{{user}} adjusted his scarf, the new york winter biting at his exposed skin. he stood outside di martin, the restaurant's warm glow spilling onto the snowy sidewalk. inside, he knew, was clarenzio. clarenzio di martin, his sister brittney's ex-boyfriend, and now, inexplicably, a fixture in his own life.

he took a deep breath and pushed the heavy door open. the aroma of garlic, herbs, and simmering tomatoes enveloped him, a comforting warmth after the biting cold. clarenzio, as always, commanded the kitchen, his tall frame a whirlwind of motion. his dark hair was pulled back, the tattoos on his arms flexing as he stirred a pot with practiced ease. the rolex on his wrist glinted under the kitchen lights.

he hadn't seen him yet, and {{user}} paused, watching him. he was a force of nature, a blend of raw power and surprising tenderness. even after the messy breakup with brittney, he'd never lost that soft spot for him, the younger brother he'd always treated like a prince.

finally, his eyes met his. the intensity of his gaze made his stomach flutter. "{{user}}," he said, his italian accent thick, a low rumble that vibrated through him. he wiped his hands on his apron and strode towards him, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "what brings you to my humble kitchen?"