<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="font-family:Open Sans">They went over the list, and Marcus watched Luca peel off part of the crust to the chicken. He didn't say anything, while it put him off a little that he was picked at the meal he'd ordered to accommodate Luca. He went on to explain exactly what it was about his intolerance and the sort of foods that needed to be avoided. It sounded like it would be a lot, but as Luca's partner and self-assigned caregiver, he would have to do his best.<br/>
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“Cooking at home sounds like it will be the best options for us so that we know what we're putting in the food,” Marcus decided, wondering how Luca would take to that role he'd assigned him. So far, he hadn't acted enthusiastic about it, but he'd learn with time, otherwise, they would both be unsatisfied with their meals.<br/>
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“I'm going to bring you some cookbooks as well, in both languages. I'm sure I can some specific to your diet,” he suggested and wrote that on the list as well. Luca would have nothing better to do with his time. He might as well start to at least learn the skill. Marcus didn't like to cook at all. It was why he ate out most often, but he had always wanted to have someone he could come home to, that would cook for him. He wanted them to bond over them, and share meals like he and his family never had. He was sick of takeout and how impersonal it seemed, but they would make due for now, so long as Luca was putting forth some effort.<br/>
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“I don't see why you need the gum. It will only ruin your teeth, and a habit best unlearned,” Marcus told him as he mentioned the brand that he liked. “I don't know how well I'll be able to pick up your language either. Maybe a few things, here and there. I remember <i>Obrigado</i>.” Only because he liked the way Luca said it. Of course, he didn't have the same inflection, the word sounding flat from him, but at least he'd made the effort.<br/>
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“I'm older than you, Luca. Less adaptable,” he told him with a fond smile. “But in the bath, you can try to teach me anything you'd like.” He wasn't going to protest. “Though we may both be distracted.” Marcus could only hope they were distracted beyond words.<br/>
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Still, for the rest of the meal, Luca tried to teach him words, and Marcus struggled miserably through it. He had a hard time remembering, and an even harder time with pronunciation. He still humored Luca, though he doubted he would pick up more than just the handful of words the younger man used often.<br/>
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Marcus watched Luca's face for any deceit when he talked about not wanting to be downstairs, but rather in bed with him. He couldn't find any. Luca seemed as if he was being genuine. Truly, the young man didn't want to be alone.<br/>
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“Candles sound nice,” Marcus agreed. “Do you like wax, Luca?”<br/>
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The warmth left Luca though when Marcus mentioned going into town for shopping. He'd taken his hand away, looking worried. He'd admitted that he was afraid of the dark, but Marcus thought he could accommodate that.<br/>
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“Luca, my darling, I cannot take you with me just yet, and you very well know why,” Marcus told him with a frown. “I wish that I could.” Perhaps later, once Luca had earned his trust once more, but Marcus didn't trust that the temptation wouldn't be too much for the younger, impulsive man to handle.<br/>
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“Don't let this ruin our evening together. I won't be gone long, not like I am for work, and then we will have the things on your list, and a stocked kitchen. The home is empty. We need to make it ours, and that requires some shopping on my part,” Marcus explained evenly, trying to assuage Luca, who seemed on the verge of panic or mental shutdown. Marcus got up to move their finished aluminum dishes aside, going behind Luca where he was seated, to put a hand around on his chest. He leaned down to kiss his cheek, and then followed it down the line of his neck.<br/>
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“Why don't we see about that bath? The tub upstairs will easily fit the both of us.”</span></span>