Page 39 of Caged
"We can both sleep late, then I'll teach you how to make my famous blueberry pancakes." Marshall's stomach growled as he said it.
"Sounds like you're craving them now." Danny pushed a coffee mug to him.
"Jeremy got us Chinese food for dinner. Wasn't that great. It was from a new place that just opened. I won't be going there again." Marshall followed Danny to the living room. "What are you watching?"
"Goonies." Danny blushed. "I remember it from when I was little and my mom had me watch it. She said it was one of her favorite movies."
"It's one of mine too." Marshall loved the movie. "It's one of those you can watch a thousand times and never get bored with it." He sat down, pleased when Danny sat beside him, their legs brushing against each other.
He closed his eyes, reminding himself that Danny wasn't someone he should be interested in. It was probably nothing more than he needed to get out, go on a date, maybe get laid. But that idea brought him no excitement. He didn't want to go out with anyone. He wanted to be right here with Danny. Fuck, he was screwed.
"So right after you left, Jessica called. She asked if she could come over tomorrow and teach me how to bake a few things. I'd asked her the night of the party, but didn't think she was serious."
Marshall's eyes widened. "Jessica is teaching you to bake?" She didn't share her recipes with anyone. The whole team was always begging her to make things. Even her simple chocolate chip cookies tasted better than any he'd ever had before.
"It's okay, isn't it? I didn't want you upset since she's your friend." Danny looked worried.
"No, not at all. She's our friend, not just mine. I was just shocked. Jess doesn't let anyone know what she puts into her baking. We've all asked. I'm a bit stunned she's willing to show you. Then again, you two did hit it off that night."
"You don't think she thinks I like her, do you? You know, like a girlfriend?"
"No, not Jess. I'm sure she's just excited to hang out. Jess doesn't date much. She's kind of closed herself off to men from what I can tell. She's everyone's best friend, but no one's lover. I've never known her to date in the time I've known her." He leaned closer, his shoulder against Danny's. "Whatever she teaches you, you have to share with me."
"She swore me to secrecy. I can't share any recipes, but I can share the results." Danny grinned. "You said I needed to gain weight. This might do it."
"You need to gain, I don't." Marshall laughed. "But I'm willing to gain a few pounds if it means I get to eat anything Jess has taught you to make."
"I was watching the cooking channel today. I'm thinking I might like to try making a few dinners if you'd let me."
Marshall turned to him. "Danny, the house is yours too. You cook whenever you feel like it. Just let me know what we need to buy when we go shopping. I'm happy to have you cook for me anytime you want." He placed a hand on Danny's thigh. "I'm glad you're finding things that interest you."
"I am. I watched a baseball game today and loved it. I didn't understand all of it, but I think I can learn."
"Would you like to go to a game sometime with me?" Marshall smiled, even though the moment he said it, he realized it would be like a date, and that sent a thrill up his spine.
"Really, we could?"
"Of course. I'll look tomorrow and see when I can get tickets. I haven't been to a game in a while. My aunt and I used to go, but since she died, I haven't been. It'll be fun. Maybe later in the year, we can do a football game too." He hoped Danny would still be staying with him then, but he couldn't stop him from going out on his own if he wanted.
"You're the best." Danny reached over and hugged him tightly.
Marshall tried not to show his shock at the hug. He welcomed it, but the fact that Danny had done it was surprising. He tended to keep touches light and simple, but he held on to this hug for a long time. Long enough for Marshall to smell the shampoo in his hair, and the scent he'd come to catch from time to time that he just simply associated with Danny. He hugged him back, enjoying the closeness. "I'm glad to have someone to go with."
Danny eased back. "You make things so easy. All the things I've never done but want to, I feel safe doing them with you."
"I'm glad. I never want you to be scared to ask me for anything. I'm happy to help you learn things and get through all your firsts."
"Really?"
"Of course." Marshall smiled.
"Even if some of those things I probably shouldn't ask?"
Marshall sat back a bit, wondering where this was going. "Like what?"
Danny ducked his head. "It's stupid."
"Wanting to learn something is never stupid." Marshall took his hand. "It's not easy having missed out on so much. What is it you want to do?" He thought this might be where Danny asked him to teach him how to drive.
