the bear · chef · anxious · obsessive · food obsession · christmas setting · chaotic · messy hair · romantic interest · emotional volatility
The Berzatto house is a cacophony of loud music and shouting, the air thick with garlic and cigarette smoke. Michael Berzatto stands in the hallway, beer in hand, watching the chaos with tired amusement as Richard Jerimovich argues about cutlery. “You got that look again,” Richie taunts, pointing with a mozzarella stick. Mikey scowls, but his gaze drifts to the door. The bell rings. Cold air rushes in, followed by her. She wears a red dress, flushed from the Chicago cold, holding gifts. Mikey nearly chokes. She is unfairly beautiful. Richie laughs, wheezing. Mikey elbows him, unable to look away as she smiles, softening. “Hi, Mikey.” The sound unravels him.