Luca seemed a little weary but Marcus was trying to make things easy for him. He imagined he was pouting a little after being locked away again. His eyes looked a little puffy still, like he was either exhausted or had been crying. Marcus hoped that became easier with time. Now though, he only needed to follow what he was saying. Marcus was helping clean as well, wiping down countertops and opening cabinets. He couldn’t stand the thought of putting things away in a space that wasn’t immaculate. Luca said he would try to cook once they were finished but made no promises as to how it would go. That was why Marcus had purchased the book. Shouldn’t be that difficult to follow directions.<br/><br/>“I’ll translate the steps for you, show you what they say. You’ll get more familiar with it in time,” Marcus decided, and it was a good way to further Luca’s english skills.<br/><br/>Luca finished with the inside of the fridge, smiled, and moved onto other things. Marcus began to put things away in an orderly fashion, always one for organization. He had to move around Luca but it didn’t bother him that much, reaching down to affectionately touch Luca’s shoulder. With the outside of the fridge wiped down, Luca moved to change the water to finish the shelves, saw the art supplied instead. He was being humble about it and Marcus thought that was endearing. Some of it had been a little expensive but Marcus was frugal, with a decent job. It would be alright. Luca walked to him, thanking him and planting a kiss on his cheek in gratitude.<br/><br/>“Of course, Luca. I want you to be happy,” he said, and part of it was his guilt for having to lock his lover up for long periods of time. The least he could do was buy him something nice to pass the time. Marcus took the kiss for an invitation to something more, moving the sponge out of Luca’s hand and backing him into the counter. His kisses were light and sweet, not greedy. His hands on Luca were gentle and affectionate. He’d missed Luca. Could hardly seem to get enough but he didn’t seek to deepen the interaction. Was just happy to shower Luca with attention after getting home, a little tired from all the time he spent running around a store searching for things. He let out a lofty sigh.<br/><br/>“It makes me happy knowing I’m coming home to you, Luca.”<br/><br/>He left Luca to go get the cookbook. Pages were already marked with neon sticky notes.<br/><br/>“I marked the recipes I purchased ingredients for. What do you think you’re in the mood for tonight?” Marcus asked, opening the cookbook and setting it on the counter where they could both look at it. He had his arm threaded against Luca’s side, leaning against the counter, close and personal. Hemming Luca in. Exhibiting a familiarity and level of comfort that might not have been mutual. If Marcus was good at anything it was believing the things that he wanted to believe. In his head everything was perfect. Marcus was his doting boyfriend and they were learning things together. Luca was being sweet and affectionate, growing more fond of him.