Page 79 of Pistols and Plush Toys

Nikolai nodded, taking a seat.

Elliot portioned two bowls of soup and plated the toasted bread to be shared between them. He brought all of it to the table with silverware, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. He’d made several meals for Nikolai now, but every time he still had this turmoil of emotion. Excitement of the prospect of Nikolai liking his food, and the fear that it would turn out like everything he made for Mattia.

“I made a red lentil and cabbage soup,” Elliot said as he set the bowl in front of Nikolai. “I hope you like it.”

“Cabbage?” Nikolai asked, looking at his soup and then at Elliot. “But… it smells good?”

His obvious confusion startled an unexpected giggle out of Elliot. “Cabbage really doesn’t have to smell bad. It depends on how you cook it. And in this soup it’s more like… a filler? It adds a good vegetable and some thickness to the soup, but the soup itself doesn’t really taste like cooked cabbage.”

“Cooked cabbage is not bad,” Nikolai said thoughtfully, picking up his spoon. “There is good Russian food with it.” His nose wrinkled. “But America is not good at it.”

“Well I… I hope you like this,” Elliot said, trying not to fidget nervously. He picked up his own spoon, but couldn’t help watching as Nikolai brought the first spoonful to his own mouth.

Nikolai made a happy humming sound and smiled at him. “Is very good,” he said warmly, spooning up another bite as soon as he said it.

Elliot let out the breath he’d been holding and smiled tentatively back. “I’m glad you like it.”

“What it is in the soup?” Nikolai asked. “Besides cabbages and lentils.”

Elliot blinked, not expecting to be asked for details. “Oh, um…” he listed off the ingredients in between his own spoonfuls of soup, including the spices when Nikolai asked.

“See, is why I’m trust you,” Nikolai said, pointing at him with his spoon. “You make vegetable soup, it tastes good. Meredith once hired chef, I’m thinking she last maybe three days. She make Italian dish, but it was vegan from ‘Northern Italy’.” Elliot could practically hear the air quotes. “They don’t use garlic there. Did you know?”

Elliot did, and caught himself giggling again at how absolutely offended Nikolai looked.

“What is Italian food without garlic?” Nikolai grumbled. “Not good. She’s also try feeding me vegan pizza. Vegan cheese is very bad.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Elliot said, smiling less tentatively now. He felt light.Full of warmth and butterflies. “Only real cheese in your food, got it.”

Nikolai blinked at him, looking startled for a moment before his expression settled into something closer to quiet delight. “Is good, like this.”

Elliot felt himself flush and ducked his head, bashful. “I-I’m glad you like the soup so much.”

“No,” Nikolai said, shaking his head. “I mean, yes, I’m like soup very much. But… is good to see you smile. Being happy.” He waved a hand, not seeming to notice the way Elliot’s breath caught at his words. “Even if because you think it’s funny how I’m eat bad vegan cheese.”

“Oh,” Elliot whispered, staring down at his bowl. That was twice now, that Nikolai had said—

When was the last time someone hadcaredabout Elliot being… being happy?

“Um,” Elliot burst out, needing to—needing to say something.“It—I—”

I like your sense of humor and how you’re kind and gentle with me, even if I don’t deserve it.

I like how you genuinely seem to care, even though I don’t know why you do.

I like how you make me feel safe, when I haven’t felt that in so long.

“I promise not to feed you vegan cheese,” he said weakly. “But I-I’d be happy to make whatever you do like to eat. Do you have any favorite foods? Or things you’d like to try?”

Nikolai reached for another piece of toasted bread, frowning thoughtfully. He didn’t answer right away, and Elliot was happy to wait for him, eating more of his soup in the meantime and trying to calm his racing heart.

“Are you knowing DiBella’s?” Nikolai finally asked. “On 3rd?”

Elliot nodded, swallowing his mouthful. “Yeah.”

“They make this sandwich,” Nikolai said, dipping his bread in the remains of his soup. “Is very good. It has–what is word–black vinegar?”

Elliot was pretty sure he knew the sandwich Nikolai was talking about. “Balsamic vinaigrette?”

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