Fic: If You Can't Stand the Heat, Part Two
Part One
The next night, the steaks were perfect. They’d been marinating overnight, Esca had whipped up the marinade while Marcus washed up their dishes, doing only a half-assed job of it, as he was too busy watching Esca work to really pay attention. Not that Esca minded, he liked that Marcus was so into learning how to cook, although part of him couldn’t help but wish he was so attentive because he just liked watching Esca.
The long soak had left them dark, the spicy scent of the marinade wafting over Esca as he pried off the lid.
“Smells good,” Marcus said, from right behind him, making Esca jump in surprise.
“What are you doing?” he said, hoping it hadn’t come out as the girly shriek he feared it had. He turned quickly, surprised to find just how close Marcus was, close enough that Esca could feel Marcus’ breath on his face and the heat radiating from his body.
“Just checking up on my dinner,” Marcus said, a smug look on his face. He didn’t move out of Esca’s personal space though, so Esca had to give him a shove. He backed off a bit, but the smile stayed.
“What makes you think any of this is for you?” Esca asked, putting his hands on hips and giving Marcus his best ‘bitch, please,’ look. He didn’t fail to notice Marcus’ eyes travelling the length of his body. It made his breath catch and his cock twitch. Something had changed between them the night before, something had shifted. They had spent the evening talking when they should have been doing their homework, but neither of them had made a move to leave until the clock ticked over into morning.
Even then Esca hadn’t been able to sleep, laying awake for a few more hours, his head spinning with all the things he’d learned about Marcus that night. Of all the things he’d shared about himself. About his childhood, his struggle to accept himself in a small, narrow minded town. The fighting with his parents and his brothers, his friends, when he came out, the pain of losing some of them to their homophobia.
The estrangement from his family, however short lived, had been the worst. His brothers had been especially hostile, though their attitudes had come from somewhere. When Esca had told them he was gay, there had been an explosion of yelling, filthy language and even some shoving before his mother, though not exactly accepting, had put a stop to it. Esca had spent two weeks crashing on his friends’ couches, one by one, until his family had agreed to let up on the hostility.
That was the reason why, after his parents had died in a car crash, he had been on his own. He hadn’t spoken to his brothers since the funeral, and wouldn’t again, if he had anything to say about it. Thinking about them and the family they’d once been put a dull ache in his chest, but he brushed it aside, rolling over and trying to find a more comfortable position. It was done and over with, and he wouldn’t wish it back if he’d had the opportunity. He couldn’t pretend to be someone he wasn’t, not for such conditional approval and fickle affection.
He was better off now. And despite his family issues, he wouldn’t want to be in Marcus’ place. His parents were dead as well, but he still had family pressure, the weight of generations of Aquilas on his broad shoulders; their successes, their failures, the family name, the family business.
From what Marcus had told him, his uncle didn’t care that Marcus was gay, or that he liked hacking and video games. He didn’t care if Marcus played sports or any of the other so-called manly pursuits. It was all good, apparently, as long as Marcus worked hard and followed his father and uncle into the family business. As long as he got the proper education and became as successful a businessman as those before him.
His family’s wealth and status had freed Marcus to things that Esca couldn’t imagine, but at the same time, it constrained him in a way that Esca would never have had to worry about, even if his parents had lived. In very different ways, they were very much the same.
Esca rolled over again, laying on his stomach and pressing his face into the pillow. He tried to clear his mind of everything that had happened that night, but he just couldn’t pull his thoughts away from Marcus and how he had smiled at him across the dinner table. His lopsided grin and warm eyes had unearthed something in Esca that he had put away, piece by piece over several years.
When he came out, when his family settled into a less hostile but no more welcoming peace, when his parents died, when he left home. Family expectation and support had fallen away, and Esca found that he didn’t miss it.
And yet, he still yearned for something. For someone. Fact was, he was lonely. The few friends he’d kept through school had been left behind fairly painlessly, with little to no attempt at keeping in touch, from either side. He didn’t make friends easily, nor very deeply. He’d always held himself back. He’d never opened up to anyone the way he had that night, to Marcus. He’d never given anyone more than the basic facts, but with Marcus he’d found himself sharing his thoughts and feelings, finding them woven into his story in a way they never had been before.
It had been somewhat of a revelation. And Marcus’ reciprocation had warmed him even more. He sighed, punching his pillow in frustration. He couldn’t deny it anymore, couldn’t pretend that it was just attraction and a friendly fondness. It had gone far beyond that now.
He was falling in love with Marcus.
Marcus, who was now standing a few feet in front of him, looking at him with more hunger than he ever had at anything they had managed to prepare together. Goosebumps erupted on Esca’s arms as the silence lengthened.
“I hope it’s for me,” Marcus said at last, his voice deeper than normal, eyes intense. Esca shivered.
“Some of it is,” he said giving Marcus a wink and turning back to the food, hoping to diffuse the tension and bring the focus back to their dinner.
“That’s good,” Marcus said, moving closer again. “What are we going to make with it?”
“Fried potatoes, asparagus and mushrooms.” Esca gestured to the bag of nugget potatoes on the counter. “I bought those just for this. Clean and cut them into inch sized pieces, would you? You can put them in this pot,” Esca said, putting a pot on the counter for him.
“Sure,” Marcus said, washing his hands and getting right to work. As he deftly handled the potatoes, Esca set up the grill and got out a pan and then set about washing and then chopping the mushrooms.
“We need to blanche those potatoes before frying them, so go ahead and put them on when you’re done. And then you can prep the asparagus,” Esca said, glancing over at Marcus, who was focused on his task.
“Slave driver,” Marcus muttered, but his face was split with a grin.
“You love it,” Esca said, aware that he was flirting, knowing that Marcus would flirt back. He wondered how far he could take it, how far Marcus would go. Sure, Marcus had all but admitted being attracted to him, but that didn’t necessarily mean that he wanted a relationship. He had no clue how Marcus felt about it, but Esca knew that he did. He wanted Marcus, and he had decided that it was time to get what he wanted.
“I don’t mind.” Marcus nudged Esca with his shoulder and then filled the pot with water and put it on the stove, turning on the burner. “So, asparagus then?” he asked, taking the bag out of the fridge.
“It’s one of my favorites,” Esca commented, reaching across Marcus to grab the butter, pressing against him firmly before pulling back. Marcus cleared his throat, taking the vegetables out of the bag and rinsing them while Esca scooped some butter into a pan for the mushrooms.
“I don’t mind it, but I’ve never cooked it before.”
“Marcus, before me, you hadn’t cooked anything, had you?”
“Not as such...” Marcus said, trailing off and looking away.
Esca laughed, reaching across to replace the butter, nudging Marcus in the process. Marcus nudged back, but Esca didn’t give in, remaining close enough that they were pressed together. Esca could feel the solid muscle of Marcus’ upper arm where his shoulder was pressed against it. He began to wonder just how strong Marcus was. He was fit, certainly, but that didn’t mean all that much, really. Esca wondered if he would be strong enough to hold and restrain him, to pin him down and fuck him senseless, to keep him pinned, even if Esca struggled against his grip. Esca liked to be in charge, but sometimes the thought of just letting go and being pounded into the mattress was irresistible.
Esca broke out in goosebumps again, his cock hardening as his thoughts took him into inappropriate territory. He’d always had a thing for rough, hard sex and had even broken up with a boyfriend because he couldn’t provide it. Marcus was intense, but he was also gentle and very level headed. He was calm and collected, and on on the surface, not the type to indulge in such things. But Esca knew better. The quiet ones were often the most adventurous of them all.
“So, is it ready to go, then?” Esca’s attention was brought back to the present by Marcus’ well timed question. He had been getting entirely too hot under the collar for the situation. Such thoughts were better left for quiet moments when he was alone in bed, not when he was standing beside an attentive and questioning Marcus.
“No, you have to snap the ends off. Here, let me show you,” he said, reaching over and taking one stalk from Marcus’ hands, his fingers brushing Marcus’ momentarily.
“Hold it in both hands and bend,” he said, demonstrating the technique so that Marcus could see. “The end will snap off easily, where the stalk turns woody. Just throw away the bottom and you’re good to go.” He smiled at Marcus and held out the freshly trimmed stalk.
“Oh, that’s easy,” Marcus said. He smiled back, their fingers brushing again as he took the stalk from Esca.
“You can put those in...this.” Esca dug into one of the cupboards and pulled out a steamer pot. “Once the potatoes are done, which they should be soon, you can refill it with water and set it to boiling. This will fit into that pot.”
“Convenient,” Marcus said, taking the pot from Esca. The worked in relative silence after that, as they often did, with Esca giving instructions and Marcus following. They flirted from time to time, but they both kept it light and fun, not going too far, changing the subject if it seemed that it would become too serious.
Soon Marcus was putting the steaks on the grill while Esca manned the stove, where he had the mushrooms sauteing with butter and a bit of freshly minced garlic, asparagus steaming and the potatoes sizzling as their skins crisped and browned in the heated pan.
“Mmm, it all smells so good,” Marcus said, turning the steaks just so in an attempt to create a nice cross-hash pattern on their surfaces.
“It does, I’m getting pretty hungry here,” Esca said, pulling some bowls for serving out of the cupboard, following that with the necessary utensils. “The should be almost ready to flip.” He shook the pan of potatoes to check their readiness and then did the same with the mushrooms, determining that both were all but ready. He turned the burners off, including the one for the asparagus.
“Great,” Marcus said, nudging the closet steak with his tongs. He was hovering over the grill, looking apprehensive and yet excited in a child-like way that Esca couldn’t help but find endearing. When he looked over and smiled brightly before turning back to his task, Esca’s stomach flipped in a now familiar, yet still unsettling manner. He busied himself putting the rest into bowls and setting the table.
When he was done, he went to check on Marcus, who had flipped the steaks, completely appropriately and without supervision. Esca gave a mental cheer at his improvement and then slid an arm up Marcus’ back to rest on his shoulder. He felt Marcus tense and then shiver and gave another mental cheer, this time for himself.
“Almost ready?”
“Yep,” Marcus said, shooting Esca a sideways glace. His cheeks were flushed, which was always an attractive look on Marcus. Esca had to yet to see a look that didn’t make him want to kiss Marcus breathless while the steaks burned.
Except he had too much respect for quality food to consider something like that. Really.
“How do you know when they’re done?” Marcus poked one of the steaks with the tongs, but Esca just tsked, taking the tongs away from him.
“No, the way to test the steak is with your finger. You can tell how well done it is by how soft it is. Use your hand to test.”
“My hand?”
“Hold your hand up,” Esca instructed, holding his out for Marcus to see. “With your hand loose, press the pad of your thumb, here. See how firm that feels?”
“Yes,” Marcus said, looking from his hand to Esca, confusion wrinkling his brow.
“That’s how a raw steak feels like.” Esca touched his thumb to his index finger, then poked the pad of his thumb again. “When you hold your hand like this and press, this is how a rare steak feels.” Esca reached over and pressed the surface of one steak with his finger. “See?”
“Oh...” Marcus said, copying the motions. “That’s handy,” he said, chuckling at his own joke.
Esca looked up at Marcus with a straight face and shook his head. “You’re a laugh riot, you are,” he said, which only made Marcus laugh more. “All right, back to the steak, I don’t want it to be over done.”
Marcus complied, although he still wore a smile of amusement. “So, touching your thumb and middle finger is medium rare...which is how I like my steak, you?”
Marcus was pressing his hand and then the steak, trying to gauge the firmness of the meat. “Oh, med-rare for me too.”
“Great, they’re almost done. Can you tell?”
“Yeah, that’s pretty cool,” Marcus replied. “And if I touch my ring finger, it’s medium?”
“Exactly. Your pinky is well done, which is a complete waste of meat, in my opinion.”
“Well, we can agree on that. If you want it well done, you might as well get jerky. At least it has some flavour.”
Esca smiled widely at Marcus, who was poking his steak again. “Too true. How are they?”
“I think they’re ready,” Marcus said.
Esca gave them a poke and agreed, so he turned off the grill and held out their plates for Marcus to put the steaks on.
“About time,” he said. “Let’s eat.”
**
Esca and Marcus kept to their routine as much as they could over the next week, mixing in study groups and evenings in the library. They hadn’t made anything particularly challenging, although Marcus did surprise Esca on Thursday with spaghetti and homemade sauce. Esca had to admit that it was good, almost as good as when they’d made it together, if lacking in finesse. That was something Marcus would develop, especially if he kept up his skills in the kitchen after graduation.
Esca thought he would teach Marcus some more skills. Namely, baking. Knowing how to make a good pie crust wasn’t just for dessert, either. It also came in handy when making pot pies, tarts, quiches, and a whole variety of other things.
So, he’d told Marcus to put aside his Saturday. They’d spent a very sedate Friday night doing as much homework as they could so they wouldn‘t have to worry about it the next day. When Esca had questioned whether he wouldn’t rather be out doing something else, Marcus had given him a look that clearly questioned Esca’s sanity.
“Where else would I want to be?” Marcus asked, shaking his head at Esca. “I’m not exactly into frat parties.”
Esca smiled. “I’m glad. I just didn’t want you do be where you didn’t want to be, you know?”
“Yeah,” Marcus replied. “I know. But trust me, if I didn’t want to be here having you boss me around in the kitchen, I wouldn’t be, okay?”
“Okay,” Esca said, feeling like a sappy fool at how thrilled Marcus’ words made him feel.
When Saturday morning rolled around, he ate a quiet breakfast, realizing that it might be a while before they got started. The noises coming from Marcus’ room told Esca that he had been up gaming with ‘the boys’ until late. He was surprised then, when Marcus surfaced shortly after nine in the morning, looking rough and rumpled, but awake.
“Mornin’,” he murmured as he headed to the bathroom, scratching his bare chest as he went, pyjama pants riding low on his hips.
“Morning,” Esca parroted, his brain function temporarily relocated to his nether regions. He watched, transfixed, as Marcus passed through the common room. Sure, he knew Marcus was hot. Sure, he’d stared at him before. Inconspicuously, of course. But this was the first time he’d seen Marcus in a state of sleepy undress since he’d realized his feelings for the other man.
Sure enough, while his immediate feelings were ones of wanting and desire, underneath them ran a current of tender longing, longing for the companion he yearned for. Longing for Marcus to be that person.
By the time Marcus came out of the bathroom, Esca had managed to regain control of his thought process. When Marcus padded into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee, Esca managed to keep his eyes on the book he was ready, though only just. When Marcus slouched in the chair opposite Esca’s and smiled a sleeping, affectionate smile at his roommate, all Esca’s hard work was undone, and he smiled back like an idiot.
“Sleep well?” he asked, sipping his second mug of coffee.
“Not too shabby,” Marcus replied, scratching his scalp and making his hair messier even than it had been. “I laid off the energy drinks at about nine, so I actually got some sleep.”
“Good for you. You’re ready to bake, then?”
“Yeah, just let me get some cereal,” Marcus went to get up, but Esca gestured him down again.
“No need,” he said, setting his book aside and standing. “I’ve got apple turnovers in the oven.” He gestured to the timer on the stove and said, “They’re just about done.”
“You baked this morning?” Marcus asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
“Oh, these are store bought,” Esca said, peering into the oven to see how they looked. “You know the ones that come in the little tube, complete with filling and icing?”
“Yeah, I know the ones you mean,” Marcus replied, nodding. “I just never thought I’d see you stoop to using them.”
Esca looked up to glare at Marcus light-heartedly, but he was derailed by the look on Marcus’ face. It was clear that he had been ogling Esca’s ass as he leaned over the oven, and now his eyes were also twinkling with mischief.
Esca just shook his head and threw an oven mitt at Marcus’ head. “Cheeky,” he said as the timer went off. “Besides, I don’t make everything from scratch all the time. Sometimes you want maximum payoff with a minimum effort.” The turnovers were puffy and golden brown, perfectly baked.
“Oh, I always want maximum payoff for minimum effort,” Marcus replied, making Esca laugh and throw the other oven mitt at him.
“I’m sure you do, you slacker.” Esca cut a properly sized hole in the frosting bag and set it aside, then turned to face Marcus, waiting for the turnovers to cool slightly.
“Hey, I’m only a slacker when I don’t feel that the work is worth my time,” Marcus replied.
“Like cleaning your room? It’s amazing you can walk in there sometimes.”
“Pfft,” Marcus scoffed, bringing his mug and joining Esca at the counter. “I can find whatever I need, and it’s not like there would be much room to walk in there, even if it was clean.”
Esca looked at Marcus for a minute, trying to find a snarky response, but there was none. Besides, Marcus’ smugness was rather fetching. “I suppose you’re right,” he admitted at last.
“Ha! I can’t believe you’re giving in.” Marcus’ smile was wide now, and infectious.
“Yeah, you can shut up now,” Esca grumbled, though he was smiling as well. “Let’s ice these before they get cold.”
**
“This is awesome,” Marcus said, although considering his mouthful, it sounded more like,
‘bish is aweshom’.
Esca laughed. “I know, it’s one of my favorites. And way better made from scratch than from a box.”
“It really is,” Marcus agreed. I don’t think I can go back to the boxed stuff after this.”
“Then my work here is done,” Esca said, looking proud. “And you did most of it yourself.”
“I know, I can hardly believe it.” Marcus took another bite and chewed thoughtfully. “The bread crumbs are my favorite part.”
“Mine too,” Esca said. After they were done eating their turnovers, Esca showed Marcus how to make pie dough, planning to make an apple pie, a pumpkin pie and a chicken pot pie for dinner.
“Once the dough is mixed, it’s best to let it sit in the fridge for at least half an hour, or longer,” Esca had instructed as Marcus rolled one dough ball in plastic wrap.
“To keep it cold while you’re rolling it, right?” Marcus asked. Esca was pleased. He had clearly been paying attention.
After the dough was put away, Esca decided on a whim to show Marcus how to make macaroni and cheese, from scratch. It was a fairly simple process, cook the pasta, make a cheese sauce, mix them, top with more cheese and bread crumbs, and bake. They had cleaned up while it was baking and were now taking a much needed break before assembling the pies.
“So, what are we doing first?” Marcus asked once they had cleared their lunch dishes.
“Let’s roll out the dough for two pies, we’ll save the rest for later,” Esca said, running a sink full of hot, soapy water. “Then I’ll peel and core some apples, and you can mix up the pumkpin,” Esca said, “The pumpkin needs to bake at a higher temperature for a bit, then after that we can bake them together.”
“Sounds good.”
“We’ll need to use the table to roll it out, there’s not enough room up here,” Esca said, rinsing the cloth and wringing it out, then tossing it at Marcus. “So give it a wipe, yeah?”
Marcus did, and they started to gather up what they needed. A bowl of flour, the brand spanking new rolling pin and glass pie pans they had bought on their shopping spree, along with the two balls of pie dough.
“Right,” he said, picking up the flour and sprinkling a fair amount on the table. “So first you need flour, to keep it from sticking.” He unwrapped one ball of dough, rolling it in his hands to smooth it out.
“You wanna make sure it’s nice and round, it’s easier to roll that way.” He put the dough in the middle of the flour and flattened it out a bit. “Gotta get it started,” Esca said.
“I bet,” Marcus replied, giving Esca a wink. Esca laughed, nudging Marcus with his shoulder.
“Anyway,” Esca said. “Moving on.” He picked up the rolling pin and sprinkled some flour on it before pressing it onto the dough. “You wanna be firm but not rough, because it’s delicate.” He rolled the pin back and forth, angling it this way and that.
“If you just roll it in one direction, you won’t get the shape you need, so you have to work it back and forth until...” Esca trailed off when Marcus snorted beside him.
“What?” he said, looking up at Marcus with a scowl.
“Nothing, nothing at all,” Marcus said, though he wore a smirk.
“Hmm,” Esca turned back to the dough and continued rolling it. “You see what I mean?” he asked, trying not to shiver as he felt Marcus move closer.
“Oh, I see,” Marcus said, his breath puffing over Esca’s ear, and he couldn’t hold the shiver in any longer.
“I think you may be seeing the wrong thing.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
“Here, hold this,” Esca said, thrusting the rolling pin into Marcus’ hands. If Marcus hadn’t been fast enough to catch it and it ended up smacking him in the stomach, it certainly wasn’t Esca’s fault.
“Oof,” Marcus said, bending almost double. “Better be careful.”
“Yeah, you look horribly injured,” Esca scoffed.
“Hey, I could be hurt.” Marcus affected an injured look, but it only made Esca laugh.
“Right, let me know if I need to call an ambulance. But for now, pay attention, would you?”
“Yeah, sure.” Marcus put the rolling pin down and gave Esca a pie plate.
“It’s easier if you fold the dough over, they you can lift it into the pan more safely.” Esca demonstrated, moving the dough over and unfolding it, pressing it gently into the pan to form it properly. Then he used the kitchen shears, properly cleaned, of course, to cut off the excess dough, leaving a smooth edge.
“There, all done. Think you can handle the other one?” He picked up the dough filled pie plate and put it on the counter and then gathered up the dough remnants and set them aside to use as a topping for the apple pie.
“I can give it a shot,” Marcus said confidently, though Esca could tell he was bit nervous. He watched as Marcus refreshed the flour on the table, unwrapped the dough and formed it into a smooth ball. He put it in the middle of the flour and patted it down until it was only an inch or so thick. Then he sprinkled some flour on the rolling pin and spread it around, as Esca had, his hand moving up and down the shaft of the pin smoothly, his grip firm.
Esca swallowed, suddenly realizing how sensual the action was. He took a step back as Marcus began to roll the dough, forcing himself to watch the pin and not the flex of Marcus’ shoulders under his worn t-shirt.
It took him a few moments to realize that Marcus was pressing too hard initially, leaving his dough lopsided.
“Hold on,” Esca said. “Let me show you.” He moved closer and reached out to place his hands over Marcus’ on the handles of the pin. It brought half of his back into direct contact with Marcus’ chest, put his face close enough so that he could hear Marcus breathing and feel the air move across the sensitive skin of his neck as Marcus exhaled.
Esca’s cock began to fill immediately, the thrill of Marcus’ proximity filling him with arousal faster than any he’d experienced before. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath, determined to get on with the baking.
“You don’t want to press too hard, just firmly,” he said, moving the pin forward on the dough, Marcus’ muscles slack under his guidance.
“Be careful to keep the pressure even as you press out, or the dough will be too thin on the outside.” He demonstrated a few strokes and then relaxed, letting Marcus control the pressure as the dough took shape.
“Better?” Marcus asked, his voice rough and deep.
“Y-yeah,” Esca stuttered, turning his head to look at Marcus but quickly realizing his mistake.
They were close. Very, very close. From this distance, he could see the brown flecks in Marcus’ green eyes, could feel the heat radiating from his skin. They were close enough that, if he tilted his head and leaned in a mere inch, they would be kissing.
Esca was frozen, unsure of how to proceed and unable to retreat. Marcus seemed similarly stuck, his eye wide as they stared at each other.
“Umm, yes,” Esca said, blinking and clearing his throat, turning away only to notice that he was still hanging onto Marcus’ hands, though the rolling pin had stilled. He let go quickly, pulling back and taking a step to the side. He felt cold, Marcus’ body heat removed to a more respectable although regrettable distance.
Esca had never experienced anything like this before. He’d gone out on dates with a few boys, but intent had always been established before he’d reached this step. He’s had a few one night stands as well, but in those cases, the intent had been blatant, no pretenses. This flirty, unresolved tension was a whole new process and he had no idea how to continue.
He knew by now that Marcus was attracted to him. He knew Marcus was gay, he knew they were compatible as friends. He was still afraid though, that their mutually comfortable friendship could be torn apart, if they didn’t handle the transition properly.
He didn’t know if he would be torn apart.
Marcus coughed and continued rolling the dough in silence, giving Esca a minute to regain his composure. He watched Marcus’ improved technique as he rolled the dough into a mostly round shape.
“It looks good.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. You can put it in the dish, now.”
“Alright,” Marcus put the pin aside and folded the dough over, copying what Esca had done. Soon it was nestled in to pie pan, the edges trimmed and ready to go.
“Looks great,” Esca said as Marcus put it aside. “Now you can form the leftovers together and roll out another crust for the top. I’ll get the ingredients ready for the rest.”
“Sure,” Marcus grinned at Esca, pride evident in his face. Esca smiled back, equally as proud. Marcus had come a long way from the burnt and ruined pot that had jump-started their kitchen adventures.
**
“It smells amazing.”
Marcus sat on the couch, flicking through channels in search of something to watch. The mixed scents of pumpkin and apple filled the room, with an note of cinnamon throughout. Marcus was right, it did smell amazing.
“Sure does,” Esca agreed. “Won’t be long now.”
“Are you sure we can’t eat them before the chicken pot pies are ready?”
Esca gave Marcus a look. It worked, as the other sighed and turned back to his relentless channel surfing. He clicked through for a few more minutes before throwing the remote down with a huff and getting up.
“Enough of this shit, I’m gonna see what’s happening online.”
“Have fun,” Esca said, watching Marcus go into his room and close the door firmly but quietly. He laid down on the couch and sighed, not knowing how to feel. They’d had a great day. It had been filled with flirting, flour and a now palpable sexual tension. Esca felt as if they’d made some progress, and he’d also come to a decision.
He wanted Marcus. As a friend, as a lover, as a partner. He wanted Marcus as his boyfriend. There was always the risk that things wouldn’t work out, but he was willing to take the chance. He’d never met anyone quite like Marcus. He’d never met anyone as interesting, as complex and simple and infuriating and comforting...there’d never been anyone quite as anything as Marcus.
The question was, what now? Where did he go from here? He’d never had to take the initiative, but he wasn’t sure he was willing to wait. Not when Marcus could meet someone else at any time.
Decision made, Esca got up to check the pies. Turning on the oven light, he saw that the crust of the apple pie was golden and puffy, while the pumpkin looked almost as if it was inflated. Almost, there was still a depression in the center, which meant that it wasn’t quite done yet. He checked the timer, they had five minutes to go.
While he set up racks for them to cool on, he thought of how he would go about asking Marcus on a date. And what kind of date? Dinner seemed a bit redundant, although it would be a novelty for someone else to cook for them. A movie? Dancing? A outdoor activity?
Esca shook his head. It was getting rather cold outside, so indoors might be a better idea. He wouldn’t mind a trip to a local museum or art gallery, but he doubted Marcus would be interested in either. What would Marcus like? Esca was stymied, how do you find a way to impress someone you’ve lived with for a few months, someone who’d seen you at your worst?
The ding of the timer brought him out of his thoughts. He leaned down to check the pies again, noticing that the pumpkin was now completely domed. The timer went off again, and Esca shot a glance at Marcus’ closed door. He had been hoping that Marcus would emerge to take the pies out but, when the timer beeped again, he gave up the idea and turned it off.
When the pies were on the cooling rack and their previously prepared dinner baking in the reheated oven, Esca retreated to his own room, leaving the door open to be sure that he’d hear the timer. When it went off again he’d rouse Marcus and make him prepare a salad to go with the pot pie, but in the meantime, Esca had some serious thinking to do.
**
The next week passed without much interaction, much to Esca’s chagrin. They cooked a few dinners, but Marcus seemed to be suddenly busy. He was also distant in a way he hadn’t been since they’d first met. Esca’s stomach clenched at the oft-occurring thought that Marcus had found someone else.
He forced himself to stay busy, keeping on top of his studies, and keeping busy in the kitchen, with or without Marcus. The few meals they’d prepared together had been good, and Marcus’ progress was clear, but there had been a tension between them that was different, more awkward, less sensual. Esca was confused, and more than a bit annoyed.
Eight days after the pie baking, Esca was trudging back from a late class, wondering what was in store for him that night. Would Marcus want to cook? Esca had some chicken he’d bought the day before, he thought it would go great with a quinoa salad with some nuts and dried fruit. Perhaps a garden salad as well, he knew there were plenty of greens and veggies in the fridge.
When he neared their dorm room, he caught the scent of warm basil and garlic. It smelled wonderful. Could Marcus have made dinner without him? Esca quickened his steps, the contrast of the heavenly scent he was smelling currently and the noxious stench he’d been greeted with a few short weeks ago not lost on him. He smiled, it was a pleasant change.
When he opened to door, he froze, amazed at what he saw.
“Are you going to come in?” Marcus asked. Esca nodded, still too stunned for speech. He dropped his book bag and closed the door.
The room was dim, with just enough light provided by the bulb in the range hood and the literally dozens of tea lights that surrounded the room, covering every surface. The coffee table, Esca’s computer desk, the bookshelves, the kitchen counters. On the neatly set the table there were three tapered candles as well, and a small vase of flowers. Two place settings were flanked by properly set cutlery and crisp linen napkins in gleaming rings of steel.
A nicely dressed Marcus was standing by the table, a bottle of red wine in hand, one half filled glass beside him on the table. Luscious smells were wafting from the bowls on the table, one filled with a creamy pesto pasta, another with crisp garlic bread. Still another held a green salad.
“Marcus, this is...amazing.” Esca drifted closer to the table, where Marcus was pouring wine in the second glass.
“You like?” Marcus asked, putting the wine bottle on the table within reach. “I’m glad.” He gave Esca a bright smile. “Wash up and let’s eat, before it gets cold.”
Esca smiled back and did, pulling off his hoodie before washing and drying his hands. When he went to sit, Marcus pulled out his chair before taking his own seat.
“Marcus,” Esca said, his heart beat speeding up as Marcus sat across from him. “Is this a date?”
Marcus looked up at him as he pulled his napkin out of his ring and spread it on his lap. “It’s a thank you,” he said, holding Esca’s gaze. “Do you want it to be a date?”
“Is that a trick question?”
“No,” Marcus replied, smiling openly.
“Yes.” Esca pulled his napkin out of the ring, putting it on his lap before reaching out for the pasta bowl.
“Yes what?” Marcus asked, picking up the salad bowl.
“Yes, I want it to be a date.” They switched bowls, electricity tingling in Esca’s fingers where they brushed Marcus’. “If you want it to be a date.”
“I...yes,” Marcus smiled again, wider this time, though Esca wondered how that was even possible.
“Okay,” he said, taking a sip of his wine.
“Okay,” Marcus replied, helping himself to some garlic bread.
Esca ate a forkful of the pasta, thinking to himself that it looked really well made, creamy and not oily at all, with plenty of sauce. His first bite only confirmed his opinion. It was earthy and smooth and utterly delightful.
“Marcus,” he said, looking at his friend in surprise. “This is excellent.”
“Is it?” Marcus asked, looking relieved. “I’d never made anything like this before, but it seemed simple enough.”
“It’s simple and yet finicky. But you’ve nailed it.”
“I’m glad,” Marcus replied. “I wanted to do something for you, to thank you for your patience with my fumbling self.”
“You’re not half bad, really,” Esca said. “Unless you’ve been holding out on me all this time.”
Marcus laughed. “No, definitely not. I really was that clueless.” He blushed, stirring his pasta for a moment before taking another bite.
“It makes your victory tonight all the more profound.” Esca felt a bit like an idiot, unable to wipe the sappy smile off his face. “This is really exceptional.” He felt a bit like a broken record, but it was true. The food was really that good.
The repeated compliments were worth it, however. Marcus’ face was pink with pleasure.
“What made you choose pesto?” Esca asked, wondering if Marcus had been planning this since the day they’d baked the pies.
“Well, I wanted to surprise you with something we hadn’t made before. But it couldn’t be too hard, or I might have fucked it up.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit,” Esca assured him.
Marcus blushed again, his shy smile and lowered head making Esca’s heart pound with anticipation. If this was a date, there was no way he was going to let it end without a kiss.
“Anyway,” Marcus said, deferring the compliment. “I had to do some research to figure out what to make, and...well, it took me a few days to bring it all together.”
“It’s worth the wait,” Esca said.
They ate in silence for a few minutes, and Esca felt warmed by more than the food. The wine was very good, an expensive bottle that Esca would never have bought himself, and it complimented the food perfectly. Marcus had chosen a light vinaigrette for the salad, a departure from his usual ranch, and the garlic bread was well seasoned and just crispy enough.
The conversation was warming too. Marcus had broken the silence by asking about Esca’s classes that day, and just like that, the distance that Esca had felt over the previous week had dissipated. They had fallen into a comfortable rhythm as before, only this time, Esca was determined not to lose it.
They cleared up and did the dishes together, and this time, as they stood shoulder to shoulder in their small kitchen, there was a new certainty, an expectation that was headier than the tension they’d felt up until then. This time, Esca knew that it woudn’t end with him alone in his room, tugging himself to completion with the memory of Marcus’ scent, his warmth, his smile.
This time, they would be there together.
Once the dishes had been dried and put away, Marcus stood beside the counter, watching Esca warily and fidgeting, suddenly nervous.
Esca moved closer, finally in no rush to get where they were headed. Now was the time to enjoy the anticipation. He reached past Marcus, their bodies brushing as he flicked off the kitchen light they had turned on to do dishes, plunging the room back into the romantic half light they’d enjoyed their meal in.
“Esca,” Marcus whispered as Esca pulled back. Marcus’ hand fell onto his hips as their eyes met, and that was was when Esca knew, without a shadow of a doubt that his life would be different from here on out.
Marcus’ eyes dropped to Esca’s lips as he licked his own, leaving them shiny and damp. Esca’s heart sped up, as if trying to pound its way out of his chest. He leaned in, lifting his head, his eyes still fixed on Marcus’ and then Marcus must have moved in as well because their lips met sooner than he’d expected. His eyes drifted shut and he leaned into it, sliding his hands up and around Marcus’ neck even as Marcus’ hands on his hips pulled him closer.
Fireworks. Bursts of color and fire flashed through his mind as if projected onto his closed lids.
Esca gasped, his mouth falling open in surprise. He had expected it to be good, but this...this was far beyond his expectations. His hands slid up into Marcus’ soft hair, while Marcus took the opportunity to slide his tongue into Esca’s mouth.
That’s when it changed. Where the kiss had started out slow and reverent, it promptly shifted gears, turning torrid in an instant. Esca moaned shamelessly as Marcus’ hands slid from his hips to grip his ass, squeezing and lifting Esca, pulling him so close that they were pressed flush, chest, groin and thigh.
Esca didn’t know how long it went on for, he just knew that he didn’t want to stop. When Marcus had pulled them close and he could feel the hard length of Marcus’ erection pressing into his, he gasped again, desperate for breath, his head lolling back as he sucked in some much needed air.
“Marcus,” he panted, tugging on Marcus’ hair. “I need...let me breathe.”
“Mmm, don’t wanna,” Marcus said, his voice muffled as he pressed his lips against Esca’s jaw. He kissed down Esca’s neck until he reached the juncture at Esca’s shoulder. Once there he stayed, latching his lips around the tender skin there and gently sucking the blood to the surface.
Esca’s knees went weak, he found himself supported mainly by Marcus’ hands on his ass. They stumbled together, falling against the counter.
“Hey, where are you going?” Marcus asked with a laugh, wrapping his arms around Esca’s waist and holding him close.
“It’s not my fault you make me weak at the knees,” Esca said, tilting his head up so that his nose brushed against Marcus’.
“Do I really?” Marcus asked, his lips spreading in a slow smile. He ran his nose across Esca’s jaw and down his neck, tracing the path his mouth had travelled moments before.
“So very much.”
“Well, we’re going to have to find a way to keep you upright, aren’t we?” Marcus said, sliding his hands back down to cup Esca’s ass once more, finding a fast solution to Esca’s little problem. He lifted Esca in one fluid motion, the muscles in his shoulders flexing under Esca’s hands.
Once he was seated on the edge of the counter, Esca wrapped his legs around Marcus’ waist, pulling him closer and holding him there.
“Better,” he said, before pulling Marcus in for another kiss. Marcus moaned then, pressing himself harder against Esca, hard enough that Esca could again feel his erection through two layers of denim.
The kiss deepened, becoming almost frantic as Marcus rubbed himself against Esca, encouraged by Esca’s grip on his waist, his hands tugging on Marcus’ hair, keeping him close. It turned sloppy, tongues and lips and teeth stroking, sucking, pushing and pulling until they had to pull away to breathe.
“God, Esca,” Marcus panted, his forehead rested on Esca’s shoulder, but his hands were still roaming Esca’s back, pushing his shirt up to reach the bare skin underneath.
“I know, I...” Esca trailed off as Marcus turned his head, his lips and teeth worrying the already sensitive skin until Esca was gasping and pulling Marcus’ hair hard enough to hurt. He soothed the bite with broad strokes of his tongue, but the sensations only served to make Esca more desperate.
He let go of Marcus’ hair, trailing his hands over broad shoulders and down Marcus’ lean muscled chest to slip under his shirt. Marcus’ skin was warm and soft, a direct contrast to his rough fingers kneading the muscles of Esca’s back. Marcus had moved to the other side of Esca’s neck, repeating his ministrations there as Esca’s fingers found his belt.
“Off, take it off,” Marcus panted, thrusting his groin into Esca’s as he pulled Esca’s shirt up his back, disrupting Esca’s attempt at unfastening his jeans as he tugged it over Esca’s head and down his arms.
“Yours too,” Esca said, pulling Marcus shirt off as well. The cold that had rushed in when they separated was quickly banished as they pressed close once more, hot, bare skin coming together for the first time.
“More, I want...more, Marcus,” Esca said, tugging on Marcus’ belt again, his fingers slipping underneath. Marcus was even hotter under his jeans, and Esca wanted them off, badly.
“Yeah,” Marcus breathed, turning his attention from Esca’s neck to his jeans, yanking at the button fruitlessly for a moment before finally tugging it loose. Esca wasn’t helping, as his hands were busy pulling Marcus’ belt buckle open.
Marcus pulled back for a second to help, so Esca’s hands went to his own jeans, making quick work of the button, hampered as he was by the straining erection beneath. He undid the zipper and managed to work his jeans off a bit before he was stopped by Marcus’ hands, which were pulling on his underwear.
“Ungh,” he grunted when the heat of Marcus’s hand clasped around his hot, bare cock. He imagined that it sizzled, and he began to shake with excitement.
“Marcus,” he whispered, his voice mimicking the shaking of his hand as he reached out to grasp Marcus’ cock, which was also bare, standing tall and proud from the open placket of his jeans. His legs lifted again, pulling Marcus closer once more, until the angle became awkward and he was regrettably forced to let go of Marcus’ cock as Marcus let go of his.
The disappointment faded quickly though, when Marcus slid his hands around to Esca’s back and plunged them into his now loosened jeans, gripping Esca’s ass cheeks and pulling them so close that their bare cocks bumped and rubbed, pre-come spreading from one to the other until it was so mixed up there was no telling where the wetness had originated.
Their lips came together again, their hands groping and kneading as they kissed, open-mouthed. It was wet, hot and delicious, Marcus’ hands squeezing and spreading Esca’s ass cheeks as Esca’s fingernails dug into Marcus’ shoulders, no doubt leaving bloody crescents in his skin.
Esca didn’t care, not when Marcus’ hips were moving, grinding their slick, throbbing erections together, pushing Esca toward a climax he’d been anticipating, wishing for since he’d laid eyes on the man he clung to. He swore that he could feel Marcus’ heartbeat in his cock, even as his own heart pounded faster and faster.
Marcus dropped his head, his lips falling from Esca’s to attach to his favorite spot at the base of Esca’s neck, sucking what was no doubt an epic hickey on Esca’s skin. When his teeth came out to play, biting the hyper sensitive spot, Esca came with a shout that was muffled as his own mouth fell onto Marcus’ shoulder. He bit down in reflex as his cock pulsed out his climax, covering both their cocks in his release.
It took only three more thrusts for Marcus to follow him over the edge, his come joining Esca’s in a slick, hot mess.
“Esca, oh my god,” Marcus said, panting into Esca’s neck. “That was amazing.”
“I’ll say,” Esca agreed, laughing a little hysterically, his hands sliding down Marcus’ back to cup his ass.
“I hope it’s only the beginning.” Marcus said, sounding nervous. Esca looked up, meeting Marcus’ brown eyes and holding them.
“Oh, don’t worry, I have plans for you,” he said, leaning in to kiss Marcus sweetly, tugging on Marcus’ bottom lip with his teeth.
“Yeah? Do they involve copious amounts of sex?”
“And many more candlelight dinners, I hope.”
Marcus pulled back, his expression turning serious. “Esca, I...I really like you.”
“I like you too, Marcus,” Esca replied, but Marcus shook his head.
“No, I mean...I really like you. The falling in love kind of like.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah.” Marcus’ gaze fell. Esca could see his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed thickly. It occurred to him that he’d not tasted the skin there yet. Suddenly he wanted to, very badly.
He slid his hands back into Marcus’ hair and pulled him down, then leaned forward, laying kisses along Marcus’ jaw and down his neck, letting his tongue flick along the salty skin with reverence.
“Marcus,” he said, pausing to breath him in. Marcus tasted as good as he smelled, and he always smelled so good. He pulled back to look in Marcus’ eyes, but had to lift his chin to do so.
“Marcus,” he said again. “I like you too. I want you, quite badly.” Marcus swallowed and nodded, his face falling with disappointment. He opened his mouth to speak, but Esca cut him off with a finger to his lips.
“And I’m more than halfway in love with you, myself,” he continued, smiling up at the man who had shaken up his world and woken his heart. “Quite a bit more, as a matter of fact.”
“You...you’re sure?” Marcus’ eyes lit with happiness and Esca’s chest tightened at the sight of it. He wanted to see that expression on Marcus’ face again and again.
“Hell yes, I’m sure.” He wrapped his arms around Marcus’ neck and smiled at him, his heart swelling with love and contentment. He hadn’t felt that way in years, not since his parents had died. But now, it was something more, something different. His parents were his past, his certainty of their love had carried him through their deaths and the lonely years since his estrangement with his brothers.
They were his past, but Marcus was his future.
“Now, my crotch is cold and sticky, and as lovely as this was, it's starting to get uncomfortable.” He and Marcus glanced down at the same time, noting the remnants of their orgasms, cold and congealing on their bare cocks.
“Damn,” Marcus said, shaking his head and laughing. “It should be gross, but I just think it’s hot.” He looked up at Esca with a soft smile. “It’s hot because it’s you and me.”
Esca’s cock twitched in agreement. “It’ll be even hotter in bed,” he said.
“Fuck, Esca,” Marcus said, his head dropping to rest on Esca’s shoulder. “You have no idea what you do to me.”
“I’d do more to you if we were naked,” Esca pointed out, tightening his legs around Marcus’ waist. “So let’s go, already.”
“I’m on it,” Marcus said. He punctuated his words by picking Esca up, using his grip on Esca’s rear to carry him around the table and across the room toward his bedroom.
“Sounds like a plan,” Esca said. “But not your room, it’s a mess.” He tugged on Marcus’ hair.
“Fine, fine,” Marcus said, adjusting his trajectory, heading toward Esca’s room. “Bossy.”
“You love it.”
“I do,” Marcus said, squeezing Esca’s ass and giving him an exaggerated leer. Esca laughed as Marcus carried him into his bedroom. He was still laughing when he fell onto the bed, Marcus following him down to press him into the mattress.
His laugh was silenced with a kiss and no more words were spoken. They’d already said all they needed to say.
The next night, the steaks were perfect. They’d been marinating overnight, Esca had whipped up the marinade while Marcus washed up their dishes, doing only a half-assed job of it, as he was too busy watching Esca work to really pay attention. Not that Esca minded, he liked that Marcus was so into learning how to cook, although part of him couldn’t help but wish he was so attentive because he just liked watching Esca.
The long soak had left them dark, the spicy scent of the marinade wafting over Esca as he pried off the lid.
“Smells good,” Marcus said, from right behind him, making Esca jump in surprise.
“What are you doing?” he said, hoping it hadn’t come out as the girly shriek he feared it had. He turned quickly, surprised to find just how close Marcus was, close enough that Esca could feel Marcus’ breath on his face and the heat radiating from his body.
“Just checking up on my dinner,” Marcus said, a smug look on his face. He didn’t move out of Esca’s personal space though, so Esca had to give him a shove. He backed off a bit, but the smile stayed.
“What makes you think any of this is for you?” Esca asked, putting his hands on hips and giving Marcus his best ‘bitch, please,’ look. He didn’t fail to notice Marcus’ eyes travelling the length of his body. It made his breath catch and his cock twitch. Something had changed between them the night before, something had shifted. They had spent the evening talking when they should have been doing their homework, but neither of them had made a move to leave until the clock ticked over into morning.
Even then Esca hadn’t been able to sleep, laying awake for a few more hours, his head spinning with all the things he’d learned about Marcus that night. Of all the things he’d shared about himself. About his childhood, his struggle to accept himself in a small, narrow minded town. The fighting with his parents and his brothers, his friends, when he came out, the pain of losing some of them to their homophobia.
The estrangement from his family, however short lived, had been the worst. His brothers had been especially hostile, though their attitudes had come from somewhere. When Esca had told them he was gay, there had been an explosion of yelling, filthy language and even some shoving before his mother, though not exactly accepting, had put a stop to it. Esca had spent two weeks crashing on his friends’ couches, one by one, until his family had agreed to let up on the hostility.
That was the reason why, after his parents had died in a car crash, he had been on his own. He hadn’t spoken to his brothers since the funeral, and wouldn’t again, if he had anything to say about it. Thinking about them and the family they’d once been put a dull ache in his chest, but he brushed it aside, rolling over and trying to find a more comfortable position. It was done and over with, and he wouldn’t wish it back if he’d had the opportunity. He couldn’t pretend to be someone he wasn’t, not for such conditional approval and fickle affection.
He was better off now. And despite his family issues, he wouldn’t want to be in Marcus’ place. His parents were dead as well, but he still had family pressure, the weight of generations of Aquilas on his broad shoulders; their successes, their failures, the family name, the family business.
From what Marcus had told him, his uncle didn’t care that Marcus was gay, or that he liked hacking and video games. He didn’t care if Marcus played sports or any of the other so-called manly pursuits. It was all good, apparently, as long as Marcus worked hard and followed his father and uncle into the family business. As long as he got the proper education and became as successful a businessman as those before him.
His family’s wealth and status had freed Marcus to things that Esca couldn’t imagine, but at the same time, it constrained him in a way that Esca would never have had to worry about, even if his parents had lived. In very different ways, they were very much the same.
Esca rolled over again, laying on his stomach and pressing his face into the pillow. He tried to clear his mind of everything that had happened that night, but he just couldn’t pull his thoughts away from Marcus and how he had smiled at him across the dinner table. His lopsided grin and warm eyes had unearthed something in Esca that he had put away, piece by piece over several years.
When he came out, when his family settled into a less hostile but no more welcoming peace, when his parents died, when he left home. Family expectation and support had fallen away, and Esca found that he didn’t miss it.
And yet, he still yearned for something. For someone. Fact was, he was lonely. The few friends he’d kept through school had been left behind fairly painlessly, with little to no attempt at keeping in touch, from either side. He didn’t make friends easily, nor very deeply. He’d always held himself back. He’d never opened up to anyone the way he had that night, to Marcus. He’d never given anyone more than the basic facts, but with Marcus he’d found himself sharing his thoughts and feelings, finding them woven into his story in a way they never had been before.
It had been somewhat of a revelation. And Marcus’ reciprocation had warmed him even more. He sighed, punching his pillow in frustration. He couldn’t deny it anymore, couldn’t pretend that it was just attraction and a friendly fondness. It had gone far beyond that now.
He was falling in love with Marcus.
Marcus, who was now standing a few feet in front of him, looking at him with more hunger than he ever had at anything they had managed to prepare together. Goosebumps erupted on Esca’s arms as the silence lengthened.
“I hope it’s for me,” Marcus said at last, his voice deeper than normal, eyes intense. Esca shivered.
“Some of it is,” he said giving Marcus a wink and turning back to the food, hoping to diffuse the tension and bring the focus back to their dinner.
“That’s good,” Marcus said, moving closer again. “What are we going to make with it?”
“Fried potatoes, asparagus and mushrooms.” Esca gestured to the bag of nugget potatoes on the counter. “I bought those just for this. Clean and cut them into inch sized pieces, would you? You can put them in this pot,” Esca said, putting a pot on the counter for him.
“Sure,” Marcus said, washing his hands and getting right to work. As he deftly handled the potatoes, Esca set up the grill and got out a pan and then set about washing and then chopping the mushrooms.
“We need to blanche those potatoes before frying them, so go ahead and put them on when you’re done. And then you can prep the asparagus,” Esca said, glancing over at Marcus, who was focused on his task.
“Slave driver,” Marcus muttered, but his face was split with a grin.
“You love it,” Esca said, aware that he was flirting, knowing that Marcus would flirt back. He wondered how far he could take it, how far Marcus would go. Sure, Marcus had all but admitted being attracted to him, but that didn’t necessarily mean that he wanted a relationship. He had no clue how Marcus felt about it, but Esca knew that he did. He wanted Marcus, and he had decided that it was time to get what he wanted.
“I don’t mind.” Marcus nudged Esca with his shoulder and then filled the pot with water and put it on the stove, turning on the burner. “So, asparagus then?” he asked, taking the bag out of the fridge.
“It’s one of my favorites,” Esca commented, reaching across Marcus to grab the butter, pressing against him firmly before pulling back. Marcus cleared his throat, taking the vegetables out of the bag and rinsing them while Esca scooped some butter into a pan for the mushrooms.
“I don’t mind it, but I’ve never cooked it before.”
“Marcus, before me, you hadn’t cooked anything, had you?”
“Not as such...” Marcus said, trailing off and looking away.
Esca laughed, reaching across to replace the butter, nudging Marcus in the process. Marcus nudged back, but Esca didn’t give in, remaining close enough that they were pressed together. Esca could feel the solid muscle of Marcus’ upper arm where his shoulder was pressed against it. He began to wonder just how strong Marcus was. He was fit, certainly, but that didn’t mean all that much, really. Esca wondered if he would be strong enough to hold and restrain him, to pin him down and fuck him senseless, to keep him pinned, even if Esca struggled against his grip. Esca liked to be in charge, but sometimes the thought of just letting go and being pounded into the mattress was irresistible.
Esca broke out in goosebumps again, his cock hardening as his thoughts took him into inappropriate territory. He’d always had a thing for rough, hard sex and had even broken up with a boyfriend because he couldn’t provide it. Marcus was intense, but he was also gentle and very level headed. He was calm and collected, and on on the surface, not the type to indulge in such things. But Esca knew better. The quiet ones were often the most adventurous of them all.
“So, is it ready to go, then?” Esca’s attention was brought back to the present by Marcus’ well timed question. He had been getting entirely too hot under the collar for the situation. Such thoughts were better left for quiet moments when he was alone in bed, not when he was standing beside an attentive and questioning Marcus.
“No, you have to snap the ends off. Here, let me show you,” he said, reaching over and taking one stalk from Marcus’ hands, his fingers brushing Marcus’ momentarily.
“Hold it in both hands and bend,” he said, demonstrating the technique so that Marcus could see. “The end will snap off easily, where the stalk turns woody. Just throw away the bottom and you’re good to go.” He smiled at Marcus and held out the freshly trimmed stalk.
“Oh, that’s easy,” Marcus said. He smiled back, their fingers brushing again as he took the stalk from Esca.
“You can put those in...this.” Esca dug into one of the cupboards and pulled out a steamer pot. “Once the potatoes are done, which they should be soon, you can refill it with water and set it to boiling. This will fit into that pot.”
“Convenient,” Marcus said, taking the pot from Esca. The worked in relative silence after that, as they often did, with Esca giving instructions and Marcus following. They flirted from time to time, but they both kept it light and fun, not going too far, changing the subject if it seemed that it would become too serious.
Soon Marcus was putting the steaks on the grill while Esca manned the stove, where he had the mushrooms sauteing with butter and a bit of freshly minced garlic, asparagus steaming and the potatoes sizzling as their skins crisped and browned in the heated pan.
“Mmm, it all smells so good,” Marcus said, turning the steaks just so in an attempt to create a nice cross-hash pattern on their surfaces.
“It does, I’m getting pretty hungry here,” Esca said, pulling some bowls for serving out of the cupboard, following that with the necessary utensils. “The should be almost ready to flip.” He shook the pan of potatoes to check their readiness and then did the same with the mushrooms, determining that both were all but ready. He turned the burners off, including the one for the asparagus.
“Great,” Marcus said, nudging the closet steak with his tongs. He was hovering over the grill, looking apprehensive and yet excited in a child-like way that Esca couldn’t help but find endearing. When he looked over and smiled brightly before turning back to his task, Esca’s stomach flipped in a now familiar, yet still unsettling manner. He busied himself putting the rest into bowls and setting the table.
When he was done, he went to check on Marcus, who had flipped the steaks, completely appropriately and without supervision. Esca gave a mental cheer at his improvement and then slid an arm up Marcus’ back to rest on his shoulder. He felt Marcus tense and then shiver and gave another mental cheer, this time for himself.
“Almost ready?”
“Yep,” Marcus said, shooting Esca a sideways glace. His cheeks were flushed, which was always an attractive look on Marcus. Esca had to yet to see a look that didn’t make him want to kiss Marcus breathless while the steaks burned.
Except he had too much respect for quality food to consider something like that. Really.
“How do you know when they’re done?” Marcus poked one of the steaks with the tongs, but Esca just tsked, taking the tongs away from him.
“No, the way to test the steak is with your finger. You can tell how well done it is by how soft it is. Use your hand to test.”
“My hand?”
“Hold your hand up,” Esca instructed, holding his out for Marcus to see. “With your hand loose, press the pad of your thumb, here. See how firm that feels?”
“Yes,” Marcus said, looking from his hand to Esca, confusion wrinkling his brow.
“That’s how a raw steak feels like.” Esca touched his thumb to his index finger, then poked the pad of his thumb again. “When you hold your hand like this and press, this is how a rare steak feels.” Esca reached over and pressed the surface of one steak with his finger. “See?”
“Oh...” Marcus said, copying the motions. “That’s handy,” he said, chuckling at his own joke.
Esca looked up at Marcus with a straight face and shook his head. “You’re a laugh riot, you are,” he said, which only made Marcus laugh more. “All right, back to the steak, I don’t want it to be over done.”
Marcus complied, although he still wore a smile of amusement. “So, touching your thumb and middle finger is medium rare...which is how I like my steak, you?”
Marcus was pressing his hand and then the steak, trying to gauge the firmness of the meat. “Oh, med-rare for me too.”
“Great, they’re almost done. Can you tell?”
“Yeah, that’s pretty cool,” Marcus replied. “And if I touch my ring finger, it’s medium?”
“Exactly. Your pinky is well done, which is a complete waste of meat, in my opinion.”
“Well, we can agree on that. If you want it well done, you might as well get jerky. At least it has some flavour.”
Esca smiled widely at Marcus, who was poking his steak again. “Too true. How are they?”
“I think they’re ready,” Marcus said.
Esca gave them a poke and agreed, so he turned off the grill and held out their plates for Marcus to put the steaks on.
“About time,” he said. “Let’s eat.”
**
Esca and Marcus kept to their routine as much as they could over the next week, mixing in study groups and evenings in the library. They hadn’t made anything particularly challenging, although Marcus did surprise Esca on Thursday with spaghetti and homemade sauce. Esca had to admit that it was good, almost as good as when they’d made it together, if lacking in finesse. That was something Marcus would develop, especially if he kept up his skills in the kitchen after graduation.
Esca thought he would teach Marcus some more skills. Namely, baking. Knowing how to make a good pie crust wasn’t just for dessert, either. It also came in handy when making pot pies, tarts, quiches, and a whole variety of other things.
So, he’d told Marcus to put aside his Saturday. They’d spent a very sedate Friday night doing as much homework as they could so they wouldn‘t have to worry about it the next day. When Esca had questioned whether he wouldn’t rather be out doing something else, Marcus had given him a look that clearly questioned Esca’s sanity.
“Where else would I want to be?” Marcus asked, shaking his head at Esca. “I’m not exactly into frat parties.”
Esca smiled. “I’m glad. I just didn’t want you do be where you didn’t want to be, you know?”
“Yeah,” Marcus replied. “I know. But trust me, if I didn’t want to be here having you boss me around in the kitchen, I wouldn’t be, okay?”
“Okay,” Esca said, feeling like a sappy fool at how thrilled Marcus’ words made him feel.
When Saturday morning rolled around, he ate a quiet breakfast, realizing that it might be a while before they got started. The noises coming from Marcus’ room told Esca that he had been up gaming with ‘the boys’ until late. He was surprised then, when Marcus surfaced shortly after nine in the morning, looking rough and rumpled, but awake.
“Mornin’,” he murmured as he headed to the bathroom, scratching his bare chest as he went, pyjama pants riding low on his hips.
“Morning,” Esca parroted, his brain function temporarily relocated to his nether regions. He watched, transfixed, as Marcus passed through the common room. Sure, he knew Marcus was hot. Sure, he’d stared at him before. Inconspicuously, of course. But this was the first time he’d seen Marcus in a state of sleepy undress since he’d realized his feelings for the other man.
Sure enough, while his immediate feelings were ones of wanting and desire, underneath them ran a current of tender longing, longing for the companion he yearned for. Longing for Marcus to be that person.
By the time Marcus came out of the bathroom, Esca had managed to regain control of his thought process. When Marcus padded into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee, Esca managed to keep his eyes on the book he was ready, though only just. When Marcus slouched in the chair opposite Esca’s and smiled a sleeping, affectionate smile at his roommate, all Esca’s hard work was undone, and he smiled back like an idiot.
“Sleep well?” he asked, sipping his second mug of coffee.
“Not too shabby,” Marcus replied, scratching his scalp and making his hair messier even than it had been. “I laid off the energy drinks at about nine, so I actually got some sleep.”
“Good for you. You’re ready to bake, then?”
“Yeah, just let me get some cereal,” Marcus went to get up, but Esca gestured him down again.
“No need,” he said, setting his book aside and standing. “I’ve got apple turnovers in the oven.” He gestured to the timer on the stove and said, “They’re just about done.”
“You baked this morning?” Marcus asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
“Oh, these are store bought,” Esca said, peering into the oven to see how they looked. “You know the ones that come in the little tube, complete with filling and icing?”
“Yeah, I know the ones you mean,” Marcus replied, nodding. “I just never thought I’d see you stoop to using them.”
Esca looked up to glare at Marcus light-heartedly, but he was derailed by the look on Marcus’ face. It was clear that he had been ogling Esca’s ass as he leaned over the oven, and now his eyes were also twinkling with mischief.
Esca just shook his head and threw an oven mitt at Marcus’ head. “Cheeky,” he said as the timer went off. “Besides, I don’t make everything from scratch all the time. Sometimes you want maximum payoff with a minimum effort.” The turnovers were puffy and golden brown, perfectly baked.
“Oh, I always want maximum payoff for minimum effort,” Marcus replied, making Esca laugh and throw the other oven mitt at him.
“I’m sure you do, you slacker.” Esca cut a properly sized hole in the frosting bag and set it aside, then turned to face Marcus, waiting for the turnovers to cool slightly.
“Hey, I’m only a slacker when I don’t feel that the work is worth my time,” Marcus replied.
“Like cleaning your room? It’s amazing you can walk in there sometimes.”
“Pfft,” Marcus scoffed, bringing his mug and joining Esca at the counter. “I can find whatever I need, and it’s not like there would be much room to walk in there, even if it was clean.”
Esca looked at Marcus for a minute, trying to find a snarky response, but there was none. Besides, Marcus’ smugness was rather fetching. “I suppose you’re right,” he admitted at last.
“Ha! I can’t believe you’re giving in.” Marcus’ smile was wide now, and infectious.
“Yeah, you can shut up now,” Esca grumbled, though he was smiling as well. “Let’s ice these before they get cold.”
**
“This is awesome,” Marcus said, although considering his mouthful, it sounded more like,
‘bish is aweshom’.
Esca laughed. “I know, it’s one of my favorites. And way better made from scratch than from a box.”
“It really is,” Marcus agreed. I don’t think I can go back to the boxed stuff after this.”
“Then my work here is done,” Esca said, looking proud. “And you did most of it yourself.”
“I know, I can hardly believe it.” Marcus took another bite and chewed thoughtfully. “The bread crumbs are my favorite part.”
“Mine too,” Esca said. After they were done eating their turnovers, Esca showed Marcus how to make pie dough, planning to make an apple pie, a pumpkin pie and a chicken pot pie for dinner.
“Once the dough is mixed, it’s best to let it sit in the fridge for at least half an hour, or longer,” Esca had instructed as Marcus rolled one dough ball in plastic wrap.
“To keep it cold while you’re rolling it, right?” Marcus asked. Esca was pleased. He had clearly been paying attention.
After the dough was put away, Esca decided on a whim to show Marcus how to make macaroni and cheese, from scratch. It was a fairly simple process, cook the pasta, make a cheese sauce, mix them, top with more cheese and bread crumbs, and bake. They had cleaned up while it was baking and were now taking a much needed break before assembling the pies.
“So, what are we doing first?” Marcus asked once they had cleared their lunch dishes.
“Let’s roll out the dough for two pies, we’ll save the rest for later,” Esca said, running a sink full of hot, soapy water. “Then I’ll peel and core some apples, and you can mix up the pumkpin,” Esca said, “The pumpkin needs to bake at a higher temperature for a bit, then after that we can bake them together.”
“Sounds good.”
“We’ll need to use the table to roll it out, there’s not enough room up here,” Esca said, rinsing the cloth and wringing it out, then tossing it at Marcus. “So give it a wipe, yeah?”
Marcus did, and they started to gather up what they needed. A bowl of flour, the brand spanking new rolling pin and glass pie pans they had bought on their shopping spree, along with the two balls of pie dough.
“Right,” he said, picking up the flour and sprinkling a fair amount on the table. “So first you need flour, to keep it from sticking.” He unwrapped one ball of dough, rolling it in his hands to smooth it out.
“You wanna make sure it’s nice and round, it’s easier to roll that way.” He put the dough in the middle of the flour and flattened it out a bit. “Gotta get it started,” Esca said.
“I bet,” Marcus replied, giving Esca a wink. Esca laughed, nudging Marcus with his shoulder.
“Anyway,” Esca said. “Moving on.” He picked up the rolling pin and sprinkled some flour on it before pressing it onto the dough. “You wanna be firm but not rough, because it’s delicate.” He rolled the pin back and forth, angling it this way and that.
“If you just roll it in one direction, you won’t get the shape you need, so you have to work it back and forth until...” Esca trailed off when Marcus snorted beside him.
“What?” he said, looking up at Marcus with a scowl.
“Nothing, nothing at all,” Marcus said, though he wore a smirk.
“Hmm,” Esca turned back to the dough and continued rolling it. “You see what I mean?” he asked, trying not to shiver as he felt Marcus move closer.
“Oh, I see,” Marcus said, his breath puffing over Esca’s ear, and he couldn’t hold the shiver in any longer.
“I think you may be seeing the wrong thing.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
“Here, hold this,” Esca said, thrusting the rolling pin into Marcus’ hands. If Marcus hadn’t been fast enough to catch it and it ended up smacking him in the stomach, it certainly wasn’t Esca’s fault.
“Oof,” Marcus said, bending almost double. “Better be careful.”
“Yeah, you look horribly injured,” Esca scoffed.
“Hey, I could be hurt.” Marcus affected an injured look, but it only made Esca laugh.
“Right, let me know if I need to call an ambulance. But for now, pay attention, would you?”
“Yeah, sure.” Marcus put the rolling pin down and gave Esca a pie plate.
“It’s easier if you fold the dough over, they you can lift it into the pan more safely.” Esca demonstrated, moving the dough over and unfolding it, pressing it gently into the pan to form it properly. Then he used the kitchen shears, properly cleaned, of course, to cut off the excess dough, leaving a smooth edge.
“There, all done. Think you can handle the other one?” He picked up the dough filled pie plate and put it on the counter and then gathered up the dough remnants and set them aside to use as a topping for the apple pie.
“I can give it a shot,” Marcus said confidently, though Esca could tell he was bit nervous. He watched as Marcus refreshed the flour on the table, unwrapped the dough and formed it into a smooth ball. He put it in the middle of the flour and patted it down until it was only an inch or so thick. Then he sprinkled some flour on the rolling pin and spread it around, as Esca had, his hand moving up and down the shaft of the pin smoothly, his grip firm.
Esca swallowed, suddenly realizing how sensual the action was. He took a step back as Marcus began to roll the dough, forcing himself to watch the pin and not the flex of Marcus’ shoulders under his worn t-shirt.
It took him a few moments to realize that Marcus was pressing too hard initially, leaving his dough lopsided.
“Hold on,” Esca said. “Let me show you.” He moved closer and reached out to place his hands over Marcus’ on the handles of the pin. It brought half of his back into direct contact with Marcus’ chest, put his face close enough so that he could hear Marcus breathing and feel the air move across the sensitive skin of his neck as Marcus exhaled.
Esca’s cock began to fill immediately, the thrill of Marcus’ proximity filling him with arousal faster than any he’d experienced before. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath, determined to get on with the baking.
“You don’t want to press too hard, just firmly,” he said, moving the pin forward on the dough, Marcus’ muscles slack under his guidance.
“Be careful to keep the pressure even as you press out, or the dough will be too thin on the outside.” He demonstrated a few strokes and then relaxed, letting Marcus control the pressure as the dough took shape.
“Better?” Marcus asked, his voice rough and deep.
“Y-yeah,” Esca stuttered, turning his head to look at Marcus but quickly realizing his mistake.
They were close. Very, very close. From this distance, he could see the brown flecks in Marcus’ green eyes, could feel the heat radiating from his skin. They were close enough that, if he tilted his head and leaned in a mere inch, they would be kissing.
Esca was frozen, unsure of how to proceed and unable to retreat. Marcus seemed similarly stuck, his eye wide as they stared at each other.
“Umm, yes,” Esca said, blinking and clearing his throat, turning away only to notice that he was still hanging onto Marcus’ hands, though the rolling pin had stilled. He let go quickly, pulling back and taking a step to the side. He felt cold, Marcus’ body heat removed to a more respectable although regrettable distance.
Esca had never experienced anything like this before. He’d gone out on dates with a few boys, but intent had always been established before he’d reached this step. He’s had a few one night stands as well, but in those cases, the intent had been blatant, no pretenses. This flirty, unresolved tension was a whole new process and he had no idea how to continue.
He knew by now that Marcus was attracted to him. He knew Marcus was gay, he knew they were compatible as friends. He was still afraid though, that their mutually comfortable friendship could be torn apart, if they didn’t handle the transition properly.
He didn’t know if he would be torn apart.
Marcus coughed and continued rolling the dough in silence, giving Esca a minute to regain his composure. He watched Marcus’ improved technique as he rolled the dough into a mostly round shape.
“It looks good.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. You can put it in the dish, now.”
“Alright,” Marcus put the pin aside and folded the dough over, copying what Esca had done. Soon it was nestled in to pie pan, the edges trimmed and ready to go.
“Looks great,” Esca said as Marcus put it aside. “Now you can form the leftovers together and roll out another crust for the top. I’ll get the ingredients ready for the rest.”
“Sure,” Marcus grinned at Esca, pride evident in his face. Esca smiled back, equally as proud. Marcus had come a long way from the burnt and ruined pot that had jump-started their kitchen adventures.
**
“It smells amazing.”
Marcus sat on the couch, flicking through channels in search of something to watch. The mixed scents of pumpkin and apple filled the room, with an note of cinnamon throughout. Marcus was right, it did smell amazing.
“Sure does,” Esca agreed. “Won’t be long now.”
“Are you sure we can’t eat them before the chicken pot pies are ready?”
Esca gave Marcus a look. It worked, as the other sighed and turned back to his relentless channel surfing. He clicked through for a few more minutes before throwing the remote down with a huff and getting up.
“Enough of this shit, I’m gonna see what’s happening online.”
“Have fun,” Esca said, watching Marcus go into his room and close the door firmly but quietly. He laid down on the couch and sighed, not knowing how to feel. They’d had a great day. It had been filled with flirting, flour and a now palpable sexual tension. Esca felt as if they’d made some progress, and he’d also come to a decision.
He wanted Marcus. As a friend, as a lover, as a partner. He wanted Marcus as his boyfriend. There was always the risk that things wouldn’t work out, but he was willing to take the chance. He’d never met anyone quite like Marcus. He’d never met anyone as interesting, as complex and simple and infuriating and comforting...there’d never been anyone quite as anything as Marcus.
The question was, what now? Where did he go from here? He’d never had to take the initiative, but he wasn’t sure he was willing to wait. Not when Marcus could meet someone else at any time.
Decision made, Esca got up to check the pies. Turning on the oven light, he saw that the crust of the apple pie was golden and puffy, while the pumpkin looked almost as if it was inflated. Almost, there was still a depression in the center, which meant that it wasn’t quite done yet. He checked the timer, they had five minutes to go.
While he set up racks for them to cool on, he thought of how he would go about asking Marcus on a date. And what kind of date? Dinner seemed a bit redundant, although it would be a novelty for someone else to cook for them. A movie? Dancing? A outdoor activity?
Esca shook his head. It was getting rather cold outside, so indoors might be a better idea. He wouldn’t mind a trip to a local museum or art gallery, but he doubted Marcus would be interested in either. What would Marcus like? Esca was stymied, how do you find a way to impress someone you’ve lived with for a few months, someone who’d seen you at your worst?
The ding of the timer brought him out of his thoughts. He leaned down to check the pies again, noticing that the pumpkin was now completely domed. The timer went off again, and Esca shot a glance at Marcus’ closed door. He had been hoping that Marcus would emerge to take the pies out but, when the timer beeped again, he gave up the idea and turned it off.
When the pies were on the cooling rack and their previously prepared dinner baking in the reheated oven, Esca retreated to his own room, leaving the door open to be sure that he’d hear the timer. When it went off again he’d rouse Marcus and make him prepare a salad to go with the pot pie, but in the meantime, Esca had some serious thinking to do.
**
The next week passed without much interaction, much to Esca’s chagrin. They cooked a few dinners, but Marcus seemed to be suddenly busy. He was also distant in a way he hadn’t been since they’d first met. Esca’s stomach clenched at the oft-occurring thought that Marcus had found someone else.
He forced himself to stay busy, keeping on top of his studies, and keeping busy in the kitchen, with or without Marcus. The few meals they’d prepared together had been good, and Marcus’ progress was clear, but there had been a tension between them that was different, more awkward, less sensual. Esca was confused, and more than a bit annoyed.
Eight days after the pie baking, Esca was trudging back from a late class, wondering what was in store for him that night. Would Marcus want to cook? Esca had some chicken he’d bought the day before, he thought it would go great with a quinoa salad with some nuts and dried fruit. Perhaps a garden salad as well, he knew there were plenty of greens and veggies in the fridge.
When he neared their dorm room, he caught the scent of warm basil and garlic. It smelled wonderful. Could Marcus have made dinner without him? Esca quickened his steps, the contrast of the heavenly scent he was smelling currently and the noxious stench he’d been greeted with a few short weeks ago not lost on him. He smiled, it was a pleasant change.
When he opened to door, he froze, amazed at what he saw.
“Are you going to come in?” Marcus asked. Esca nodded, still too stunned for speech. He dropped his book bag and closed the door.
The room was dim, with just enough light provided by the bulb in the range hood and the literally dozens of tea lights that surrounded the room, covering every surface. The coffee table, Esca’s computer desk, the bookshelves, the kitchen counters. On the neatly set the table there were three tapered candles as well, and a small vase of flowers. Two place settings were flanked by properly set cutlery and crisp linen napkins in gleaming rings of steel.
A nicely dressed Marcus was standing by the table, a bottle of red wine in hand, one half filled glass beside him on the table. Luscious smells were wafting from the bowls on the table, one filled with a creamy pesto pasta, another with crisp garlic bread. Still another held a green salad.
“Marcus, this is...amazing.” Esca drifted closer to the table, where Marcus was pouring wine in the second glass.
“You like?” Marcus asked, putting the wine bottle on the table within reach. “I’m glad.” He gave Esca a bright smile. “Wash up and let’s eat, before it gets cold.”
Esca smiled back and did, pulling off his hoodie before washing and drying his hands. When he went to sit, Marcus pulled out his chair before taking his own seat.
“Marcus,” Esca said, his heart beat speeding up as Marcus sat across from him. “Is this a date?”
Marcus looked up at him as he pulled his napkin out of his ring and spread it on his lap. “It’s a thank you,” he said, holding Esca’s gaze. “Do you want it to be a date?”
“Is that a trick question?”
“No,” Marcus replied, smiling openly.
“Yes.” Esca pulled his napkin out of the ring, putting it on his lap before reaching out for the pasta bowl.
“Yes what?” Marcus asked, picking up the salad bowl.
“Yes, I want it to be a date.” They switched bowls, electricity tingling in Esca’s fingers where they brushed Marcus’. “If you want it to be a date.”
“I...yes,” Marcus smiled again, wider this time, though Esca wondered how that was even possible.
“Okay,” he said, taking a sip of his wine.
“Okay,” Marcus replied, helping himself to some garlic bread.
Esca ate a forkful of the pasta, thinking to himself that it looked really well made, creamy and not oily at all, with plenty of sauce. His first bite only confirmed his opinion. It was earthy and smooth and utterly delightful.
“Marcus,” he said, looking at his friend in surprise. “This is excellent.”
“Is it?” Marcus asked, looking relieved. “I’d never made anything like this before, but it seemed simple enough.”
“It’s simple and yet finicky. But you’ve nailed it.”
“I’m glad,” Marcus replied. “I wanted to do something for you, to thank you for your patience with my fumbling self.”
“You’re not half bad, really,” Esca said. “Unless you’ve been holding out on me all this time.”
Marcus laughed. “No, definitely not. I really was that clueless.” He blushed, stirring his pasta for a moment before taking another bite.
“It makes your victory tonight all the more profound.” Esca felt a bit like an idiot, unable to wipe the sappy smile off his face. “This is really exceptional.” He felt a bit like a broken record, but it was true. The food was really that good.
The repeated compliments were worth it, however. Marcus’ face was pink with pleasure.
“What made you choose pesto?” Esca asked, wondering if Marcus had been planning this since the day they’d baked the pies.
“Well, I wanted to surprise you with something we hadn’t made before. But it couldn’t be too hard, or I might have fucked it up.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit,” Esca assured him.
Marcus blushed again, his shy smile and lowered head making Esca’s heart pound with anticipation. If this was a date, there was no way he was going to let it end without a kiss.
“Anyway,” Marcus said, deferring the compliment. “I had to do some research to figure out what to make, and...well, it took me a few days to bring it all together.”
“It’s worth the wait,” Esca said.
They ate in silence for a few minutes, and Esca felt warmed by more than the food. The wine was very good, an expensive bottle that Esca would never have bought himself, and it complimented the food perfectly. Marcus had chosen a light vinaigrette for the salad, a departure from his usual ranch, and the garlic bread was well seasoned and just crispy enough.
The conversation was warming too. Marcus had broken the silence by asking about Esca’s classes that day, and just like that, the distance that Esca had felt over the previous week had dissipated. They had fallen into a comfortable rhythm as before, only this time, Esca was determined not to lose it.
They cleared up and did the dishes together, and this time, as they stood shoulder to shoulder in their small kitchen, there was a new certainty, an expectation that was headier than the tension they’d felt up until then. This time, Esca knew that it woudn’t end with him alone in his room, tugging himself to completion with the memory of Marcus’ scent, his warmth, his smile.
This time, they would be there together.
Once the dishes had been dried and put away, Marcus stood beside the counter, watching Esca warily and fidgeting, suddenly nervous.
Esca moved closer, finally in no rush to get where they were headed. Now was the time to enjoy the anticipation. He reached past Marcus, their bodies brushing as he flicked off the kitchen light they had turned on to do dishes, plunging the room back into the romantic half light they’d enjoyed their meal in.
“Esca,” Marcus whispered as Esca pulled back. Marcus’ hand fell onto his hips as their eyes met, and that was was when Esca knew, without a shadow of a doubt that his life would be different from here on out.
Marcus’ eyes dropped to Esca’s lips as he licked his own, leaving them shiny and damp. Esca’s heart sped up, as if trying to pound its way out of his chest. He leaned in, lifting his head, his eyes still fixed on Marcus’ and then Marcus must have moved in as well because their lips met sooner than he’d expected. His eyes drifted shut and he leaned into it, sliding his hands up and around Marcus’ neck even as Marcus’ hands on his hips pulled him closer.
Fireworks. Bursts of color and fire flashed through his mind as if projected onto his closed lids.
Esca gasped, his mouth falling open in surprise. He had expected it to be good, but this...this was far beyond his expectations. His hands slid up into Marcus’ soft hair, while Marcus took the opportunity to slide his tongue into Esca’s mouth.
That’s when it changed. Where the kiss had started out slow and reverent, it promptly shifted gears, turning torrid in an instant. Esca moaned shamelessly as Marcus’ hands slid from his hips to grip his ass, squeezing and lifting Esca, pulling him so close that they were pressed flush, chest, groin and thigh.
Esca didn’t know how long it went on for, he just knew that he didn’t want to stop. When Marcus had pulled them close and he could feel the hard length of Marcus’ erection pressing into his, he gasped again, desperate for breath, his head lolling back as he sucked in some much needed air.
“Marcus,” he panted, tugging on Marcus’ hair. “I need...let me breathe.”
“Mmm, don’t wanna,” Marcus said, his voice muffled as he pressed his lips against Esca’s jaw. He kissed down Esca’s neck until he reached the juncture at Esca’s shoulder. Once there he stayed, latching his lips around the tender skin there and gently sucking the blood to the surface.
Esca’s knees went weak, he found himself supported mainly by Marcus’ hands on his ass. They stumbled together, falling against the counter.
“Hey, where are you going?” Marcus asked with a laugh, wrapping his arms around Esca’s waist and holding him close.
“It’s not my fault you make me weak at the knees,” Esca said, tilting his head up so that his nose brushed against Marcus’.
“Do I really?” Marcus asked, his lips spreading in a slow smile. He ran his nose across Esca’s jaw and down his neck, tracing the path his mouth had travelled moments before.
“So very much.”
“Well, we’re going to have to find a way to keep you upright, aren’t we?” Marcus said, sliding his hands back down to cup Esca’s ass once more, finding a fast solution to Esca’s little problem. He lifted Esca in one fluid motion, the muscles in his shoulders flexing under Esca’s hands.
Once he was seated on the edge of the counter, Esca wrapped his legs around Marcus’ waist, pulling him closer and holding him there.
“Better,” he said, before pulling Marcus in for another kiss. Marcus moaned then, pressing himself harder against Esca, hard enough that Esca could again feel his erection through two layers of denim.
The kiss deepened, becoming almost frantic as Marcus rubbed himself against Esca, encouraged by Esca’s grip on his waist, his hands tugging on Marcus’ hair, keeping him close. It turned sloppy, tongues and lips and teeth stroking, sucking, pushing and pulling until they had to pull away to breathe.
“God, Esca,” Marcus panted, his forehead rested on Esca’s shoulder, but his hands were still roaming Esca’s back, pushing his shirt up to reach the bare skin underneath.
“I know, I...” Esca trailed off as Marcus turned his head, his lips and teeth worrying the already sensitive skin until Esca was gasping and pulling Marcus’ hair hard enough to hurt. He soothed the bite with broad strokes of his tongue, but the sensations only served to make Esca more desperate.
He let go of Marcus’ hair, trailing his hands over broad shoulders and down Marcus’ lean muscled chest to slip under his shirt. Marcus’ skin was warm and soft, a direct contrast to his rough fingers kneading the muscles of Esca’s back. Marcus had moved to the other side of Esca’s neck, repeating his ministrations there as Esca’s fingers found his belt.
“Off, take it off,” Marcus panted, thrusting his groin into Esca’s as he pulled Esca’s shirt up his back, disrupting Esca’s attempt at unfastening his jeans as he tugged it over Esca’s head and down his arms.
“Yours too,” Esca said, pulling Marcus shirt off as well. The cold that had rushed in when they separated was quickly banished as they pressed close once more, hot, bare skin coming together for the first time.
“More, I want...more, Marcus,” Esca said, tugging on Marcus’ belt again, his fingers slipping underneath. Marcus was even hotter under his jeans, and Esca wanted them off, badly.
“Yeah,” Marcus breathed, turning his attention from Esca’s neck to his jeans, yanking at the button fruitlessly for a moment before finally tugging it loose. Esca wasn’t helping, as his hands were busy pulling Marcus’ belt buckle open.
Marcus pulled back for a second to help, so Esca’s hands went to his own jeans, making quick work of the button, hampered as he was by the straining erection beneath. He undid the zipper and managed to work his jeans off a bit before he was stopped by Marcus’ hands, which were pulling on his underwear.
“Ungh,” he grunted when the heat of Marcus’s hand clasped around his hot, bare cock. He imagined that it sizzled, and he began to shake with excitement.
“Marcus,” he whispered, his voice mimicking the shaking of his hand as he reached out to grasp Marcus’ cock, which was also bare, standing tall and proud from the open placket of his jeans. His legs lifted again, pulling Marcus closer once more, until the angle became awkward and he was regrettably forced to let go of Marcus’ cock as Marcus let go of his.
The disappointment faded quickly though, when Marcus slid his hands around to Esca’s back and plunged them into his now loosened jeans, gripping Esca’s ass cheeks and pulling them so close that their bare cocks bumped and rubbed, pre-come spreading from one to the other until it was so mixed up there was no telling where the wetness had originated.
Their lips came together again, their hands groping and kneading as they kissed, open-mouthed. It was wet, hot and delicious, Marcus’ hands squeezing and spreading Esca’s ass cheeks as Esca’s fingernails dug into Marcus’ shoulders, no doubt leaving bloody crescents in his skin.
Esca didn’t care, not when Marcus’ hips were moving, grinding their slick, throbbing erections together, pushing Esca toward a climax he’d been anticipating, wishing for since he’d laid eyes on the man he clung to. He swore that he could feel Marcus’ heartbeat in his cock, even as his own heart pounded faster and faster.
Marcus dropped his head, his lips falling from Esca’s to attach to his favorite spot at the base of Esca’s neck, sucking what was no doubt an epic hickey on Esca’s skin. When his teeth came out to play, biting the hyper sensitive spot, Esca came with a shout that was muffled as his own mouth fell onto Marcus’ shoulder. He bit down in reflex as his cock pulsed out his climax, covering both their cocks in his release.
It took only three more thrusts for Marcus to follow him over the edge, his come joining Esca’s in a slick, hot mess.
“Esca, oh my god,” Marcus said, panting into Esca’s neck. “That was amazing.”
“I’ll say,” Esca agreed, laughing a little hysterically, his hands sliding down Marcus’ back to cup his ass.
“I hope it’s only the beginning.” Marcus said, sounding nervous. Esca looked up, meeting Marcus’ brown eyes and holding them.
“Oh, don’t worry, I have plans for you,” he said, leaning in to kiss Marcus sweetly, tugging on Marcus’ bottom lip with his teeth.
“Yeah? Do they involve copious amounts of sex?”
“And many more candlelight dinners, I hope.”
Marcus pulled back, his expression turning serious. “Esca, I...I really like you.”
“I like you too, Marcus,” Esca replied, but Marcus shook his head.
“No, I mean...I really like you. The falling in love kind of like.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah.” Marcus’ gaze fell. Esca could see his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed thickly. It occurred to him that he’d not tasted the skin there yet. Suddenly he wanted to, very badly.
He slid his hands back into Marcus’ hair and pulled him down, then leaned forward, laying kisses along Marcus’ jaw and down his neck, letting his tongue flick along the salty skin with reverence.
“Marcus,” he said, pausing to breath him in. Marcus tasted as good as he smelled, and he always smelled so good. He pulled back to look in Marcus’ eyes, but had to lift his chin to do so.
“Marcus,” he said again. “I like you too. I want you, quite badly.” Marcus swallowed and nodded, his face falling with disappointment. He opened his mouth to speak, but Esca cut him off with a finger to his lips.
“And I’m more than halfway in love with you, myself,” he continued, smiling up at the man who had shaken up his world and woken his heart. “Quite a bit more, as a matter of fact.”
“You...you’re sure?” Marcus’ eyes lit with happiness and Esca’s chest tightened at the sight of it. He wanted to see that expression on Marcus’ face again and again.
“Hell yes, I’m sure.” He wrapped his arms around Marcus’ neck and smiled at him, his heart swelling with love and contentment. He hadn’t felt that way in years, not since his parents had died. But now, it was something more, something different. His parents were his past, his certainty of their love had carried him through their deaths and the lonely years since his estrangement with his brothers.
They were his past, but Marcus was his future.
“Now, my crotch is cold and sticky, and as lovely as this was, it's starting to get uncomfortable.” He and Marcus glanced down at the same time, noting the remnants of their orgasms, cold and congealing on their bare cocks.
“Damn,” Marcus said, shaking his head and laughing. “It should be gross, but I just think it’s hot.” He looked up at Esca with a soft smile. “It’s hot because it’s you and me.”
Esca’s cock twitched in agreement. “It’ll be even hotter in bed,” he said.
“Fuck, Esca,” Marcus said, his head dropping to rest on Esca’s shoulder. “You have no idea what you do to me.”
“I’d do more to you if we were naked,” Esca pointed out, tightening his legs around Marcus’ waist. “So let’s go, already.”
“I’m on it,” Marcus said. He punctuated his words by picking Esca up, using his grip on Esca’s rear to carry him around the table and across the room toward his bedroom.
“Sounds like a plan,” Esca said. “But not your room, it’s a mess.” He tugged on Marcus’ hair.
“Fine, fine,” Marcus said, adjusting his trajectory, heading toward Esca’s room. “Bossy.”
“You love it.”
“I do,” Marcus said, squeezing Esca’s ass and giving him an exaggerated leer. Esca laughed as Marcus carried him into his bedroom. He was still laughing when he fell onto the bed, Marcus following him down to press him into the mattress.
His laugh was silenced with a kiss and no more words were spoken. They’d already said all they needed to say.