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sydscarm · 2 months

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end of beginning, part one.

carmen berzatto x childhood bestfriend!reader word count : 2.3k warning(s) : none!

and when i'm back in chicago, i feel it. another version of me, i was in it.

9 YEARS AGO.

"i don't understand why you're so mad at me! you said you were fine with me working at the beef!"

this was the first and only fight they would have about this. after begging and begging his older brother to hire him at his restaurant, carmen berzatto was still not even allowed on the premises. carmy really just wanted to take orders. or sweep. or wash dishes. or just anything. but no. micheal berzatto wouldn't even let his little brother in the front door. carmy had complained to his best friend tirelessly about how much he wanted to work at the beef and how hard he had worked to prove himself to his older brother and she listened intensely. she too had applied at the beef but since mikey wouldn't even hire his own flesh and blood, she knew she had no shot at getting the job herself. being the younger sister of micheal's best friend came with its perks, of course. she was always invited to christmas dinner and had been given the recipe on how to make the best italian beef sandwiches. but it also came with its downfalls. being the same age as his younger brother, mikey held her to almost the same standard that he held carmy. she was only allowed at the beef on special occasions and she thought she had no chance at being bestowed the honor of washing dishes in the dirty kitchen of the beef.

two months ago, y/n had tagged along with her brother, richie, on a run to the restaurant. richie had to drop off paperwork for something she really wasn't interested in and after relentless begging, he had let her come with. it was only supposed to be a short trip. they were going to run into the shop, drop off some papers, and maybe get a sandwich to-go. but what was supposed to be a quick visit turned into a multiple hour affair. richie and mikey had gotten to talking and there was no stopping it when mikey started on one of his tangents. somewhere in their hours long conversation, y/n's older brother had decided to throw his sister a bone and mention to his friend that she was "on his ass" about wanting to work at the beef. mikey had immediately shut him down but after glancing at the girl sitting nearby, a pout on her lip and her hands folded together in a silent plea, he reluctantly agreed to give her a job. it was only after school and on the weekends and the pay was terrible and she was only allowed to clean tables and mop the floors, but it got her in the door. she was ecstatic.

as soon as she got home, she immediately called her best friend. the excitement was evident in her voice, which in turn made carmy's heart race as he waited anxiously for what she going to tell him. his smile dropped and his stomach churned when the words "i got a job at the beef" left her mouth. he could hear the grin in her tone and she could hear the long pause carmy took after she told him the news. she apologized profusely, of course. she knew how much that job had meant to him and she felt guilty that she had gotten it instead. she assured him over and over that if he didn't want her to take the job, she wouldn't. their friendship was much more important to her than $7.25 an hour and sweeping up pieces of beef that had fallen to the floor. she could hear him gulp and sigh and she fully expected him to tell her no. but instead she heard him stutter, shuffle around, and say, "no, it's fine. i'm happy for you."

that was two months ago. y/n hadn't done much else in her time working at the beef than mop and take an order when mikey let her. it wasn't fun and the pay was awful, but y/n couldn't remember the last time she would wake up that excited. the day that her and carmy had their fight, she had gotten up early on a saturday, put on her non-slip shoes and a "the original beef of chicagoland" t-shirt, and sat in the car while she waited for richie. they had gotten there earlier than normal and the chefs were in the beginning stages of prepping for the day. y/n had put her stuff in the office, there was no locker for her, and prepared to sit around all morning until the restaurant finally opened. she had only been sitting for about 15 minutes when mikey popped his head in the door.

"yo, honey," he had started, the nickname he gave her 16 years ago making its usual appearance, "do you wanna help us prep today?"

she was shocked. her mouth was agape and she just stared at him. did she want to prep? to her that was the equivalent of asking her if she wanted a million dollars. "uh…" she looked around the room. she was kind of unsure if she was being pranked or not.

mikey laughed. "you're just chopping fucking onions and tomatoes, dude. it's not hard."

y/n, albeit nervously, laughed back. "uh, yeah! y-yes. i would love to help prep."

"then c'mon."

she was on cloud nine. for two hours mikey let her cut tomatoes and peppers and onions and stir a pot or two. she was smiling the entire time. richie and mikey had laughed at how excited she was but she didn't care. this was the most exciting thing that had happened to her thus far. after her shift was completely over, the floors mopped and the open sign turned to close, she ran all the way from her house to carmy's. she opened the door without knocking and took the stairs two at a time to get to his room.

"bear! guess what?!" she was out of breath, bent over with her hands on her knees. carmy was sitting in his desk chair facing her with his eyes wide and eyebrows furrowed. she had just burst into his room yelling after all.

"what?" he had chuckled at her.

"mikey… fuck, give me a second." she was still catching her breath.

"did you run all the way here?" carmy asked. it wasn't the first time she felt she had news so important that she ran the mile from her house to his.

"yes! anyway," she was bouncing on the balls of her feet, a telltale sign she was about to burst with excitement, "mikey let me help prep today! isn't that so exciting! it was only cutting onions and tomatoes and what not but he-"

carmy had tuned her out. he was fine with her working at the beef, really. he was happy for her. but only if she was washing dishes. it was a low level job. it didn't require any of the chef skills they were both so proud of. he was fine with that. he didn't need to prove to mikey that he was capable of wiping tables but his knife skills were something he was really proud of. he would never say this to y/n, but his knife skills were better than hers. and mikey let her chop vegetables.

"are you serious?"

she was mid sentance and her smile shook a little bit when he interrupted her. "uh, yeah! isn't that so cool?"

he rolled his eyes. he didn't mean to, not really. the jealousy was basically oozing from his pores. "yeah. yeah that's super fucking cool, y/n."

she just stood there, eyebrows furrowed. "are you mad at me?"

carmy swiveled around in his chair to rest his elbows on his small desk, his hands coming up to cover his face. a knot began to form in his throat and his breaths started coming out a bit shaky. he wasn't angry at her persay, he was more angry at mikey than anything. ever since y/n got her job at the beef, carmy had started working so much harder in front of mikey in hopes that he'd hire him too. he'd get to work with his best, and only, friend and maybe, if he practiced hard enough, mikey would let him prep sometimes. but none of it had mattered. mikey was going to let y/n work at the restaurant and let y/n prep and leave nothing for his own brother.

"i mean i'm not exactly happy," carmy mumbled through his hands.

y/n stood behind him, playing with her fingers. she was kind of unsure of what to say. she would offer to quit to save their friendship, but she didn't really want to. she really liked working the beef and after today, there was a hope deep inside her that mikey would let her take on bigger duties.

"i could talk to mikey again, if you want. you know, to see if he'll reconsider hiring you."

carmy groaned. i wasn't really about having the job anymore. it was more about mikey trusting her more than he trusted him. he spun around quickly, his arms falling back to his sides. "i don't even know why you took that job in the first place."

she was taken aback and she scoffed, almost as a reflex. "what? you said you were fine with it!" "well obviously i'm not!" he yelled at her. he yelled. carmy had always been soft spoken and shy. it was only recently that he started talking back to his mom and, apparently, yelling at his best friend.

y/n just stared at him. "well, i don't know what you want me to do about it now."

"quit."

her eyes widened and her stomach dropped. she could feel that he was going to say that, but hearing it out loud was much different. "what?"

he stepped closer to her and she could see the anger in his face. his eyes were filled with tears, though. the anger on his face a direct contrast to the sadness that filled his eyes. "i want you to quit."

y/n lowered her head under his gaze. she was never one to shy away from carmy but you could cut the tension in the room with a knife. and she almost gave in. she almost told him yes and that she would quit in order to make his pain go away. but she couldn't. she loved that job. she loved the way the kitchen smelled while everyone was prepping and she loved the soft sound of mikey's radio ringing out from back of house. she couldn't give that up. even if it meant breaking the heart of her best friend.

"i can't," she whispered.

carmy's stomach churned and for a second he thought he was going to throw up. he knew she was going to say no. and he felt awful for the thoughts clouding his mind. the ultimatum left his mouth before he had thought enough about it to stop it.

"i-if you keep working at the beef, i don't.. i don't think we can be friends."

if she wasn't on the verge of tears before, she is now. she tried to blink away the tears clouding her vision but they just rolled down her cheeks. what was she supposed to say? carmy was her best, and only, close friend. she had other friends, sure. but none of them understood or knew her the way that carmy did. they had been best friends since birth, thanks to their older brothers. but she couldn't quit her job at the beef, she knew that. and as much as he didn't want to admit it, carmy knew it too.

"that's… really selfish, carmen."

he knew that. he knew that before the words had even formed in his brain. but hearing her call him selfish coupled with the fact that she called him carmen, something she never did, ignited something in him. a rage that he had never felt before and he didn't even know if it was directed at her.

"i think choosing a fucking job over your friendship with me is even more selfish!"

she scoffed, the tears drying almost immediately. "i don't understand why you're so mad at me! you said you were fine with me working at the beef!"

"that's just not something you do, y/n! i've wanted that job years longer than you! you just wanted to work there because don't have any hobbies other than fucking following me around!"

ok. ouch.

"i like my job at the beef so much because it gives me chance to get the fuck away from you!" she didn't mean it, but she needed to find something to say that would hurt him as much as he hurt her. "i get that you don't have any other fucking friends but god! asking me to quit my job because you don't like that i'm spending time away from you is pathetic."

he was taken aback. that hurt. fighting with someone who knows you better than anyone else is a risky move. they both knew exactly what to say that would hurt each other the most.

y/n grabs her keys that she threw on carmy's bed and turned to fling open the door.

carmy scoffed. "i don't know who the fuck you are anymore."

"not your best friend, apparently." and with that, she slammed his bedroom door.

and she was right. after being no contact for nine year and two moves to new york later, they both have new best friends. until mikey died and they both move back to chicago, only to find that the beef was left to two people. the names on the operating agreement? y/n jerimovich and carmen berzatto.

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emjayewrites · 5 months

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PASTRY PASSIONS (4/?) (Luca x blackfemoc!)

PAIRING: Luca x Symone (black!original character)

SUMMARY: When Symone secures a coveted position as the social media manager at Noma, the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, she is thrilled to be part of a team that pushes boundaries and captures gastronomic excellence. As Symone immerses herself in the vibrant atmosphere of Noma, she catches the eye of Luca, a talented and career-focused pastry chef within the same establishment. Luca is captivated by her presence, however, with his desire to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life, he resists the growing attraction he feels toward her. Despite their shared passion for the culinary world, Symone and Luca find themselves entangled in a delicate dance between friendship, ambition, and unspoken desires. As the duo collaborates on various projects, from showcasing exquisite pastries to capturing behind-the-scenes glimpses of culinary artistry, they face numerous challenges that test their resolve. Amidst the intense pressures of Noma’s demanding environment and the weight of their individual aspirations, Symone and Luca must navigate their relationship in a career-driven world, where the line between personal and professional blurs, and decisions made can shape not only one’s heart but also their future in the industry.

WARNINGS: slow burn romance, drama, angst, grueling work conditions/not-so-glamorous life of the culinary world, cursing, slight age gap, sexual content. RATED M (18+)

TAGLIST: @cinewhore @kdoxkeic @wakandamama @afro-hispwriter @nolita-fairytale @lovebittenbyevans @blowmymbackout @superhoeva @barefoothighlander @ihyperfixateoncharacters @soufcakmistress @celestianstars @vlvtkyssis @fadingbelieverexpert @arctvrvs @scottlangswife @lilyed777 @suckthatskittlebiiitch @write-fromthe-start @pantherxrogers @penny44224 @roxyfan14-blog @aieshawilliams2001 @cillianmirphy @sarcasticmrfox @zeeader @eddiemunsonreader @geekyfer @retrouvailles-film @stargirlfics @mauvecherie-writes @spellbinding10 @blckgrl-sunflower @beahil @stnexus @iamcurlycubana @motivation-idontknowher @shar74nett @blackpearlbutterfly @virgosapphire79 @a-lumos-in-the-nox @creativitybewarebeware @becauseimher @crispysublimecupcake @wordswithoppar @mintbong420

AUTHOR NOTE: This is my first fic for FX’s The Bear. This contains spoilers from Season 2, so please don’t read it if you haven’t watched it. In “Honeydew”, Luca mentions that he’s been working as a pastry chef/chef for 14 years, so he has to be in his early/mid-30s (32-34-ish?) and there will be a small age gap between him and Symone. Also, Chapters 1-3 are set a month and a half before Marcus’ stage trip in January. Please DM me if you want to be added to the tag list. Enjoy reading!

CHAPTER IV: Bain-Marie

BAIN-MARIE: A water bath that prevents delicate desserts from curdling, cracking, or overcooking as they bake.

As the days rolled by at Noma, the tension between Luca and Symone lingered like a silent storm. Despite their brief yet intense connection in Oslo, their interactions were now cloaked in an uneasy atmosphere. Both danced around each other, caught in a web of unspoken emotions and unresolved feelings.

Symone tried to bury her emotions beneath a façade of professionalism. She threw herself into her work, channeling her energy into creating social media content for Noma. Yet, every time she glanced in Luca's direction, her heart fluttered, reminding her of the bond they shared during their time away.

Meanwhile, Luca wrestled with his own internal conflict. He found solace in the familiar chaos of the kitchen, throwing himself into refining pastries and mentoring Marcus. However, thoughts of Symone were a constant distraction, leaving him grappling with the unspoken tension that lingered between them.

One afternoon, amidst the controlled chaos of the kitchen, an unexpected lull provided a fleeting moment of respite. Luca stole a glance across the bustling room and found Symone engrossed in her work at an empty table, typing away on her laptop.

Summoning his courage, Luca navigated the sea of busy chefs and made his way toward her. With each step, his heartbeat quickened, nerves coiling in his stomach.

"Hey," he greeted softly as he approached Symone.

Symone looked up, surprised at the interruption. "Oh, hey Luca," she responded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Mind if I... we talk for a sec?" Luca asked, his voice tinged with a touch of uncertainty.

"Sure, what's up?" Symone replied, setting aside her work to give him her full attention.

They faced each other, the air thick with unspoken words. Luca hesitated, searching for the right words to articulate the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him.

"I know things have been weird between us lately," Luca began, his gaze earnest as he met Symone's eyes. "And I just wanted to say... I don't want it to be like this."

Symone nodded in understanding, her expression softening. "Me neither. It's just... complicated."

"Yeah," Luca agreed, a rueful smile crossing his face. "But maybe it doesn't have to be."

Their eyes held a silent conversation, a myriad of emotions passing between them. For a moment, the chaos of the kitchen faded into the background, leaving only the palpable tension between Luca and Symone.

"So...what're you suggesting?" Symone wondered as her eyebrows furrowed. She inched closer to him, causing her delightful scent of vanilla and cherries to waft through his nostrils. Her smell beckoned him and it took all of Luca's willpower to not kiss her right then and there.

He's been trying to be on his best behavior since they came back from Oslo, giving her time and distance to process what happened between them, yet Marcus' advice kept echoing in his mind: he needed to uncomplicate it.

Was he scared shitless? Of course; he didn't want to be in yet another office situationship, however, Symone was proving to be too hard to forget and Luca was willing to risk it at least one more time. Call him reckless, yet he'll be an idiot to try to keep playing this platonic bullshit with her, especially after the weekend they had.

"I dunno," he shrugged, "but I don't want to be here at work feeling awkward as hell, y'know? Symone, we...had fun in Oslo, alright? Why can't we continue to have fun here?"

Her annoyed eye roll tempted him to chuckle, yet somehow he managed to keep it together. Luca enjoyed watching her reactions; she was such an open book.

Symone crossed her arms over her chest, which emphasized her breasts even more, much to Luca's chagrin. "I thought we agreed to leave it in Oslo?"

"I know, I know," Luca admitted, trying to diffuse the tension with a half-hearted grin. "But can't we at least be civil? Working like this is driving me crazy."

Symone sighed, her frustration evident. "It's not that easy, Luca. Things are different here, and we have our responsibilities."

"Yeah, responsibilities," Luca echoed, a tinge of disappointment in his voice. "I get it, but does that mean we can't even talk without it being weird?"

She hesitated, looking away for a moment before meeting his gaze. "It's not about being weird. It's about keeping things professional."

"Professional," Luca repeated, the word feeling like a barricade between them. "I guess I just miss how things were."

Symone's expression softened, a flicker of nostalgia crossing her features. "I miss it too, believe me. But we can't go back."

"Can't or won't?" Luca challenged, a hint of defiance in his tone.

"Luca...don't do this." Symone's gaze softened briefly before she regained her composure. "This isn't the time or place for... this."

An awkward silence settled between them, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. Luca ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident.

"Alright, then," he said finally, trying to sound nonchalant despite the ache in his chest. "I'll leave it alone."

Symone's gaze softened, a hint of regret flashing in her eyes. "Luca, I..."

But before she could finish, Luca gave her a small, understanding nod. "It's fine, really." With a heavy heart, Luca pivoted on his heel to turn away and get back to his work, but something – someone –stopped him.

"Luca," she stated in a harsh whisper, her fingers lightly gripping his wrist, halting his departure. Her eyes pleaded with him, conflicted emotions swirling within them. "Please."

He turned back around, caught off guard by the sudden contact, and met her gaze, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "Yes, Symone?"

"I didn't mean for it to be like this," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the kitchen's clamor. "It's just... it's complicated. Can we talk about this later? Just you and me?"

He searched her eyes for a moment, seeing a mix of regret and longing. "Sure," he said. "Where?"

Symone's grip on his wrist loosened, her hand falling back to her side. "My apartment. I can make us dinner."

"Trying to bribe me with food, huh?" Luca let out a low whistle, shaking his head in mock displeasure. "That's cold, Symone."

Symone managed a small, rueful smile, a glint of warmth in her eyes. "Hey, it's the least I can do."

Luca chuckled softly, the tension in the air easing just a fraction. "Alright, fine, but I can't promise that I'll enjoy it as much as I want to."

"Liar," Symone quipped. "You know damn well you've been itching to try my cooking."

"We shall see, Symone." He glanced over at his workstation. "I have to finish up my work, but I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay," was her response.

Symone silently watched as Luca headed back to his tasks.

______________________________________________________________

The hours passed slowly for Luca, his mind occupied with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty about the upcoming evening. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, he found solace in the familiarity of his work, channeling his restless energy into perfecting the desserts for the evening service.

As the day wound down, Luca glanced at the clock, realizing it was time to leave. With a sense of both apprehension and excitement, he made his way to Symone's apartment, the thoughts of their impending conversation swirling in his mind.

Upon arrival, Symone greeted him with a warm smile, the aroma of a homemade meal filling the cozy space. They exchanged a few light-hearted remarks about their day, attempting to mask the unspoken tension that lingered between them.

Dinner progressed smoothly, the conversation flowing more easily than expected. Symone's culinary skills surpassed his expectations, and Luca couldn't help but admit how much he enjoyed the meal. They laughed and reminisced about shared experiences, momentarily letting go of the weight that rested between them.

As they finished their meal, Luca sensed Symone's demeanor shifting, her expression becoming more earnest.

"Luca," Symone began, her tone tinged with a mix of hesitation and resolve. "I've been distant, and I want to apologize for that."

A reassuring smile appeared on his lips. "I understand. I'm sure it can be weird coming back after all the things we've done in Oslo." He added a sultry wink at the end and Symone kissed her teeth at his antics. "I'm not sure about you, but after something like that, fucking you like that, I can't just be friends, Symone. Don't you miss that? Don't you miss how we felt together?"

"I do miss it," she confessed, her eyes meeting his with a twinge of vulnerability. She wouldn't lie to herself to say anything else; it took so long to admit it. Since that weekend in Oslo, all she could dream about was Luca's big, calloused hands on her smooth skin. Symone was unable to shake off the feeling of Luca inside of her, fucking her relentlessly. Call her touch starved, a sex feign, whatever; yet it was no denying how wonderful it felt to be with him, even for a brief moment.

Luca's heart skipped a beat at her honesty. "I miss it too, more than you know."

The air between them crackled with unspoken emotions, but there was an unspoken agreement, a silent understanding that they both yearned for more than just professionalism between them.

"I want to find a way to balance this," Symone said, her voice soft but resolute. "But I don't even know where to start. I mean—fuck!" She used both hands to cover her face and mumbled out a few incoherent sentences. Exhaling a deep breath, she finally removed her hands from her face. "Sorry, I can be a bit melodramatic. Obviously, what we had was fun..."

"Yes," smiled Luca, "it was really fun. I'm down to keep going if you are, Symone. Just say the words."

If it all was that simple, she thought. But it could be...

As soon as that intrusive musing popped up in her mind, she quickly forbade it, pushing it to the deep depths of her consciousness. Symone felt a mix of emotions swirl within her, a whirlwind of hesitation, desire, and caution. Luca's proposal sounded both appealing and daunting at the same time.

"It's not that simple," she murmured, her gaze lingering on Luca, feeling a tug-of-war between her longing to reconnect and the fear of the repercussions. "Listen, this is hard for me to navigate, okay? I have a career to worry about. I mean, we both have careers. What if someone finds out?"

"Then we figure it out, Symone," Luca said all too calmly. "This isn't my first go-around for something like this and I can understand your concern, your worry, but...how 'bout we put a timeframe on it, okay? Let's say until Noma officially closes its Copenhagen restaurant? Until then, we're friends with benefits, a couple, whatever you want to describe it."

Wow, he has all the answers, doesn't he?

A sense of frustration flickered within her, the conflict evident on her face. "And at work?" she wondered, rolling her eyes at the uncomfortable ease he had towards this. It sounded ludicrous and she hated the idea of sneaking around. It made her feel all too reminiscent of her younger, teenage self hiding her boyfriend from her nosy, overprotective father.

Been there, done that, and still remember the punishment of that entire ordeal.

Luca shrugged nonchalantly. "Work is work, but alone time is just us."

"And then what? What happens after Noma closes?"

His demeanor remained composed, a hint of determination in his eyes. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there."

Symone pondered his proposition; it stirred a sense of reluctance, yet there was an undeniable pull toward Luca, a chance to rekindle something they had lost, which was something she so desperately craved. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes," he agreed. "Whether it's at your place or mine, we can be whatever you desire, and at work, we are strictly professional. How does that sound, baby?"

"Baby?" Symone scoffed. "So we're jumping right in with the affection, huh?"

"Fuck yeah," he said as his eyes twinkled with mischief. He eased out of his chair to saunter over to her. Despite his innate desire to erase any specific timeline from their connection, he recognized the necessity of gently rekindling their relationship.

He towered above her, the gravitational pull between them was undeniable, a magnetic force that seemed to transcend the boundaries of logic and rationality.

As he stood there, close yet not touching, Luca grappled with the conflicting desires within him. He prided himself on patience and adhering to rules, but Symone had a way of dismantling his resolve, sparking an urgency that tugged at his restraint.

"Symone," he began, his voice softer, a deep timbre, and he reached out tentatively to caress her cheek. "We'll do whatever you what, okay?"

The touch sent a jolt through both of them, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken connection that lingered between them. Luca felt the familiar tug of attraction and the urge to unravel the intricacies of their bond, and as much as he tried to exercise restraint, reminding himself of the importance of patience and understanding, his fervor for her managed to overtake his entire existence.

Cupping her chin, he leaned down to kiss her. Their lips met in a passionate embrace, igniting a fire within them that burned hotter with each passing second. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the intoxicating taste of each other's lips, their bodies pressed together in a desperate need for closeness. The world around them faded away, leaving only the electrifying sensation of their kiss. It was a moment of pure bliss, where desire and longing merged into one unforgettable experience.

Their embrace deepened, and a low, passionate moan escaped Symone's lips, echoing the intensity of their connection. Her fingers tangled in Luca's hair, gently massaging his scalp, heightening the pleasure of their intimate exchange.

Luca pulled at her clothing, and Symone quickly got the hint, separating briefly to remove her t-shirt. Her breasts were covered by her bra yet Luca still growled at the sight of her — she was still as gorgeous as he remembered.

"C'mere," he said as his hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her back to him. Symone melted into him, her body responding instinctively to his commanding presence. Their lips moved once again in sync, a dance of passion and longing, as Luca's hands trailed up her back, tracing the delicate curve of her spine. With a surge of courage, he unclasped her bra, letting it fall to the floor, and exposing her breasts to his hungry gaze.

Luca's eyes darkened with desire as he hungrily took in the sight before him. He leaned down, capturing one of her hardened nipples with his lips, teasing it with his tongue. Symone gasped at the sensation, arching into his touch, craving more.

Sensing her need, Luca gently lifted her off her feet and carried her towards the bedroom. Symone's heart raced with anticipation as they entered the room, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm ambiance over the space. She could feel the heat radiating off Luca's body, a tangible reminder of their growing desire.

As he laid her down on the bed, she reached up to pull him down on top of her. Symone's hands roamed over his muscular back, feeling every inch of his sculpted form as they continued to explore each other.

Breaking away from their embrace, Luca looked into Symone's eyes with a mixture of tenderness and urgency. "I want you so fuckin' much, Symone," he whispered hoarsely. "Do you want me too, baby?"

She nodded in silent agreement and with practiced ease, Luca removed her lounge pants and panties before discarding his own clothing. They were both naked now, their bodies entwined in an embrace that left no room for doubt or hesitation.

Luca gazed at Symone with reverence before claiming her lips again in a passionate kiss. His hands roamed over her body, refamiliarizing himself with every curve and dip before settling between her thighs.

Symone moaned as he began to explore her most intimate parts with skilled fingers, eliciting waves of pleasure that coursed through her body. She clung to him tightly as they moved together in perfect harmony, lost in sheer ecstasy. Her back arched into a bow and her hips moved in tandem with his ministrations.

"That's right, baby, let me know how much you need this," he crooned. "Do you want to cum?"

"Yes." Symone could feel the waves of pleasure building within her. She moaned his name, her body surrendering to his touch.

Luca's lips trailed down her neck, nipping and kissing at the sensitive skin before making his way down to her breasts. He took one nipple into his mouth, sucking and flicking it with his tongue while his fingers continued their rhythmic movements.

Symone could hardly think or speak, completely consumed by the sensations coursing through her body.

With a wicked grin, Luca slid down her body until he was positioned between her legs. His tongue replaced his fingers, sending a jolt of pleasure through Symone's entire being. She cried out as he expertly circled and flicked at her clit with a teasing touch before plunging it deep inside of her.

Symone's hips bucked uncontrollably as Luca continued to tease her with his skilled tongue. She felt herself getting closer and closer to the edge, ready to topple over into pure pleasure.

But just as she was on the brink of release, Luca stopped and moved back up to kiss her deeply. Symone groaned in frustration and pulled him closer, craving more of his touch.

"I want you inside me," she whispered against his lips.

Without hesitation, Luca positioned himself between her thighs and slowly pushed himself inside of her. They both moaned at the feeling of being joined together again after so long apart.

Their pace quickened as they moved together in perfect sync, each thrust taking them higher and higher towards their climax. Symone dug her nails into Luca's back as he drove into her with a new intensity. The room was filled with their moans and the sound of skin slapping against skin. They were both lost in the moment, consumed by their desire for each other.

"Harder," Symone gasped, her eyes locking onto Luca's.

He obliged, picking up the pace and thrusting deeper into her. She felt his hands grip her hips tightly, his movements growing more urgent. Symone could feel herself getting closer to the edge once again, the pleasure building inside of her like a fire that was about to explode.

With a guttural groan, Luca leaned down and captured her lips in a searing kiss as he reached his own climax. Symone followed soon after, crying out his name as she rode out the waves of pleasure coursing through her body.

They collapsed onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, both breathing heavily and basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking.

"I missed you," Luca said softly, stroking Symone's hair as they lay there together.

Symone felt the soft, gentle touch of Luca's fingers as they combed through her braids, soothing and comforting her. "I missed you too," she replied, turning to face him with a smile. "I can't believe we finally did this again."

Luca chuckled. "Me neither. But it was definitely worth the wait."

______________________________________________________________

The sun filtered through the sheer curtains as Luca and Symone lay tangled in each other's embrace. Symone traced lazy circles on Luca's chest, her fingertips gliding along the contours of his toned muscles and the outlines of his tattoos. Each touch sent a shiver down his spine, igniting a dormant fire within him. He reveled in the weight of her body against his, the softness of her skin against his own.

Luca let out a contented sigh, savoring the feeling of her being in his arms. It had been too long since he had held her like this, since they had been together in this way. He couldn't believe how much he had missed her.

"How 'bout I make us some breakfast?" he said and Symone let out a chuckle. "What? Aren't you hungry?"

"I can eat," she replies, "but I figured you'd want to...enjoy each other's company for a little while longer."

"Ah..." Luca smiled at the revelation of her words. "I mean, I'm a good multitasker. I could always cook something and fuck you at the same time."

"Bullshit," she scoffed, giving him a playful nudge.

He tilted her chin upwards so that they were at eye level. "Do you wanna take that bet, love?"

Symone's eyes sparkled with mischief as she considered his proposition. The thought of Luca managing to cook breakfast while simultaneously pleasuring her seemed both impossible and enticing. She couldn't deny that the idea excited her.

"Alright," she finally conceded, an impish grin spreading across her face. "I'll take that bet."

Luca's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of excitement glinting within them. He never backed down from a challenge, and this was no exception.

He led Symone towards the kitchen and instructed her to take a seat on one of the barstools before donning an apron, washing his hands, and getting to work.

As he moved around the kitchen with fluid motions, Symone watched intently. Luca put on a fresh pot of coffee and then set off to gather supplies for waffles.

"Do you have any bacon?" he asked as he examined the refrigerator.

"Nope," she quipped, "but there's prosciutto."

"Interesting," he mumbled to himself. "Alright, prosciutto it is." He started the batter for the waffles, and he gazed at Symone as he whisked the ingredients together. "Spread your legs."

The unexpected command intrigued her, and she did as she was told, spreading her legs as wide as she could. She was ready dripping with arousal and it was no way of hiding it.

Luca licked his lips in anticipation. "Fuckin' hell, you're soaking already. I am always amazed by how quickly you become wet for me."

"I mean it helps when you're easy on the eyes."

"Charmer," Luca goaded as he carefully poured the batter into the waffle iron. He set the timer and then turned his attention back to Symone. "Play with your pussy."

Symone felt a rush of excitement at the command, but she tried to keep her composure as she reached between her legs and began to tease herself. She let out a soft moan as she circled her clit with her fingers, feeling the familiar tingling sensation begin to build within her.

Luca watched her studiously, his eyes darkening with desire. He could see how ready she was for him, and it only fueled his own arousal. Symone couldn't help but squirm under Luca's fiery gaze as she pleasured herself in front of him. She focused on her pleasure, rubbing her clit and occasionally dipping a finger inside herself. She let out another soft moan, imagining it was Luca's fingers bringing her to the brink of ecstasy.

He couldn't resist any longer and stepped forward, placing a hand on her thigh as he bent down to capture her lips in a passionate kiss.

Symone eagerly responded, wrapping her arms around his neck and deepening the kiss. She could feel his hard length pressing against her through his apron, and it only made her want him more.

Breaking the kiss, Luca pulled back slightly to look into Symone's eyes. "I couldn't wait any longer," he whispered huskily.

Symone nodded in agreement before leaning back on the barstool and spreading her legs wider for him. Luca wasted no time in positioning himself at her entrance.

He slowly pushed inside of her, savoring the feeling of being surrounded by her warmth. They both let out a simultaneous moan as he began to move within her, their bodies moving together with ease.

The sound of the timer going off distracted them from their intimate connection, causing them both to chuckle. Luca pulled out and helped Symone off the barstool. He then turned off the waffle iron and skillfully plated their meal.

"C'mon," he ordered, gesturing for Symone to follow him to the dining table. He set their plates down, but instead of sitting down as she expected, Luca pushed her gently against the table, causing her to gasp in surprise.

"Hands on the table," he instructed, his voice low and deep.

Symone shivered at his dominance and complied without hesitation. She braced herself against the table as Luca moved closer behind her, pressing himself against her back and running his hands up her sides.

"You like being told what to do?" he whispered into her ear before nipping at her earlobe.

"Yes," Symone breathed out in response, feeling a surge of pleasure shoot through her body at his touch.

"Good girl," Luca praised as his hands lingered on her ass. He slapped the right buttock harshly and Symone hissed at the sting. "Fuck, Symone, you have no idea what you do to me. Can I have like this, baby? Can I bend you over the table and fuck you?"

Holy shit, she thought. She nodded her head hurriedly.

"Use your words, baby," he told her as he sent another slap to her ass. "Tell me what you want."

"Yes, yes," was her response. "Please fuck me, Luca."

Luca's deep chuckle was like honey to her ears and Symone's entire being went abuzz with exhilaration. She felt his pierced penis head brush against her entrance before slowly pushing inside of her once more. Symone moaned loudly as Luca filled her, feeling every inch of him as he began to move within her. He set a steady pace, his hands roaming all over her body as he kissed and nipped at her skin.

With each thrust, Symone's pleasure intensified until she was overwhelmed by it. She could feel the heat building in the pit of her stomach, signaling her impending release.

"Luca," she gasped out, gripping onto the edge of the table for support.

"I know, baby," he grunted in response, picking up his pace. "Me too."

Symone felt as if she were on fire, her body consumed by the pleasure Luca was giving her. Her mind was hazy with desire and she could only focus on the sensations coursing through her.

Luca's hands moved from her hips to cup her breasts, kneading them gently as he continued to thrust into her.

His movements became more frantic and desperate as they both chased their climax. Symone could feel herself getting closer and closer until finally, they both reached their peak together.

They collapsed onto the table in a heap of sweaty limbs and heavy breathing. They stayed there for a few moments, catching their breaths and basking in the afterglow of their passionate encounter. Luca pressed kisses to Symone's neck before slowly pulling out of her and helping her stand upright again.

He turned her around to face him and pulled her into a tight hug. "Best waffles I've ever had," she joked breathlessly, causing Luca to chuckle again.

"You can have them every morning if you want," he replied with a smirk.

After a few minutes of standing there in each other's embrace, they separated and cleaned up the kitchen together. It was a comfortable silence between them now, filled with stolen glances and shy smiles.

As they sat down at the dining table to finally eat their waffles, Symone couldn't help but think about how perfect this moment felt. Even though she knew that this wouldn't last forever, she felt content with just being with him, and she wanted to revel in this feeling as long as she possibly could.

______________________________________________________________

A couple of days later, Luca woke up with a newfound pep in his step. The previous night, after a long and mentally draining distance, he had made up with Symone.

As he made his way to Noma, Luca couldn't help but smile at the memory of their passionate encounter. It felt like a turning point in their relationship, a moment of understanding and connection that they hadn't experienced before. And as he entered the chaotic kitchen of Noma, Luca's heart was still filled with that exhilarating energy.

Luca walked into the bustling kitchen of Noma, and he spotted Marcus, the stagiaire he had been working with lately, and motioned for him to join him at the workstation.

"Today, we're going to tackle the shiso gelee," Luca said, his voice filled with confidence.

"Yes, Chef," Marcus nodded eagerly, ready to learn from the master.

"So just watch me. When you're comfortable, jump in. Don't try to be a hero and then fuck it up."

"Yes, Chef," affirmed Marcus as he focused on Luca's movements. Marcus watched as Luca carefully demonstrated each step of the plating process to Marcus, explaining the importance of precision and attention to detail. "It's like Operation," commented Marcus.

"Bzz," joked Luca as he placed the final layer, a caramel cracker, on top. "Alright, there you go." Luca wiped his hands on the towel that was strategically placed in his apron's pocket. "Go 'head and try that out for me."

Marcus grabbed a nearby fork and dug right in, chewing delightfully. "Whoa. It kind of tastes like a, um..."

"Minty Snickers bar?" interrupted Luca.

"A minty Snickers bar," laughed Marcus. "That's crazy. Yeah."

A small smile appeared on Luca's face. "Symone said the same thing when she tried it. I want you to think of a name for it, if you're up for the task, that is. I don't think Minty Snickers bar will gel well with our customers."

"Yeah, of course, no problem," Marcus grinned. "Thanks for teaching me."

"It's my pleasure," Luca replied before turning his attention back to the other tasks at hand. Amidst all this chaos and creativity, there was one person who continued to linger in his mind – Symone.

He wondered what she was doing at that very moment; if she was thinking about him as much as he was thinking about her. He yearned to see her again and wanted to have another recap of their last time together.

As lunch service came to an end and preparations began for dinner service later on, Luca decided to take a smoke break. The fresh air would do him good after being cooped up in a hot kitchen all day.

Luca stepped out of Noma's kitchen and into the cool Copenhagen air. The chill in the air was refreshing after being holed up in such a high-intensity environment for hours on end. He lit a cigarette and took a long drag, savoring the taste and feeling of the smoke filling his lungs.

As he exhaled, Luca's mind wandered back to Symone once again. He couldn't help but smile as he remembered that night, and early morning, together. But as much as he wanted to see her again, Luca knew that work came first. And with dinner service about to begin, he needed to focus on that.

"Chef?" called Marcus, snapping Luca out of his thoughts.

"Yeah? What's up?" wondered Luca as he finished his cigarette and flicked it onto the ground.

"Making sure you're good, that's all," said Marcus with a shrug. "You seem...cool now. I figured you spoke to Symone?"

"Yeah," nodded Luca, "We cleared the air. Thanks, Marcus."

"So, it won't be awkward between y'all no more?"

"Nah," chuckled Luca. "No more awkwardness. Let's go back inside and get ready for dinner service."

As he re-entered the kitchen, Luca immediately got back into chef mode, checking on all of his team's stations and making sure everything was running smoothly. The air in the kitchen was filled with a symphony of sizzling pans, clinking utensils, and the rhythmic chopping of vegetables. Luca's team moved with well-rehearsed precision, each member focused on their designated tasks.

Maria, Luca's trusted sous chef, was delicately crafting miniature chocolate tarts. Her nimble fingers danced across the counter, gracefully shaping each tart shell and filling them with a luscious ganache that tasted like pure decadence. Not too far away from her, Theo and Marcus worked together on the bread, kneading and separating the dough, getting it ready to use as tonight's dinner rolls.

The dinner service entered its peak hours, and Luca's mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of Symone. He couldn't wait to see her again and make up for all the lost time they had spent apart.

But just as he was about to sneak off for another smoke break, the door swung open and Symone stepped in, followed by James and Rene.

"Thank you for coming to Hart Bageri despite such short notice, Symone," said Rene with a warm smile. "James and I can't wait for your plan to come to fruition."

"It's my pleasure, as always," replied Symone with a charming smile. "And thank you for the pastries."

Luca couldn't help but be intrigued as he watched James and Rene warmly speak with Symone. He was aware of their previous collaborations but wondered what specific project required her to be at Hart Bageri. As much as he wanted to talk to Symone to figure out what was going on, work always came first, and he needed a small reprieve before jumping back in.

The kitchen was finally starting to wind down after a successful dinner service. The last of the customers had left, and the staff was busy cleaning up and prepping for the next day's service, Luca finally had a chance to approach Symone. He took a moment to swing by her office.

"Hey," Luca said, catching Symone's attention as she finished up some paperwork at her desk. "I saw you earlier with James and Rene. What's this project you're working on together?"

Symone looked up, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Ah, Luca," she said, smirking. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?"

Luca leaned against the edge of her desk, a playful smirk mirroring hers. "Well, surprises can be quite exciting, don't you think?" he teased.

She chuckled softly, her gaze never leaving his face. "True, true. But I think we both know that other things can be equally exciting."

His heart raced at the implication in her words. Memories of their passionate encounters flooded his mind, and he felt the familiar heat of desire igniting within him. Despite the professional façade they had to maintain during work hours, there had always been something simmering just beneath the surface. It was a delicate dance they performed, balancing their insatiable lust with the need to maintain a certain level of professionalism in the workplace. But now, with Symone's suggestive comment hanging in the air, Luca couldn't resist the magnetic pull between them any longer.

With a coy smile, she leaned back in her chair, and Luca took a seat at the corner of her desk.

"Do you have any plans for tonight?" he asked, his voice low and seductive.

Symone felt a shiver run down her spine at the sound of his voice. "Just you," she replied, matching his tone. "But I do have some work to finish up here first."

Luca gave her a playful pout. "Can't it wait?"

She couldn't help but laugh at his impatience. "As much as I would love to jump into your arms right now, I have some important paperwork to take care of before we can have any fun."

He rolled his eyes in mock annoyance but nodded understandingly. "Alright then, I'll leave you to it. But don't take too long," he said with a wink before getting up from the desk. "If you want, I figure we head over to my place if that's alright?"

"Yeah, that's fine," she smiled. "I'll be ready in an hour."

"Sounds good."

Symone watched him walk out of her office, feeling a sense of longing and excitement building within her. She quickly finished up her work and made arrangements for the next day before grabbing her belongings and meeting up with Luca for their evening together.

That night, as soon as they arrived at Luca's apartment, he pulled her into a passionate kiss as soon as they stepped inside. Symone caught quick glimpses of his space: most of the walls were painted a deep burgundy, the color contrasting nicely with the exposed brick. The apartment was very much bachelor pad with an industrial feel complete with abstract paintings and a mixture of wood and leather furniture. It smelled exactly like him, sandalwood and the musk from his cologne.

His hands roamed over her body, igniting sparks of desire that coursed through her veins. They fell onto the couch, their lips still locked in a fierce embrace. Symone felt Luca's hands unbuttoning her blouse, and she eagerly reciprocated by pulling his t-shirt over his head. They both knew what they wanted, and there was no use wasting any time.

As they continued to explore each other's bodies with eager hands and lips, Symone felt the familiar heat building within her. She moaned softly as Luca trailed kisses down her neck and across her collarbone, sending shivers of pleasure through her body. Symone couldn't believe how naturally they fit together, their bodies moving in perfect synchronization. She couldn't help but let out soft moans as Luca worshipped every inch of her skin. Symone felt like she could get lost in Luca forever, drowning in the overwhelming rush of feelings he ignited within her.

"I could never get enough of you," he said as he removed her last article of clothing. "God, Symone, you don't understand what you do to me."

Luca bent down to take one of her nipples in his mouth and sucked on it gently, eliciting a gasp of pleasure from Symone. His hands continued their exploration, caressing her thighs and slipping between her legs to find her already wet with desire.

All mine, he thought as their bodies eventually connected again. And I'm never letting you go.

And from the one sentiment, he knew that this could never be something casual, especially when it came to her.

TO BE CONTINUED....

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