Fic: When Love Is Too Much.
Title: When Love Is Too Much. - A story about love, broken trust, rebuilding a life and hoping for the best.
Rating: NC-17 for mature themes.
Pairing: Darren Criss/Chris Colfer
Summary: A story about love, broken trust, rebuilding a life and hoping for the best. What if you love someone so much you think he deserves so much better? What if you make a wrong decision? What if it's too late? Angst/Hurt-Comfort/Romance/Love.
Disclaimer: We don't own Chris or Darren. Sadly.
Warnings: You’re gonna need tissues. And B&J. And tea. It handles the subject of infidelity, but we like to think we handled it gentle and it only happens once!
Also this story is a collaboration! It's written by me: Jana (Chris in this story) and Sjell (Darren in this story).
Chapter 1 ‘Broken expectations’
Chapter 2 'Explanations'
Chapter 3 'Revelations'
Chapter 4 ‘Details’
"Don't leave. Don't leave. Don't. Leave…," Chris whispered under his breath, his heart aching like it was about to burst and he honestly felt like throwing up. His stomach clenched and he winced at the pain, feeling so weak. Chris could've sworn he was in some of his worst nightmares but no - this was real. He had betrayed the love of his life.
Outside Darren felt another hundred questions going through his mind. Did Chris like it? Had he been hard? Did he moan for him? Did he let him dominate him the way he said he only trusted him to do so? Had he trusted him with what he liked? What he needed to come? Had he told him about his boyfriend? Had he lied about him? Without a warning Darren suddenly collapsed in the garden, his body wrecking with sobs, his hands holding his head, tears streaming out of his eyes.
Chris jumped when he heard a heart-wrenching sob coming from outside. He nearly ran outside, breaking at the sight of Darren on the floor, his body shaking and tears streaming down his face. He didn't think about what he was doing next. It was like an instinct. He leaned down and pulled Darren into his arms, crying into his shoulder, holding him so tightly, hoping he wouldn't push him away.
Darren froze in his arms, but couldn't help but not feel comforted by Chris. His arms. His smell. His body that fitted with his so well. Slowly he leaned into Chris, still crying and shaking, his eyes clenched shut and his fingers clenching into his shirt.
"Y-You're still looking for answers, aren't you…?" Chris whispered, still holding on to him as if his life depended on it, his voice so breathy and shaky that he was surprised it even came out in first place.
Nodding, Darren hoped Chris got the message, because he couldn't speak.
"L-Let's calm down, okay…I'll just - " he pulled away, taking his hand in his, squeezing, sitting cross-legged in front of him. "What do you want to know…? I just…please don't go…stay here with me…" he whispered and held his hand a little tighter.
"I-I wasn't planning on leaving," Darren said, voice sounding broken and small.
"I-I mean even getting up…I thought you'd just leave…"
Shaking his head, Darren stayed silent, eyes trained on the floor, hating he was suddenly the weak one and also hating he couldn't voice the questions his mind kept making up, mocking him and his ability to keep Chris happy.
"Darren…talk to me…please - you're right…we need to talk and I'll answer anything. No more secrets. I'll talk. About anything starting now. Forever. I just - I'm sorry…I should've just opened my mouth." Chris whispered, his voice rough and shaky.
Darren turned away his head, happy that Chris was willing to talk but to emotional himself now to voice things. "I- I can't," he said, swallowing his dry throat, wishing he just stayed inside with the comforting mint tea and the comfortable couch.
Chris absently rubbed his thumb over the back of his hand, nodding. "O-Okay…just know that - I felt nothing…I - I just…I didn't do it for fun. Or because I thought I'd have fun…it was - the worst thing I've ever done to myself."
Darren bit his lip, feeling fresh tears rolling out of his eyes, needing to believe him so desperately.
"D-Don't cry…please…I'm so sorry…I - I just needed you to know that…," Chris mumbled
Darren squeezed his hand softly, trying to show his gratitude for that.
"I-," Darren started, but heard how weak and stupid his voice sounded, clenching his lips shut again.
"Darren…please…," Chris whispered, his own voice breaking.
Darren's eyes looked up, finally reaching Chris' eyes again and welled up at the emotions he saw running through them. How was it possible to love someone so much, to need someone so much, but to feel so hurt and angry by that same person?
"Are you disgusted by me…? Like you said you were…? Are you - I get if you never want to touch me again," Chris whispered. Not sure where it came from but he just loved Darren and he hated how he screwed this up.
"N-no," Darren croaked out. "I'm not.. Of course not," Darren said softly, his voice still sounding weak and pathetic.
Chris felt a little more relaxed. Not much but the simple reassurance helped a little bit. He nodded. "I don't get why though…I - I'm so disgusted with myself - I just…would you mind if I took another bath later? I just hate this…"
"Whatever you want," Darren replied, embracing his knees and shivering slightly, it was cold outside. "Stop hating yourself," he said softly. "I don't .."
"I can't," Chris said simply, reaching out again to lace their fingers together. He need the comfort of knowing that Darren was right there with him.
"Then learn to. It made you do this. So it may make you do it again," Darren said, sounding tired and defeated.
"I won't!" Chris said a little too loud, looking at Darren in horror.
"Can you promise me?" Darren asked, looking at him in earnest, hoping Chris found the deeper meaning oft his. It wasn't about cheating. It was about being honest.
elling each other everything. Even the doubts.
"I can. Yes," Chris said firmly, looking at him, trying to convince him that he meant it. Everything.
Darren nodded and stood up, dusting off his pants, wiping away his drying tears. "Okay," he said and walked inside, feeling cold to the bone and desperately needing to feel some warmth again. Inside he grabbed the teapot and poured himself some tea, clinging to it like his life depended on it, while he stared into nothing.
Chris watched Darren and suddenly felt cold all over, shivering and tears still welling up. He got up as well, following Darren, not talking to him but simply to be there.
"You should take that bath," Darren said , sounding a bit emotionless again, his mood switching so often it made his head hurt. On one side he wanted to make things good again but at the other side he was still so fucking hurt and lost.
Chris nodded, the emptiness taking over again when Darren grew distant again, making him wince a little and he walked upstairs without another word, letting out a deep breath as he started the water, gathering some new clothes.
Darren sat on the couch, staring into nothing, seeing the same image in front of his eyes again and again and again. Chris' head thrown back, his neck slightly bruised, his ass around some strangers cock and his arms clenched in the sheets. How many times had they made love on their bed? How many times did he made Chris a screaming, whimpering mess, that only wanted him. Needed him. Begged for him. But still here he was. In someone else' arms. A shot of agonizing pain went through his chest, making him double over, his body jerking, crying dry tears. How could this ever get right again? How could he ever trust Chris again? How could he ever lay down on their bed again without seeing the other guy. Smelling his sex in their room? Hearing the sounds Chris made for some other guy on their bed? He could hear the water running upstairs and he desperately wanted to join. To feel his body warm again. To gather Chris in his arms and wash away everything. Soundlessly and slowly he grabbed Chris' cup with fresh tea and walked upstairs, stilling in front of the bathroom. He could hear Chris' moving in the water, probably trying to rid himself of the smell and touch of someone else. Slowly he walked inside, leaning into the doorway.
Chris was scrubbing at his skin again. It was already red with the force he used to get everything off of him. The filth and disgust, his shame and regret but it didn't seem to work. The water was scolding and he had used too much soap. He let out a frustrated groan and let himself sink back into the water, closing his eyes, wishing Darren would just come to join him, to hold him there and just be with him. He missed how close they were. Inseparable. But things were different now and he had to cope somehow.
Darren stared at Chris, seeing how red his skin was, knowing water and soap couldn't get rid of the filth that was between them now. Chris looked beautiful, even now. Sighing softly he walked towards him and let Chris know he was there. "Hey.." he softly said, keeping his eyes on the tiles.
Chris looked up in horror, the water splashing around him. "Hey…," he whispered back, his voice nothing more than a breathy whisper. He took the loofah in his hand again, applying more soap as he started to clean himself again.
Darren reached out and stopped the loofah, looking at Chris with a frown. "Stop it.. You're breaking your skin," he said softly. Not awaiting a reaction, Darren walked off into their bedroom and looked for the bad oil that made skin go soft again.
Chris stilled and took in a deep breath, putting it down.
Finally found it, Darren walked back and poured a good amount of the oil in the bath. "There.. That's better," he said, because no matter what it was in his nature to look out for Chris. To take care of him.
"Thank you…," Chris said and looked at him with warm, still kinda empty eyes, biting his lip at how caring Darren still was. Even now. He poured some of the water over his arm, wincing at the slight burn. He smoothed it down his body, letting it calm his abused skin.
"I brought you some tea," Darren said and put the mug on the edge of the bath, grabbing a washcloth that was lying there. Silently he poured some of the badoil on the cloth and dipped it into the water. Slowly he began running it down Chris' arms, knowing that he couldn't be taking a bath with him yet, but this was comforting enough for him.
"Thank you so much, Darren - I…," he stopped and smiled weakly, taking a sip before watching Darren, looking up at him, trying to find his eyes. He closed his eyes and let out a shaky breath when Darren ran the washcloth down his arms, soothing the stinging.
Darren remained silent, not knowing what to say. Sometimes actions showed more than words and he hoped Chris knew what this meant. He wasn't disgusted with him. He needed him close again. He wanted them to get like this again, but it couldn't be fully yet. Slowly he run the washcloth over his form, before dropping it into the water and getting up.
"Thanks…," Chris whispered again and laid back into the water, looking at the ceiling, breathing deep and slow.
"I'm gonna make us some dinner," Darren said, finally speaking again and with one last lingering look he walked downstairs, not hungry at all, but knowing they needed to eat something. He settled for a simple soup with bread and started working on it, needing to keep his mind of things.
Okay," Chris said and god, he didn't even know if he could eat without throwing up. He got up and out of the bathtub, looking around for a towel. He dried himself off quickly and changed into a simple grey V-neck and some black sweatpants. He hesitated a little, waiting and giving Darren some time before he walked downstairs again.
Darren looked up from his chopped vegetables when he saw Chris coming down the stairs, looking clean and fresh again. "I'm making soup," he said, not really knowing why.
Chris couldn't help but smile at this simple information. He nodded. "Great," Walking over to a chair to sit, he watched Darren. "Can I help you?"
Darren looked at Chris and saw him smiling, making him smile in return, even though it was strained and felt unnatural. "You can start the bouillon?" he asked.
"Of course!" Chris said quickly and started setting it up for Darren.
"How's your skin," Darren asked and couldn't keep the worried tone out of his voice.
"It's good, Darren, really. The oil helped a lot. I didn't realize I had done it so hard," Chris said and kept working before finishing and sitting down again.
"Good.. You have a sensitive skin," Darren said, knowing way too well how Chris' skin responded. His scratchy stubble was often prove enough. "Maybe you can set the table?" he asked, hoping he didn't sound to commanding.
"I do," Chris agreed and felt his stomach turn when he remember just why Darren knew that. How well he knew him in first place. "Of course!" Chris said enthusiastically, taking some bowls and spoons to set the table.
Working together had always been one of their strong bases. They just did that in perfect sync. It's what made Ryan pick him in the first place. "What would you like to drink with it?" Darren asked him and continued making the soup, putting the vegetables in it while grabbing the little meatballs for in it.
"Would it be inappropriate to say anything that gets me drunk?" Chris chuckled, trying desperately to lighten the mood. "No, well…a Diet Coke will do just fine," he said.
"Coke with rum?" Darren offered, knowing it wouldn't fall to hard and it still would take the edge of things.
"Sure," Chris replied.
"Can you watch the soup for me? I.. Just remembered I have to unpack the bag I eh.. Yeah.."
"Oh…yes, yes, of course," Chris said, frowning when he remembered and got up to stir the soup a little.
"Thanks," Darren said and moved past Chris, making sure there body's didn't touch, because he wasn't sure if he could still leave then. Upstairs he only now noticed the way their whole bedroom was cleaned. New sheets. The window open. His packed bag still at the wall. In the end it was all a very painful memory. As quickly as he could he started to put his clothes back, grabbing a boxershort and a shirt so he could sleep on the couch tonight.
Chris absently watched the soup, seeing it boil and he felt sick again when he remembered how Darren would be reminded as well.
Darren walked out of their bedroom as quickly as he could so he wouldn't be remembered even more, putting his clothes on the stairs before walking into the living room again. "There.. All set?" he asked and walked towards the liquor cabinet, grabbing some Bacardi and coke.
"Yeah. It's ready, I think," Chris said awkwardly, standing there, completely lost.
"Hey.. Come here," Darren said softly, gesturing towards the table. "You did a great job," he smiled and smiles softly. "I can never make my bouillon taste that good," he said, laughing slightly.
Rating: NC-17 for mature themes.
Pairing: Darren Criss/Chris Colfer
Summary: A story about love, broken trust, rebuilding a life and hoping for the best. What if you love someone so much you think he deserves so much better? What if you make a wrong decision? What if it's too late? Angst/Hurt-Comfort/Romance/Love.
Disclaimer: We don't own Chris or Darren. Sadly.
Warnings: You’re gonna need tissues. And B&J. And tea. It handles the subject of infidelity, but we like to think we handled it gentle and it only happens once!
Also this story is a collaboration! It's written by me: Jana (Chris in this story) and Sjell (Darren in this story).
Chapter 1 ‘Broken expectations’
Chapter 2 'Explanations'
Chapter 3 'Revelations'
Chapter 4 ‘Details’
"Don't leave. Don't leave. Don't. Leave…," Chris whispered under his breath, his heart aching like it was about to burst and he honestly felt like throwing up. His stomach clenched and he winced at the pain, feeling so weak. Chris could've sworn he was in some of his worst nightmares but no - this was real. He had betrayed the love of his life.
Outside Darren felt another hundred questions going through his mind. Did Chris like it? Had he been hard? Did he moan for him? Did he let him dominate him the way he said he only trusted him to do so? Had he trusted him with what he liked? What he needed to come? Had he told him about his boyfriend? Had he lied about him? Without a warning Darren suddenly collapsed in the garden, his body wrecking with sobs, his hands holding his head, tears streaming out of his eyes.
Chris jumped when he heard a heart-wrenching sob coming from outside. He nearly ran outside, breaking at the sight of Darren on the floor, his body shaking and tears streaming down his face. He didn't think about what he was doing next. It was like an instinct. He leaned down and pulled Darren into his arms, crying into his shoulder, holding him so tightly, hoping he wouldn't push him away.
Darren froze in his arms, but couldn't help but not feel comforted by Chris. His arms. His smell. His body that fitted with his so well. Slowly he leaned into Chris, still crying and shaking, his eyes clenched shut and his fingers clenching into his shirt.
"Y-You're still looking for answers, aren't you…?" Chris whispered, still holding on to him as if his life depended on it, his voice so breathy and shaky that he was surprised it even came out in first place.
Nodding, Darren hoped Chris got the message, because he couldn't speak.
"L-Let's calm down, okay…I'll just - " he pulled away, taking his hand in his, squeezing, sitting cross-legged in front of him. "What do you want to know…? I just…please don't go…stay here with me…" he whispered and held his hand a little tighter.
"I-I wasn't planning on leaving," Darren said, voice sounding broken and small.
"I-I mean even getting up…I thought you'd just leave…"
Shaking his head, Darren stayed silent, eyes trained on the floor, hating he was suddenly the weak one and also hating he couldn't voice the questions his mind kept making up, mocking him and his ability to keep Chris happy.
"Darren…talk to me…please - you're right…we need to talk and I'll answer anything. No more secrets. I'll talk. About anything starting now. Forever. I just - I'm sorry…I should've just opened my mouth." Chris whispered, his voice rough and shaky.
Darren turned away his head, happy that Chris was willing to talk but to emotional himself now to voice things. "I- I can't," he said, swallowing his dry throat, wishing he just stayed inside with the comforting mint tea and the comfortable couch.
Chris absently rubbed his thumb over the back of his hand, nodding. "O-Okay…just know that - I felt nothing…I - I just…I didn't do it for fun. Or because I thought I'd have fun…it was - the worst thing I've ever done to myself."
Darren bit his lip, feeling fresh tears rolling out of his eyes, needing to believe him so desperately.
"D-Don't cry…please…I'm so sorry…I - I just needed you to know that…," Chris mumbled
Darren squeezed his hand softly, trying to show his gratitude for that.
"I-," Darren started, but heard how weak and stupid his voice sounded, clenching his lips shut again.
"Darren…please…," Chris whispered, his own voice breaking.
Darren's eyes looked up, finally reaching Chris' eyes again and welled up at the emotions he saw running through them. How was it possible to love someone so much, to need someone so much, but to feel so hurt and angry by that same person?
"Are you disgusted by me…? Like you said you were…? Are you - I get if you never want to touch me again," Chris whispered. Not sure where it came from but he just loved Darren and he hated how he screwed this up.
"N-no," Darren croaked out. "I'm not.. Of course not," Darren said softly, his voice still sounding weak and pathetic.
Chris felt a little more relaxed. Not much but the simple reassurance helped a little bit. He nodded. "I don't get why though…I - I'm so disgusted with myself - I just…would you mind if I took another bath later? I just hate this…"
"Whatever you want," Darren replied, embracing his knees and shivering slightly, it was cold outside. "Stop hating yourself," he said softly. "I don't .."
"I can't," Chris said simply, reaching out again to lace their fingers together. He need the comfort of knowing that Darren was right there with him.
"Then learn to. It made you do this. So it may make you do it again," Darren said, sounding tired and defeated.
"I won't!" Chris said a little too loud, looking at Darren in horror.
"Can you promise me?" Darren asked, looking at him in earnest, hoping Chris found the deeper meaning oft his. It wasn't about cheating. It was about being honest.
elling each other everything. Even the doubts.
"I can. Yes," Chris said firmly, looking at him, trying to convince him that he meant it. Everything.
Darren nodded and stood up, dusting off his pants, wiping away his drying tears. "Okay," he said and walked inside, feeling cold to the bone and desperately needing to feel some warmth again. Inside he grabbed the teapot and poured himself some tea, clinging to it like his life depended on it, while he stared into nothing.
Chris watched Darren and suddenly felt cold all over, shivering and tears still welling up. He got up as well, following Darren, not talking to him but simply to be there.
"You should take that bath," Darren said , sounding a bit emotionless again, his mood switching so often it made his head hurt. On one side he wanted to make things good again but at the other side he was still so fucking hurt and lost.
Chris nodded, the emptiness taking over again when Darren grew distant again, making him wince a little and he walked upstairs without another word, letting out a deep breath as he started the water, gathering some new clothes.
Darren sat on the couch, staring into nothing, seeing the same image in front of his eyes again and again and again. Chris' head thrown back, his neck slightly bruised, his ass around some strangers cock and his arms clenched in the sheets. How many times had they made love on their bed? How many times did he made Chris a screaming, whimpering mess, that only wanted him. Needed him. Begged for him. But still here he was. In someone else' arms. A shot of agonizing pain went through his chest, making him double over, his body jerking, crying dry tears. How could this ever get right again? How could he ever trust Chris again? How could he ever lay down on their bed again without seeing the other guy. Smelling his sex in their room? Hearing the sounds Chris made for some other guy on their bed? He could hear the water running upstairs and he desperately wanted to join. To feel his body warm again. To gather Chris in his arms and wash away everything. Soundlessly and slowly he grabbed Chris' cup with fresh tea and walked upstairs, stilling in front of the bathroom. He could hear Chris' moving in the water, probably trying to rid himself of the smell and touch of someone else. Slowly he walked inside, leaning into the doorway.
Chris was scrubbing at his skin again. It was already red with the force he used to get everything off of him. The filth and disgust, his shame and regret but it didn't seem to work. The water was scolding and he had used too much soap. He let out a frustrated groan and let himself sink back into the water, closing his eyes, wishing Darren would just come to join him, to hold him there and just be with him. He missed how close they were. Inseparable. But things were different now and he had to cope somehow.
Darren stared at Chris, seeing how red his skin was, knowing water and soap couldn't get rid of the filth that was between them now. Chris looked beautiful, even now. Sighing softly he walked towards him and let Chris know he was there. "Hey.." he softly said, keeping his eyes on the tiles.
Chris looked up in horror, the water splashing around him. "Hey…," he whispered back, his voice nothing more than a breathy whisper. He took the loofah in his hand again, applying more soap as he started to clean himself again.
Darren reached out and stopped the loofah, looking at Chris with a frown. "Stop it.. You're breaking your skin," he said softly. Not awaiting a reaction, Darren walked off into their bedroom and looked for the bad oil that made skin go soft again.
Chris stilled and took in a deep breath, putting it down.
Finally found it, Darren walked back and poured a good amount of the oil in the bath. "There.. That's better," he said, because no matter what it was in his nature to look out for Chris. To take care of him.
"Thank you…," Chris said and looked at him with warm, still kinda empty eyes, biting his lip at how caring Darren still was. Even now. He poured some of the water over his arm, wincing at the slight burn. He smoothed it down his body, letting it calm his abused skin.
"I brought you some tea," Darren said and put the mug on the edge of the bath, grabbing a washcloth that was lying there. Silently he poured some of the badoil on the cloth and dipped it into the water. Slowly he began running it down Chris' arms, knowing that he couldn't be taking a bath with him yet, but this was comforting enough for him.
"Thank you so much, Darren - I…," he stopped and smiled weakly, taking a sip before watching Darren, looking up at him, trying to find his eyes. He closed his eyes and let out a shaky breath when Darren ran the washcloth down his arms, soothing the stinging.
Darren remained silent, not knowing what to say. Sometimes actions showed more than words and he hoped Chris knew what this meant. He wasn't disgusted with him. He needed him close again. He wanted them to get like this again, but it couldn't be fully yet. Slowly he run the washcloth over his form, before dropping it into the water and getting up.
"Thanks…," Chris whispered again and laid back into the water, looking at the ceiling, breathing deep and slow.
"I'm gonna make us some dinner," Darren said, finally speaking again and with one last lingering look he walked downstairs, not hungry at all, but knowing they needed to eat something. He settled for a simple soup with bread and started working on it, needing to keep his mind of things.
Okay," Chris said and god, he didn't even know if he could eat without throwing up. He got up and out of the bathtub, looking around for a towel. He dried himself off quickly and changed into a simple grey V-neck and some black sweatpants. He hesitated a little, waiting and giving Darren some time before he walked downstairs again.
Darren looked up from his chopped vegetables when he saw Chris coming down the stairs, looking clean and fresh again. "I'm making soup," he said, not really knowing why.
Chris couldn't help but smile at this simple information. He nodded. "Great," Walking over to a chair to sit, he watched Darren. "Can I help you?"
Darren looked at Chris and saw him smiling, making him smile in return, even though it was strained and felt unnatural. "You can start the bouillon?" he asked.
"Of course!" Chris said quickly and started setting it up for Darren.
"How's your skin," Darren asked and couldn't keep the worried tone out of his voice.
"It's good, Darren, really. The oil helped a lot. I didn't realize I had done it so hard," Chris said and kept working before finishing and sitting down again.
"Good.. You have a sensitive skin," Darren said, knowing way too well how Chris' skin responded. His scratchy stubble was often prove enough. "Maybe you can set the table?" he asked, hoping he didn't sound to commanding.
"I do," Chris agreed and felt his stomach turn when he remember just why Darren knew that. How well he knew him in first place. "Of course!" Chris said enthusiastically, taking some bowls and spoons to set the table.
Working together had always been one of their strong bases. They just did that in perfect sync. It's what made Ryan pick him in the first place. "What would you like to drink with it?" Darren asked him and continued making the soup, putting the vegetables in it while grabbing the little meatballs for in it.
"Would it be inappropriate to say anything that gets me drunk?" Chris chuckled, trying desperately to lighten the mood. "No, well…a Diet Coke will do just fine," he said.
"Coke with rum?" Darren offered, knowing it wouldn't fall to hard and it still would take the edge of things.
"Sure," Chris replied.
"Can you watch the soup for me? I.. Just remembered I have to unpack the bag I eh.. Yeah.."
"Oh…yes, yes, of course," Chris said, frowning when he remembered and got up to stir the soup a little.
"Thanks," Darren said and moved past Chris, making sure there body's didn't touch, because he wasn't sure if he could still leave then. Upstairs he only now noticed the way their whole bedroom was cleaned. New sheets. The window open. His packed bag still at the wall. In the end it was all a very painful memory. As quickly as he could he started to put his clothes back, grabbing a boxershort and a shirt so he could sleep on the couch tonight.
Chris absently watched the soup, seeing it boil and he felt sick again when he remembered how Darren would be reminded as well.
Darren walked out of their bedroom as quickly as he could so he wouldn't be remembered even more, putting his clothes on the stairs before walking into the living room again. "There.. All set?" he asked and walked towards the liquor cabinet, grabbing some Bacardi and coke.
"Yeah. It's ready, I think," Chris said awkwardly, standing there, completely lost.
"Hey.. Come here," Darren said softly, gesturing towards the table. "You did a great job," he smiled and smiles softly. "I can never make my bouillon taste that good," he said, laughing slightly.