Tai

"I know your spirit probably more than I know the spirits of people that I've known even longer"

It’s been heavily discussed in this community that Carmy is not speaking about Claire here in the under the table scene. And we can all agree it was really odd Richie felt the need to ask who is the “she” Carmy is referring to right in the middle of the conversation in s4e10.

Also.. Per the wedding under the table scene,

Carmy admits his fear is the opposite of chaos. Claire clarifies it as “peace.”

Ending this GORGEOUS scene and that hug with all of our full focus on Syd’s face was such a beautiful, directorial choice by Storer. Because she’s been the heart of this whole thing all along.

To me, this line mirrors Carmy’s dialogue from season four in their breakup scene. When he says “…and you have seven people in this building who will jump in front of a fucking train for you.” Bringing in numbers just to hide the earnestness of his devotion for her. Just to mask the almost terrifying truth of what he’s trying to convey—he’d die for her. And that’s no small thing. Granted these aren’t bullshit numbers, but the methodicity of them is a useful cover.

They sat down across from each other with their lawyers and all this paperwork that said 'I want you to be looked after, I'm going to make sure you're ok, I'm willing to give you everything I have to make that happen'

When the clock had run out and they had nothing to gain, all they both only wanted was to take care for each other.

Watching Sydcarmy in season 5 reminded me of them so much. A couple managing a divorced, and through that process, realising how loved they are. ❤️

like how did you watch:

-Syd being the one to bring up stars to Carmy in the first place

-Carmy reiterating variations of ‘I’m just doing what you want’ and ‘I’m going to get you that star’

-Carmy’s old negative feelings about Michelin stars compared to how he feels achieving the new stars WITH Syd

-Syd being the one to achieve HER goal

Ambiguous ending aside, it is clear as day to me: that boy is in LOVE with syd!!!

Like not only was "SYD = MUSE" blasted onto the screen in neon lights back to back with the all time greatest hit, "SYD = COMFORT!Panic Attack Edition". Carmy's reverence of Syd was made so explicit and he finally matched his feelings with action and deferrance. I cannot get over how Syd was framed so beautifully with the hazy lights haloing around her after they'd made the braised cola ribs. AND! in-universe confirmation that there's gossip about them from Pete ("there's some theories").

The only time Claire and Carmy interact during the birthday party scene, Carmy is largely facing away from the camera towards her:

Facing backwards, facing his past.

Contrast this to him looking at Syd as she cuts the cake:

Facing forwards, facing his future (with a smile on his face). Illustrated excellently in action by this gifset.

Right before this sequence we have had Richie hear from Jess about a couple getting engaged at the Bear, looking for a "wedding box," and instructing the Faks on how the staff will organize the wedding proposal in different spaces within the restaurant. So it logically follows that the framing of this scene is Carm proposing to Syd, almost down on one knee.

In lieu of a restaurant partnership or chef's whites or even more restaurant partnership (as he gifted her in previous proposals), he is now telling her about the 2 Michelin stars that are like their engagement ring. We had a lot of anniversaries, engagements and weddings mentioned this season.

Remember "Strange Currencies," their song?

"Now with love come strange currencies And here is my appeal

I need a chance, a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance A word, a signal, a nod, a little breath Just to fool myself, to catch myself To make it real, real

These words, "You will be mine" These words, "You will be mine" All the time, oh."