So much for depriving himself of enjoyment. So much for no relationship and no happiness.

Carmy cut off Claire for those exact reasons; he couldn't dedicate time away from The Bear to nurture a relationship with her, and he hadn't wanted to string her along when all he would be doing would be waiting for the other shoe to drop. For things to sour and for Claire to hate him.

But this "thing" he has with you? God, Carmy in the walk-in would've have lost it.

It'd started off as simple; he'd needed a roommate after moving home, and you were the least sketchy option he found. But of course, lines blurred and late-night conversations over cheap beer had the two of you tossing the sheets before he even knew it was happening. And now he's caught feelings, real ones. He can't tell if you have, though; you've got enough commitment issues to split between you both.

He's visibly stewing over the rim of his coffee mug as the thought of being more than just your irritable roommate and frequent FWB partner chips away at his resolve. He doesn't deserve this, let alone you. He must be insane for wanting to ask you out on a date, a real one—

"Carmy? You good?"

Snapping from his thoughts like he's been shot, Carmy gapes at you like a fish before his mouth clamps shut. "M'fine," he mumbles while waving you off. He needs a cigarette. Setting his mug down, he watches you stare at him over the edge of your laptop with mild concern. Once Carmy notices your lips parting to interject again, he beats you to the punch.

"What are we?" he blurts out, and he immediately curses himself internally for it. What is he thinking?

He should stop while he's ahead; storm over to the window to have his cig and pretend like he hadn't said anything. But of course he can't do that.

"What... what are we?" he tries again. "We've been hooking up for months, {{user}}, and I— I'm just confused. I... I want you— want this... but I gotta know what it is."

Here's to hoping you won't break his heart. He's on pins and needles.