They stopped at a grocery store and bought ingredients. "I love to cook so..."

"You cook?" Lucian smiled. He felt so great right now. "So, the gym, that is where those muscles came from?"

Gabe smiled at Lucian as he melted again. He had to learn to control that. "Yes. It relieves some stress and pain. When I'm punching a bag or a face, I forget that I'm sad. Makes me feel alive."

Lucian nodded. "I get that! It's amazing! Feeling anything else is a relief."

Gabe smiled. "It's so great to share with someone."

"Glad I could help you too." Lucian smiled as they got into line. "I had no idea I was helping you when I beat you up!"

"I know. It sounds masochistic or something but it helped."

"I get it! Feeling anything other than that pain is welcomed. I'm sick of being sad all the time!" Lucian sighed. "I hate it."

"Well, anytime you want to punch something, use my card. I can pay for your membership...if..." Gabe stopped. They loaded bags into the car and hopped in. Gabe was driving out of the parking lot.

"No. I can pay for that. I have some money. I can afford fifteen bucks a month!" Lucian sighed. He laid his head on the window, the cold felt nice on his forehead.

Gabe sighed as he was stopped at a light. He inhaled. His arm moved to Lucian's back and shoulders, wrapped around him and pulled him to him. It wasn't hard because Lucian moved without much help. He put his head into Gabe's neck as Gabe wrapped around him. Nothing was said.

They got to Gabe's and the house was dark. No one was there. "Come in. Shoes by the door. It was my mom's rule and we kept it. It's nice to talk about her a little. I hate pretending that she never existed. What is one of your mom's rules?"

Lucian followed Gabe into the kitchen. "No kids in the kitchen!"

Gabe laughed. "If I didn't come here, we would starve!" He got things ready and chopped vegetables like a pro.

"My mom could do that! She was a chef so she loved to cook. She was amazing. She would come home from work, cooking all day and cook for us. My lunches were amazing! I miss them." Lucian sighed. "Now, I have to eat that school crap."

Gabe smiled. "I will make our lunch for tomorrow if you want!" He stopped. "I used to for my family but I'm the youngest. They all moved out. My sister, Marie, is having baby number two soon. My brother is in college. A freshman. They are twins but nothing alike. I used to cook for them and make their lunches. I am sending Markus care packages now. He loves them. I would love to cook for someone! Please!"

Lucian stared. "Why?"

"I just told you. Here, stir this. Try not to let it burn." Gabe handed Lucian a spoon. "It's going to be the glaze for the pork chops. Trust me." Gabe was working with three skillets and the oven and all Lucian was doing was stirring. He watched Gabe work as he stirred.

Lucian took a bite of his meat and moaned with pleasure.

Gabe stared. "Don't make that noise but do you like it?"

Lucian blushed. "Yes! This is amazing and I'm going to moan!" He took a bite and moaned again.

Gabe chuckled. "Good to know that my food is orgasmic!"

Lucian laughed. "It is!" Another moan.

Gabe just laughed. The meal was delicious and the dishes were in the dishwasher. He left a plate in the fridge for his dad. Gabe started his gym clothes in the wash and turned to Lucian. He knew he didn't want to go home. "So, I will fix your lunch in the morning and bring it. Uh, do you want to play a game?"

Lucian nodded. "Gabe, this has been the best day. Thanks."

"Welcome. It's not over. Let's kill some things!" Gabe walked up the stairs. Lucian thought the games would be in the living room but nope, Gabe's room. Gabe turned things on and Lucian sat.

"Gabe! That food was delicious! I am so full." Lucian yawned. "Oops!"

"You can go home if you're tired." Gabe watched Lucian.

"No! I'm good right here. I...hate it there. My dad's never there. It's too quiet." Lucian sighed.

Gabe laughed. "Mine either. For three years now. He works. Ready?"

Lucian took the controller and they battled zombies. It felt great to kill things and laugh. He felt better today. He had Gabe to thank for that.