Lars chuckled at the comparison and kissed his forehead. “It was… peaceful. I don't really know if I’d saw it was a cheesy romance though. But we can talk about it later.” he assured. “I don't mind coming here every day to see you. It would actually be strange for me to not see you one day… unless I was expecting it.” he admitted. “You get some sleep, mi amore. I’ll be here for you.”
——————
Lars was certainly excited to have Cicil back home again but he drove very carefully for his husband's sake. All things considered, however, he thought Cici was doing very well for the drive as he returned the gesture assuringly. “It's alright.” he smiled gently as he pulled the car into the driveway. “Are you ready to see our home again?”
Cicil shakily sucked in a breath before nodding "I think I am." He slowly got out of the car, tugging the blanket around him and grabbing the dufflebag of his things. "How long have we been here?" He asked, lightly tracing the front door before he rested his hand on the door handle, suddenly nervous. So far it felt right but what if when he got in and he felt nothing? A stranger in his own home. Somehow that felt scarier than the drive back. He peeked back at Larson, a small smile perking at the corners of his lips before he remembered to use the house keys and unlock the door. He exhaled slowly before pressing the handle down slowly and stepped inaide, met with a darkened living room.
Cicil slowly stepped down after taking off his shoes and started wandering around the living room. The place looked well lived in, blankets haphazardly thrown across the couch, book stacks all over the place, an herby tea smell lingered in the air. It felt right, warm and inviting despite the darkness. Cicil preferred it that way though, especially after staying in the hospital for so long.
“Here. Let me get those for you.” Lars offered when he saw Cicil struggling with the blanket and his duffel bags. He smiled encouragingly at his husband as they reached the door and let him open the lock.
“Welcome home, mi amore.” he said as he followed Cici’s lead and took off his shoes. A small part of him felt embarrassed that he hadn't straightened things out beforehand but he had kept the house clean. Dusting, vacuuming, dishes… all the standard housework. But he had hoped that their home would feel more familiar with the books and blankets where they were. “Let me know if anything seems familiar or if you need any help.”
A faint yet sad smile crossed Cicil's features as he scanned the gallery of photos and trinkets hung on the home's walls. None of the photos were ringing any bells in his blank mind. He recognized himself and Larson of course but the memories and emotions behind those photos were frustratingly still lost to him. He wanted to know the reason behind the mischievous grins, the moments before a photo was taken of either of them gazing wondrously off camera, of all these amazing places captured for some reason he couldn't pinpoint no matter how hard he tried.
Cicil eventually wandered back to Larson's side after looking around the room for a bit longer. "At least I'll get to live out every reader's dream of rereading their favorite book for the first time." He said, showing Larson a heavily tabbed book he had found among the bookshelves. "Thank you, mi corazon. This is far better than any hospital. I'm glad to be back home."
Lars set the bags down near the door and watched quietly as his husband examined pictures of once-precious memories… The thought sent an ache through his heart and he had to remind himself to have hope. There was a small chance that Cicil could remember things on his own. But if not, they still could call Finn. This was temporary. It had to be.
He chuckled softly at Cici’s comment and nodded. “Yeah. That's true. And… well, I have to admit, I’m looking forward to seeing your reactions to reading those books and watching some of our favorite movies again for the first time.” he smiled softly before moving in to hug him. “I'm glad you’re home too.” he agreed in a near whisper.
"I can't wait for that either, my love." He murmured, setting the book down on the counter and enveloping them both in the blanket, ignoring the twinge of pain in his arm. He pushed his face against Larson's shoulder and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Get some rest, mi amore. I'll try and cook something up for dinner. Perhaps one of these books has something thats easy." He waved a lazy hand back to the books and gave a slight shrug. "Do you need anything? Is food okay or do you need blood?" He asked, peeking up from the hug and gently stroking Larson's cheek.
"To bed with you, amore. I don't even want to imagine the days and nights you spent awake." He gently encouraged, tugging Larson towards the hall. If he were being honest, he did also want to see the bedroom. Their bedroom. Cicil couldn't help but blush faintly but he tried to remind himselelf they were married. They had been perfectly fine back at the hospital, here would be no different.
Lars sighed a little but nodded as he nuzzled into the embrace. “I probably should… but I want to make sure you're comfortable here.” he smiled softly at the kiss. “I don't need any blood right now. Just a daily bag… and we keep those in a special fridge downstairs.” he reminded since he didn't want Cicil to worry about that. “I can eat normal food too and I love your cooking.” he added, leaning into his husband's hand against his cheek.
“Alright. Alright.” He chuckled at the urging though he didn't deny how long he’d been awake while Cici had been in the hospital. “Let me just get the bags so I can put your things away… unless you’d rather do it?” he trailed off, wondering if he’d overstepped considering the circumstances. He noticed the blush but didn't comment and tried not to smirk at the adorable expression.
Cicil nodded, expecting to feel sick at the mention of blood bags but he was oddly fine with it. They were bags, not people and he assumed if times had changed, the blood was sourced as ethically as possible. He chuckled lightly "I hope that hasn't changed much since the accident." He tucked Larson's hair behind his ear to get a better look into his eyes. "speaking of bags, how much sleep did you actualy get this month, hm?" He asked, a teasing smirk playing at his lips before he pressed a kiss to Larson's brow and stepped back to begin dinner. "I'll start dinner, you go ahead. I have a feeling its going to take me a bit." he reassured, heading over to the shelf of cookbooks and starting to sift through the collection. He glanced up and offered a smile. "I'm home, mi amore. I still have you and a life to live. No matter what situation might have happened, we'll fix it. I get the feeling we're not the type of people to sit around and do nothing. I'll keep trying to remember anything I can until we can find FInn."
Lars hummed a little and shrugged. “I doubt it would have.” he assured thoughtfully before chuckling at the tease. “I’ll sleep better now that you're home, that’s for sure.” he smirked back, obviously avoiding saying that it was less than he knew he should. He didn't want his husband to worry more than he already was.
He couldn't help the loving smile that came to his face as Cicil spoke so assuringly of their situation. “You're right. We’re not those kind of people. But I'm a little jealous of how you always take such a positive view of our problems.” he admitted. “I’ll try to get some rest and, if you want, we can try to call Finn after dinner.” he offered.
"Sleep as long as you wish. I'll definitely join you after dinner." He grinned when he found a recipe in the book that caught his eye, homemade Mac and cheese with bacon and a small salad on the side. It seemed simple enough and a quick scan through the fridge confirmed a good stock of cheese, a pack of bacon, and in the cabinets above a stash of various pasta shapes.
"I don't see a point in thinking negatively about the situation." He reasoned, grabbing the nearest pack of pasta and setting it on the counter with the cheeses he had chosen from the fridge. "On one hand, we get my memories back with time or with Finn's help. On the other…" He paused and took a deep breath, not wanting to think about not finding his memories. They would find them. He didn't have to live a life without them. "On the other I can fall in love with you all over again and know I lived a wonderful life beforehand. One I plan on continuing no matter what."
Cicil read over the recipe to give himself a bit of a distraction for a moment. He didn't want to live a life wondering about the past or being a worry to his husband. All he wanted was his memories back. He could forgive the accident if that's what the other person wanted. "That sounds good. But only after you sleep." He agreed, gently taking Larson's hand giving it a brief kiss. "Thand you, corazon."
Lars sighed softly, watching Cici make himself busy in the kitchen. If it wasn't for the conversation this would have felt like any other night and he would have offered to help. He narrowed his eyes slightly at the pause, not in anger but not liking the brief thought of Cicil not getting his memory back. He didn't deserve that… He didn't deserve to lose it in the first place. But he couldn't help the chuckle of his husband falling in love with him all over again. It may have been a little selfish but he wouldn't deny the appeal… No. He was going to help Cicil get his memory back. One way or another. He smiled lovingly and nodded, kissing his husband’s forehead in return for the kiss on his hand. “Anything for you, mi amore.” he assured before reluctantly pulling away to grab the bags and head to the bedroom. He was going to try to rest but it didn't make sense to him to leave the bags since they had the same destination.
Cicil gave a soft hum, briefly debating abandoning making dinner in favored of joining his husband and sleeping the rest of the day away but he reluctantly turned back and began dinner. As cautious as ever, he boiled water for the pasta and found a cheese grater among their cooking supplies. Once the cheeses were shredded, he set them aside for later and poked around the kitchen for things to put into the salad, having not found the exact ingredients the recipe had asked for but figuring he could take some creative liberties with what they had. Softly humming some forgotten song he fell into the rhythm of preparing what he consider a nice a dinner for his first time being back home.
Simple, and in hindsite very basic but nonetheless successful for having forgotten nearly everything. Cicil found cute little serving bowls and matching plates in one of the cabinets, something that seemed mostly used for special occasions. Perhaps the simple dish of Mac and cheese and salad was a bit mundane for the plates but what better occasion to use fancy plates than for a home coming? He played up two healthy servings of both, added a bit more cheese and set both helpings on a tray, pausing as he went to pick up said tray, a tingling of a memory pushing at his blank memory. He had done this before….recently. He stayed very still for a few seconds, trying his best to concentrate on the feeling but nothing came of it save for the warmth he now associated with Larson and their home, a feeling of safety and love. He sighed softly before heading the the bedroom.
Lars decided to simply set the bags by the closet door for now so he and Cici could put everything away together later. His husband was right. He needed some real rest. The whole time Cicil was in the hospital, he didn't sleep nearly enough. He did sleep, or try to, but it was fitful and only for short bursts. Now that they were both home together again, maybe sleep would come easier. Or at least, he hoped as he lay down on the bed. The smells from the kitchen lulled him further into a sense of familiarity and comfort as his eyes closed. His breathing slowed as his body finally started to relax and soon drifted off to the first restful sleep he’d had in too long.
Cicil slowly pushed the door open to the bedroom, careful not to make noise with the tray of bowls and utensils he now held in his hands as he entered the room. While the entire house was relatively dark, what Cicil reasoned to be for Larson's light sensitivity, the bedroom was the darkest room he had seen so far, the windows blocked off by heavy curtains, the only light was that managed to peek through through the center part. Cicil managed his way through the bedroom, glad that most of the path was clear, and found a small bedside table to put the tray on while he searched around the room for a light source. He turned on a small lamp on the other side of the room, emitting a dim but warm glow around the room, allowing Cicil to more clearly see their bedroom. He did a small circle around the room, taking in countless more photos and memorabilia, these seeming more personal than what he had found out in the living room, causing him to blush ever so slightly. None of it was lewd by any means but somehow he knew these were memories for them and them only. Potential visitors or friends wouldn't usually see these. Intimate wedding and honeymoon photos, photos of them hysterically laughing or lost in thought. One was of himself, laying flat on his stomach showing off his back with the tattoos that decorated his skin, another one of Larson, posing for photoshoot in loose clothing with his fangs showing. Cicil almost laughed at that, considering Larson had hated the idea of being portrayed as the cliche vampire love interest yet he seemed to fit the role beautifully. Cicil shook his head adoringly before he wandered back to their bed and sat on the edge, careful not to disturb his stilll sleeping husband. He reached over and gently ran his finger's through his hair, watching him sleep peacefully for what he assumed was the first time in months.
"Perdoname carino," he murmured, softly, lightly tracing the bridge of Larson's nose up and down in a soothing motion. "but dinner is ready."
Lars let out a soft hum as he slowly woke to the familiar feeling of someone playing with his hair. He smiled a little when he saw his beloved Cici on the bed next to him and gently running his finger down his nose. “Sabes que siempre puedes despertarme con un beso, querida.” he chuckled as he sat up. “Not that I’m complaining.” he added, not wanting to make Cicil uncomfortable with the suggestion when he fully remembered their… situation. But he wouldn't dwell on that for now. “How long was I asleep?” he asked since he thought he felt more rested than he had woken up this morning. Of course, that had been a bit chaotic due to his excitement and eagerness of being able to bring his husband back home after so long.
Cicil let out a surprised laugh as heat rushed to his cheeks. "I'll keep that in mind, amore." He murmured, glancing away sheepishly. He had been wondering for a while now how they could fall back into their normal routine whuoe one of them had forgotten everything. What did they like to do together? What did they not like? What were they okay with in their relationship, what was off bounds? We're there things Cicil liked to do back then and what if that changes now? What if that changed them as a married couple? He was hiestly scared to find out and then have Larson be dissapointed.
Before passing the bowl of Mac and cheese and before he could back down, Cicl gently cupped Larson's cheek and leaned in for a kiss, slow and soft. Larson's lips were cool to the touch, as was the rest of him but his breath was warm where it mingled with Cicil's. All Cicil wanted to do was gather Larson in his arm and give him warmth. He leaned back, tentatively opening his eyes and offering a small smile. "If anything, that makes me want to fall back asleep with you." Cicil joked, passing Larson his mean before settling beside beside his husband with his own bowl and beginning to eat. "An hour or so, it took me a bit to figure out the recipe and kitchen. Besides, it looked like you needed the extra few minutes."
Lars leaned into his husband’s warm hand and smiled into the kiss, but didn't press for more than what he was given. He had already embarrassed poor Cici with his earlier comment. Besides, for all their calling each other “love”, Lars knew he was still a stranger to the other man, and he didn't want to make him any more uncomfortable.
He easily met Cicil’s gaze and nodded in understanding. “I wouldn't blame you if you did. But we can do that after.” he assured as he accepted the warm bowl of food. “Don't worry. We've always kept things easy to find but I'm more than willing to help you.” he smiled. “Thank you. For letting me sleep and making dinner.”
The moment Cicl pulled back from the kiss and settled beside Larson with his bowl of food, regret washed over him in a wave. Not because of the kiss, nor because of Larson but because of himself. How could he kiss Larson being who he was? someone who had forgotten his husband. Did he even deserve that kiss without knowing how special it was to them? How special they were to each other and their bond? Cicil still had a hard time understanding how they were immortal let alone bonded together. He didn't remember anything from their first meeting, who was to say Larson wasn't lying. Though the moment that thought entered his mind, Cicil immediately mentally recoiled, hating to think that Larson was someone dangerous, someone to be feared. Clearly, he wasn't if they had been so close. Cicil stared down at his food, absentmindedly poking at it while his mind worked to piece the few piwces of his life together.
He glanced over at Larson, studying his now sleep-toussled hair, the sharpness in his features that a moment ago had been soft in slumber, his vivid green eyes shadowed by long lashes. Despite himself, Cicil gave a slight smile and nodded. "Glad to know my slight obsession with keeping things tidy hasn't changed. And you're welcome, I'm sure its nowhere near what we're used to but I wouldn't call this bad for a first…second? time learning how to cook." He chuckled softly and inhaled deeply. "So since I don't remember much, tell me about yourself, my dear husband." He rested his elbow on his knee and placed his chin on his hand. "Who did I fall so deeply in love with?"
As much as Lars loved the kiss, he wouldn't deny feeling a little… awkward. He knew Cicil’s condition and didn't want to pressure him into anything. It may have been selfish of him to accept that last kiss or even make that joke about waking up with a kiss but he still loved his husband…
“No. That hasn't changed.” he chuckled after swallowing his last bite. “But don't worry. You're still a good cook, and I'm not a very picky eater.” he tried to assure, though he did notice how Cici was just playing with his food. He just wasn't sure how to start that conversation right now. “Well, do you want to get to know about the man you met or the man am I now? Because there is a difference by a few centuries.” he smiled, trying to cheer him up a little.
Cicil shrugged as he took another bite of food, "The former. I assume there are a few differences between the man you are now and the one you were when we first met. But I fell in love with you. I still do love you, even if I can't remember why. I want to know why my heart races when I'm around you. What brought us together? What drew me to you? What were you like before we met? Anything." He gave a soft, fond smile and lightly touched Larson's hand if only to feel the spark any contact between that gave him. "You don't have to tell me anything you don't want me to know. But I want to get to know you again like before, even if its slow going at first." He went back to eating, taking to looking around the room again. Other than the countless photos proudly displayed, the room was tastefully decorated. It wasn't modern, but it wasn't messy with fancy decoration either. Souvenirs and knickknacks from their travels and memories were scattered around shelves and drawers, all reflecting their shared interests. On the TV stand, a collection of video games, CDs, and vinyl were neatly organized on their shelf. Above that the various consoles and a beautiful record player.
Cicil stood from his spot on the bed and strode over, lightly skimming through the records until he came to one that caught his attention. He carefully pulled it out of sleeve, and after a bit of work, got the record player to play softly. He stood by for a few moments, letting the music fill the room, soft and slow, something hopeful.
Lars nodded with a light chuckle and a soft blush at Cicil's confession. "You always had a way with words." he murmured. "But I won't keep secrets from you. You know… knew… know everything about me. I'm not really embarrassed by much to the point where I won't tell you something… unless it's for a surprise." he added with a smirk, giving Cici's hand a gentle squeeze in return for the touch. "Don't worry, I'm not going to give you my autobiography in one night. I can go as slow as you're comfortable with." he assured as he watched his husband put on a record.
"There's a good place to start." he sat up a little. "If this is the song I think it is, I took you on a date to hear this performed."
Cicil smiled softly as they let the music play out throughout the room for a few more moments before he turned back and settled back in bed. "I wouldn't mind an autobiography on you. You're intriguing, beyond being a vampire." He slowly settled on the other side of the bed, tugging a corner of the blanket over himsekf before pulling his knees to his chest. He rested his cheek against his knees, watching Larson from his spot while he listened. "We saw this live?" He asked in awe. An murkry image if Barcelona resurfaced in his mind. Some sort of outdoor aptheater. Cicil couldn't remember many of the details, who he was with or what the orchestra played that night but he remembered the golden lights from candles, the chill in the air but his want to stay and hear the music was stronger. He remembered the happiness and overwhelming joy and the ever present warmth.
He took in a shuddering breath, not realizing he had tears in his eyes until he felt the wetness on his cheeks. He quickly whipped them away and laughed softly. "I took you to a bar and brothel on our first date and you took me to this?"
“Well, thank you, amore. But I think I'm only as intriguing as I am because I’m a vampire and have the life experiences I do.” Lars pointed out, trying to downplay how Cici’s words made him feel so special. Though he did love the fact that he said them and always cherished such comments.
As Cicil made himself comfortable, Lars took the empty dishes and set them on the tray before moving closer. He couldn't help the fact, that with the blanket over his shoulders, he just wanted to scoop his husband in his arms and cuddle him. But he did manage to hold back and just settle for wrapping an arm around his back.
“We did.” he nodded, letting the music wash over him. “It was supposed to be my last night in Barcelona so I wanted to do something special. It was cold, but I put my coat over you and… I just knew that if I left you it would be the biggest mistake I could ever make.” he said in an almost nostalgic tone. He turned a soft loving smile to Cicil before noticing the tears in his eyes. “Hey, don't compare those nights. I had such a wonderful time with you in that bar… I don't think it could have been a better first date than if you took me to the Ritz De Paris with the finest champagne in the world followed by ballroom dancing.” he assured firmly. “You showed me something absolutely amazing that first night together.”
Cicil shook his head as he leaned into the gentle embrace. "When I first met you I probably didn't know we'd live forever. We didn't know we'd have a life like this." He gestured around the room, "I probably didn't know what all that loving a vampire entailed." He gently touched Larson's cheek, tugging at the corner of his mouth to expose this fangs. "You're more than just an immortal vampire, mi corazon." He kissed Larson's cheek and closed his eyes for a moment, picturing the moment they decided to spend the rest of their life together.
He peeked an eye open "perhaps not as fancy as somewhere like that but I'm glad I had made a good first impression. Good enough to stick around forever." He teased, glancing up when the record stopped. He sighed softly but tucked himself against Larson, unwilling to leave the pocket of comfort and warmth he had found beside his husband. "If we get to traveling again after all this is over, maybe we can go back to Barcelona." He murmured, eyes fluttering for a moment.
"No, we didn't know that we were meant to be together like this." Lars agreed, chuckling as Cici pulled at his mouth to show off his fangs. He didn't mind, in fact, he found it kind of cute… and perhaps a bit nostalgic. "I know that, my darling, but it's still nice to hear you remind me of it." he smiled at the soft kiss and gently pulled his husband closer to him.
He chuckled again at the teasing but nodded. "Deffinently enough of an impression to want to keep seeing you." he nodded. "And, honestly, I probably would have been bored if you did take me to any of the Ritz hotels back then. Probably would have done something that would have gotten us kicked out." he admitted with a light blush. He had been more rambunctious in his youth at that time. But his expression softened and he felt his heart melt at Cicil's request. "Of course, we can, amore. Any time you'd like."
