EngIta Week 2022

Day 6: Food

Warning: Endless amounts of domestic lifestyle, fluff, and excessive Mariah Carey.

~~~~~

It’d been a rather exhausting day in the office for Arthur. From a boss who wouldn’t stop yelling at him for the littlest of things to coworkers who just kept pushing his buttons it was no surprise that he’d nearly flew out of the office building. Hailing a taxi Arthur about flung himself into the backseat and hurled his address to the poor driver in a desperate attempt to get away from the hell hole he called work. As the taxi made its way through the darkening streets of London, Arthur felt himself begin to relax. Staring out the window he watched as they passed by different cars and pedestrians. His mind started to wander, thinking of what he was going to do when he got home. As he thought about it his thoughts naturally drifted off to the person who would be there waiting for him as he did every night.

His dear husband, Feliciano Kirkland-Vargas.

A small smile grew on his face as he thought of his husband. The Italian was one of the things that he looked forward to seeing as soon as he got home. To be smothered with butterfly kisses and a warm, loving embrace from the person he loved the most was the best feeling in the world. It was a feeling that Arthur wouldn’t trade for and he loved it more than he would ever admit out loud. As the Englishman thought of his beloved he felt his heart flutter in excitement, eager to finally be home and in the arms of his entire world.

~~~~~

The sounds of the lock clicking filled the small London townhouse as Arthur pushed open the door. The familiar warmth of the small, cozy home welcomed him and he smiled softly as he stepped inside and closed the door.

“Feli? I’m home!”

Arthur called out into the home expecting to see his husband come out to greet him. A brief moment of silence greeted him instead making the Brit confused and slightly concerned. Taking his coat off and putting it on the rack and kicking off his shoes Arthur made his way further into the house. As he stepped into the living room his nose caught scent of a delicious aroma, making his mouth water.

‘Ah he’s in the kitchen.’

Arthur thought the concern dying as a well of fondness took its place. With quiet footsteps Arthur made his way towards the kitchen, the aroma of an Italian dish growing stronger and the soft sound of music being heard. Curious Arthur peeked his messy blonde head into the doorway of their kitchen and had to fight back an amused smile. In the middle of the kitchen was Feli, his hips swaying to the song playing from his speaker that was connected to his phone. A large pan was filled with pasta on the stove while a sauce pan was simmering the sauce. Feliciano was in the middle of cutting the garlic and other herbs that would go into the sauce, singing softly under his breath.

“Oh, when you walk by every night~ Talking sweet and looking fine~ I get kind of hectic inside~ Mmm, baby, I’m so into you~ Darling, if you only knew~ All the things that flow through my mind~!”

Feliciano’s smooth singing filled the kitchen, singing along with the iconic 90’s song. Arthur leaned against the doorway, amused and star struck as he watched his husband’s private concert. His beloved didn’t even notice that Arthur was watching him, completely lost in the music and his preparation of their dinner.

“But it’s just a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby~ When I close my eyes, you come and take me~ On and on and on, it’s so deep in my daydreams~ But it’s just a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby (Fantasy)~ (And I want you so badly)~”

The Englishman listened to his husband’s voice, his eyes softening in a look of fondness and affection. The song Fantasy while popular back in the 90’s, had a special connection to it. His husband would often say that the song was their song, and Arthur couldn’t really argue with him. After all it was this song that had been playing when Arthur and Feli had first met. The Brit found his mind wandering, going back to that moment when he’d first saw Feliciano.

~~~~~

It was back when Arthur was about seventeen. Back then before he’d been the polite yet short tempered man he was in the present, he’d been a punk of sorts. Always getting into trouble for picking fights with other teens even though they’d started it first. He was a wild teen, who went along with life wherever it took him. It was during this time that he’d first laid eyes on the man who would end up being his husband. The Englishman had been at a carnival of sorts on a warm summer night. He’d been dragged there by his friend Alfred who had almost immediately ditched him once they were inside the place. The punk had been left to his own devices, wandering the crowded street as he passed the stalls and food stands and games. The bright lights of the place flashed around him, the sounds of screaming children and teenagers alike filled the evening air from the rides. The speakers were playing music, the song being Fantasy by Mariah Carey at the moment making Arthur huff a bit.

Arthur was not having a good time, being overwhelmed by everything that was going on. The Englishman wasn’t a fan of places like this and he’d bitterly cursed Alfred for dragging him into this loud and crowded place.

“Stupid American arse. Leaving me all alone when he damn well knows that these places make me twitchy….”

Arthur growled lowly under his breath, his thick black boots stomping somewhat on the pavement. The teenager was debating on whether he should just call it quits or if he should just find his stupid friend and chew him out for all of this when he’d finally caught sight of him. Through the crowd of people stood the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen in his life. A man, no older than him was laughing at a tall man with slicked back blonde hair. A smaller man with black hair walked with them, smiling a shy smile. But they weren’t what Arthur were looking at. No the man in the center of them was what he was looking at. Tanned skin that seemed to glow under the flashing lights, a beautiful smile full of white teeth. Auburn hair framed a handsome face, a curl sticking out from the rest of his hair. But none of those could compare with the amused gaze of the teenager.

Amber, like molten caramel and full of sunshine and happiness framed his face leaving Arthur speechless. The Englishman was so enchanted by the beautiful sight before him that he nearly died on the spot when the majestic man before him looked over at him.

Images of rapture~ Creep into me slowly~ As you’re going to my head~ And my heart beats faster~ When you take me over~ Time and time and time again~

The world seemed to slow down as soon as their eyes met. Bright amber hues bore into him, curious and open. Arthur felt his heart pick up in speed at the look, quickly avoiding his own eyes in embarrassment at his reaction. He was completely and totally thunderstruck by this man. Arthur was so busy trying to calm himself down that he didn’t notice the gorgeous teen talking to his friends before making his way over to him.

“Ciao~!”

A chipper voice, smooth and spellbinding came from behind him. Arthur let out a startled noise quickly turning towards it only to come face to face with the man he’d been staring at. Up close he was even more handsome. Arthur felt his throat got dry as he tried to calm the anxiety that was eating away at him.

“A-ah hello….?”

Arthur choked out trying to keep calm. The Italian gave him a warm smile, looking down at him slightly. It was then that Arthur realized that the other teen was taller than him.

“I couldn’t help but notice that you were staring at me. I was wondering if something was wrong?”

The Italian asked giving a small head tilt. Arthur felt his heart stop and he quickly went to reassure him.

“No-! Nothing’s wrong! Forgive me for my staring I was just overwhelmed by your eyes-!”

Arthur scrambled before biting his tongue as he realized what he said. The other man’s eyes went wide, curiousity and slight flattery shining in them.

“Oh? My eyes overwhelmed you?”

He asked his tone probing yet full of amusement. Arthur felt his already warm cheeks slowly grow hotter.

“I….well……they’re just the loveliest shade of amber I’d ever seen…..and I’m just going to shut up now.”

Arthur said wanting nothing more than for the pavement to open up and swallow him whole. Alas it didn’t happen leaving him floundering and mentally cursing himself for his honesty.

'Good job Kirkland, you’ve just officially sounded like a creep. God what is wrong with you-’

His mental berating was put to a stop by the sound of the most musical laughter he’d ever heard. Looking at the other teenager Arthur quickly took note that he was smiling, his tanned cheeks slightly rosy.

“I’ve never heard something like that before. Are you sure that my eyes are the loveliest shade? Because from where I’m standing it’s more like you have them instead.”

The Italian said his voice sincere and somewhat flirtatious. Arthur felt his heart do a flip in his chest at the words.

“I mean it’s not everyday that you see such a beautiful shade of green……..I’m Feliciano by the way. But you can call me Feli.”

The teen, Feli said his face warm and full of a beautiful smile. Arthur swallowed hard and took a deep breath trying to give his own smile. However it was more awkward and crooked than he would have liked.

“Feli…..my name is Arthur. I really am sorry for the staring I’m not usually like this.”

Arthur introduced himself his ears and cheeks red. Feli just laughed that magical laugh of his, giving him the most beautiful smile.

“It’s fine, as long as I can stare as well then I’ll call it an even exchange si?”

The Italian chirped happily giving Arthur a wink. Little did Arthur and Feli know that, that awkward first meeting would be the start of something beautiful.

~~~~~

“Arthuro-! Mi tereso I didn’t realize that you were home-! How long were you standing there??”

Feliciano’s voice called Arthur back to the present. Blinking Arthur took in the sight of his husband, his face full of surprise and happiness at seeing him. Arthur gave him a soft smile and pushed himself from the doorway. Wrapping his arms around the slightly taller man Arthur gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

“Not too long love, just got home. This smells divine by the way.”

Arthur said leaning over to get a better whiff. Feli let out a small huff of laughter before playfully shooing him away from the pans.

“It’s not ready you silly man! Be patient and I’ll have it done. Why don’t you go set up the table for me per favore?”

Feliciano asked giving him a small smile. Arthur returned it and placed one more kiss on his husband’s mouth before going to do as he was asked. From there on the couple worked with one another, enjoying the other’s presence. The soft sound of the music filled the room as they worked, and got dinner ready. Once done they sat down and dug in, chatting about everything and anything that they could think of. It was a peaceful evening for the couple as they ate. When they were done they cleaned everything up and went to the living room to cuddle with one another and watch a movie. It was halfway through the movie when Arthur felt Feliciano lay his head on his shoulder, curling up into his side.

“Ti voglio bene.”

The soft voice of his husband said, his tone and expression full of love and affection. Arthur felt his heart stutter at the sweet words, his chest tight with overwhelming love for the man beside him. Leaning over Arthur kissed Feli softly.

“I love you too.”

The Englishman said his voice soft and full of honesty and love. Feliciano smiled at him before going in for another kiss, their movie completely forgotten as they got lost in one another. It was nothing more than two people who were in love, full of simple moments that many wouldn’t pay attention to. But to Arthur and Feliciano it was a sweet fantasy that they never wanted to end.

*I’m a slut for this song and honestly I regret nothing. Domestic fluff involving two husbands who enjoy a meal together and are completely enamored with one another are what give me a will to live dhsgdgdgdgg. Anyways if any y'all read this I hope you enjoyed it!! And here’s prompt six @engitaweek2022!!!*