Thread: Monochromatic Factors Of X and Y  -Dearest-

Luca hung up, staring at his phone for a minute without moving. The call had been so unexpected... so unlikely, the silence that filled the room now made it almost too easy to convince himself it had never happened- that perhaps he'd only imagined it out of desperation for innocent company. He stood, pocketing his phone, and moved to the kitchen to raid the fridge. At least Ollie had caught him at a good time, showered and dressed for lounging around the house rather than his slutty work clothes, and the smell of other men on him. After some digging, the tiny kitchen was alive with the smells of food, a pot of noodles boiling away, a pan of sauce heating on the back burner... he'd cut up and added some Italian sausages, cheese, and onion to it for good flavor. He wasn't lucky enough to have french bread on hand, but he did have a bottle of wine he'd gotten as a gift from a client that he could serve. He put the bottle in the fridge to get cold, and then set to work tidying up the apartment. He worked endlessly, until he heard a knock at the door- hanging things he hadn't gotten around to putting up, moving things a bit to make it look like the small apartment wasn't so empty... nervous that every hint of his lack of wealth was screaming loudly, and suggesting his occupation. When that knock finally came it seemed to pull him out of a trance and he stood at the door for a moment, gathering himself, broad shoulder set back as he took a deep breath and opened the door. It was funny really, how the human mind worked. It didn't matter that Ollie looked battered, thin, and homeless. At the moment, Luca could only see the version he'd always known. It wasn't until Ollie hugged him and he could feel how easily his own arms wrapped around the other that he realized something was off. He didn't give it much thought for now, hugging the other tightly enough to possibly crack ribs, and holding him there for a moment. When he finally let go he gripped the other's shoulders, holding him out at arms length as he looked him over. His image of what his friend had been was fading as reality replaced it. You look like hell. He stated bluntly, looping an arm around him and pulling him inside before he could object to the comment. He pushed the door shut with his foot before leading the other into the small kitchen, the table already set. You can use my shower if you want, but lets' eat first. It's been too long, I'm not about to give up visiting time so quickly. He said as he dished Ollie a plate, the serving more than generous. Here you go... He said cheerfully as he handed his friend the plate. He wasn't sure what exactly had happened to Ollie in the time they'd been apart, but having spent a month on the streets himself, he knew the signs of homelessness well enough- and he knew the sense of pride well enough to know that bluntly pointing it out probably hadn't been the best idea, so he offered up a convenient save for the other's dignity- You must've come a ways to visit, you look like you've been traveling. Despite this, his knowing gaze was inescapable, worry apparent. If Ollie knew him at all, he'd know better than to think Luca would let him leave without some reassurance that he had a place to stay. He figured asking what his friend had been up to lately would be a bit pointless- he wasn't about to broach something unpleasant right off the bat, and he didn't want some bullshit story. Saying what'd he'd been up to, well, it was the same problem. That of course left little to talk about, so he kept it simple. God, how long has it been? I was really glad to hear from you, how've you been? He asked, leaving the direction of their conversation up to his guest. Do you drink? He asked, raising the wine bottle in offering, This stuff is great with red sauce.