This was his chance to have what he needed so bad and love Isaac like the man needed.
“I don’t need you to pay rent or work hard. I’ll take you up on the cooking though.” Isaac was so focused on Alain. “We’ll talk more later in the week when we’ve…been together a bit more. You okay to go finish dinner?”
“Yes, Sir. I got to feed my mans. It’ll keep y’all happy as pigs.”
“Good boy.” Isaac’s gaze landed on him, one hand reaching across the table. “And you, boy? How are you?”
He took Isaac’s hand. “That was an amazing answer. I’m already fond of our kitten.”
“Fond might be putting it mildly. You were magnificent earlier. I understand more now. I do.” Isaac squeezed his fingers.
God, he hoped so, because he didn’t totally understand himself. Still. He would take what he could and give back more.
Isaac sat back as Alain started serving dinner. “This looks so good, Alain. Where did you learn to cook?”
“Ma granmere. She has a restaurant in Houma. Just a little one, but it’s good.”
“Oh neat. That’s where you’re from, Houma? How long did you live there?” Isaac took a bite. “Oh, so good.”
“I grew up there, me. Then I came out here to do art.” Alain’s smile faded a bit. “I shoulda stayed home, but I’m here and, I like it, even if here don’t love me.”
Neil reached under the table and rubbed Alain’s thigh. “You’ve had it tougher here than most.”
“I hope that’s getting better. You’re an artist? No one’s ever said…what do you do? Paint?”
“It don’t matter none, Sir.”
Neil snorted. “Kitten, that doesn’t work around here—for either of us.”
“Neil is right. And it most certainly does matter. You just said that art was the reason you came here. Now, I will accept that it’s a hard subject, and you’d rather not talk about it at the dinner table. That’s fine. But everything matters. Everything always matters, and I will ask again.”
“Okay. Yes, Sir Master Doctor.” Alain’s cheeks were red-hot, and those dark eyes were on the floor.
“We’ll all tell each other hard things, you’ll see. That’s how this works. Honesty is important.” Isaac stroked one of those flaming cheeks. “You’re a good boy. Eat your dinner.”
“Yes, Sir.” Alain had a little bit of everything, then two big pieces of corn bread.
It was good to see him eat, and Neil made note of his preferences. What he’d been through had taken a few pounds off him, and Alain could stand to gain them back. Not for aesthetics, but for health. He also gave Isaac a grateful smile, because his amazing sir had a way with words that he stumbled over.
He got a knowing wink in return. He liked being so in tune with someone again. They’d been apart too damn long. Now he felt like he and Isaac were breathing in sync, like they knew each other once more.
Isaac was obviously enjoying his dinner too, swirling corn bread around on his plate. “I think I’ll take you over to see Peter tomorrow, Alain. I can use the visit as an excuse to check on Brandon’s wrist and, Neil, you can go back to your place and pick up…whatever you need to spend the rest of the week here.”
“Yes, Sir. I’d love to see his face, me. He’s a good man. Is Master Brandon okay? Do they need food?”
“He’s hurting right now. But Master Brandon works with his hands so I will make sure he gets better. I’m sure food would be welcome if you want to bring something.”
“I’ll pack a suitcase.” Neil met Isaac’s and he knew what was on his Master’s—his lover’s—mind. It wasn’t the first time moving in had come up, and in the past he’d always said no. Isaac understood when things were still uncertain between them but things were changing. Big things.
And it looked like Alain was moving in first.
Isaac watched him steadily. “Suitcase, U-Haul, up to you.”
“I got another five weeks on my lease.” He would figure it out, right? In a few weeks, they might know better.
Isaac nodded, his expression hard to read. “Plenty of time.”
Alain stood up and started clearing dishes, talking as he worked. “They like veg. I can make them a good dinner, corn bread…”