapped around her and watched as she completed what looked like a silly little experiment. Now, she was glowing in the bathroom. After sticking the caps back on the tests, she set them on the counter and stepped back, staring at them intently.

“Three minutes,” she explained, looking over at Carmen, who seemed a lot calmer than she felt, at least, from the outside. Vanessa set the timer on her phone.

She stepped aside him and climbed into the bathtub, drawing her knees up to her chest.

“Have we not been careful enough?” She asked, “I mean my shot is supposed to be 99% effective.”

“And we only have sex like… what? 10 times a month?” He counted out on his fingers. “Maybe more?”

“More,” Vanessa agreed with a nod. A moment of silence passed. “Fuck,” she sighed.

“I can cut out of lunch shift all together,” Carmen said diligently.

“What?” Vanessa reared her head back.

“Syd can take over lunch, I can do mornings and then you can go to the office and we can trade off in the afternoon,” he rationalized.

Vanessa was stunned, but she melted shortly. She raised herself up to sit on the ledge beside him.

“Carm, you’re such a good man,” she smiled, holding his face in her hands. “But we’re not ready for this!” She sighed, “The Bear is rolling right now and I’m hitting my stride at work… and selfishly, I want you all to myself.” She searched his face for reaction.

“Whatever you want to do, I will support you 100%,” he replied. He romanticized, just for a moment, flipping pancakes in the morning, tucking schoolwork into a little backpack and sitting on the train – two little sneakers on the ground next to his. Maybe his blue eyes and her dark hair, or her brown eyes and his curls.

But he agreed, they weren’t ready. They hadn’t even been together a year yet and he felt the same – he wanted Vanessa to himself a while longer.

“You’re gonna be such a hot dad,” she laughed. Carmen’s cheeks flushed pink.

“This was actually me trying to trap you, because you’re gonna be a fuckin’ smokin’ hot mom,” Carmen said, causing her to laugh hard enough to bring tears to her eyes – or maybe the tears were already there.

“What are we doing?” She laughed, wiping one away as it just spilled over the edge of her lashes.

The phone timer went off.

“I guess we’ll find out,” he said, looking over at the counter where the two tests seemed bigger than before.

“I’ll take one, you take the other?” She offered. The climbed out of the bath slowly.

Vanessa picked up the ClearBlue, a wave of relief washing over her body.

“Negative,” she said, holding hers up to Carmen, who was staring down at his intently.

“Honestly, I don’t know what this means,” he held up the test with a lone vertical line.

“It’s negative,” she laughed, a weight lifting from her chest.

“Oh,” he blushed.

“Thank god,” she sighed, tossing the stick in the wastebasket, Carmen’s following shortly after. She could see the mixed emotions on his face and wrapped her arms around his middle. “One day,” she said, looking up at him gently.

“One day,” he agreed, “just not today.”

Chapter Text

Vanessa Monaghan really was an Instacart type of girl. Grocery stores were loud and busy and she didn’t meal plan much, so that left her just swiping at shelves and in the produce section at whatever looked good.

Unfortunately for her, the next available delivery across any app she could download to her phone wasn’t for two and a half days. So, she vowed that on her way home from her friend Gina’s, she’d find a grocery store and knock out a few items for the week.

It was the height of summer and she knew no matter what, she was leaving the supermarket near River North with a watermelon.

Grabbing a small cart, mostly a basket on wheels, she set off through the medium-sized super market. She knew she wanted to hit the produce first.

Pulling through the berries, she grabbed a carton of nearly every kind. She loved berries and could likely sustain on them alone. She piled a few other veggies she could cut up and toss in a fry pan, dropping zucchini, yellow squash and red onions into individual plastic bags. She did feel bad about the excess plastic and would remember to re-use them somewhere in her home.

Then, she found the large pallet of watermelons. Standing over the bin, she crossed her arms over her chest. She knew it was silly but she could never remember how to pick the right one.

“It’s a tough choice,” she heard from her left and she turned to see a handsome man with curly hair and striking blue eyes. His hands were tucked into the front pockets of his jeans.

“It is,” she laughed politely, “always a hard decision.”

“For me,” he took a step forward, “I like to pick a pretty uniform one,” he stepped up next to her, eyeing the bunch carefully before reaching in. She could tell he worked out, watching as his biceps flexed enticingly. “It uh, it has an orange field spot,” he turned it over, showing her the discoloration on the bottom, and it’s got a lot of this webbing,” he flipped it over again.

“Webbing?” She asked doubtfully.

“Uh like scratching almost,” he offered, running his fingers along the marring. “You don’t wan a shiny one, either, nice and dark is best,” he added.

Vanessa drank him in. Not tall but not too short, sharp features, humble aura. He was handsome for sure, there was no denying that.

“And what,” she asked, accepting the melon as he handed it over to her, “makes you a watermelon expert?”

“I uh, I work with food,” he rubbed the back of his neck, gesturing at the watermelon.

“In grocery?” She asked, setting the watermelon down in the basket.

“I’m a chef,” he replied, fighting a blush as her eyes lit up.

“Really? That’s amazing,” her smile was stunning. “Where do you work? If you don’t mind me asking,” she said, inching forward with her cart.

“Uh, The Bear,” he rattled off, “it used to be The Beef, until a few months ago, we’re transitioning,” he explained. “It’s still The Beef, it’s going to be The Bear shortly,” he continued.

“I’ve been there,” she replied, grinning. “Well, I’ve had sandwiches from there,” she elaborated. “One of my interns loves that spot and will run and get lunch for us from time to time,” she explained.

Carmen was too busy studying her features and realized it was his turn to talk.

“And what was the verdict?” He asked, clasping his hands behind his back.

“We love it,” she smiled, “we’ve ordered out many times,” she added.

“Well I may have made your lunch,” he shrugged.

She stopped walking, turning to give him her full attention.

“I’m Vanessa,” she stuck out her hand. He got a whiff her perfume and felt the hairs on his arms stand on end.

“Carmen,” he replied, gently taking her hand in his.

“It’s really nice to meet you, Carmen,” she smiled, “thank you for your help.”

“Enjoy your melon,” he gestured. Enjoy your melon?! He wanted the tiled floor to open up and swallow him whole. A beat passed and

“Would you happen to have any tips for the deli section?” She asked, wondering if her eyelashes were doing what she paid so much money for them to do.

“I’ve got tips,” he replied, almost immediately. He knew he was blushing then.

The pair wound their way through the supermarket, talking about anything their eyes landed on as Vanessa’s cart slowly filled up. Carmen knew the two men working at the meat counter and got her a great deal on a sirloin steak.

She didn’t know how the hell she was going to cook it, but she was excited nonetheless. She thought Carmen was incredibly cute, and was particularly fascinated with the way his mouth formed certain words.

Carmen couldn’t believe Vanessa was speaking to him at all. It wasn’t that she was out of his league – she was playing at Soldier Field and he was tailgating at Wrigley. Her hair looked silky to the touch and her big doe eyes were mesmerizing to him.

Sooner than he’d like, they found themselves rounding on the checkout lane.

She blushed a deep red as he bagged all over groceries, at her insistence he didn’t need to and suddenly they were both at the front door.

“I don’t cook a lot,” Vanessa said intently. “But I do go out a lot,” she added. “Maybe you could show me your favorite place some time?”

Carmen nodded enthusiastically, pushing an errant curl out of his eyes.

“Yes, I could do that,” he nodded. He pat all four of his pockets. “I uh, clearly left my phone at work,” he huffed. “But I have a pen,” he pulled out sharpie from his pants pocket. Vanessa laughed as he scribbled out her phone number on his arm. “I will text you as soon as I get back to my phone.” He reassured.

“I look forward to it, Carmen.”

“Me too.”
 

Chapter Text

“Hi Roomie,” Vanessa pulled the front door open excitedly. Carmen’s grinned wildly, spanning from ear to ear as he stood in front of her, two duffels crossed his body, a backpack on his back and an empty canned tomato box in his hands.

“I’m here,” he was practically breathless.

Today, after 20 months of dating, Carmen was moving in.

To be fair, she was honestly surprised he had as much left at his place as he did. He’d been sleeping at her place 80% of the time, save for a few last nights at the restaurant and he couldn’t be happier to be adding twenty minutes onto his commute.

“Let me help,” she said, grabbing his box and leading the way into the apartment. “I cleaned out a bunch of space in the bathroom and closet,” she explained. “And I also emptied the shoe shelf in the guest room,” he’d follow her anywhere frankly.

Carmen made quick work of his things. He’d squared away his few toiletries while Vanessa got to work unpacking his clothes into the closet.

Heading over to the kitchen, he laid out his knife roll, a few pots and pans and a box full of his other tools. He had more items for the kitchen than anything else.

“You’re unpacked, but I wasn’t sure where you’d like two of your jackets, in the closet or the front hall,” Vanessa said, joining Carmen in the kitchen.

“I’m sure where they are is great,” he said, bringing her into his arms and holding her close.

“Sleepover every night,” she giggled conspiratorially. “M’gonna steal all your clothes.”

Carmen laughed, burying his face into her neck and inhaling the sweet smell of her.

They had been working out the logistics over the past few weeks – all bills would be split evenly. Vanessa would pay the HOA and they’d split her mortgage. When they got a car in the summer, they’d split the payment with Carmen paying the insurance and Vanessa paying the garage fee.

“It just feels like something exciting is starting,” Vanessa said, leaning up to kiss Carmen soundly.

“You’re the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me,” Carmen replied, holding her closely.

“What should we do? First day living together,” she sighed dreamily.

“Anything you want,” he replied.

“I’m a little hungry for some lunch and then maybe we can take a bath?” She asked, ‘s’chilly outside.” Carmen hadn’t taken a bath in probably 10 years, he figured he was due.

“Sure baby, what are you hungry for? I’ll make ya anything you want,” He said, rubbing his hands up and down her back.

“This might actually be more like a Chopped type of situation because I have no idea what’s even in the fridge,” she admitted, making him laugh.

“You did this on purpose, huh?” He asked.

“If you go for the ice cream maker, I’ll throw my panties at you,” she replied, causing them both to burst into laughter.

After a thorough inspection of the fridge and pantry, Carmen eyed enough items to make a good grilled cheese and tomato soup. Though he’d rather make it fresh, he wasn’t opposed to doctoring up a carton from Whole Foods.

“Don’t burn ‘em,” Carmen murmured, standing behind Vanessa as she watched the sandwiches dutifully, her spatula in hand. He pressed another kiss to her neck, grinning softly as he felt her goosebumps appear.

“Stop distracting me, I’m hungry,” she said, pushing her body back into his crotch. He held her hips in place before sliding one hand up her stomach to her breasts, cupping one gently and running his thumb back and forth over her nipple through her soft cotton T-shirt. “Carmy,” she whined, swatting at his hand with her spatula. He laughed, retreating and walking over to the fridge.

“Babe, you’ve got five kinds of bottled water, a Brita pitcher and a year’s worth of ginger ale in here,” he commented. “There’s more water than food.”

“I get thirsty!” Her voice went up an octave. He grabbed a can of ginger ale, pouring her a glass of water before she carefully flipped their sandwiches on the griddle. It wasn’t long until they were sitting at the kitchen island, Vanessa dunking her sandwich crusts into the soup. “Fuck Carm, this is so good,” she groaned.

“It’s not bad,” he agreed. He didn’t get to do it often, and the more he thought about it, the worse he felt, but it was incredibly rewarding to cook for Vanessa.

“Baby, they’re amazing,” she replied, taking a bite of her sandwich and letting the cheese pull from her mouth.

It seemed that Carmen and Vanessa never left the honeymoon phase of their relationship – at least, it certainly felt that way as he watched her undress and join him in the steaming hot tub. She’d poured in some lavender crystals and just a bit of soap that made the water creamy and bubbly.

“C’mere,” she motioned with her finger, gesturing him over. He moved slowly and carefully, joining her on the other side of the tub. She guided him to rest his back against her chest and he melted into her embrace. “S’nice,” she whispered, kissing behind his ear. He mumbled in agreement, his eyelids heavy as he felt her breasts pressing against his back. He felt her move, and droplets of water hitting the bath before he felt a wet, warm presence on his skin. He dropped his head back against her shoulder as she ran a washcloth slowly across his chest and shoulders. “I love your little chest hair,” she whispered, running the cloth over the small patch between his pecs, “and these arms.”

Vanessa’s hand traveled down his chest to his stomach, where his toned stomach fluttered underneath her hand. She methodically dragged the cloth up and down his stomach and chest while she gently kissed his neck before fixating on one spot, sucking gently.

It took zero time for him to be fully hard, his pink tip just a few inches below the water line.

“Oh,” Vanessa murmured as he hand brushed against his erection. “Let me take care of you, Carmy.”

She set the drenched wash cloth on the edge of the tub before sliding her hand down his stomach yet again, circling his cock with her hand. He hissed at the initial touch, doing his best to keep from bucking in her hand.

Between the pressure of her fingers, the silky bath water, he breasts against his back and her lips, currently sucking his earlobe, he was sure he’d died and gone to heaven. All the pain, suffering, late nights, early mornings, verbal abuse and emotional turmoil was worth it if it lead him right to Vanessa and this moment.

She pumped him methodically, a choked groan releasing from his throat.

“It’s okay, baby,” Vanessa cooed in his ear. “I want you to cum,” she purred. Her other hand appeared from around the side of his hip, reaching down to cup his balls in her fingers, rolling them gently.

“Ness,” he gasped, hips stuttering at the feeling.

“Come on, Carm,” she whispered into his ear before repositioning to blow gently into the other. “You can do it, baby,” she encouraged. Carmen had tears in his eyes as he shot off into the water, his chest giving a soft hiccup.

“Fuck,” he hissed, hips stuttering again as she swiped her thumb over his tip.

“Good boy,” she murmured, causing his skin to prickle and hips to jerk once more. He melted back down into the water, turning to kiss her thoroughly. After kissing her nearly breathless, he rest his forehead against hers.

“I love you,” he said earnestly.

“I love you, too,” she smiled. “I can’t wait to do this with you for the rest of our lives,” she smiled.

“You proposin’?” He asked, nuzzling into her cheek.

“No, but making you aware,” she giggled, kissing him once again. “Think you can rinse me off in the shower? I’m all soapy.”

There was quite literally nothing else Carmen would rather do.

Chapter Text

“A tasting?” Vanessa quirked an eyebrow as she leaned back in her work chair, legs crossing over one another.

“Yeah, it’s gonna be small, private,” Carmen said, knee bouncing in his office. “I know it’s late, but I thought it was worth a shot.”

Vanessa glanced at her calendar for the day. She could move her 5 p.m. to next week, giving her enough time to stop home and freshen up a bit before heading to River North.

“I’ll be there,” she smiled into the receiver.

“Really?” Carmen’s eyebrows shot up into his hairline. “I mean, great! Yeah, I’m glad you can come – come hungry,” he insisted.

“Starving, I missed lunch today and I’ve been in meetings all afternoon,” she groaned, making Carmen frown. “Wait – isn’t it better to not be hungry? What if I’m biased because I’m hungry?” She asked, causing Carmen to laugh.

“Everything’s going to be good anyway,” he shrugged.

“Cocky!” She giggled, her coworker giving her a knowing look as she passed by Vanessa’s mostly glass office.

“Confident,” Carmen countered.

“I’ll see you at 6, Carm,” she smiled.

“See ya then,” he replied, waiting a beat before hanging up. He couldn’t believe she was coming. It was their first tasting of the week – later they’d have media in house testing out he and Syd’s new menu. Reviews would be coming out in the Sunday paper and he was certain they’d be five stars across the board. But now, they got to do something for friends and family.

It was almost distracting how excited he was to see Vanessa. They’d been able to find time to get together once a week since their meeting at the grocery store about four months ago. Besides the restaurant, she’d be come the most consistent part of his life and he was already falling deep for her.

She was smart, beautiful, caring, funny… he could have gone on and on. He just didn’t realize what she saw in him.

His team had noticed, too. He was a little lighter in his shoes, his words delivered more carefully, smiling more abundantly.

“Is Vanessa coming?” Sydney asked the moment he stepped out of the office. He noticed that T and Ebrahim paused their ministrations nearby.

“Hm?” He pretended not to hear her.

“Is she coming or what?” Richie asked loudly, causing Carmen to roll his head across his shoulders.

“Yeah, yeah, she’s coming okay? Everyone act as normal as you possibly can!” He shouted, drawing a few shouts and one thrown dishtowel. “Don’t make it weird!” He called out.

The afternoon passed by in a blur. Everyone was excited for their families to join and thus, time went by quickly. Carmen ducked into the office at a quarter to six, washing off his face with a wet cloth, running his fingers through his hair and popping in three Altoids.

From: Vanessa
I’m on foot!

He ducked out of the front of house where Sydney was putting final touches on plates, a few guests already milling about and intercepted the brunette just as she came around the corner.

“Hi!” She smiled breathlessly. There was a real chill in the early November air and her nose was tinged just barely pink. “Where’s your jacket?” She asked, taking him in with his white T-shirt and blue apron.

“It’s warm in there,” he offered as she slid her arms around his middle.

“Well if the food is as good as you smell, I’m sold,” she smiled, a thin layer of pink gloss on her lips. He closed the distance between them, a little keyed up with excitement for the night and seeing her.

Her arms gravitated from around Carmen’s waist to his neck as she deepened the kiss. He shuddered as she played with the small hairs at the nape of his neck.

“Minty,” she laughed, pecking his lip softly.

“Wait, just a lil’ more,” he chased her mouth, walking her slowly backwards until she was pressed against the brick of the alleyway.

“Carm,” she warned. “I don’t wanna meet all your friends with wet panties,” she finished. Carmen groaned, pressing his nose into her neck. “But you can take them off of me after dinner tonight,” she offered, “if you wanted to come have a sleepover.”

Carmen was equally as excited about sleeping over as he was about taking the train with her up to her place. Sitting next to her on the El and showing everyone else in the car what a beautiful girl he had.

“I’m in,” he pecked her once more. “Okay, please just don’t take anything Richie says seriously,” he said, lacing his fingers through hers. “You can only trust T and Syd, and even then, a grain of salt is warranted,” he finished.

She shook her head, squeezing his bicep with her free hand before he could open the door for her.

They had staged a small coats area and he helped her out of hers, unveiling a black knit sweater dress and her tan legs, which were tucked into a pair of black knee-high boots. She wore a crisp white oxford shirt underneath her dress, which would otherwise show deep cleavage, but her figure spoke for itself. Carmen wanted to chew on the silver jewelry that adorned her ears and wrists.

“You look amazing,” he said quietly, giving her a chaste kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks, Carm,” she gave his hand, tucked between the two of them a little squeeze.

They were too new to be hot and heavy in front of other people, and frankly, she wasn’t a huge PDA person (unless it’s in the back alley of a River North restaurant apparently).

“Vanessa!” Her head turned to be greeted by who should could only guess was Sydney. Not waiting for Carmen, the two quickly embraced in a hug.

“It’s so nice to meet you!” Vanessa smiled, holding on to Syd’s shoulders. “Carmen talks about you all the time, he thinks the world of you,” Vanessa gushed.

Sydney laughed, waving her hand. It seemed Vanessa had a certain effect on everyone. She didn’t even need Carmen to introduce her around, she was working the room just as fine on her own and it made him all the more proud that she was there with him.

That was, until it came to Richie.

“Now,” the taller man began, leaning against the service counter. “What are your intentions with my Carmen?” He asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Richie, come off it,” Carmen shook his head, but a small quirk at his lips as he leaned against an empty table.

“Pure as the driven snow,” Vanessa replied with a grin, a drink having appeared in her hands about 10 minutes earlier.

“I gotta be careful with my cousin, Miss Monaghan, you already got him all loved up, head in the clouds, mixing up his facts ‘n figures, the man’s feet aren’t touching the ground,” he rattled off, gesturing with his hands. “I gotta scrape this boy up off the sidewalk at the end of the day,” he shook his head.

“Carm’s a big boy,” she winked, not giving away that he had just slid his hand over the swell of her ass from behind her. But he wasn’t quick enough for Richie.

“Hey, hey, hey!” He jeered, looping an arm around Vanessa’s shoulders and pulling her into his side. “You gotta treat a lady with respect, Carmen Silvio,” he scolded. “What are your intentions with my Vanessa?”

It wasn’t long until Vanessa was on her third plate of food, having devoured everything in front of her as it appeared. She didn’t mind sitting beside Syd’s dad, James, chatting with him intermittently about what was coming out of the kitchen.

“This is the best one,” Vanessa insisted, whispering conspiratorially with James.

“What was that?” Carmen asked, appearing seemingly out of thin air. Vanessa looked over at him with big eyes.

“Nothing!” She smiled, setting her fork down.

“You said that one was the best one?” He asked, stepping closer to her table, pointing down at the dish that was one of Sydney’s creations.

“I don’t think I did? Did you hear that?” She looked over at James, whose mouth was still full.

“I didn’t hear it,” he shook his head.

“The lady said mine was her favorite,” Sydney said, appearing behind Carmen. Vanessa looked up at the two, blinking like a baby owl as she slowly brought another bite up to her mouth.

“It’s really good,” she confessed. Carmen threw his hands up before heading back to the kitchen, making Sydney laugh.

“This one’s mine,” she admitted, making Vanessa smile.

“You must be so proud,” she looked at James, who was – Sydney had to keep from dancing back to the kitchen.

“I love her,” she said to Carmen, who was wiping down the edges of his next plate. “Don’t screw it up,” she warned. He could feel that was the general consensus of the evening.

Two hours later, the kitchen was clean, the guests had all parted, and all that remained was Carmen and Vanessa.

He held her hand as they sat on the train together and she relayed all of her thoughts from dinner. He could listen to her read the phonebook and he’d still be enthralled.

“And Marcus’ dessert?” She asked, looking up at the sky. They walked together, hand in hand, the four blocks to her apartment from the stop at Fullerton. “I’m going to be thinking about it all week,” she sighed.

“It’s a good thing I’m not insecure,” he teased half-heartedly. She stopped on the sidewalk, giving his hand a little tug to stop him as well, before looping her arms atop his shoulders.

“Carmy, the whole night was amazing,” she reassured. “You and your team are so talented, all of the food was incredible,” she added. “But I was most taken aback by how much they love and respect you,” she placed her hand on his jaw. “The control and precision and attention to detail you have, all while commanding the whole kitchen? I’m in awe of you,” she finished.

She didn’t have time to blink before he was on her, kissing her like the day would end right in the middle of the sidewalk.

A lone wolf-whistle across the street drew them apart.

I fucking love you. Carmen thought.

“But yes, Syd’s dish was my favorite.”

Chapter Text

“I’m so excited!” Vanessa bounced in her shoes as they made their way toward the doors of the United Center. She’d snagged her dad’s tickets for the night to watch the Blackhawks take on the San Jose Sharks.

It had been years since Carmen had been to a Blackhawks game – with the restaurant’s new format, they were officially closed on Sundays, which meant more time to do different things.

He was a little surprised to see Vanessa unearth a handful of jersey options, several players over several years of styles, from the back of her closet.

He’d catch her watching a game from time to time on TV or if it was playing at a bar they were at, but he didn’t realize she was that big of a fan. He’d borrowed a Hawks hat, but wore his own black crewneck.

“Baby, want a beer?” He offered, stepping up to the vendor.

“Carm, come on, we get beers in our seats,” she said, lacing her fingers back through his.

“Must be nice,” he muttered, stepping in front of her to help clear the way through the throngs of people. “Hawks suck this season, how are there so many people here?” He asked himself.

Vanessa pulled Carmen into the elevator for the club level and they scanned their phones again.

“I know I should have asked some other friends to come,” she explained, walking down the hall toward center ice, “but I kinda wanted you all to myself for the night, and I can grab these tickets again later in the season,” she explained.

Carmen nodded along, checking out the displays in the hallway before they stopped in front of a suite, an attendant holding the door for them.

“Welcome back, Miss Monaghan,” the man greeted.

“Hi Jerry!” She smiled happily, “it’s been forever, how was your off-season?” Carmen stuck his head in the suite. Upscale finishes, a stocked beef fridge and dinner laid out on the granite island. There were 12 wide leather seats and a framed jersey on the wall with MONAGHAN on the back, signed by what looked like the whole team.

“Vanessa what the fuck,” Carmen laughed, eyes wide. “Look at this place,” he gestured, “all this just for us?”

“Dad loves the Hawks,” she laughed, walking over the beer fridge, grabbing one for both her and Carm. “He actually put in a bid to become a limited partner last season, but the league has to approve it.”

“Limited partner?” Carmen asked, popping the cap of his beer with the opener built into the island.

“Minority owner,” Vanessa translated. “He’ll find out next season if he can buy in.”

Carmen’s eyebrows were raised as he took a long pull.

“I know, I know,” Vanessa crossed the island to press herself against him. “Can we not make it weird?” She asked.

“No weirdness at all, but you are officially not allowed to be around Richie unattended,” Carmen replied, “or your dad for that matter.” Vanessa tugged him over to the seats, snagging a dinner menu on her way before settling him in a chair and subsequently settled herself in his lap. Carmen wrapped his arms around her before resting his chin on her shoulder as they went through their options together.

Vanessa put in their order and shuffled back to their seats just before the national anthem.

Carmen grinned, watching as Vanessa sang along loudly with the crowd, cheering her way through the lineups.

When the puck dropped, he watched his girlfriend turn into an entirely different person.

“SKATE! DON’T PASS, JUST SKATE IT!” She screamed at the ice, pointing down to the net. “Right to the BASKET? You had all day and the whole net and you shot BASKET?” She threw her hands up in the air. “Useless,” she shook her head, looking at Carmen.

“Baby you know they can’t hear you, right?” Carmen asked.

“I can’t help it,” Vanessa shrugged, “it just comes out.”

With two minutes left in the first period, Patrick Kane found the back of the Shark’s net and Vanessa launched out of her seat, dancing along to Chelsea Dagger. She pumped her arms, reaching over and doing the same with Carmen’s arms.

When dinner arrived at the close of the period, they ate around the kitchen island, cracking into another beer.

“S’not as good as yours,” Vanessa took a giant bite of her shredded beef sandwich, “but it’s okay.”

“It’s pretty good!” Carmen said with surprise. “Fries need some help, but this isn’t bad,” he agreed.

“Should we take a bet on final score?” Vanessa asked, taking another big bite.

“What’s the wager?” He asked, plucking up a fry and popping it into his mouth.

“Umm,” Vanessa pondered, swinging her legs from the high-top chairs. “It’s a good question,” wiping her hands off on her napkins, she crawled into his lap on his chair, utilizing the footrests of his seat. “It’s hard to think of something I want because you give me everything I need,” she said, kissing his cheek. Carmen blushed bright red, matching the red of her jersey.

They’d been together over a year and Vanessa had seriously never been happier.

“I love everything we do together – even when we’re putting the duvet cover on, or running the trash to the dumpster room,” she grinned.

“I fuckin’ hate that duvet cover,” Carmen laughed, kissing her gently.

“Or cleaning the dishwasher filter,” she listed of, “and folding laundry, I love folding up your little tighty whities,” she squealed as he nipped at her sides.

“If you’d stop stealing them…” he trailed off. The music amped up again and Vanessa launched herself off of his lap, running back to the seats. Carmen held his hands out, half-cocked in his jeans as she left him high and dry.

“KAAANER!” She waved her arms excitedly, “I won’t like baby I love that man,” she admitted, plopping herself down in his lap. With one hand entangled in his hair where it poked out from his hat, and the other holding his hand on her thigh, her mind began to whirl. “Now that I think about it,” she glanced back and forth from the jumbotron where Patrick Kane’s headshot was displayed.

“What?” Carmen asked, looking up himself.

“Curly hair, blue eyes…” Vanessa gasped. “I’m a fraud! I’ve fetishized you for looking like Patrick Kane!” Carmen rolled his eyes.

“I do not look like Patrick Kane,” he squeezed her thigh hard.

“I see it babe, we’ll have to get you in the same room to be sure,” she laughed, tucking her head to peck his lips. “But if we were all in the same room… could you just like chill on calling me babe and holding my hand? Don’t want him to think I’m tied down.” She rattled off, causing his eyebrows to rise.

“Oh you don’t think you’re tied down?” Carmen asked, pulling his head back to look her over, hands suddenly moving to all her soft spots and pinching softly. She contorted in his lap, giggling her head off as he continued his assault, “You don’t think you’re tied down?” He continued.

“Carm!” She squealed, drawing the attention of fans in the neighboring sweets.

“When we got home tonight, I’m gonna show you tied down,” he huffed in her ear.

“Yeah?” She gasped back, hands holding his jaw.

“Gonna make you cum on my face and wear it like goddamn cologne,” he murmured in her ear, sliding his hand up the back of her jean-clad thigh.

“Carmen Silvio!” She scolded, “that mouth!”

“You love my mouth,” he countered, slapping her ass and kissing her firmly. “Because after that, I’m gonna bend you over our bed and fuck you till you see stars, huh?” He taunted. He noticed the way she adjusted in his lap.

“Promise?” She asked, her doe eyes blinking up at him innocently.

“There a bathroom in here?” Carmen twisted his neck, looking back at the room behind them. “Damn, this much money and still not a place I can fuck you,” He mumbled.

“I’ll have Dad write an email,” Vanessa laughed, standing up and hopping up the few stairs. “Beer?” She offered, to which Carmen nodded. Vanessa popped the tops off of both, heading back to her seats when she was caught by the fan cam.

“Nessa!” Carmen pointed out with a laugh, showing her on the jumbotron. Vanessa gaped before jumping excitedly, raising her drinks before taking a knee and downing a beer as fast as she could, the arena cheering loudly. She considered drinking Carmen’s, too, but the camera cut away and she was saved.

Dropping back into her seat beside Carmen, she draped her legs over his lap and handed him his beer.

“That was so cool!” He laughed, immediately tucking his hand between her thighs and taking a pull of his own drink.

“I know but now I’m tipsy and horny,” Vanessa laughed. “Still gonna bend me over when we get home?” She asked innocently enough, to which Carmen laughed.

“Of course, baby,” he agreed.

“Will you wear a Patrick Kane jersey?”

Chapter Text

“You’ll be back before you know it,” Carmen reassured as the taxi driver loaded the suitcase and tote, hugging Vanessa tightly.

“M’gonna miss you,” she mumbled into his chest, her winter coat bundled in his arms.

“I’m gonna miss you, too, baby,” Carmen kissed her cheek, rubbing up and down her back. “I’ll come pick you up at the airport on Sunday,” he reminded. “If you don’t get in the car soon, you’re gonna be late.” Vanessa nodded, taking a step back. “Give me a kiss,” he demanded softly, to which she complied, pressing her lips to his.

“Text you before takeoff,” she promised.

Carmen saw her car off, sighing, before turning back into the building. Heading up the elevator, the apartment felt different with Vanessa gone. Sure, he’d been in there alone plenty of times in the last 10 months, but knowing she was on her way to another state for a whole week wasn’t quite the same.

Vanessa had been asked to speak at a marketing summit in Miami for the week, participating in a keynote tomorrow, Tuesday, and a panel on Friday afternoon. She’d fly back Saturday morning, leaving Carmen on his own the entire week.

They had really hit their stride with timing and at the point in their relationship, when all they wanted to do was be together, it was awful being apart.

The first day went by quickly.

Carmen was busy with work and Vanessa was doing a lot of networking and mingling with young professionals who were clamoring to get an internship in her office.

Every time she changed, she’d send picture of her outfit to Carmen. He looked forward to her updates every day, but especially her pajamas at night, which usually included his boxers or his old Cubs T-shirt.

The second day wasn’t so bad either, there was less texting between the two of them – Vanessa in the thick of keynotes and networking, and Carmen working on The Bear’s fiscal year-end paperwork.

On the morning of Day Three, Vanessa gave Carmen an early-morning FaceTime call.

“Hi Gorgeous,” he greeted, having just returned from the farmer’s market. He was meeting with a few vendors there and snagged a few healthy handfuls of kale to make wedding soup.

“Hi baby,” Vanessa sighed an exhale, her hair in rollers but her makeup all done. She propped her phone up on the bathroom vanity and he watched, enraptured, as she went about taking down her hair in a plush robe.

“How’s Miami?” He asked, leaning over the kitchen island.

“Not as warm as I’d like, but the conference has been good,” she replied. “There’s also this sweet little Cuban coffee shop across from the hotel, but the mom of the owner makes tostones and black beans and rice every morning, you’d just die,” she gushed. “Can you try and make them for me when I come home?” She asked, fluffing up her hair in a way that made her look like his personal 90’s wet dream.

“Yeah, I can try,” he laughed.

“There’s also a stray cat that like lives in the hotel, he’s so sweet,” she sighed. “Should we get a kitty?”

“Ness, you’re allergic,” Carmen reminded her.

“I know, but I could get medicine for it,” she said thoughtfully, carrying her phone over to the main room and propping it up in her closet. Dropping her robe, he eyed her with precision in her black bra and matching thong.

“Hi beautiful,” He murmured, feeling heat at his temples as she held up two dresses against her body.

“Blue or green?” She asked, checking out her options in her reflection of the phone. “Blue,” she decided.

“Blue,” he agreed, though she’d look beautiful in anything. The dressed slipped down the figure of her body like silk and she spent the next few moments adjusting.

“Okay baby, I’m going to take off, I’m meeting a group of college grads for coffee so they can grill me,” she sighed, picking up the phone again and stepping into her heels.

He watched her spritz her perfume across the line of her collarbone and felt a longing tugging at his belly button. Damn, he missed her a lot. He could smell the perfume from Chicago.

“Call me tonight?” He asked, leaning back against the sink and tucking his free hand across his chest into his underarm.

“Of course,” she smiled, pursing her lips in a kiss before ending the call. Looking down he could see he was half-hard in his joggers. At least he had plenty of Vanessa’s outfit photos to get him through the morning.

That night was a different story. The day had gotten away from both of them, and as Carmen was riding the train back toward the apartment, his phone dinged.

He was grateful there was no one sitting next to him when he opened his texts from Vanessa to see a handful of racy shots of her in her bra and panties – some with either one or the other. His favorite was the one of her in his old Cubs shirt – nipples visible through the fabric as she fisted it to cover between her legs, but her bare hips on display.

From: Vanessa
My fingers aren’t as good since I know what yours feel like.

One more jostle from the train and Carmen was going to pop a full boner.

Carmen didn’t want to remind her of the time left apart, so instead of messaging her fuck that conference, come home, he went another angle.

To: Vanessa
You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life and when you get home I’m going to fuck you absolutely dumb.

Across the country in Miami, Vanessa giggled wildly, feeling like she was back in high school with a crush on the quarterback. But with Carmy, it as more like a crush on the A/V Club President.

Vanessa got through Day Five slowly. The coffee wasn’t helping the way she needed it to and she’d had just enough of fluorescent lighting and young professionals handing her their resumes. She admired their gas, but now, on Friday, knowing she wasn’t going home until Sunday, she was pretty miserable.

Skipping lunch at the conference, she grabbed a salad at her hotel before flopping on her bed. She knew Carm would be at The Bear in the thick of lunch prep, so she called her Dad and chatted with him for a while instead. The afternoon passed slowly and she flopped on her bed after arriving home after a happy hour that evening.

From: Vanessa
Can you send me some nudies, I miss you.

Carmen shook his head as he checked his phone in the office

To: Vanessa
At work, sorry, miss you too beautiful.

She laughed, knowing full well that he would never send her nudes regardless of whether or not he was at work.

From: Vanessa
Just a little selfie? I want to see your cute face.

Carmen cleared his throat, fixing just a curl or two before snapping a photo of himself at his desk before sending it off.

From: Vanessa
You have all day Sunday off, right?

Carmen didn’t get a chance to reply before another text pinged.

From: Vanessa
We’re gonna need a full day.

Carmen still wasn’t sure how he got so lucky with her.

Vanessa really did try to make the best of her last day in Miami. She went for a run in the morning, grabbed a coffee and tostones from her favorite little spot and took a painstaking amount of time on her hair and makeup. She moderated a panel on the last afternoon and turned down the conference-ending activities to go back to her room, pack and turn in early.

Vanessa’s flight left Miami at 7 a.m. and put her back at Midway by 9 a.m. Carmen was already waiting at baggage claim with a Cuban coffee in his hands when she appeared at carousel 4.

“Carmen,” she breathed, feeling the tightness across her shoulders lax.

“Hi baby,” he greeted, having just enough time to set the two cups down before hugging her tightly. He stroked his hand down her hair and kissed her cheek over and over as she squeezed him. “Kiss me, I missed you,” he commanded softly, to which Vanessa gladly obeyed.

“Missed you more,” she sighed against lips.

“Don’t leave again any time soon,” he advised, slanting his mouth over hers.

“Take me home,” she all but begged.

“I’ll grab your suitcase, you zip up this coat,” he tugged on the zipper of her cropped puffer. The ride back from the airport to the condo felt longer than ever, but just moments after arriving home, Carmen was pinned to the sofa, Vanessa in his lap as she kissed him fervently.

“Is it pathetic that every day I thought about how much I missed you?” She asked, holding the back of his neck in her laced fingers, her thumb running over his Adam’s apple.

“If it is, then I’m equally pathetic,” Carmen said, looking up at her with pure adoration in his eyes.

“I’ve never felt like this about another person,” Vanessa confessed, pressing her hips forward into him. “I wanna be with you all the time,” she leaned into Carmen’s touch as he ran his hand through her hair gently.

“I think for me – it’s you,” he said sincerely.

Vanessa didn’t care they hadn’t been together for a year yet – she agreed with a kiss.
 

Chapter Text

Carmen and Vanessa agreed after about a year of dating they’d never mix business with pleasure. Not that the opportunity came up too often, but when The Bear opened and got quite a bit of attention from the media, they did not hire Vanessa’s agency to help with their PR.

Vanessa did, however, recommend a great agency that was deeply involved in the national restaurant scene.

There were, at times, instances in which Carmen asked for Vanessa to accompany him to certain events or sought her advice – and today was one of those days.

He was being honored again, as a top chef in Chicago Mag, which was a huge honor – even if it was the third time he’d made the list.

The outlet had already come and done the interview earlier that week, for which Vanessa was not present, but this time they were heading over to The Bear for the photo-shoot. Closed for Sunday, the lighting and staging had been there all morning setting up floods, back drops, and moving around small knick-knacks to achieve their desired look.

Carmen’s office had been commandeered as his temporary dressing room where Vanessa was currently artfully cuffing his jeans. Carmen got to pick his outfit for the shoot and Vanessa was all-too-thrilled to make sure every detail was perfect, she was positively beaming with pride for her boyfriend.

“Knock, knock,” they turned to face the door to the office which was closed. “Makeup!”

“Makeup?” Carm asked, looking at Vanessa.

“Not a big deal, you just need some powder,” Vanessa replied, proud of how well he got his curls to form after their shower that morning. “You’re already devastatingly handsome,” she pecked his lips softly. “Come in!” She called.

The makeup artist came in, and Vanessa smiled like a lunatic as she touched up just a blemish or two on Carmen’s face before a light dusting of powder.

“Hair is great, no need there,” she commented. “I believe Amanda is all set up out front, so at your convenience, we’ll get started!”

Vanessa exited the office first, double-checking Carm’s pristine white tee underneath his blue apron that made his eyes absolutely pop. The front of house had been staged and the PA directed Carmen where to stand between stools at the service counter dining space.

“Amanda,” the photographer greeted, shaking Carmen’s hand. “This should be an easy shoot,” she winked. Vanessa glanced up to see the photographer standing right in Carmen’s personal space.

“Carmen, nice to meet you,” he replied back dutifully.

Amanda returned to her space behind the light tents and snapped off a few shots.

“Just like I suspected – photogenic,” she all but purred. Vanessa dropped her phone down into Carmen’s coat pocket which was draped over her shoulders. Crossing her legs, she gave her full attention to the shoot.

Over the next ten minutes, they snapped a handful of photos with some direction, the photographer chatting Carmen up to help him try to relax – he wasn’t necessarily the in-front-of-the-camera type.

“Okay, Carm, why don’t you fold your arms, like this –” Amanda showed. “Great, and let’s get a flex of those arms,” she encouraged, “wow.” Vanessa eyed her closely. “Maybe I should be a chef to get biceps like that.” Carmen’s eyes cut quickly to Vanessa.

“Can’t say this is exactly a natural pose for me,” he shrugged. A few more snaps went by before they changed again.

“Let’s get a few on the backdrop,” Amanda called, ushering Carmen over. The PA handed him a dishtowel, which was draped over his left shoulder.

Amanda stepped in, posing him even more, gently moving his shoulders, fixing the dish towel and even going so far as to muss his hair a bit. Vanessa could feel her blood singing in her veins, but she wanted to stay professional.

“How do I look, baby?” Carmen asked as Amanda picked up her camera.

“Perfect,” Amanda replied, causing Vanessa’s eyes to nearly pop out of her skull. Carmen did his very best to stifle his laughter in disbelief.

Thankfully the shoot didn’t go on too much longer and as Carmen headed back to change in his office, Vanessa followed him once again.

“Was that awkward?” Carmen barely got the words out of his mouth before Vanessa slammed the door behind her.

“SO unprofessional!” Vanessa fumed. Carmen grinned at the floor as he peeled his apron off and tossed on his chair. “I’m calling the Mag and complaining,” she added.

“Ness, you don’t need to call,” Carmen insisted. “She was just being overly friendly.”

“Um no, she was not being overly friendly, she was about to drop to her knees to suck your dick,” Vanessa said, a finger in the air as Carmen grabbed the dishtowel from the shoot and scrubbed at his face a bit. “What did she think I was there for? Decoration?”

“Ness,” Carmen laughed, seeing his girlfriend all worked up.

“There was literally no reason she had to touch your arms and hair that much,” she rolled her eyes.

“Are you jealous?” Carmen asked, winding his arms around her waist and tugging her up against him.

“Not jealous,” Vanessa frowned, “just didn’t want her touching what was mine,” she finished. “I earned these curls,” she insisted, reaching up and delving right into them.

“I think you’re overthinking it,” Carmen said, kissing her gently.

“She thought you were calling her ‘baby,’” Vanessa pointed out. “I’m your baby,” she mumbled.

“You are my baby,” Carmen confirmed. “Now can I please take my baby home so we can enjoy the rest of our day off?” He asked.

And if he found a scrap receipt paper with Amanda’s number on it on the way out, he’d say nothing before dropping it in the trash on the corner.
 

Chapter Text

Carmen had a lot more insecurities than Vanessa. Both raised in Chicago, they grew up in different cities. At the beginning of their relationship, he felt like was reminded of it all the time. Now, he barely noticed. Due in part to the fact that he had since traveled all over the US, conquered the most competitive restaurant scene in the world and truly made a name for himself.

However, it didn’t change the fact that he made his way into that echelon, instead of being born into it. That, and he didn’t have that natural confidence. He wasn’t insecure about much, but he wasn’t tall, he still got adult acne, he knew he didn’t carry himself in the best way possible and he spoke with a deeper lilt than many.

Tonight, he was accompanying Vanessa to her 10-year high school reunion at Roycemore – a $35,000 per year private school in Evanston.

Vanessa wasn’t too hung up on going, but Gina was attending with her baby and Vanessa missed the five-year, so she thought she’d give it a shot. That, and her father was a top donor to the school, so it was good for her to show her face from time to time. Carmen was a casualty of proximity and she “wanted to show him off.”

He couldn’t help but think she’d be showing off the fact that she settled.

They’d ordered a car for the night so they could indulge – whether that be at the reunion or a bar afterward.

“Ness, baby, the driver should be here any minute,” Carmen called from the kitchen where he was finishing up a rusty nail.

“Coming!” She called, and he could hear her heels clacking soundly down the hall. Dressed in a pair of fitted jeans, an ivory cashmere sweater and the sapphire earrings he’d gifted her for their one-year anniversary, she’d never looked more beautiful to him. “Am I wearing too much perfume?” She asked, stepping into his personal space.

“You look and smell amazing,” he said, catching her about her hips and tugging her closer to him.

“I wish we didn’t have to go to this,” Vanessa said, pressing her hips into his.

“It could be fun,” Carm tried to be the cheerleader. “If nothing else, Gina and Rosie will be there,” he reminded.

“Ro,” Vanessa sighed, thrilled to see her best friend’s baby and goddaughter. Vanessa was deeply and completely in love with Rosie and though she and Carmen weren’t even living together yet, and had already had a pregnancy scare of their own, she couldn’t help but imagine what life would be like with their own babies when she held Rosie in her arms. She grinned as she looked at Carmen conspiratorially.

“Ness,” he warned. “We talked about this,” he couldn’t help the smile that threatened to pull up the corners of his mouth.

“I know,” she whined, grabbing the lapels of his bomber jacket and kissing him soundly. “It’s fun to pretend, though.”

Every once and a while, they’d watch Rosie for Gina and Tony and play house – a glimpse of looking into their future, she was sure of it. There was something seriously sick about the pleasure she got from watching Carmen cradle Rosie over his shoulder, patting her back with a dishtowel tucked under her tiny body.

Carmen always knew when Rosie went home at night he was going to get laid.

Hopping into the car, there was a bottle of wine waiting for them and they each nursed a glass before arriving at the Roycemore School. With conspicuous nametags, Vanessa grabbed Carmen’s hand as they entered the main gym. All at once, Carmen’s usual insecurities came rushing in.

These were Vanessa’s people – and he definitely wasn’t one of them. He had that pinned the moment a man in a five-thousand dollar suit pulled Vanessa into a big hug.

“Van, how are you?” He hugged her tightly and Carmen was realizing just how long of a night this would be.

“I’m great, Ben, how are you?” Vanessa reciprocated, obviously glad to see the 6’3 GQ model. “Ben, meet my boyfriend, Carmen,” she introduced. The man with the chiseled features looked at Carmen with as much disdain as he felt himself. “Carm, this is Benedict, we were on debate team together,” she introduced.

“Great to meet you, Benedict,” Carmen nodded, shaking his hand firmly.

“Is Heath here?” Vanessa asked, referring to Ben’s best friend from when they were in school.

“He’ll be here shortly, - running late, he had a race in Monaco last week,” Ben replied, Carmen doing his best to school his features.

“Wow, that’s amazing! I’m so glad to see you, Ben, you look great – tell your parents I say hello!” She squeezed his shoulder.

“Likewise, I see your Dad sometimes tearing it up at the club,” Ben joked, not giving a single ounce of thought to Carmen.

“I’ll mention we connected,” Vanessa grinned, “I think we’re going to see what we can get to drink,” she nodded over to the bar.

“See you around,” Ben said, gaze lingering on Carmen’s girlfriend for just a beat longer than he would have preferred. Once Carmen had another glass of wine in his hands, it opened up a string of similar actions with Leland, August and Blair. All names that sounded like they were ripped from book at Ellis Island with money just as old.

“I wonder where Gina is,” Carmen said, already forgetting the name of the last suitor to approach Vanessa.

“I don’t know, but she better hurry,” Vanessa commented, stepping into Carmen’s bubble and pecking him softly. “Thank you for coming with me tonight,” she said softly. “I know this is probably not very fun for you, but it means a lot for you to join me.”

“Happy just to spend the time with you,” Carmen replied, kissing her right back. “I’m gonna run and take a leak,” he said, eyeing the bathroom over her shoulder. “Hold my drink?” He asked. Vanessa complied, taking his glass and busying herself with her phone after setting her own malbec down on the table top beside her.

In the men’s room, Carmen had barely stepped in front of the urinal when the door swung open to reveal his new friend, Ben.

He saddled up in front of the basin next to Carmen.

“Hope this isn’t awkward,” Ben laughed, unzipping his pants. Carmen didn’t look over but gave a forced exhale of his own “Y’know with me being Vanessa’s ex and all,” he added. That was news to the shorter man.

“Can’t say she mentioned it,” Carmen replied, willing himself to pee faster.

“No hard feelings, though,” Ben carried on. “Always knew she’d find someone great…” he trailed. So what’s she doing with you? Was the unspoken second half of that like.

“Yeah,” Carmen zipped up his trousers, “she did.” He said it, even though he didn’t feel it. Vanessa dated a guy named Benedict who golfed at the club and wore a $100,000 Rolex in high school. He couldn’t say he was shocked but it was one thing to know about these facts and another to have them approach him at the urinal.

When he spotted his girlfriend again, she was carefully holding Rosie to her chest, Gina nearby sipping on her own cocktail.

“Hi, G,” he greeted warmly, giving Vanessa’s best friend a hug.

“Hi Carmy!” She squeezed him tightly. “God isn’t this just the most heinous gathering of people?” She asked, making him grin. He always liked Gina.

“I just ran into Vanessa’s ex in the bathroom, nearly peed on my shoes,” Carmen said, reaching over and grabbing his glass of wine before leaning down to place a big hand on Rosie’s back.

“Hi baby girl,” he greeted, smoothing his hand over her hair.

“Oh god, Benedict?” Gina asked. Vanessa shook her head as she bounced slightly in her heels, pressing a kiss to the top of Rosie’s bald head. “Our taste at 16 was… questionable.” She added.

“Questionable?” Vanessa laughed, “you married your high school boyfriend.” Vanessa laughed.

“Okay keep it down, I don’t need everyone here knowing that,” Gina hissed jokingly.

“Thankfully, I evolved over time,” Vanessa winked, stepping into Carmen’s side. She cradled Rosie carefully, dropping a few more kisses to the crown of her head.

“Well I’m very glad that Carm’s going to be her Uncle when you get married and not that dweeb,” Gina said, rolling her eyes. “Remember when he stole his Dad’s Aston Martin and drove through the gate to the soccer field?” Gina asked, sending the two women into a flurry of laughter and anecdotes. Carmen simply enjoyed their presence, the rush of blood in his ears louder than his thoughts when he weighted what Gina mentioned – being Rosie’s Uncle alongside Vanessa.

Not a single schmuck in the place stood a chance against what they had because they’d never get the chance.

Joining back into their plain of consciousness, he wiggled his fingers at Vanessa.

“Gimme the baby,” he insisted. He grabbed the burp cloth first before holding her gently.

“She’s a little milk drunk,” Gina advised, “nursed on the way over here so I could have beverage.”

“Where’s Tony tonight? Shouldn’t he be here?” Carmen asked.

“He should be, but he got called out to Rockford for some kind of work emergency,” Gina explained. “I want to believe he’s telling the truth, but I also think he just didn’t want to come to this,” she laughed. Carm nuzzled his face down into the downy wisps of blonde that were just a shade lighter than translucent on Rosie’s head.

“Be right back, I’m going to grab some snacks while the table’s abandoned,” Gina said, hoofing her way across the gym to the hors d’oeuvres. Vanessa boxed Carmen in, Rosie sleeping gently between the two of them as she slid her free hand down Carmen’s side to rest on his hip.

“I swear to God, Carmen,” she sighed. There was something about the way he was holding her, his biceps flexed just right and in that Italian-collared top she got him a few months ago.

“Remind me when we get home,” he said seriously with a promise that set her skin on fire.

She opened her mouth to tell him just how she felt about that when another pair of high heels approached.

“Vanessa, hi!” Short, readhead, botoxed.

“Loren, hello, it’s so great to see you,” Vanessa immediately snapped into socialite. “This is Carmen,” she introduced.

“Loren Grammar,” the redhead introduced.

“I’d shake your hand, but,” Carmen trailed, shrugging his shoulders softly as he visibly had his hands full with a baby.

“And what’s this angel’s name?” Loren asked.

“This is Rosie, she’s nearly three months,” Vanessa introduced. Carmen was waiting for the footnote that this was not in fact their child, but Gina and Tony’s.

“Just darling,” Loren replied. “Ness, I saw you’re still at Olson Group, Carmen, what do you do for work?”

“Carmen is a restaurateur and chef,” Vanessa replied, placing her opposite hand on his chest. “He was just named Chicago Mag’s Top Chef last month,” She bragged whole-heartedly.

“Well aren’t you lucky?” Loren smiled tightly, “a handsome, successful husband and beautiful baby – time has been good to you!” She laughed in a way that invited Vanessa to laugh along with her.

“So good to see you, Loren,” there was almost a dismissive tone, which the redhead caught on to.

After making a swift exit, Vanessa took a long drink of her wine.

“She was so awful to G and I in high school,” Vanessa laughed, “she spread a rumor in eighth grade that Gina lost her virginity to a tampon.”

Carmen was grateful he didn’t honk out a laugh right into Rosie’s ear.

“God it was so good to see her jealous,” she grinned, pressing her body against this again and lacing her fingers with his on Rosie’s small back.

“Jealous?” Carmen asked with a laugh.

“Of course, she was practically turning green in front of my eyes,” Vanessa laughed. “Just like she said, hot, successful man, cute baby…” she shrugged. “What’s not to like?”

Carmen shook his head in disbelief, but figured he’d go along with anyway.

Another half hour of schmoozing before Vanessa decided they’d paid their dues. She crawled into the back of the car, shooting a text off to her father, before turning her attention to her boyfriend.

“Was it awful?” She pouted, crossing her leg over the other and leaning into his side entirely.

“No, but it would have been a lot less fun without G and Ro,” he justified.

“Agreed,” she nodded.

“So you and Benedict,” Carmen said, his blue eyes pinning her to the spot with a rakish grin.

“Oh don’t even start,” she laughed with a shake of her head. “My first high school boyfriend,” she laughed.

“Was he your first…” Carmen raised a brow.

“Thank God, no,” Vanessa laughed. “Though he did once dry hump me in his parent’s pool house,” she explained, making Carmen laugh. “His mother desperately wanted us to get married, it was super weird.”

“She saw a good opportunity when it presented itself,” Carmen annotated.

“Something like that,” Vanessa shook her head, “but it was even more odd when you factored in how much she used to hit on my Dad.” Carmen cringed. A beat passed. “I think if I’d had met you in high school I’d still fall for you the same,” she smiled, sliding a hand up his chest.

“Trust me, the only way you would have met me in high school is if you fell off the back of the bleachers,” Carmen laughed.

“Carm, were you a bad boy?” Vanessa gasped.

“I definitely cut more classes than I attended,” he began, “but I assure you, you wouldn’t have looked twice at me.”

“I’ve seen pictures of high school Carmy from Nat,” Vanessa began, “you were just as cute then as you are now.”

“Yeah, and high school Vanessa could have stepped on my neck and I’d thank her,” he countered, watching the brunette burst into laughter. “You were like a seventeen-year-old Victoria’s Secret angel,” He gestured wildly with his arms. She slid a hand up the back of his neck, tangling her fingers in his tight curls.

“I assure you,” she used his words against him, “I would have been just as crazy about you then as I am now.” Carmen kissed her gently. “And if it makes you feel better, I think I still have the school uniform in the back of my closet somewhere…”

Chapter Text

Carmen would call himself a feminist – definitely a feminist. He wasn’t intimidated by Vanessa’s career, influence, or drive. Yes, he often felt like he was in over his head, but only in that he had such revere for her and wanted to be the best man possible for her.

However, in times like this, he had a hard time flexing his feminist muscle.

She was splayed out on a tanning chair, unending miles of bare, sun-kissed skin that was scented by coconut oil, interrupted only by the fabric of her bikini bottom.

They’d been in Malibu for two days already, and now on the third day, he was finally able to decompress. Today was Valentine’s Day, and though they were counting this vacation as their gift to one another, he still had a few things up his sleeve for her.

“Ness,” he greeted, making his presence aware. He’d been sent down to the resort bar to grab a few drinks for them.

“Thank you, baby,” she smiled, picking her head up from the chair where she was reading a book through the bottom on lounger. Their villa was private, an extra expense that Vanessa was happy to pay for, and Carmen was grateful as she rolled to her side, exposing her bare chest to him as she received the fruity cocktail.

Carmen wanted to throw a sheet over her body, roll her like a pinwheel and lug her back into the room. That body, that skin, that smile were just for him. But, unfortunately, he was respecting her decisions.

“Carm, your face,” she pouted. Vanessa operated on a darker base color than Carmen. She’d always had olive skin and browned in the sun. Carmen was so pale you could see his entire circulatory system and burned like paper – and it was showing now as his nose and the tops of his cheeks really started to redden.

“Pink?” He asked, laying back in his own lounger, willing himself to not pop a boner as he scanned Vanessa’s body. Vanessa, however had other plans.

“Let me get you,” she insisted, sitting up from her chair, crossing the patio and grabbing the sunscreen from the table inside the sliding glass door.

Carmen was an easy fix. He was wound so tightly all the time – though she did like to credit her presence in his life as a way he’d dropped from 100 to 70 over the past year and a half. She did see an improvement in that way each time they had sex, so now, on their first vacation together, she was ready to whittle him down until he was nothing but putty in her hands – he deserved to relax on this trip.

Instead of handing over the bottle, she was quick to straddle Carmen’s lap in the lounger where he had just sat the back of it upright.

“Hi,” he smiled, feeling rather pampered with his gaze eye-level with her breasts – a tan line just a faint suggestion from her few days of sitting out in the sun topless. Vanessa leaned forward and kissed him firmly as she clicked open the bottle of sunblock. “Get me?” He asked softly against her lips, craning his neck out. Vanessa removed his sunglasses with one hand, shielding her own eyes with them before she generously dripped sunblock down her breasts. Carmen gulped softly.

The contrast of the white lotion against her tan skin was enough, but as she laced her fingers gently behind his head and pulled him toward her chest, he thought he’d truly died and gone to heaven.

If Carmen suffocated, right here, in the valley of Vanessa’s soft, creamy breasts, he’d know he’d ascend directly into heaven and be greeted by the Lord himself.

“Make sure you cover that nose,” she encouraged as she worked his face back and forth against her skin. If it weren’t for her voice, he’d probably forget to come back and breathe. His hands came around to rest on her lower back before his tongue escaped to run across her nipple. “Lemme see,” she murmured, tugging his head back by his curls. “Messy boy,” she grinned, smoothing out the smears of sunblock across his face.

“You’re so good to me,” he said, eyes closing as her fingers smoothed across his skin, gently rubbing the tops of his cheeks and bridge of his nose.

“You deserve it all,” she said, reminding him. “But I think right now, I deserve something, too,” she purred, tilting her head gently. “Don’t you?” Carmen nodded enthusiastically. Vanessa reached down, untying the string that held Carmen’s swim trunks up before circling her hand around his hard cock, the his tip already flushed and wet.

“Right here?” He asked, a little anxious.

“No one can see us,” she reassured, “trust me.” Carmen nodded, ready to do whatever she asked. He untied the sides of her swim bottoms, revealing her freshly-waxed sex. He’d proudly helped her rub aloe on it when she came back from the spa a few days before their trip. It took just a small movement for Carmen to be fully seated inside of her, and when he was, she whimpered pitifully in his ear.

“Christ, Ness,” he sighed. Vanessa gripped the backrest of his chair behind his head, tossing her head back as her body adjusted to him. This was his mecca, he’d never do better than this. Vanessa’s hot, tan skin his hands, the wispy ends of her hair blowing around him and his cock lodged so deeply inside of her he thought he could feel her lungs contracting around him. “I’m not gonna last long,” he warned.

“Don’t need you to,” she giggled, sending a wave through his body that made him wheeze pitifully. “Tonight you can bend me over the balcony and fuck me, but right now, this is just fine,” she simpered, taking one of his hands from behind her back and trailing it down her stomach so the pads of his fingertips landed on her clit. A few strategic rocks of her hips and her teeth scraping against his neck was all it took for him to let go, his thighs shaking softly as he worked her through her orgasm.

Vanessa squealed as he dropped his backrest back, rendering them completely horizontal – his softening cock still inside of her and her breasts pressed tightly against his chest.

“I love you so much,” Carmen said, holding her body against this.

“Love you more,” Vanessa smiled, tangling a hand in his hair.

“Impossible,” he grinned, kissing the top of her head. “I’m gonna spend every Valentine’s Day with you for the rest of our lives, showing you how much I love you,” he murmured.

“Carmy,” she grinned, nuzzling her face into his chest. “You got me blushing,” she laughed, kissing his skin.

“Baby you’re literally leaking my kids out of your pussy on a lounger chair in public and you’re blushing because I love you?” Carmen asked rhetorically, laughing.

“You know I hate that word,” she scrunched her nose.

“What? Pussy? Or lounger?” He asked, watching as she rolled her eyes, reaching up to pinch his nipple.

“You’re a real funny valentine, you know that?” She teased. That night, they opted to stay in and order room service. Vanessa screamed with delight as he ate sushi off her naked body before presenting her with a stunning necklace – a solitaire diamond that sit perfectly in the hollow at the base of her neck.

“Carmy we said no gifts,” she insisted, a hand over the precious stone at her neck.

“I know, but I saw it a while ago and immediately thought of you,” he insisted. “I couldn’t not get it.”

“You’re too good to me,” she murmured, kissing him gently. They cuddled in bed, dressed in matching robes, buried under the covers with the air conditioning blasting as high as it went.

“I’m not nearly good enough to you, but I’m having fun trying,” he said, kissing her once more.

Chapter Text

Vanessa crossed one leg over the other, leaning into Carmen’s side with their fingers intertwined as they took the train to West Town.

Tonight, after sixth months of dating, Carmen was heading to Bert Monaghan’s four million dollar penthouse to meet for the first time. His palm was sweaty around the neck of a nice bottle of wine while Vanessa mindlessly scrolled through her Instagram account.

“I need the tips, V,” Carmen said, clearing his throat.

“The tips?” Vanessa asked, looking up from her phone. “Tips for what?”

“Your Dad,” he replied. He desperately needed Bert to like him. He could see things getting serious with Vanessa and he wasn’t going to compromise that by saying the wrong thing tonight.

“Carmen you don’t need tips for my Dad,” Vanessa assured. “He’s going to like you, I’m already sure of it.”

“What makes you so confident?” Carmen asked, trying not to give away the fact that he was shaking internally.

“Because,” Vanessa straightened up a bit, “Daddy cares that you care about me, and that I’m happy,” she shrugged softly. “Yes, you’re smart, responsible, rational, but you treat me really well and don’t have an active warrant for arrest,” she grinned. “I’ve already talked you up a bunch, he’s hoping you can walk him through a few ideas for hosting some of his pals for their annual golf trip in Boca next month,” she added.

“Ideas?” Carmen asked.

“Yeah, for like wines and meals to serve, Daddy likes to be trendy and on top of it,” she laughed. “Whatever he says though, you cannot let him talk you into coming down to cook for all of them for the weekend – they’re all degenerates,” she smiled. “Bunch of frat boys that never grew up, just got older.”

Carmen let some of the air leak out of his veins at her words. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Vanessa greeted the doorman with a tight hug before they hopped in the elevator to the penthouse.

“Donald’s son was in a terrible hit and run last spring,” she said, referencing the doorman. “Daddy paid for his corrective surgeries and bought him a new car when they found out the guy who hit him had no insurance.”

“Your sister isn’t here, is she?” Carmen asked.

“No, she had some school event,” Vanessa shrugged, “I figured we could go catch one of her games in a few weeks,” she added.

“That would be fun,” Carmen nodded. Vanessa’s little sister, Nicola, was a sophomore on the DePaul women’s volleyball team – and while they hadn’t met yet, watching Vanessa monitor her sister from time to time really put his relationship with Sugar into perspective. Her youngest sister, Hannah, was at a boarding school in Connecticut – something that Carmen didn’t realize existed for seventh-graders.

Soon they were standing on front of Mr. Monaghan’s door, an artfully crafted PH below the peephole.

“Should we knock?” Carmen asked as Vanessa reached for the handle.

“Nah, Daddy knows we’re coming,” She shrugged. She pushed the door open and Carmen renewed his grip around the wine bottle, wondering if the deodorant he applied that morning was still working.

“Daddy?” She called out from the impossibly modern and chic entryway.

“Hi Lala,” he could hear Bert before seeing him, the older man rounding the corner out of an adjacent room, pulling Vanessa into a tight hug.

“Mr. Berzatto,” Bert said with a big smile, “so nice to meet you, Carmen,” he extended a hand, which Carmen shook firmly.

“Great to meet you, Mr. Monaghan,” Carmen replied, looking up at man who towered over him. He could immediately see some of the shared characteristics between Mr. Monaghan and Vanessa – same dark eyes, same chin.

“Please, call me Bert,” he laughed, come in, come in, I just took the covers off of dinner,” he laughed a booming laugh. “Hope you don’t mind, Carmen, I ordered in tonight from one of Lala’s restaurants,” He explained.

“You did?” Vanessa asked, stepping out of her boots and Carmen doing the same with his sneakers. “Where from?” She asked, following her father to the kitchen.

“Ina Mae’s – the Southern place you took me to for Father’s Day!” Bert explained, revealing a countertop full of to-go containers. Vanessa was touched. Ina Mae’s was a family-owned spot in West Town that was one of her pro-bono clients she chose to support. She loved the food and the people that owned it, and helped with a great deal of their marketing and advertising efforts over the past year and a half.

“Oh Ina’s is so good,” Vanessa gushed, looking at Carmen who stepped into the kitchen. She was sure she could hear the green flags dinging in his mind.

“This kitchen,” he exhaled. “You could do some serious damage in here, Bert,” he grinned. All top of the line appliances –floor to ceiling Viking appliances, all-clad pans hanging from a bespoke rack and custom details galore.

“Thought you’d like it!” Bert laughed, “come look at this wine dispenser,” he insisted, “we can drop that one in there!”

Vanessa laughed as Carmen carefully inspected all of the integrated tech and gadgets in her father’s kitchen. It was very on-brand for Bert to have the nicest of everything but no idea how to work any of it. She was sure those pots and pans came down off the rack twice a year for the home chef to make Thanksgiving and Easter dinner.

However, she loved the picture of them together and Bert was preening under the attention from Carmen. It was a good match.

She’d begun to help herself to the hush puppies on the primary island as her father showed Carmen the built-in vacuum on the secondary for food prep cleanup.

“Daddy, you should show Carmy the knife drawer,” Vanessa suggested, peeling back the lid on the crab dip – confident she could find the bread slices nearby. Carmen’s eyebrows raised excitedly.

“I don’t know how to use any of them, but they’re pretty sweet,” Bert said, leading him over to the storage built-ins on the far wall.

An easy twenty-five minutes went by and the men were still poking around the kitchen, this time, in the butler’s pantry.

“Bert,” Vanessa called, “maybe Carm is hungry?” she asked, not willing to hold back from the entrees much longer.

“Ah, you’re right, sorry Carm,” Bert laughed heartily. “It’s so fun to show this off to someone it actually matters to,” he clapped Carmen on the back. Carmen was still stunned to see the knife drawer, which housed about fifty grand worth in Nesmuk knives.

“I don’t mind!” Carmen insisted, “I’ve worked in a ton of professional kitchens that weren’t nearly as nice as this,” he laughed. Soon they were all gathered around the informal dining area of the kitchen, passing around fried chicken, smoked turkey, deviled eggs and mac ‘n cheese.

“This is home cookin’ for me, Carm,” Bert explained. “I grew up in Chalmette, Louisiana and moved to Chicago when I was 16.”

“I’ve never been to Louisiana but I’d love to go,” Carmen replied, “I hear amazing things.” Vanessa’s hand came to rest on his knee.

“Where ya from, Berzatto?” Bert asked, pouring himself a glass of wine.

“Born ‘n raised Chicago,” Carmen nodded, “went to culinary school in Pasadena and ended up in kitchens in LA, then New York, now back home.”

“Carmen’s worked at Eleven Madison Park and The French Laundry,” Vanessa said excitedly, Carmen fighting the blush crawling up his neck.

“Aw, the spot we went to for your graduation!” Bert grinned, “Wow, that’s amazing, Carm!” He cheered. Carmen felt like he was back in the fourth grade, earning a gold star on his drawing, and he wondered why he was so nervous to meet Bert. Clearly with how incredible Vanessa was, he should have expected her father to be an equally good person. “What made you decide to come back home?” Bert asked. The bite of food going down Carmen’s throat went dry.

“I – uh, my brother passed,” he began, “and he left me his restaurant,” he explained. “So I’ve taken over there for the past year and now I’m using the bones to create a new spot.”

“He must have thought you were pretty amazing to leave you his restaurant,” Bert smiled. Carmen felt compelled to hug the man. Vanessa squeezed his knee. “Speaking of siblings,” the older of the two men looked to Vanessa. “Your little sister got suspended.”

“How do you get suspended from a boarding school?” Vanessa asked with a laugh, not surprised at all by this news.

“Apparently by freeing all the frogs in the biology lab and tossing the scalpels in the lake,” Bert explained, causing Carmen to cough.

“Oh my God, Hannah,” Vanessa laughed. “She’s a… free spirit,” she explained to Carmen.

“Sounds like it,” Carmen laughed.

The conversation flowed easily as they ate and Vanessa was thrilled to see her two favorite men getting along so well. They’d already made plans for Bert to come visit The Beef and Carmen had artfully danced around Bert’s invite for him to come to Boca for his annual boys’ trip.

They’d moved to the den after dinner, chatting further and cracking open a third bottle of wine. Carmen already decided they’d take a cab back to the apartment – he didn’t want to climb up the train stairs after his five glasses.

“Okay Daddy, I’ve got work tomorrow and so does Carm,” Vanessa insisted one the clock hit 10:30.

“Princess, don’t forget those shoes you left here last week,” He advised, referring to the pair of flats she’d forgotten in the guest room she’d helped picked new bedding for.

“Right, thank you – be right back,” she danced out of the room, heading down the hall and up the stairs.

“Carm, wait just a minute,” Bert smiled as Carmen shifted to stand up. He relegated back to the couch cushions. “I’m glad you and Vanessa are having fun, and you’re a great guy,” he started. Carmen’s stomach dropped to his ass. “She says you treat her well and support her,” he went on. “So as long as things stay that way, I think you and I can be good friends.”

“Yes, sir, it’s been great getting to know you,” Carmen agreed, squeezing the arm of the chair in his hand tightly.

“However,” Bert said, leaning forward. “If those things change, and you aren’t treating her like the princess she is – I’ll find someone who does know how to use those knives back in the kitchen and send ‘em over to The Beef,” he assured. “Understood?”

“Absolutely, sir,” Carmen nodded. He wished he could say something more assuring, but he knew Bert’s words were more a promise than a threat.

“Got ‘em!” Vanessa smiled, entering the den again. “Ready, Carm?”

“Yes, ready,” he nodded again, hopping up from the seat, and immediately regretting as his brain swam in wine.

“Careful you two,” Bert said, clapping Carmen on the shoulder as he headed back toward the foyer. “Carm, you let me know if you change your mind about Boca,” Bert said with a point.

“I will, sir,” Carmen did his best to force a smile.

“Princess, you text me when you get back home,” he said, leaning forward and kissing her cheek.

“Always do,” Vanessa replied. Soon, they were ducking back into a Prius down on the street.

“See? And you were nervous for what?” She teased, leaning into his shoulder.

Chapter Text

 
It was a slow Sunday morning that started out early. Body attuned to a different time zone after traveling for work, Vanessa woke up at 7 a.m. and got a jumpstart on the day.

First, she tossed in a load of laundry, picked up the living room from where they crashed on the sofa to watch Stranger Things and ate pad thai the night before, then she headed into the guest room to straighten up her work from home area.

By the time Carmen rumbled around at 8 a.m., she’d already flipped her laundry, febreezed the couch and was puling out the items to make eggs in purgatory for breakfast.

“You feedin’ me?” Carmen mumbled, pressing several kisses into her shoulder.

“Yeah baby, why don’t you go back to sleep?” She asked, turning her head to kiss his cheek.

“I can help,” he insisted, walking over to get the round of sourdough bread, heating up a pan on the stove to toast it.

“It’s a lil cold in here,” Vanessa said as she dropped three eggs into the bubbling pan of tomatoes and spices.

“Ness, you’re half naked,” Carmen grinned softly, his free hand squeezing the back of her thigh where it stemmed from her oversized Penn State T-shirt.

“True,” she shrugged, killing the heat on the pan as soon as the eggs were firm enough. They carried their plates back to bed and she snugly sat between his legs, leaned back against his chest she fed both Carmen and herself. It wasn’t even 9 a.m. and she already felt accomplished, happy to flip on the bedroom TV and lose her mind a bit in some pointless TV.

It wasn’t long until their plates were forgotten on a nightstand and Vanessa was cuddled tightly against Carmen, her body notched snuggly between his legs, with her head on his chest. Carmen trailed his hands up and down the center of her back, exhaling softly as she kissed her way up from the hollow of his chest to the dip beneath his ear. Vanessa sucked on the delicate skin there, her hand cupping the other side of his neck gently.

“Ness,” he warned, feeling his arousal pooling in his cock. “Don’t give me a hickey,” he pleaded softly. He’d never live it down against Richie.

“Carm,” she smiled against his skin, hand sliding up from his neck to the back of his head, freshly manicured nails scraping gently against his scalp. And there was his erection. She knew he loved to have his head scratched, like a big, pale puppy. She noticed, just barely, as he pressed up against her in shallow movements of his hips.

“I think moving in together might have been a bad idea,” he sucked in his breath as she pinched his nipple through his T-shirt. Vanessa laughed a puff of air against his neck. In a smooth maneuver, she shifted her weight, her body moving from between his legs, to straddling his outside hip.

Running a hand down Carmen’s chest and stomach, she teased her fingertips across the top of his boxers, feeling the tip of his cock sitting just below the elastic waistband.

She palmed his length through the cotton. Vanessa loved Carmen’s dick – and that wasn’t a joke. It was thick, the perfect length and had veins in just the right places. She was going to marry this dick.

“Ness,” he wheezed, thrusting gently into her hand. She dipped into the boxers, a pair she picked up for him from Lulu Lemon, giving his blunt head a swipe across the top. He bucked.

“Bear?” She asked, nuzzling into his neck as her fingers encircled him, pumping him tenderly.

“Nessa,” he whined, sticking his face right down into her hair. She gently removed her hand from his boxers, sliding her hand back up his chest. He groaned softly, hips involuntarily pushing up to seek her heat once again.

“I want to see how you do it,” she whispered in his ear, lifting her leg so she was no longer straddling his hip, but still pressed closely to his body.

“Me?” He sucked in a breath.

“Yeah,” she nodded, propping herself up on an elbow for a better vantage point.

“Ness, can’t you help?” He said pathetically, shifting uncomfortably.

“No,” she grinned.

“Can I at least see your tits?” He countered, making her giggle. Sitting up fully, she peeled off her shirt, leaving her just in a pair of grey panties. She rest back on her folded legs, sitting on her heels near his calves – running a hand up the inside of his knee comfortingly as Carmen reached into his briefs.

“Ah, ah,” she tisked, reaching up and pulling his boxers down past his feet and tossing them off the bed. “I wanna see,” she added.

“You’re sick,” he narrowed his eyes.

“Truly,” she grinned, adjusting so she sat between her own heels, legs folded on either side of her body. “Now, let me see,” she practically salivated.

Carmen gave himself two quick tugs with a flick of his wrist, his arms breaking out into goosebumps. It had been a while since he needed to jack off. He tucked his other hand behind his head, showing off his arms for Vanessa, which he knew she liked. He passed his thumb over the tip, where he was already shiny with precum thanks to Vanessa’s ministrations.

“How’s it feel?” Vanessa purred, eyes transfixed on his hand as it pumped up and down.

“Good,” he nodded weekly. His eyelids felt heavy for a moment, but he caught himself, willing them back open as he watched Vanessa caress her own chest. He wanted to be the one to do that.

“Come on, Carmy, I want to see you make yourself cum,” she said breathily.

“I need a little something on here,” he huffed out. Eyes wide, he gulped loudly as Vanessa gingerly reached for his hand, turning it palm up and licking it from heel fingertips several times over.

“Tell me what you think about when you do this,” she purred, leaning forward.

Carmen doubled-down on his efforts, pumping and twisting his hand up and down.

“Usually?” He asked, looking down at his cock before relegating back to Vanessa’s breasts, “that time we fucked in the hot tub at your Dad’s cabin,” he grinned.

“I remember that,” she returned the smile. “Slow down, baby, you gotta savor it,” she said, placing her hand over his and deliberately elongating his strokes. “There you go,” she cooed. “Doing such a good job,” Vanessa murmured, watching his stomach twitch at her words. “Such a good boy,” she purred.

Carmen watched as she guided his hand down further, rolling his balls in his palm.

“Isn’t that nice?” She asked, “I know you love it when I do this,” she winked. Carmen’s smile stuttered as he watched more clear precum escape his tip. “Take your time, Carmy,” she insisted.

“Ness,” he grit out, “I’m not interested in taking my time,” he groaned. She rubbed up and down his hair thigh as he returned to his length.

“After this I’m going to let you eat me out,” she smiled.

“That my reward?” He asked, feeling his balls draw tight against his body.

“Yeah, if you’re a good boy,” she purred, leaning forward and sliding her hand through his curls at the hairline. He was glad for the vantage point to nip at her breast. Vanessa could feel the mattress moving a little more intently underneath his elbow here he was now very seriously pumping into his hand.

Vanessa reached down once again, his brows furrowing as she took his hand off his cock. Guiding his fingers into her panties, she dragged them across her sex, collecting the moisture there before returning his hand to his dick.

“That help?” She asked innocently. Carmen nodded, hips snapping up into his hand. “Come on baby, go ahead and cum,” she said, scraping her nails across his scalp. It gave her sick pleasure to watch his small, pink nipples harden.

A few moments later, he was spilling out, cum dripping down his knuckles as he pulled every last drop out.

“Fw-fuck,” he huffed, pulling himself out with tight, long strokes. Satisfied he was empty, he flopped his head back onto his pillow.

“That was really hot, Bear,” Vanessa said leaning forward to kiss his hairline, which was just barely sweaty. “You did such a good job,” she said, pressing a kiss to his cheek as well.

“I feel like I’m in eighth grade again,” he laughed, chasing her lips into a firm kiss. “Except I get to knock one out to you and not Drew Barrymore,” he added, making her let out a peal of laughter.

“Drew Barrymore?” She asked, hair mussed and falling around her shoulders.

“I watched Charlie’s Angels a lot,” he justified.

“Fair,” she conceded.

“But I think I had a reward coming…” he trailed, tugging her on top of him.

“Feels a little more like I won.”
 

Chapter Text

Vanessa tossed the dirty socks down into the washing machine before slamming the lid shut. She stalked through the house, heels first into the hardwood, tearing open the refrigerator door and grabbing a can of ginger ale, cracking open the top.

She was pissed, and rightfully so, even a few hours after Carmen had gone to work she wanted to wring his stupid neck. Trying her best to cool off, she leaned against the kitchen counter, shooting off a text to Gina so she could commiserate.

As she composed the message, a separate message came through from Sydney.

From: Syd
So do you know why Carmen is on a warpath today?

Vanessa sighed, not wanting to ignore her friend, but she really was trying to forget about their giant argument earlier that day. Trying to keep from reigniting her anger, she left her phone on the kitchen counter before heading to the living room.

She was even more annoyed at the fact that she’d taken the day off from work to relax after a tough week, only for the day to explode into a big fight.

She heard her phone ding again atop the kitchen counter and couldn’t ignore Syd again.

From: Syd
Seriously though, he’s about to lose half of his staff.

Vanessa sighed, running a hand through her hair.

To: Syd
Do you think you could trip him?

From: Syd
So you’re aware of this situation?

To: Syd
Sorry, yes. We got into it before he left for dinner service.

From: Syd
Please fix this, he’s making my life so difficult.

It was unfair for Carmen to be taking out his personal issues on his staff, and it made her all the more annoyed at the chef.

She weighed her options. She could leave it alone and hope the team survived the night, or she could make her way down to The Bear and tell Carmen to pull the stick out of his ass.
Unfortunately for Carmen, her father didn’t raise her to back down. So she tossed her hair up in a ponytail, stepped into a pair of her bitchiest heels and called an Uber.

Rolling up The Bear, the team had already finished for dinner service for the night and had clearly moved into side work and cleaning. Vanessa knew that during service, the customers often served as a buffer between staff members, giving them something to focus on.

“If you let that slip again, Marcus, you can leave your apron by the door on the way out!” She heard Carmen shout from the back just moments after pushing open the front door. “What I’m asking is not hard, do your fucking job!”

Vanessa frowned, she loved Marcus who was a big softie and was truly always trying his best.

“Thank God,” Richie sighed, popping his head out of the service entry to the front of house. “Nessie, he’s off his goddamn rocker, can you fix this?” Richie asked, tilting his head back toward the kitchen.

“If you guys are almost done, it’s probably best to start clearing out,” she advised. Richie watched Vanessa walk back toward the kitchen.

“I don’t know how many times I have to ask, if these lowboys aren’t cleaned out properly, I’m going to lose it!” Carmen shouted, taken aback as he saw his fiancé enter the kitchen. It wasn’t too often she got to catch him completely by surprise. “Hi,” he said curtly, quickly silencing the room.

It was not the way Carmen Berzatto ever greeted Vanessa, and his whole staff knew it.

“Mom and Dad are fighting,” Ebrahim said, eyes glancing all around. Vanessa could see the anger creeping up Carmen’s neck.

“I think we’re good here,” T murmured, grabbing her things. “See you Monday, Jeff,” she brushed by Carmen, “hope you’re less of a dick.”

Carmen shifted on his feet, rolling his neck as his staff filed out.

Thank you, Sydney mouthed to Vanessa, creeping backward to her locker and quickly grabbing her coat.

“What are you doing here?” Carmen asked, tossing a kitchen towel over his shoulder. In other circumstances, she’d have a hard time taking her seriously in those crocs, but seeing his face reminded her why she was so pissed at him.

“Your team asked me to come because the said you were being a monumental asshole,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Who?” Carmen asked, leaning into one of his shoulders.

“Doesn’t matter,” she replied.

“Well they shouldn’t be calling you,” he said, turning back to walk around the other side of the kitchen. She watched as he took the towel off his shoulder, wiping down counters. “You didn’t need to come down here,” he added, knowing full well she was watching him.

“And you don’t need to be laying into your staff because you’re pissed at me,” Vanessa countered. Carmen paused his ministrations momentarily.

“I’m not,” he said pointedly.

“You are!” Vanessa countered, “did you not see how fast they split out of here?”

“Ness,” Carmen warned, “I can’t get into this again,” he finished.

Vanessa’s jaw ticked.

“God you’re such a dick,” she shook her head, “I swear to god.”

“Vanessa I already apologized,” Carmen said, throwing his towel down.

“You’re not sorry, you’re just sorry I found out!” Vanessa narrowed her eyes. “If I wouldn’t have come home early from the office, I never would have caught you,” she elaborated.

“It’s not that big of a deal!” Carmen huffed, tugging at his curls. “Everyone in this goddamn kitchen smokes!” He gestured around him.

“Sydney does not smoke,” Vanessa spat back immediately. “You told me you quit!”

“I only light up once and a while!” Carmen said, “at work!”

“Clearly it’s not just at work because you were smoking in our home!” She laughed.

“I was out on the patio,” Carmen returned, a little wind out of his sails.

“You lied, you told me you quit and clearly you haven’t,” Vanessa listed off. “It feels so disrespectful of you to do that in our home after I made it very clear I didn’t want you to.”

Carmen felt a little guilt. He knew he should feel more, but that’s what people did in the restaurant industry, they smoked cigarettes to keep from going insane. It was shitty he’d smoked at the apartment, even if he was outside, knowing how much Vanessa hated it.

And he had told her he quit several months ago, because he really did have every intent of doing so – but it was harder than he thought it would be as someone who only smoked one or two time s a week.

“I am sorry for smoking at the house,” he sighed, sounding anything but genuine.

“I can’t stand you,” Vanessa sighed. “I’ll see you at home, enjoy cleaning on your own,” she waved off, turning to leave the restaurant. She shouldn’t have come down there to begin with.

Carmen dropped his head down, hanging over the stainless steel counter.

He didn’t realize how much this affected her.

“Ness!” He called out, turning and heading to the dining room. She had a foot out the door and tossed him back a look that didn’t indicate she was too excited to talk to him anymore. “Can we talk about this?” He asked. Vanessa debated waiting outside for her Uber, but she remembered she was committing the rest of her life to this man, and they’d need to talk this out eventually.

Against her desires, she walked back into the restaurant, leaning against a tabletop.

“I am sorry,” he said, “I didn’t realize it was that big of a deal and I shouldn’t have tried to hide it.” He elaborated.

“I told you it was a big deal,” Vanessa frowned, “and you must have known on some level because when I asked, you lied.” Carmen leveled a direct stare with that blue gaze. It wasn’t too often they spoke to one another like this, but it was a serious situation after all. “It’s a deal breaker for me,” she added, watching as his eyebrows crept up toward his hairline.

“A deal breaker?” Carmen asked.

“Yeah, if you don’t care about yourself that much, it’s unfair to me,” Vanessa replied logically. “And I want babies, so it’s unfair to me, and it’s unfair to them,” she shrugged. “I’m not bringing them up in a house with cigarette smoke, or where their Dad is fine putting himself at risk for lung disease and cancer,” she finished. “You’re either with the program, or you’re not, I’m not doing it all alone.”

Carmen had tunnel vision. There was not anyone else on God’s green earth that was going to be raising babies with Vanessa, and if he had to give up a few cigs to ensure that, he would without hesitation.

“They’re gone,” he nodded. “They’re not worth it,” he said. They were both quiet for a few beats. “I’m sorry, Ness,” he said, much more softly.

“I accept your apology,” she mumbled, “still want to pinch you, though,” she added. Carmen barely allowed his mouth to turn up at its corners.

“You wanna pinch me?” He asked.

“Yeah, I really do,” she sighed, crossing one ankle over the other, perched gently against the table.

“Can I get within pinching distance?” He asked, not wanting to breach her personal space given the conversation they’d just had.

“Yeah, you can get closer,” she nodded. Carmen entered her personal bubble.

“Want to be annoyed with me at home?” He offered, “it’s getting late,” he commented. Vanessa nodded, letting him drape his arms around her shoulders. “I’m sorry baby,” he said, smoothing her hair back from her face, her big brown eyes looking up at him. God he was screwed if their babies had her eyes.

“I know,” she nodded. “No more beign mean to Syd and the team,” She said, tugging on the sides of his apron. Carmen huffed but nodded resolutely.

“Can’t believe they called you,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of their head.

“They know who’s in charge.”

Chapter Text

 
Carmen shifted in his seat at Trunk Noodle. He and Vanessa had exchanged a few texts since meeting at the supermarket last week and while he’d felt confident enough walking her through the neighborhood grocer he was now sweating bullets.

He’d been stressed all day, from texting Syd to let her know he’d need the night off to figuring out what to wear – and attempting to manage his curls when he desperately needed a haircut.

He’d suggested the restaurant – a hole in the wall Vietnamese place in West Loop from which he frequently ordered takeout. He’d arrived 10 minutes early and was greeted by the staff warmly – they knew Carmen as a customer and a chef and reassured him he always had a table.

At 7 p.m. on the dot, the doors to the restaurant, whose dining room was no bigger than a home’s family room opened up and there stood Vanessa.

She was better looking than he recalled, and he’d had several days to romanticize her silky brunette hair and long kohl lashes. She beamed a wide smile upon seeing him and he stood, meeting her halfway in a brief, but tight hug before he pulled out her chair.

“It smells amazing in here,” she gushed before even saying hello.

“I love this place,” Carmen nodded, taking his seat. “I didn’t even think to ask if you liked Vietnamese, I just assumed,” he shrugged softly, a small smile on his face.

“I’ve never had Vietnamese,” Vanessa confessed, to which Carmen grinned, “but I have a feeling I’ll like it.”

Their server brought over shots of fresh coconut milk with lime before taking drink orders.

“Why don’t you order?” Vanessa suggested.

“Are you sure?” Carmen asked.

“Our server addressed you by name, so something tells me you’ve been here before – I’ll try anything,” she smiled. Carmen’s heart skipped a beat.

“No allergies?” He asked, closing his menu. He knew it front to back by heart anyway.

“None,” she shook her head. Carmen rattled off four or five dishes when the server returned with their Cokes and she gladly clinked her glass bottle against his.

“So you know what I do,” Carmen cleared his throat softly. “What do you do for a living?” He asked.

“I work in marketing,” she began, crossing her legs. “For a firm called Olson Group downtown, I’ve been there since I left school.”

“So what exactly does that mean? Like commercials?” He asked.

“Kind of – commercial adjacent,” she nodded, “I help clients of all industries, so retail, restaurant, tech and ecommerce with branding, advertising, public relations management, pretty much anything that’s public-facing for their company.”

“Who’s your favorite client?” Carmen asked, ready to listen to her talk about anything. He liked the way her mouth shaped around the words she spoke.

“Right now, probably United Airlines,” she grinned, “they’re doing this retro PanAm-type of throwback branding overhaul and it’s just been a blast going through old school inspiration and updating it to fit 2021, but with a nod to the past.”

“That’s a huge company,” he commented, surprised.

“Our firm does a lot of big clients,” she nodded. “Our headquarters is here, but we have offices all over North America and Europe – I got to do a transfer year in Luxembourg, it was one of the best years of my life,” she grinned.

“Are you from Chicago?” Carmen asked, realizing he was practically interrogating this woman. “Sorry, god, I don’t mean to grill you.”

“I’m an open book,” she laughed. “It’s like a universal truth that people enjoy talking about themselves, right? I am from Chicago,” she nodded, “and I don’t mean Evanston or Rockford, but Chicago.”

“River North,” Carmen nodded.

“Lincoln Park,” she replied. “But I should caveat I went to school in Evanston.”

“I see,” Carmen quirked a small, knowing smile. Vanessa couldn’t believe someone with eyes that blue even existed. There was something about the round of his shoulders, prominent nose and jawline that made Carmen breathtakingly beautiful.

“I knew it!” she laughed, “stop judging me!”

“I’m not judging! Just filing it away for later,” Carmen’s first laugh helped draw his shoulders down from his ears.

Dishes started to pile up on their table as plate after plate was delivered and Vanessa excitedly dug into everything she could.

“This one’s a little risky,” Carmen said, stabbing a piece of lemon pepper squid, twirling it about in a sauce before holding it up in front of Vanessa without second thought. She gladly leaned over their small table to take a bite.

“It’s so’good,” she moaned. Carmen’s arms broke out into goose bumps. “Everything is so good,” she commented, holding up her fork with excitement at the spread in front of her, deciding on what to eat next.

Carmen explained more and more of what they were eating and they compared the dishes, ranking them as conversation flowed.

“So why did you decide to come back to Chicago? Miss home?” Vanessa asked.

“Something like that,” Carmen nodded, averting his gaze to the table before looking back to Vanessa. He might as well be honest. “I actually hadn’t planned on it, but my brother, who owned The Beef, he died,” he said, picking up his drink. “And he left it to me.” Vanessa’s eyes softened.

“I’m sorry to hear that, Carmen,” she said with heartfelt honestly. “What was he like?” Carmen swallowed softly. People never asked follow up questions, and if they did, it was never that.

“Eccentric in the best way possible,” Carmen recalled the older days, cooking in their family kitchen and how he idolized Mikey growing up – before things changed. “He was a really good storyteller and knew how to bring people together.”

“Is he your only sibling?” Vanessa asked, taking another bite of her spring roll.

“I’ve got a sister, Natalie,” he nodded. “What about you? Only child?” Vanessa threw her head back with a laugh.

“Am I putting off only-child energy?” She asked. “No, I’ve got two sisters – Nicola, she’s 20 and goes to DePaul, and Hannah, she’s in sixth grade.”

“Three girls,” Carmen raised his brows.

“My Dad thinks it’s penance for his wild boy days,” she laughed. “He raised us on his own – he’s incredibly in touch with his feminine side. My mom died a few weeks after Hannah was born, drunk driver accident,” she offered, seeing as Carmen had really opened himself up by telling her about his brother, she felt compelled to do the same.

“I’m sorry,” Carmen winced. He wasn’t sure what was worse, losing someone by their choice, or against their will.

Vanessa simply smiled, reaching across to squeeze his hand on the tabletop.

“Do you think we could order more of these?” she held up her fork, which had speared a pork wonton.

“Anything you want,” Carmen said sincerely. He’d serve his heart up on a platter it meant she’d smile at him again.

After dinner was finished, they’d agreed to take a stroll and try to walk off their overstuffed stomachs. The weather was nice enough as Chicago approached the end of summer and they weren’t far from Oz Park, which Carmen learned was one of Vanessa’s favorite parks in the city.

Carmen skirted the side of the walkways that were closest to the street and when a large group of people came by, Vanessa deftly stepped closer into his side, tucking her hand around one of his biceps. His brain shorted at her soft skin pressed against his.

“Oh,” she said softly, pausing in front of the retaining wall of a brownstone where a small bear had been spray-painted just above where the wall met the sidewalk. “I need to take a photo quick,” she said, whipping out her phone and crouching down to snap a picture. “Bears are my favorite animal,” she explained, “which sounds really juvenile, but my sisters and I always send each other pictures when we see them out in the wild.”

Carmen gulped softly.

“Why bears?” He asked.

“It’s actually a story our Mom used to tell us that her mother told her,” she said, stepping back into his side and lacing her fingers with his. Carmen squeezed her hand softly. “There’s this belief in our grandmother’s culture that when you pass away, you come back reincarnated as an animal, and everyone wants to be a bear because they’re the king of the animal kingdom,” she explained. “So when people pass, they come back to the world as an animal and those that are bears are so happy, they dance,” she laughed. “I don’t know, it sounds silly, but it’s always stuck with us.”

Carmen paused, gently tugging Vanessa’s hand so she’d step closer to him.

“It’s not silly,” he assured. “It actually makes more sense than most things I’ve heard – thank you for sharing that with me.”

“Carmen?” Vanessa asked as they continued their way toward Oz Park. He looked over at her, not minding when an errant curl flopped onto his forehead. “I know our first date isn’t over, but I’d really like to go on a second date.”

“Me too.”
 

Chapter Text

“Don’t leave me alone with him,” Carmen pleaded, following Vanessa into the kitchen where she was checking to make sure the lasagna was ready to go in the oven. Natalie and Pete would be over in an hour and she wanted to time it just right.

“Baby, I’m not going to leave you alone with him,” Vanessa laughed, “but you don’t have to be so mean, Pete’s a good guy!” She insisted.

“Pete is fine,” Carmen grumbled.

“He treats your sister really well and sends thank you cards after they come over,” Vanessa pointed out. “And he’s going to be the Dad to your niece, you have to be nice to him.”

She made some compelling points, but something about Pete had always rubbed Carmen the wrong way.

Vanessa on the other hand loved Pete and she loved Natalie as well. She was thrilled to be gaining another sister and soon, her first niece. Natalie was just about seven months pregnant with their first child and they talked almost every day about baby names, the nursery, different gadgets and gizmos and everything else under the sun.

Carmen was thankful for Natalie and Vanessa’s relationship. He knew how much she always wanted a sister and for Sugar, Vanessa was her only shot with Pete being an only child. He was grateful they got along so well.

“Hey,” he mumbled, crowding her into the kitchen counter. “What’s under here, huh?” He asked, tugging at the hem of her short, silk robe. This was always one of Carmen’s favorite games – and as long as Vanessa kept wearing robes, it always would be.

“Carmen,” Vanessa warned.

“They’re not supposed to get here for another hour,” he breathed, hands skimming down the cool fabric. Vanessa ran her hands up Carmen’s chest, pausing there.

“We don’t have time,” she insisted.

Carmen looked down at her hands.

“Where’s your ring?” He asked with a small frown.

“In its tray on the bathroom counter,” Vanessa laughed, “I don’t shower with it on.”

“Oh,” Carmen said softly, a blush creeping up his neck. “I need to shower, too,” he declared.

“Well good thing we have two showers,” she said, tapping him on the end of his nose before shimmying out from between him and the counter.

“Ness,” he whined, following after her.

Vanessa had a small vanity stool tucked under the white marble counter top in the bathroom and he happily sat on it as he watched her start up her shower, dropping in an aromatherapy tab on the floor. She twirled her hair in that magic way women do and fixed it up in a claw clip before reaching up to remove her robe, starting at her shoulders. He watched the fabric flutter off of her body before she could hang it up on the hook outside of the shower door.

Carmen propped his head on his hands, watching as Vanessa stepped beneath the water. A few beats passed and he was glad just to watch the water travel down her body.

“Okay, come on!” She huffed. The speed in which Carmen was out of his seat and stripping off his clothes was incredible. He nearly missed a sock before joining her, glad to be included. “No funny business,” she warned, handing him her loofa, which had a big stripe of her body wash.

Carmen took his job very seriously, making sure every square inch of Vanessa’s back, arm and legs were covered in suds before methodically rinsing her off.

“I’m done back here,” he announced, to which he nudged her shoulder. Vanessa turned, presenting him with her front as she finished cleaning her face of cleanser. “Ah, now it’s my time to shine,” he murmured, making Vanessa giggle as he got to work, sudsing her up from neck to toe, taking his time with her breasts. “Lift,” he murmured, gently nudging her leg so he could wash her feet carefully, one then the other.

As he straightened up, he dropped the loofa as Vanessa looped her arms around his neck for a steamy kiss.

“I thought we said no funny business?” Carmen asked.

“No funny, just wanted to kiss you,” she sighed into his mouth. “I can’t wait to marry you,” she said, nuzzling into his cheek. Carmen felt warm all over.

“I can’t wait to marry you, either,” he said, hugging her tight.

“What if we didn’t wait?” She asked, pulling back to look him in the eyes. Carmen searched her face for clues as to what she’d say next.

“Say more,” he encouraged, squeezing her side gently with his hand.

“What if we just went down to City Hall and got married?” She asked, brushing a few water droplets off of his face with her thumb. “I don’t want to wait to be Mrs. Berzatto.” Carmen could feel a rush of emotions hit him like a train.

“Baby, but what about your planning? Your sisters, your dad…” he trailed off.

“We’ll still do the ceremony,” she insisted. “But for just us? I want to be yours now.”

Carmen swallowed softly.

“When do you think we can go?” He asked.

Vanessa kissed him with urgency.

“Tomorrow, let’s go tomorrow,” she begged. “We can be the first ones there.”

“Tomorrow,” Carmen agreed, blood singing in his body.

An hour later, Vanessa felt like she was still on cloud nine as she sat beside Natalie on the couch, a hand poised on her baby bump and eyes dreamy. Carmen stood in the kitchen, a beer at his lops as he listened to Pete drone on about one thing or another, his eyes fixated on his fiancée.

His attention was pulled as Natalie called his name and he immediately strode over to the family room.

“Yeah?” He asked.

“We can host some people here for brunch in a few weeks, right? The 28th?” Vanessa asked with a tilt of her head.

“Sure,” he nodded. “Just tell me what you need and we’ll get it done.”

Natalie squeezed Vanessa’s hand.

“Baby, can you check the lasagna? Should be done soon,” Vanessa said, curling a little tighter into Natalie’s side.

“On it,” He nodded, giving her a slow grin before turning back to the kitchen.

“What’s going on here?” Natalie whispered to Vanessa conspiratorially.

“Nothing,” Vanessa smiled, refocusing her energy on the belly bump in front of her, rubbing a hand across it.

“Come on! Don’t keep secrets!” Natalie whined, “unless it’s something gross I don’t want to know about my baby brother.”

“I’m just really excited to marry your brother,” Vanessa said honestly, looking up at Nat and curling a little further into her side.

Natalie almost immediately began crying, causing them both to laugh.

“You’re so good for him, Ness,” Natalie said, draping her arm around the brunette’s shoulders. “He had so many hard years – with work and traveling and Mikey…” she trailed off. “I’m just so relieved he has you.”

“And now you get me, too!” Vanessa said, tears in her own eyes.

“Oh, are we having a tender moment?” Pete asked loudly as he entered the family room, holding a glass of water for his wife.

“Pete!” Natalie rolled her eyes, “not with you stomping in here like that!”

Vanessa laughed just as Carmen brought dinner out to the dining room.

“Time to eat,” he announced.

A few hours later, they were saying goodbyes and after the door shut, Vanessa immediately sought out Carmen, who was just loading up the dishwasher.

“What are you going to wear tomorrow?” She asked breathlessly. Carmen blanked for a moment.

“I have no idea,” he said earnestly.

The next few moments were a flurry of motion as they both ran back to the walk-in closet they shared, Vanessa giggled, pulling down a selection of dresses that she’d already bought for her bachelorette weekend, groom’s dinner, rehearsal and all sorts of other occasions leading up to their ceremony – which wasn’t scheduled for another eight months.

“That one,” Carmen said, pointing to a long, silk number that had a slit up past the knee.

“Done,” she agreed, hanging it up on the valet hook.

“What – what do I wear?” Carmen asked, scanning his side of the wall.

“Those Levi’s that make your butt look good,” she smiled, reaching for where they were folded over a hanger. “And your lucky jean jacket,” she added, pulling it down as well. Carmen grabbed a clean white T-shirt and socks, layering them on top of his stack of clothes on the valet. Vanessa turned to face him as their outfits for the morning hung in front of them.

“We’re getting married tomorrow,” Carmen said, eyes wide.

“Tomorrow,” Vanessa breathed, all but attacking him in a kiss. He kissed her back just as fervently, backing them up against a rank of hanging clothes.

“Mrs. Berzatto,” He grinned, slanting his mouth over hers.

“Mr. Monaghan,” Vanessa laughed, nipping him back. “Will you wear your ring after tomorrow?” She asked, looking up at him with those big doe eyes that got him into this mess in the first place.

“I already ordered like a hundred silicone ones on Amazon I can wear in the kitchen,” he laughed.

“Good, don’t want anyone getting any ideas,” she grinned. “You’re all mine.”

“I’m all yours.”
 

Chapter Text

Vanessa and Carmen’s second Christmas together was so much more fun than their first – Vanessa went to Canada with her dad and sisters, and they didn’t do much together for the holiday.

Carmen expressed that his family wasn’t too big on the holidays growing up, but he did accompany his girlfriend to her work Christmas party that first year, and they’d had a lot of fun.

He’d since learned that Christmas was a big deal in the Monaghan family and he was told they’d be hosting the get-together that year for their friends and family – a few days before the actual holiday.

Sugar, Pete and their baby girl Lily would be there, along with Richie and his daughter, Vanessa’s sisters and some of her college friends (who had now become Carmen’s friends as well). Vanessa’s Dad was spending the weekend with his girlfriend’s family and Carmen was all too happy to host the three Monaghan girls. They were staying at the condo for four days and he was already learning so much about their family unit.

“Carmy!” He heard the youngest Monaghan call his name from the kitchen. Striding over from the back den where he’d been sipping a small glass of bourbon with Nick and Gina’s husband, Tony, he found Hannah standing on the kitchen counter, reaching for something on her tip toes from the back of the tallest cabinet.

“Whoa, Han, what are you doing?” Carmen asked, immediately coming over and trying to get her off of the marble, where she was balancing in a slippery pair of fuzzy socks.

“Where are the cool glasses?” She asked, referring to a set of champagne coupes that she, Nicola and Vanessa sipped orange juice out of that morning when Carmen prepared an amazing brunch for all three of them.

“I will get you a cool glass, can you please get down, you’re stressing me out,” he laughed to cover up the anxiety in this voice.

“Fine,” she sighed, literally jumping off the counter. Carmen grabbed his hair as she landed on her feet in only a way that a pre-teen made out of pure cartilage could.

“Carm what did you get me for Christmas?” She asked, cranking open the refrigerator door to grab a can of ginger ale – something Carmen had since learned was a treat for all three Monaghan girls and not just a fixation of his girlfriend’s.

“If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise,” he said, pulling out a clean dishcloth and wiping down a coupe glass for her. Setting it on the counter, he snatched the ginger ale from her hands before she could grab the glass, pouring it carefully. “Besides, who says I got you anything? I’m pretty sure you’re on the naughty list this year,” he pulled his brows together in mock-judgment.

“The naughty list is only for babies who believe Santa,” she scoffed, “I’m not a baby.”

“Right, right,” Carmen nodded. “Conversely, if you don’t believe in Santa, I don’t think he delivers gifts.” He countered.

“Carmen,” she stomped a foot against the kitchen floor with indignation, making him throw his head back with a laugh. It was frightening how much she reminded him of Vanessa. He had to assume that Vanessa was exactly like her little sister some odd years ago – and it endeared him even more to Hannah.

“Come on, you trust me,” he said, sliding over her drink. She contemplated his words, taking a sip of her drink before nodding.

“It’s true,” she acquiesced. “Thanks, Carmy!” She called, taking off to terrorize another room of the condo.

“What was that all about?” Vanessa said, barely scooting out the way as Hannah tore past her. She cradled Lily to her chest with one arm and sipped on a martini with the other.

“Your sister is an absolute menace,” he said, leaning against the counter, eyes dragging across the scene in front of him.

“So nothing new,” Vanessa grinned, stepping over to him. “Look at this little elf,” she smiled, bouncing Lily softly against her in her little red and white dress, complete with white tights and little black buckle shoes.

“The most perfect elf I’ve ever seen,” Carmen said, reaching for the baby and holding her to his chest, kissing her little bald head. Lily reached up, hooking a hand in Carmen’s bottom lip. “Are you giving me kisses?” He asked, gently closing his lips on her little fingers.

“I think she’s saying ‘no more kisses, Uncle Carm,’” Vanessa laughed, taking a sip of her drink.

“No, she wants kisses from Uncle Carm,” he cooed as she tapped her little fingernails against his lips.

“Nat and Pete said they’re going to try right away from another one,” Vanessa commented, hand diving into a spare tray of Christmas cookies Gina had brought over.

“Ness, I don’t need to hear that,” Carmen pulled a face.

“Oh grow up,” Vanessa laughed, feeding him a bite of a peanut butter cookie topped with a Hershey’s kiss. “I’m just saying, we’ll get another niece or nephew soon,” she shrugged, wiggling one of Lily’s little feet.

“I love Lil, I love your sisters and Gina and Rosie,” Carmen began, “I wouldn’t be crushed if they had another girl.”

“What about us?” Vanessa asked, setting her drink down on the counter and wiggling her fingers for Lily. Carmen carefully handed the sleepy four-month-old over. Vanessa cradled her gently, swaying from side to side while adjusting Lily’s little white bow.

“Girl,” Carmen continued, “all girls.” He added, taking another drink of his bourbon.

“Girl Daddy Carmen,” Vanessa grinned.

“Please Ness, never let me hear you call Carmen ‘Daddy’ again,” Nicola Monaghan said, sashaying into the kitchen. “Carm, tell your weird cousin to stop staring at my ass,” she said, pointedly. “Now give me the baby, I’m her favorite Auntie.”

Nicola scared Carmen in a healthy way – she was the closest thing Vanessa had to a brother. Taller than him, muscled shoulders and a threatening air – plus 15 teammates willing to back her up at any given moment.

Lily cooed at Nicola, who dropped an empty beer bottle in the recycling bin.

“We can’t do anything about Richie, Nic, but Carmen will let you take one good swing if he pisses you off,” Vanessa advised.

“It’s true,” Carmen nodded, eyes trailing after Lily.

“Hannie wants to go to a movie tomorrow night, she said there’s one playing at the Navy Pier AMC she wants to see,” Nicola said, grabbing another beer out of the fridge and popping off the top using the edge of the countertop, giving Carmen a small aneurysm.

“Yeah that sounds fun,” Vanessa said, wordlessly handing her sister a cookie.

“Why don’t you swing by the restaurant before for dinner?” Carmen asked, not wanting to miss out on time with them even though he’d be working.

“Yeah babe, that sounds fun,” Vanessa said excitedly.

“I want Syd to make my dinner,” Nicola commented.

“Nic,” Vanessa snapped with a frown.

“Or Carmy, whatever,” Nicola shrugged lightly. “I’m gonna go shake the presents.” She announced her departure, handing the baby off to Vanessa once again.

“Your sisters are unhinged,” Carmen said seriously. He wasn’t offended, he knew Nicola liked him – she’d even helped him pick out Vanessa’s dream ring a few weeks ago.

“Nic’s on edge, she’s trying to turn her long-term hookup into her boyfriend and it’s not going well – don’t take it personally,” Vanessa said, nuzzling Lily. “She’s not big on men right now.”

“Noted,” Carmen nodded. They both watched as Lily wiggled restlessly, pressing her face into Vanessa’s chest.

“Sorry Lil, we gotta find Mommy for that,” Vanessa laughed. “I’m gonna hand her off to Nat,” she said, kissing Carmen’s cheek. “Maybe we have Richie Claus hand out the gifts soon?” She suggested. “I think most everyone is done with dinner.”

Carmen held her to him gently, slanting his mouth over hers, Lily tucked between them.

“Love you,” Carmen murmured, reminding her once more.

“Love you too, Carmy,” she grinned, pecking his lips again before heading to find her future sister-in-law. An hour later, Richie had finished up handing out little gifts for all and they were in the thick of goodbyes as everyone began slowly filtering out.

Carmen and Vanessa sent guests home with gourmet leftovers before finding Hannah asleep on the couch and Nicola sitting on the freezing patio, chatting away on her phone with who Vanessa suspected to be her situationship.

“Hannie, wake up, babe,” Vanessa gently rubbed up and down Hannah’s arm.

“Ness, can we open presents?” Hannah mumbled, rubbing at her eyes.

“Baby it’s not Christmas,” Vanessa ran a hand over her little sister’s hair, a spitting image of her own brunette tresses.

“But maybe we could open one,” Carmen said, raising his brows as he looked at the big pile under their tree. The girls had decorated it together last night after Carmen made pizza. Vanessa grinned at Carmen. He’s such a pushover for Hannah.

“Get Nic and we’ll open one,” Vanessa said, holding up a single finger. Hannah was an outline of dust as she popped off the couch to run to the back bedroom. A few minutes later, they were all sat on the floor, Vanessa having had doled out five boxes, one for each of them. “Okay, these are going to look shockingly similar, so we’ll open at the same time,” she instructed.

Carmen was thrilled to have a box of his own, not having previously noticed this gift for him under the tree.

Hannah tore at the paper, spurring on the rest of the group.

“I was going to wait for us to open these when Daddy got back, but they seemed fitting for tonight,” Vanessa smiled as Hannah pulled up the first set of solid red pajamas, with ivory ribbed cuffs on the wrists, ankles and neck.

“Matching jammies,” Hannah smiled excitedly. “Thanks Ness!” She grinned, “let’s all put them on!” She insisted.

That’s how the Monaghan girls found themselves huddled on Vanessa and Carmen’s bed, dialing up The Santa Clause on TV. Carmen was the last to change, pulling on the soft cotton in the bathroom, running a hand through his hair and doubling back to the kitchen to grab the tray of cookies before returning to the bedroom.

“I think this is missing,” he commented, passing the tray off into Nicola’s awaiting hands. “I’m going to go post up in the family room,” he leaned over to kiss Vanessa’s cheek.

“What? No, come on Carm, we’re watching Santa Clause,” Hannah frowned.

“Yeah Carm, everyone loves Tim Allen as Santa – you know, before he got problematic,” Nicola insisted. Carmen’s eyes darted to Vanessa. This was her special time with her sisters and he didn’t want to impede.

“Carm!” Hannah huffed, patting the open mattress beside her, making Vanessa giggle.

“Come on, Berzatto, you’re holding up the movie,” she smiled. That’s how Carmen found himself as part of the Monaghan dog pile, Hannah leaning into his side and Nicola’s feet draped across his knees as the movie began.

Waking up the next morning, he carefully removed Hannah’s elbow from his ribs with his free hand, the other, somehow entwined with Vanessa’s across Nicola’s back. He’d overslept by an hour, but somehow didn’t mind, and was able to creep out of the bed without waking anyone up, which he considered a feat in itself.

He didn’t notice the little smile on his face as he started putting together a big platter of French toast and bacon, but he knew he liked celebrating Christmas with his girls. It would be okay if he was a little late to lunch prep, anyway.

Chapter Text

Carmen wasn’t nervous, not even a little bit, as they rode the train to City Hall. In fact he couldn’t remember a time he felt so at ease.

Marrying Vanessa was the easiest decision he’d ever made, and now, to have this secret just with her – it made him warm all over.

Vanessa looked so beautiful. Her white silk dress fell around her legs like water, her feet tucked into a pair of white heels she’d been drooling over for months on the Nordstrom website.

“No one’s going to see them under my real wedding dress, anyway,” she said excitedly as she slipped them on that morning. “This is the best of both worlds, really.”

His Levi jacket was slipped around her bare shoulders for now, and he couldn’t help but let his gaze wander over to her every few minutes.

“I’m going to be the best husband to you,” Carmen said sincerely, catching the attention of the two older ladies who sat across from them in the train car. Carmen didn’t exactly grow up with a great image of marriage to emulate, and he definitely didn’t learn much watching Natalie and Pete together, but he knew the kind of man he wanted to be, and he’d be that person for Vanessa.

“You’re so good to me,” Vanessa said, squeezing her hand in his, resting her head on his shoulder. “I have no doubt you’re going to be an amazing husband,” she finished.

“I mean it,” he murmured, his thumb rubbing across the top of her hand gently.

“Save it for your vows,” she smiled, stretching her neck in the slightest, letting him come the rest of the way to kiss her. He smelled like cologne and coffee, something they both needed to get out of the condo at six that morning to be the first people down at City Hall.

Carmen held his hand out dutifully as she stepped carefully down the stairs to the platform, and they strode hand in hand toward the municipal building.

“You have the rings, right?” Vanessa asked as they approached the door.

“Yes, Mrs. Berzatto,” he squeezed her hand, opening the door for her and letting her walk in first.

They bumbled around the handful of counters for a moment, trying to figure out where to go first.

“Uh, hi,” Carmen cleared his throat at the information booth. “We’re here to get married,” he was surprised he managed to get it out without error.

“Oh, you want to go to the fourth floor,” the admin replied with a warm smile, “but I’ll warn you, you normally need an appointment.”

“An appointment?” Vanessa asked softly.

“Yes, unfortunately,” she replied. Vanessa squeezed Carmen’s hand in hers. “But! It’s a Tuesday morning, who knows – if there’s a judge here, they can maybe squeeze you in.”

Carmen nodded, thanking the woman for her time and tugging Vanessa softly.

“Carm,” Vanessa said worriedly.

“S’okay babe, we’ll head up there and see what they have to say,” Carmen said reassuringly, pressing the button for the elevator. “No reason to think it still can’t happen.” Vanessa nodded, stepping into the elevator behind him.

“I wanna marry you today,” she mumbled as the doors closed behind her.

“I don’t care what we have to do, I will chase down a priest at the church around the corner if I have to,” Carmen reassured. “We’re getting married today.” Vanessa leaned up to kiss him once more as they arrived at the fourth floor.

Carmen confidently strode over to the first desk he could find.

“Hi, we don’t have an appointment, but we are looking to get married,” Carmen said to the man behind the counter.

“You don’t have an appointment?” The man asked. Carmen shook his head in the negative to confirm.

“No, we don’t, but maybe we can get in before the first appointment?” Carmen asked. Vanessa took in the building around her. “We don’t need all the extras, just want to say ‘I do,’” he elaborated.

Carmen watched on, now nervous, as the man tapped through a few screens on his computer. Vanessa leaned into Carmen’s side, waiting nervously.

“Okay, Judge Holbrook has an opening before his 7:30 a.m. appointment,” he said, getting their hopes all the way up. “Let me call him quick and see if we can make it happen.” He gave a small smile the couple, who made an attractive pair, and honestly wished he could help.

Carmen turned to Vanessa, dropping a kiss to the top of her head. A few moments later, the admin set his phone down with a big smile.

“Let’s go get married,” he said excitedly, “I’ll show you the room.”

Vanessa excitedly squeezed Carmen’s hand in her own.

It was nothing fancy, just a municipal building room with a state crest and a few flags. But they were getting married, so it didn’t matter.

When the judge entered the room, things moved quickly and before they knew it, they were being pronounced man and wife. Carmen gazed into Vanessa’s loving stare the entire time as he repeated after the judge. The admin was kind enough to snap a few photos and AirDrop them to Vanessa.

Both were in a haze as they left the room, a paper in hand they needed to file with a clerk. Taking their sweet time, they rode down the three escalators and headed over to the filing desk. Then, they were standing outside of City Hall, Carmen gently thumbing away the happy hears in Vanessa’s eyes.

“I’m going to be so good to you,” Carmen whispered, not believing he’d just gotten married to the woman of his dreams.

“You already are,” Vanessa smiled, letting him cradle her head in his hands. “Just keep waking me up when I miss my alarm and kissing me whenever I ask,” she gave a watery laugh, “and I’ll be happy forever.”

“Forever,” he agreed with a nod.

They celebrated with hot bagels from the deli down the street, sharing bites and stealing sips of the same cup of coffee.

“Where should we go for our honeymoon?” Vanessa asked. “It’s the only thing we haven’t planned,” she said, swiping her thumb across her lower lip to catch a bit of honey walnut cream cheese.

“Anywhere I can watch you lay out on the beach every day,” Carmen replied honestly. “We can go wherever we want.”

“Want me to surprise you?” Vanessa grinned, having a few ideas pop into her head.

“I’d love nothing more,” Carmen nodded, finishing off the last of their coffee. “It’s so tempting to call into work today,” he said as Vanessa slid over the last few bites of her bagel on the paper plate.

“If you don’t go to work, then I can’t greet my husband when he comes home tonight,” she smiled, crossing her legs. Carmen placed his hand on her knee as a reflex.

“Honey, I’m home,” he smirked. Vanessa’s brain went blank for a moment.

“We’re married,” she giggled, not believing it herself.

“Married,” Carmen agreed with a laugh, eyes wide. “But we have to watch the husband and wife shit for a while,” he curled a lip.

“Just for a while,” she reassured, sliding a hand up his jaw. “But facts are facts, it’s me and you.”

Chapter Text

“Carm!” The man in question turned, barely registering the pink puffer coat and two pigtails before Hannah had leapt on him, abandoning her suitcase.

“Hey Hannie girl,” He laughed, hugging her tightly.

“Where’s Nessa?” She asked as she dropped down back to her feet.

“She just went to the bathroom, we weren’t expecting you so quick,” Carmen said, looking around O’Hare Airport.

“I got off the plane fast because I got bumped to first class,” she grinned.

“Look at you!” Carmen laughed, happy to have his pseudo-little sister in town. Hannah was on Spring Break, and while she’d normally stay with her Dad in West Town, Bert was in Canada for a work engagement. Carmen and Nessa were all too glad to host Hannah, Carmen having taken two days off of work to spend time with her.

“Hannie!” The younger of the Monaghan women turned to see her sister approaching; her favorite Starbucks drink in Vanessa’s hand.

“Hi,” Hannah melted into her sister’s arms, happy to be home and with the woman who practically raised her.

“How was your flight, baby?” Vanessa asked, squeezing her sister tight.

“Good, I got to sit in first class and I had three bags of Sun Chips,” Hannah grinned, face still buried in Vanessa’s winter coat.

“For you,” Vanessa said, handing over the blended frappucino. Carmen had already taken up Hannah’s suitcase and pink sequined backpack before they set off to get a car back to the condo.

Vanessa had been prepping the house for Hannah’s arrival all week – washing sheets, stocking the fridge and guest bathroom, putting away a few of the breakables. She loved Hannah more than anything in the world, but she was a whirlwind of high energy.

They’d also be celebrating Hannah’s birthday while she was in town since she’d be back at boarding school at the end of the month and they wouldn’t be together. Vanessa had a big day planned – shopping downtown, and a painting class followed by dinner at The Bear and ice cream cake back at the condo.

Carmen dutifully took the front seat of the car as they rode back to Lincoln Park, and carried Hannah’s bags into the building. Arriving on a Sunday meant they got to spend the whole day together before he returned to the restaurant the next morning. Vanessa took the week from work, spring was slow following the holiday season and she was the boss, so she could make her own schedule.

“Are you hungry, Han? Or did those Sun Chips fill you up?” Carmen called from the kitchen as she Hannah dropped her bags back in her room.

“I’m not hungry!” She called back, reappearing in the family room having changed into a pair of sweatpants and one of Vanessa’s Penn State sweatshirts.

“Make sure you text Daddy and let him know you’re here,” Vanessa said pointedly as they naturally gathered in the kitchen. She’d already text Bert herself, but she knew he’d like to hear from Hannah. The younger of the two stepped between her sister’s legs, leaning back against her as she pulled her phone out of her sweatshirt pocket. Vanessa’s hands immediately delved into her sister’s silky hair, scratching softly at her scalp and gathering her brunette tresses into a little ponytail, braiding it absentmindedly.

Vanessa couldn’t help but look at Hannah’s phone over her shoulder, sending a text off to their Dad before sending another to a Caleb <3 <3 <3.

Carmen was pouring two glasses of ginger ale when he looked over to observe Vanessa and Hannah. It was almost unsettling to see the two together with how much they looked alike.

“Who’s Caleb?” Vanessa asked. Hannah immediately pressed her phone to her chest, looking up at her sister with a frown.

“Stop snooping!” She scowled. “He’s my boyfriend,” she added, looking down at her phone again.

“Your boyfriend?” Vanessa asked, trying not to laugh. Carmen’s eyebrows shot straight into his hairline. “How long has this been going on?” She asked the almost 13-year-old.

“For like five weeks,” Hannah said, taking her drink from Carmen.

“Pretty serious,” Carmen said, exchanging a look with Vanessa who was still doing her best to not giggle.

“He’s older,” she commented, which wiped the smile right off Carmen and Vanessa’s faces.

“How much older?” Carmen asked.

“He’s in seventh grade,” Hannah explained. Vanessa visibly deflated – so he was a few months older, not a Dateline situation.

“Well that’s two of us that like older men,” Vanessa winked, making Carmen roll his eyes. She was six months younger than Carmen and never let him forget it.

“Hannah, if you’re lucky there’s a new Lego set in the family room that’s waiting to be put together,” Carmen commented. Hannah immediately darted out of the kitchen, her socks barely finding purchase on the slick flooring.

“A boyfriend,” Carmen said gravely, stepping into Vanessa’s personal space.

“Personally, I’m worried for him,” Vanessa replied, stretching her arms around Carmen’s neck.

“Isn’t she a little young?” Carmen asked, not wanting to impose too much.

“They’re 12, Carm, he probably wears her scrunchie and they text each other using only emojis,” Vanessa laughed. “I’m not worried – besides, I had my first boyfriend when I was 13, too.”

“Hot ‘n heavy?” He asked.

“Totally, Greg Van Hunt - I wore his jersey to his lacrosse game and ran away from him afterward because I was scared he was going to hug me,” Vanessa recounted, laughing. “Who was your first girlfriend?” She asked with a tilt of her head, running her fingers up the back of his neck.

“Uh,” Carmen’s brain shorted for a moment. “Taylor Kipske in ninth grade,” he squinted. “She had green braces and I cut my lip on them during our first kiss.” Vanessa giggled, leaning forward to press her mouth against his. “She dumped me because I didn’t want to join her orchestra club.”

“Poor Carmy,” she simpered, kissing him once again. “Oh well, her loss.”

“Carm!” Hannah summoned him from the family room.

“Duty calls,” he said, leaning forward and slanting his mouth over Vanessa’s in a steamy exchange, his hands sliding down to squeeze her ass tightly, making her gasp. “What a loss for Greg Van Hunt,” he gave her a teasing slap before exiting the kitchen.

The next afternoon found Hannah and Vanessa at The Bear, Vanessa lazily nursing a glass of wine and chatting with Sydney while Hannah joined Carmen in the kitchen, her sleeves rolled up and a blue apron tied around her waist as she helped prep for dinner.

Carmen slowly walked Hannah through handling a sharp knife, showing her the correct way to slice onions and carrots. The redesign of the front of house and kitchen gave Vanessa a little window to watch the two work. She was always blown away by how much patience Carmen had for Hannah and she couldn’t help but picture him with their future children.

“Uh oh,” Sydney said, eyes darting between her friend and the kitchen. “So when are you going to announce?” She asked, Vanessa, snapping her out of her gaze.

“Announce?” Vanessa asked, taking a sip of her wine.

“You’re giving Chef over there ‘I’m pregnant’ eyes,” she said, quirking up an eyebrow.

“I’m not pregnant,” Vanessa laughed with a shake of her head. “That won’t be us for a while,” she insisted.

“But you want to,” Sydney said, a small smile on her face.

“For sure,” Vanessa nodded, “Carm’s the first person I’ve ever been able to see myself having kids with.” She said, eyes dragging over him as he razzed Hannah, causing her to erupt in a peel of laughter. “He can be weirdly old-fashioned, so a few things need to come first – I mean we just moved in together,” She shrugged.

“Uncle Richie is here!” Hannah jumped at the sound of Richie crashing through into the kitchen from the back entrance.

“That man is not your Uncle,” Carmen reassured Hannah.

“Hello Chefs,” Richie greeted the pair, “Hannah you partying hard on spring break?” Richie asked.

Vanessa laughed from the dining room as Carmen tossed her a look over his shoulder, neck craning to see her through the small window.

Hannah eventually migrated over to the front dining area, with Carmen personally serving them dinner. Vanessa warmed in appreciation for her boyfriend as he made a show of filling Hannah’s drink and wiping the edges of her plates as he served her. He was going to be such a good Dad.

Opting to take the train home that night, Carmen carried a tired Hannah on his back to the train stop, and she gladly sat in his lap on the ride home, head resting between his head and shoulder

“Wake up, Han,” Carmen gently nudged her as they arrived at their stop. Hannah crawled up on the train bench before folding herself over Carmen’s back again and he carried her to the condo. “Good job, sous chef,” he said, giving her a kiss on the forehead before she crawled into bed for the night.

Carmen washed his face and changed into a clean pair of boxers before getting into bed himself. Vanessa quickly got into his personal space, pressing her face into his cheek.

“You’re so patient with her,” she complimented. “Hannie can be a lot, but she admires you so much.” Carmen rotated to his side, pulling Vanessa into his chest.

“I just have it in my head that Hannah is you 15 years ago…” he murmured. “I just want her to know she’s valued and appreciated.” Vanessa stretched up to press her lips against his. Hiking her leg up over his hips, he chased her kiss, tongue licking the wine off the back of her teeth.

“Let me how you how much I appreciate you,” she exhaled, sliding down the bed. And as she peeled his boxers from his body and swallowed his cock, he certainly felt appreciated.

Carmen had a three hour break in the day between morning planning for the week and preparing for dinner, so he head home to see what the girls were up to on the second to last day of Hannah’s visit.

What he didn’t expect to come home to was a crying little girl on the couch being consoled by her older sister. Hannah was pink in the face as she laid her head in Vanessa’s lap, socked feet twisting around themselves as Vanessa stroked her hair.

“What happened?” Carmen asked worriedly.

“Caleb blocked me on Snapchat and Miley said he posted a TikTok with Rachel McDonough,” Hannah hiccupped. Carmen looked at Vanessa with confusion in his wide eyes.

‘He dumped her,’ Vanessa mouthed, knowing he’d have no idea what any of that meant. Carmen nodded, his mouth forming a small ‘o’ in recognition before he frowned.

“Aw, Han,” he walked over, squatting by the couch and putting a reassuring hand on her back. “I’m sorry,” he said genuinely. “Want me to go beat him up?” He asked sincerely, because he would – and Richie would help him – no questions asked.

Hannah hiccupped a soft laugh.

“No,” she mumbled, pausing for a moment, “maybe.”

“I’ll hold him down and you can take the first swing, huh? How about that?” He asked, shifting to sit on the edge of the sofa. Hannah moved to drape herself over Carmen instead.

“Can’t I just marry you, Carm?” She asked sadly. Vanessa stifled a giggle but grinned at her boyfriend nonetheless.

“Sure, babe,” he cleared his throat, looking over at Vanessa. “Sorry Vanessa, it’s not working out,” he began. “I’m breaking up with you.”

“Ugh,” Vanessa sighed. “I just got your keys made to the apartment – oh well, yes, we can break up.” She shrugged. Hannah’s giggles permeated through the sleeves of her sweatshirt. Vanessa reached over, nipping at her sides, causing the girl to squirm. “Can’t believe you’d steal my boyfriend!”

Revealing her face, her tears had dried up and Hannah was laughing in an unhinged way that made both Vanessa and Carmen smile.

“Ness!” She whined, trying her best to escape her sister’s probing, pinching hands. “Okay, okay!” She acquiesced, “You can keep him!” She gave in, causing Vanessa’s tickles to come to a stop.

“Wow, Hannah, I thought what we had was special,” Carmen said accusatorily. Hannah jumped on Carmen’s back, attaching herself to him like an octopus.

“You’re the best, Carm,” she sighed, “you can marry Nessa,” she decided finally. Carmen turned to give his girlfriend a fond look.

“Yeah, I think I will.”

Chapter Text

By the time Carmen and Vanessa rolled around to their second Halloween together, they’d been dating 16 months, and Carmen knew he was going to marry her.

He knew that for certain when she swung open the door to her condo for him, dressed head to toe like she was going to be working in his kitchen, only the shirt she wore underneath his blue apron was cropped to high heaven and her little spandex shorts were certainly not going to be protecting her from any oil pops.

Her feet were tucked into black Crocs, just like his kitchen shoes, and his tattoos had been carefully drawn on in black magic marker. He knew he had a hard time finding the chain necklace he wore nearly every day that morning, but now he knew she’d swiped it instead of it showing up in the dryer like it did from time to time.

“You’re late,” she smirked. “Don’t let it happen again,” she finished, brandishing with her metal spatula.

“Yes, chef,” Carmen smirked, closing the front door behind him. “Do a little spin for me, let me look at you.” He said, twirling one of his fingers in the air.

Vanessa did as he asked, spinning slowly and sweetly on her heel.

“Look at you all tatted up,” he grinned, gently moving her around to see how many she’d replicated.

“I’ve already got your next one planned,” she winked, “you can try to find it later.” She shivered slightly as his cold hands slid up her sides.

“No bra?” He asked, “baby, I don’t want Richie seeing your nips.” Vanessa laughed.

“I’m going to put a bra on,” she insisted, “and some proper trousers – just wanted you to see the ideal look before I changed.”

“Ideal look?” He asked, walking her backward through the foyer to the hall.

“Yeah, I ordered some shorties in your size, too, think this might be a good look for you at the restaurant,” she giggled, warping her body away from his hands as he nipped softly at her side.

“Baby, baby, baby,” he groaned, “how are we supposed to go anywhere with you looking like this, huh?”

“Car-my,” she sang, rolling her head to the side as he kissed his way up her neck. “Come on, we’re gonna be late,” she insisted.

“Nah, you can’t tell me we’re gonna be late when you greet me like this,” he replied, mocking her and walking her right into her bedroom.

“Seems more fitting for you to fuck me in the kitchen, huh?” She countered, batting her lashes.

“Trust me, there will be plenty of time for that,” he said, “for now, I think this will do just fine.” He turned her around to face her bed, hand sliding up from the small of her back to bend her gently over the edge of the mattress. “Tell me what you want, chef,” he said, leaning over her and squeezing her hips in his hands.

“Carmy,” she whined gently, pressing her body back into his. Carmen slid one hand down between her legs, feeling where she was hot and wet beneath his fingers. “Fuck me, please,” she pleaded as he fumbled to pull his cock out of his black sweatpants.

“Heard, chef,” he grinned to himself, mesmerized at the sight of his length slowly pushing his way in to her tight, wet heat.

An hour later, they were throwing back shots at The Bear alongside Ibrahim and Richie. Richie, donning a full sheriff’s costume, was all too glad to drape himself over Vanessa at any given chance.

She’d already forced Carmen to take a hundred photos of her all around the kitchen, mimicking him in a way she reassured was hero worship and not mockery. Carmen was happy to watch her be ridiculous, feeling rather at ease in his Chicago Cubs jersey and hat, two grease line stickers underneath each eye.

“Here, here, Syd,” Vanessa said, handing her phone over to her friend, who donned her own pilot costume. “Take one of me and Carmen - people aren’t going to be able to tell us apart.”

Vanessa buddied right up to Carmen, crossing her arms over her chest in an attempt to make her biceps look bigger.

“Twins,” Syd commented dryly, but with a smile on her face after all. “I certainly can’t tell who is who,” she kept snapping photos as Vanessa impeded further upon Carmen’s personal space, trying to look intimidating. Soon Vanessa abandoned her Carmen persona, throwing her arms around her boyfriend and pressing a big wet kiss to his cheek. “Oh come on,” Syd groaned.

Carmen gave Vanessa a squeeze, deliriously happy in this moment.

Another hour passed, with several more drinks down the hatch before Vanessa and Carmen readied themselves to leave for their next party at Nick’s bar with her college friends.

Vanessa danced around Carmen victoriously as she took home the Best Costume award, which was a big blue ribbon. He tried his very best to keep her hands out of his baseball pants in the back of their Uber.

“Hey, it’s a hundred dollar fee if I gotta clean your jizz off the seats,” the driver warned – only half-joking.

When they pushed the door open to Nick’s, they were greeted by a big group, Carmen excited to celebrate with his newfound friends. The music was loud, the drinks were flowing, and Vanessa’s inhibitions were long out the window.

Carmen watched as she flitted around the bar, celebrating with her friends and cooing over Gina’s pictures of Rosie dressed like a little bumblebee.

“Know what I want to be for Halloween next year?” She asked, returning to Carmen who’d posted up in a newly available barstool.

“What’s that, Ness?” He asked as she looped her arms over his shoulders.

“Your wife,” she grinned, pressing her hips into his.

“You don’t wanna be a chef anymore?” He asked, both hands braced against the small of her back. “Thought you liked being Carmen Berzatto,” he grinned, brushing her hair back from her face.

“Now I’m gonna be Mrs. Berzatto,” she simpered, the effect immediate as he could feel himself harden in his pants. And that’s how they ended up slinking away to the men’s bathroom, Vanessa propped up on the bathroom counter as Carmen pounded into her ruthlessly.

Vanessa giggled uncontrollably when her friends began slamming their palms on the door after they finished up as they re-dressed.

“I swear I’m gonna call the health department on myself if you two assholes do that again,” Nick warned, but wore a smile regardless. Carmen had one hand on Vanessa at all times, and as she handed over a shot of Jameson, he threw it back before they met for another steamy kiss.

“Ness, are you in heat, or what?” Gina asked with a laugh, twirling around in her Minnie Mouse dress.

“Fuck, I think I am,” she admitted, watching Carmen cheers a round with a group of the guys. “I just… everything he does makes me want him,” she groaned. “I swear this man makes me feral,” she sighed.

“When’s he moving in?” Gina asked. “It’s totally a socially acceptable time by now,” she finished.

“He hasn’t said anything,” Nessa shrugged, a little bit of the wind leaving her sails. “Maybe he doesn’t want to move in?” She asked.

“Nah, that’s not it,” Gina shook her head. “I’ve seen you date a handful of guys that liked you a lot, but that man is obsessed with you,” she added. “Take what you want, Vanessa,” she encouraged, “you always have – don’t stop now.”

Vanessa eyed her man – she did always get what she wanted – and right now, she wanted Carmen.

“Take me home,” she purred in his ear, wrapping herself around him from behind.

“That’s my cue,” he announced, all too happy to lead her out from the bar and into the back of a taxi.

“When we get home” she murmured, nuzzling into his neck, “I want to feel this,” she traced the bridge of his nose, “right here,” she guided his hands between her legs.

“Anything you want, chef,” he said, head swimming in her perfume and the last two tequila shots they took at Nick’s.

He made good on his promise, spending enough time with his face buried between her legs to bring tears to her eyes as she clutched his curls tightly. In return, she rode him until his eyes rolled back into his head.

The next morning was a slightly different story, the both of them waking up reluctantly. Carmen groaned, rolling into Vanessa and pulling her body closer to his from where she’d drifted away from him in the night.

“Are we dead?” He asked quietly, already hearing the change in her breathing and knowing she was awake.

“God I hope so,” she rebutted.

“Why did we drink so much?” He asked, pressing the heel of his palms into his eyes.

“It was a really good idea at the time,” she moaned, pressing her face into his chest where it was bare from between the open panels of his Cubs jersey.

“I can’t believe I have to work tonight,” he sighed, finally willing his eyelids to open. “Baby your tattoos are everywhere,” he smiled., knowing a simple laugh would send him into a migraine spiral.

“Oh,” Vanessa looked down at her body with a frown. “I worked really hard on those,” she mumbled.

“Want me to get the rest in the shower?” He offered, brushing his hand down the back of her head gently.

“You go ahead, I’ll order coffee and meet you in there,” she said, pressing a kiss to his skin. They both rolled out of bed, Vanessa setting out to find her phone where she’d dropped it the night before in the living room.

After placing a ridiculously priced DoorDash order for Starbucks, she padded back to the bedroom and met Carmen in the shower.

“Hold me,” she demanded softly, to which he was happy to comply.

“Good morning, Chef,” he murmured into her damp hair.

“Did’you like my costume?” She asked in reply, resting her head on his shoulder.

“The blue apron has never looked better,” he agreed, stroking a hand up and down the length of her spine.

“It was easy to pull together, all your stuff is here,” she said, pressing a light kiss to his neck. “I suppose maybe you have one or two things left at your place,” she traced a soft circle on his chest.

“Maybe one,” Carmen agreed, slowly rocking her underneath the warm spray of water.

“But you could always bring that one thing here,” she proposed softly. “Then all your stuff would be here,” Vanessa finished.

Carmen was quiet for a moment before pressing a kiss to her hairline.

“You asking me to move in?” He prompted quietly.

“It’s silly for you to pay rent,” she looked up at him through wet lashes that had just remnants of mascara from last night. “You’re here all the time.”

“So you’re trying to help me save some money?” He asked with a grin.

“It’s the economical thing to do,” she blinked, making him laugh. “And I just want you with me all the time,” she added. “I want your morning breath and your cold feet at night,” she elaborated. “Plus this way I can tell people I have a live-in chef.”

Carmen leaned down to press his lips to hers.

“I’d love to move in with you,” he mumbled.

“Plus, if you move in with me, we can shower together every day,” she tilted her head, “and you know how much I love it when you use the shower head on me.”

Carmen’s head dropped forward with a groan, slightly lightheaded as all the blood in his body ran to his cock.

“Come on,” she grinned, nipping at his jaw, “we’ve got twenty minutes till our coffees arrive.”

Chapter Text

“Oh baby,” Carmen said with a sad smile as he closed the door to the condo. Vanessa was propped up on the couch with two pillows under her foot, already in a bright pink plaster cast. Taking off his shoes and coat, he greeted Gina with a quick hug. “What’s the verdict, Doc?” he asked, sitting on the edge of the sofa, careful not to jostle her.

“Ankle’s broken - cast for six weeks,” Gina sighed, walking over to her purse and pulling out Vanessa’s new Vicodin prescription.

“Thanks, G,” he said, giving her shoulder a squeeze, “I got it from here.”

“Call me if you need me, okay?” She asked, slinking her coat on before exiting the apartment.

Carmen went back to the sofa where Vanessa was having a hard time keeping her eyes open, focusing on her crutches in the corner.

“What happened babe?” Carmen asked, stroking a hand over her hair. Her eyes were glassy as she looked up at him, and the small sniffle nearly broke him.

“I fell at work,” she mumbled out, lower lip trembling. “I missed the bottom step on the staircase and I was wearing my new heels,” she explained. “S’broken,” she looked pitifully down at her pink cast.

“It’s okay,” Carmen cooed, “you’ll get to take it easy for a bit and then you’ll be better in no time, huh?” He asked.

“Hurts,” she whimpered, leaning into his touch.

“I know, Ness,” he frowned, wishing he could take her pain. “What will make it better?” He asked.

“Want you to hold me,” she said earnestly. Carmen’s eyes darted around at the current set up which was not conducive for him to crawl on top of her in the living room.

“How about we go back to the bedroom and get you all set up?” He asked. “I’ll get you a nice ginger ale and we’ll get your broken wheel on some pillows?”

“Don’t make me use the crutches,” she hiccupped.

“No crutches,” he shook his head. “I’ll carry you,” he reassured. Taking off his jacket and draping it over the other sofa, he carefully slid his arms underneath her body, one below her shoulders and the other at her knees.

“Slow,” she said quietly, a weary expression on her face as he lifted her into his arms.

“Nice ‘n slow,” he agreed, adjusting slightly before dropping a kiss to her forehead. “That wasn’t so bad, huh babe?” He asked, to which she shook her head, tucking herself against his chest and reveling in the smell of his cologne.

“Don’t want to wear these clothes anymore,” she grimaced, uncomfortable in her work blouse and skirt. They were too tight, too restricting, and smelled like the hospital.

“We’ll get you into some pajamas,” Carmen assured, nudging the bedroom door open with his foot before entering and crossing the room to gingerly set her down on the edge of the bed. “Let’s get changed and then we’ll get settled,” he said, mostly talking to himself, but letting her know what to expect.

Crossing over to the closet, he went to his side, plucking up an old T-shirt and a pair of his boxers.

Getting Vanessa out of her clothes was easier than he thought, and she was cooperating as best she could. He carefully removed her earrings with his clunky thumbs before running his hands through her hair, giving her a soft kiss.

“You okay?” He asked gently as she shimmied into his T-shirt.

“I’m okay,” she nodded sadly, no spark in her eyes.

“Come on, let’s lay you back and elevate,” he said helping her scoot up the bed and lay back against their pillows. Carmen darted into the next room, grabbing the pillows off of that bad as well to return and stuff them gently under her cast.

“Do you need medicine?” He asked, “when did they say you could take some next?”

“I’m just gonna take some Advil when I wake up,” she insisted. “I don’t want to take the pills unless I really need it.” Carmen’s heart thumped once.

“V, it’s totally up to you,” he insisted. “If you want to take them, take them.”

Vanessa looked up at him with those big brown eyes and he knew she was sticking it out for him.

“It’s okay,” he said, running a hand down the back of her head reassuringly. “Come on, lean back,” he said, gently fluffing the pillows behind her.

“Baby, will you take my makeup off?” She asked. Carmen froze for a moment before nodding.

“Sure, let me get the stuff,” he said, cutting across to the bathroom. Her side of the sinks was a minefield, but he’d seen her execute her skincare routine enough times to identify the bottle of makeup remover before grabbing the cotton rounds she used. He also grabbed the spray bottle that usually followed the makeup remover.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he popped the top of the makeup remover, soaking a cotton pad before hovering over Vanessa’s face. She tried her best not to giggle as he took a slow, tentative swipe across her forehead.

“Good job, Carmy,” she sighed contently, eyes fluttering shut. Empowered by her praise, he moved more intentionally, swiping gently all over to reveal more and more of her soft, faded freckles and the little white scar by her nose.

“I’m gonna spray your face,” he warned, picking up the toner bottle.

“Well, it’s nice to get a warning for once,” she giggled, rolling her head to the side, making Carmen flush.

“I always warn you!” He insisted, giving the bottle a few pumps to mist her face.

“You do your best,” she smiled, “thank you, Carmy,” she sighed, giving him that same look that made his skin warm.

“Of course, Ness,” he said, cupping her face in his hand, “it’s my job.”

Once Vanessa was settled, Carmen changed out of his kitchen clothes, pulling on a pair of sweatpants before climbing in bed beside her.

“Always love how warm you are,” she mumbled, immediately leaning into his side. “Ready to be my nurse?” She asked, snuggling into him bare chest.

“Born ready,” he insisted, “now get some sleep, huh?”

The next two weeks were rough for Vanessa. As someone who had always been fiercely independent, those initial days relying on other for help were torture. Slowly but surely, she’d gotten more comfortable crutching around the house and knowing her limits.

She’d work from home during the day and Carmen was able to cut out an hour early every night to meet her for dinner.

And then, on Carmen’s favorite day, he got to give her a sponge bath, with her draped in the tub, her wrapped up ankle hanging off the edge of the bath.

The condo was filled with beautiful bouquets of flowers from friends and family, and Syd had dropped by to deliver a handful of freezer meal and lunches. Frankly since breaking her ankle, Vanessa had been eating better than ever.

Not being able to exercise, though, was making those meals show.

“Carm,” she turned in the mirror on week five – “do I look bigger?” She asked. Carmen froze from where he was getting undressed for the day.

“You look good to me,” he shrugged, unclasping his chain and setting it down.

“But do I look bigger?” She asked, still trying her best to turn around in front of the mirror in her bra and panties.

“I don’t know, babe,” Carmen said, walking over to join her in front of the mirror, standing behind her with his hands on her hips. “Tits look great,” he commented, making her roll her eyes. “Ass is… phenomenal,” he added, sliding his hands down her back to squeeze her in his hands. “Thighs – edible,” his hands continued on. “You’re beautiful, Ness,” Carmen said, dropping a kiss to her shoulder. “Let your body take care of you,” he murmured.

“Love you,” she said, tilting her head back to kiss him softly.

“Now strip,” he slapped her behind, making her squeal. “It’s time to scrub you up.”

Carmen was enjoying bath time way too much.
 

Chapter Text

“Mommy loves you,” Gina said, dropping one last kiss down to Rosie’s head. The little girl was sitting on Vanessa’s hip, her thumb in her mouth and her blankie in her other hand. “I’ll be back tomorrow morning,” she reassured.

“We’re going to have fun, aren’t we Ro?” Vanessa asked, giving the 16-month-old a little bounce.

Ro nodded delicately before resting her little head against Vanessa’s shoulder.

“Say ‘bye Mama,’” Vanessa cooed. Ro lifted a hand to wave goodbye to her Mama before Gina disappeared. “What should we do first, huh? Have a little snack?” Vanessa asked, gently bouncing into the kitchen. She slotted Rosie down into her high chair before turning to the fridge where Carmen had already portioned out most of Rosie’s meals for her visit into little glass containers. “What did Uncle Carm put together for us, huh?” She narrated while Rosie kicked her legs in the high chair.

Between Rosie and Lily, and their own future plans, they already had most things that they’d need to watch the girls – a high chair, pack ‘n play, crib and about a hundred toys that all dominated the second guest room’s closet when not being used.

Pulling out a little glass container, she uncovered it to reveal little wells filled with crushed blueberries and raspberries, roasted turkey, cheese cubes and avocado slices.

“Isn’t Uncle Carm the best?” She asked, setting the container down on the tray in front of the baby, glad it suctioned to the plastic. The two ladies enjoyed their lunches together, Rosie even getting a bite of Vanessa’s warmed mac ‘n cheese, before they moved on to play time.

Rosie’s current obsession was her Goodnight Veggies book, along with her stuffed ear of corn and broccoli plushes.

“Nom, nom, nom,” Vanessa pretended to chew on the broccoli, “yum, yum, yum,” she continued, causing a loud squeal to rip out of Rosie. They pushed forward with their play, Rosie showing interest in pulling herself up to push her walking board that lit up and made noise.

After not too long, she was ready for a small bottle ahead of her first nap of the day. Vanessa had dimmed the lights in the family room, drawing the shades closed before warming Rosie’s bottle and settling in the corner of the couch. She hummed softly as Rosie sucked down her bottle, her loud gulps and breathing making Vanessa smile. Rosie mostly fed herself, but enjoyed being held.

Next, she was changed into a new pair of soft pajamas that Vanessa and Carmen had washed and folded the night before. Clipping the baby monitor screen to the waist of her jeans, she slowly ducked out of the guest room where Rosie was snuggled into her crib.

Vanessa squared a few things away in the kitchen before checking her email in the next room over, ordering a few items for Carmen’s upcoming birthday. They’d have a small get together at Trunk Noodle, the restaurant letting her rent out the dining room to host friends and family. Carmen wasn’t much for big showings, but she wanted him to feel special on his birthday.

Checking her watch, Rosie could sleep for about another hour before she’d need to get up. Tonight they’d share dinner together, Carmen already planning on leaving work early to meet them for the meal. He’d been looking forward to watching Rosie for the night all week since they’d been asked.

He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but watching Lily and Rosie was scratching an increasingly hard to ignore itch he was feeling. Carmen was getting broody, and while it wasn’t time for he and Vanessa just yet, he could feel that day getting closer and closer.

When he arrived home that night, he hung up his coat, tucking his shoes into the front closet and ducked into the kitchen to quickly wash his hands.

“Who’s that kitty with the soft white tail?” Vanessa asked, reading aloud from one of Rosie’s books. “Feel, isn’t it soft?” She encouraged, running her own fingertips across the tuft of fur on the cardboard page. Rosie was nestled in Vanessa’s crossed legs, reading along with her Auntie. “Who’s that kitty with the shiny tag?” She continued to read, tilting the book back and forth to reflect the little mirror on the page.

“Are we reading the kitty book?” Carmen asked, gently entering the room, grabbing Rosie’s attention. He melted as she smiled, showing off her four little teeth.

“Who’s that?” Vanessa asked excitedly, “is Uncle Carm home?” She asked happily.

“Cahm,” Rosie rasped out with her little voice, disarming Carmen entirely. “Cahm.”

“That’s right, Ro, Carm,” Vanessa giggled, watching as Rosie smacked her palm against Vanessa’s leg excitedly.

“Come here, Ro,” Carmen said, hunching over and wiggling his fingers at the little girl, both of them laughing as she squealed excitedly, flapping her arms. Carmen lifted Rosie from Vanessa’s lap, the book since abandoned, as he pressed little kisses all over her face.

“How was work Carmy?” Vanessa asked, getting up from the floor and tucking the book away on the side table.

“Torture!” He said dramatically, “the day dragged on and on knowing you two were having fun here without me,” he said, happy to have Rosie’s little fingers strongly gripping his curls. “What did you girls get up today?” He asked, Rosie’s fingers now exploring his face.

“We ate our whole lunch!” Vanessa smiled happily, “then we played with our walker, read some books, took a bottle and a nap,” she listed off.

“Busy day!” Carmen said, attention back on Rosie who was fisting his white T-shirt.

“Big day,” Vanessa nodded, just as Rosie was beginning to squirm to get down from Carmen’s grasp. “Want to check her diaper while I look for dinner?” She asked, rubbing a hand up his shoulder.

“Home just in time for diaper duty? Lucky me!” Carmen said, raising Rosie over his head and bringing her down the hall to where they had the changing table set up. He’d fumbled his way through his first few diapers with Lily and Rosie, but now considered himself a pro.

Vanessa reached into the freezer and pulled out a few containers of French onion soup Carmen had frozen over the winter. She could put together a cheese plate, heat the soup and toss together a garden salad easily.

It wasn’t an hour later that they were settled around the kitchen table, enjoying their respective meals.

More, Rosie signaled with her hands, having devoured her smashed berries, which accompanied more smoked turkey, avocado and a few veggie puffs.

“Ro, why don’t you try some turkey before we do more berries?” Carmen asked, knowing the little smashed fruits were practically dessert for the toddler. She’s signaled for more again, stuffing her little fist into the well of the plate that previously held the fruit.

“Demanding,” Vanessa said, pulling out the secret weapon of fruit teethers, or cookies, as Rosie knew them.

“Look baby, Uncle Carm loves turkey,” Carmen illustrated, nibbling away on a piece from Rosie’s plate. There was more in the fridge anyway.

“Oh, it looks yummy!” Vanessa said with feigned jealousy. Rosie eyed the two closely, shoving a teething biscuit in her mouth before grabbing a fistful of turkey. She’d swiftly extended her arm over the side of her high chair tray.

“No,” Carmen shook his head, “dinner stays on the tray,” he added, giving her a pointed look. She simply opened her first, dropping the turkey to the floor.

“Ro,” Vanessa sighed, trying her best not to laugh. It was amazing how much power the little girl had over the two adults.

“Dinner stays on the tray,” Carmen reiterated, picking up the turkey from the floor and setting it by his plate on the dining table. Rosie squawked loudly, grabbing both their attention, showing off her fourth teeth.

“Teeth hurtin’ babe?” Vanessa cooed, running a hand over her little head. “The cookie taste good?” She asked – Rosie flashing her little teeth again. “Will you let Uncle Carm play with you while I clean up the kitchen?” She asked with a tilt of her head.

Carmen took his after-dinner duty seriously. First, he pulled Rosie’s dinner smock off, tossing it in the sink for Vanessa to rinse. Then, he grabbed a wet wipe and wiped down her grubby little face, blueberry already staining around her mouth. Rosie hated having her face wiped down and Carmen did his best not to laugh as she contorted her face every which way to escape the cold wipe. Next, they shuffled into the family room to find some more of her toys on the floor, but she was most taken with the books and picked up her Goodnight Veggies book once again. She waved it at Carmen and he immediately scooped her up to sit with him on the couch.

“Sunset in the garden, robins in their next – tossing, turning veggies need to get their rest,” Carmen flipped the book pages, his head dropped down so he could read gently to Rosie who was content to sit in his lap.

Vanessa wiped down the counter tops, checking her phone and sending a few photos off to Gina before joining her husband in the family room.

“Turnips tucked in tightly, potatoes closing eyes – tuckered out tomatoes humming lullabies,” Carmen pressed a kiss to Rosie’s head.

Vanessa picked up Rosie’s little broccoli plush and the toddler reached for it, cradling it to her chest.

“Cuddly cauliflowers, droopy pods of peas,” Carmen flipped the page, “rhubarbs reading stories to worn out broccolis.” He gave her a little squeeze as she waved her broccoli.

“Are you our little broccoli?” Vanessa asked, but Rosie’s attention was keenly fixed on the book. She smacked the cardboard page, finger pointing at the baby carrots.

“Or are you our baby carrot?” Carmen asked with a little smile. Rosie smacked the page again. “Okay, okay, I’m going,” he relented.

When book time was all finished, Vanessa was sent away with the baby for bath time while Carmen warmed up her last bottle of the night.

Changed into yet another fresh pair of pajamas – as Vanessa simply couldn’t help herself at the store – Rosie appeared in the family room, the scent of lavender and chamomile lingering on her baby soft skin.

Settling back on the couch, Vanessa snuggled into Carmen’s side as she cradled Rosie against her, the baby all too glad to have her bottle. Carmen had put on Rosie’s favorite dancing fruit video on the TV, but her eyes drooped further and further as she drank her bottle.

“I think it’s time to give goodnight kisses,” Vanessa said, Rosie’s head resting against her shoulder as she swayed gently in the family room. “Say ‘night Uncle Carm,’” she sang quietly.

Rosie opened up her hands, reaching for Carmen’s face as Vanessa dipped her forward. Landing an open-mouth, sloppy kiss on Carmen’s chin, she bid her uncle goodnight.

“Goodnight Rosie, I love you,” Carmen said, rubbing a hand up and down her back.

“Kiss,” Rosie said, hands flexing. She leaned forward again and Carmen pressed his lips to her impossibly soft skin.

“Kisses,” Vanessa smiled, cradling Rosie back to her chest and gently bouncing her as they continued down the hall.

Carmen flopped back onto the couch after grabbing a beer from the fridge – Vanessa joining him a few minutes later with the baby monitor screen, setting it down on the coffee table. Without pretense, she immediately crawled into his lap, straddling his thighs and looped her arms around his shoulders.

He was all too familiar with how needy she got after seeing him with the babies.

“Ro asleep?” He asked against her lips, to which Vanessa nodded, whimpering softly as he pinched the back of her neck. “Look at you all worked up,” he murmured, free hand sliding up her side, traveling across her back and pulling her body tightly against his.

They’d agreed – married for three years before babies. It was set in stone and something they took seriously. Vanessa wanted to go back to school and finish her masters – Carmen wanted to do more traveling and was deeply considering opening a second restaurant. They had a lot they wanted to do before family time, but now, after a year, that two-year mark was starting to feel further and further away.

“Can’t we just pretend?” Vanessa asked with a whimper, pushing down on Carmen’s quickly hardening length beneath her.

“Of course, baby,” Carmen acquiesced. “I love seeing you in Mommy mode,” he managed to get off the couch with her in his lap, her legs squeezing around his side as he carried her down the hall to their bedroom. Carrying her was easy, walking with a full erection was another as she continually rolled her hips against him. Shedding her shirt and bra, he carefully closed the bedroom door behind them.

Vanessa was barely dropped onto the bed before Carmen stripped her of her jeans, dropping his own denim on the ground before pinning her down to the mattress.

“Please Carmy,” she whimpered, heels digging into his ass as he took his cock in hand, pressing it against her wet folds.

“Can’t wake the baby,” he shushed her, sealing his mouth over hers as he pressed in, swallowing her moan whole. “That’s good, huh?” He asked, hips pressing in deep, causing her to nod quickly.

“S’good,” She agreed wholeheartedly. “Fuck me, Carm,” she begged, chipping away at his resolve. He could feel the backs of his knees sweating as he pumped into her with long, deep strokes.

Carmen dipped two fingers into his mouth before seeking out her clit, loving her pathetic whine as he swirled around it.

“You want a baby?” He asked, brushing her hair from her face with his free hand, she nodded again. “Want me to put a baby in you?” He asked, fingers strumming her body in time with his thrusts.

“Yeah,” she gasped, “give me a baby, Carm,” she gasped. Carmen could feel his full body shudder from his shoulders down to his toes. “Want you to give me a baby,” she begged, “n’make me a Mommy.” Carmen’s hips stuttered. She bared down, clenching hard to keep him inside, causing him to curse out loud.

“Jesus Ness,” his brows knit together, eyes bright with pleasure and disbelief. Her legs wrapped around him tighter, urging him on.

“Come on, Carmy,” she purred, “don’t make me wait,” she gasped.

If she didn’t know him better, he’d be embarrassed how quickly he came – but his own orgasm set her off, and her sex pulsing around him made stars appear behind his eyelids. Vanessa bit into his shoulder hard to keep from screaming – feeling the way his orgasm coated her insides.

Carmen collapsed on her chest, hand sliding under her back to cradle her shoulders.

“Fuck,” he sighed, eyes fluttering shut. “Never leaving this pussy, Ness,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her collarbone. She whined gently as he attempted to move, her feet keeping him in place.

“Give me a minute,” she whispered, feeling all too content to have her seated so deeply within her. Carmen’s head dipped down, lazily circling his tongue around her beaded nipple. She cradled his head, fingers delving in his curls as he laved her breast with his tongue, his free hand tweaking the other nipple gently.

Carmen always was a tit man, and she noticed he’d often pay them more attention after he came.

“I think if you didn’t have your IUD in, that would have been it,” Carmen grinned against her skin, making Vanessa giggle. “You’re going to need a team of archaeologists to get me out of you,” he elaborated, eyes going blurry for a moment as her laughter caused her sex to flutter around her again.

“Two more years,” she said quietly, playing with his hair.

“Two more years,” he agreed, giving her a tender look. “We get to be the best Uncle Carm and Auntie Ness until it’s our turn,” he reminded, making her nod.

However, later that night, as the baby monitor crackled with sound, Vanessa rolled to where it was sitting on Carmen’s nightstand, and blearily rubbed up and down his arm – she found it all too easy to say, “Daddy, check the baby.”