Markus just smirked at him mouthing 'I know' back at him. His mother was outgoing and forward for a person with her history. It was fine for him, Kiemi and everyone who worked with her because despite being a bit odd the woman was a people person. She was nice, playful, humorous and kind. She loved her children, even if one wasn't hers and the people who lived in the building found her business handle really easy to deal with. She wasn't just the mean landlady.

Trini had resorted to playing with Kiemi who was happy to be doing something productive. She had placed the egg noodles on the island winking at Caleb then went back to keeping Kiemi occupied.

Shaking his head he to the pantry which was on the right side of the kitchen, he'd get flour. "Right we have the eggs already, we'll need milk a bowl, just above your head there and oh there is also we'll need to take the boiled egg yoke and turn it into a paste. We'll do that while the wraps are getting finished." Cooking was his default. If he was cooking he wouldn't be nervous. He was rattling off a list of ingredients in his head. They had nothing to do with the dinner but he was thinking about it anyway. Shoving the noodles to the side he placed the flour on the counter.

Caleb couldn't believe how calm Markus was being while he was going crazy on the inside. Either way he could deal with him telling him what to do, he liked it that way because he didn't have to think so much all of a sudden. He was very happy that his mother decided to play with Kiemi it allowed him to calm down even just a little bit. He nodded to Markus and reached for the milk and another bowl, he walked up beside him.

As scary as this situation was, he still stood there, expecting to help, expecting that they were still okay. This was new for Caleb he had never stayed and dealt with his anxiety this well, he would typically run away. He looked to him, "Got it." he smiled sweetly.

Markus just nodded to him smiling as well.

Shaking his head he opened the bag of flour in front of him dumping half the contents on the to the counter. he places it away from the mess and near the noodles and spread the flour over the table. The fine powder spread over the beige table easily. Now they would get to the fun part. "There is some dough mix in the fridge I forgot. Could you grab that as well. We'll be putting our own seasoning to it. Grab the basil you've chopped up too. This is the do it yourself part. We'll roll the pieces of dough into the flour after we've sprinkled it with basil. When that's done we can flatten them and add the filling!"

Markus was actually really excited to be able to make food right now. His mother's presence was upsetting Caleb. To himself he wondered if that would be a continued problem? He hoped not. He wanted Caleb to get along with the little family he had left. He almost frowned pausing as he finished spreading the flour on the table. His mother gave him a look over Kiemi's head that told him to stop frowning. It was okay. She had been there before as well. Meeting someones parents for the first time was an awkward process. Caleb would be comfortable eventually.

Caleb grew wary when Markus spread the flour on the table, he wasn't used to getting his hands dirty, but today he would have to. He coudln't believe how many new things he'd do today, although it was good for him, he truly needed it, and in the end it did make him happy. He didn't take any more time to spare to grab the dough mix, in a second he was already back with the basil and had sprinkled it over the dough, he began to knead it into the flour.

He let out a small cough, and he stood a fair ways from the counter, it must have looked ridiculous because he was being so cautious. The one thing he didn't mind was how it felt, it was so unique and strange, and it was actually kind of fun. He looked to Markus expectantly when he suddenly got on itch on his face and he tried his best to scratch it with the back of his hand but managed to get a bunch of flour on his face without even noticing. "Is this good?" he asked.

Markus reached up to cover his face to keep himself from laughing. He knew he was getting the flour on his face but he didn't care. The sight in front of him was actually much more amusing. "Ah...You've got some flour on your nose." He chuckles leaning over and poking at it with is finger putting more flour on Caleb's face. Leaning over the had put an elbow on the table only to slip and face fault into the flour. Even so he never stopped laughing.

Trini glanced up at the loud thud to see Markus laying in the flour laughing his head off. Kiemi just stared at him like he had lost his mind and Trini laughed. The boy had flour all over his arm, half his face and in his hair. He pushed himself off the counter and started brushing the flour from his arms. Oh man he couldn't believe he'd just done that. But it was too funny to be embarrassed about right now. He'd be worried about his image.

"Watch out, it's slippery!" He says thoroughly amused.

Caleb simply blinked when Markus poked his nose, he could feel more flour falling on his face, he could only see just as much on Markus' face too. Suddenly he saw him laughing hysterically, and suddenly even though Caleb didn't seem too impressed, Markus had face planted the counter leaving him completely covered in flour.

Caleb burst out laughing, "Are you okay?" he said through fits of laughter, he brought his hand to Markus' head and rubbed it shaking flour out, which covered his own clothes as well. His laugh was genuine, he couldn't believe that something so simple as flour could not only lighten the mood, but make him adore Markus even more. The look on his face made him want to be bold and kiss him again, but he knew better with his mother near by who certainly was getting a kick out of this display.

"You're worse than I am!" Caleb said flicking a bit of flour at Markus.

Markus continues to laugh flicking a bit off flour back at Caleb. "Oh yeah well." He glanced around like he was looking for something then jumped at Caleb grabbing him by his sides and tickling him mercilessly. He continued to laugh while he did. "Got ya!"

Trini picked up Kiemi and silently left the room a smile on her face. They were cute together. Now if they could just get the boy to open up a bit more, they'd be set.

Caleb kept backing up as he was being tickled through fits of laughter he was now against the refrigerator, "Hey, stop it!" he said trying to get him back somehow, but Markus was too powerful for him, "I give up, I give up," he said bowling over his head landing on Markus' shoulder, he was breathing heavily he couldn't take it anymore, he held both of his wrist back hoping he wouldn't go to tickle him again.

He looked up to Markus, was today really happening? How did he even get to this place, now all he could do was think about kissing him right now, as he looked into his eyes, but he held back, he hadn't seen that his mom or Kiemi had left the room. Caleb only bit his lip wondering if Markus was thinking the same thing.

Markus laughed letting Caleb grab his hands and stop them. he shook his head an amused grin on his face. Today was the best day he had had with someone outside of his own family. He hoped that Caleb would still agree to be friend from now on. He'd love to have him over more.

They were backed against the fridge when he noticed next. Caleb's head was against his shoulder it surprised him when he looked up at him. He could see the want in his eyes. Cautiously he glanced back at dinning room to find his mother and Kiemi not there. His own eyes softened he looked back at Caleb and leaned forward to kiss him on the lips.

Caleb was shocked when Markus leaned in to kiss him, he hoped his mother wasn't around to see this. He welcomed the kiss his hands letting go of his wrists slowly. Instead they now moved up and around his waist, he didn't know if what he was doing was right, but it was without thinking. His mind was in a blur, he didn't know how this was happening but he loved it and couldn't get enough of it.

Once he was out of breath he pulled away only so that their foreheads would touched, he breathed heavily not be able to control himself. He smiled, "I have to stop doing this," his grin widened as he laughed, "Seriously... its like, I can't even.... stop myself." He leaned in to kiss him once more, this time softly.

Markus just grinned down at him accepting his short kisses. He had this goofy look on his face mostly. If he could make happy sparkles and bubbles and things appear out of nowhere he would but that was only in the cartoons Kiemi watched.

Hmm. Maybe he should stop letting his watch those animes. Mentally shaking his head he chuckles pulling both hands through Caleb's hair. "I know. If you wanna stop you're gonna have to let me go though." He almost laughs before kissing him again. "We were going to take this slow if I remember correctly. And I still wanna take you on that date I asked about." Kisses him again, "Will you say yes or am I going to have to continue doing this until you do?"

Caleb's kisses became feverish as Markus pulled his hands through his hair. All he could do was simply nod between kisses and then linger until he kissed him again. His eyes were still closed when Markus as finished, "I know..." he said answering his first question, he knew it needed to go slow, but after kissing him for the first time he couldn't get enough of it. He res this forehead on Markus, "Do you think I could ever say no?" Caleb kissed him again softly and lingered this time longer than he had before, more brave.

When the kiss ends Markus is smirking at him. "That wasn't a yes." He presses Caleb more against the refrigerator running his hands along his sides till they rested against his waist. "Is that a yes?" He asks forehead against his, eye shining. Markus brought his hand up to run through Caleb's hair again then down the side of his face. His thumb ghosting over Caleb's lips.

He was just teasing but Markus was going to wait until he at least said yes to move. Not that he wasn't very comfortable. They had to slow down because other things were starting to come to light. Like the fact that they were covered in flour, they hadn't made dinner and they were three steps away from Markus losing his control. Sighing Markus kisses him one last time before letting go of Caleb's hips and making him let go of his. He still had the naughty smirk on his face but he was thinking clearly. One of them had to.

((I'm just imagining he has a voice like David Xanetos from Gargoyles. O.o))

Caleb was in heaven right now even though Markus had pushed him against the fridge even more, and made it so he couldn't move. Part of that just made it more exciting to him, and it made him squirm inside when he ran his hands along his sides, he didn't want to the feeling to stop he was addicted to it.

When Markus let go his face turned sad, he wanted to kiss him more, and longer, but when he had the time to think, his mom was in the other room. On top of that, they still had to finish making dinner. "I will," he finally answered "yes." a small grin was on his face now, nothing Markus did could make him say no at this moment.

He sighed, now it was back to getting things done, "I'm sorry that I caused us to delay, making dinner..." his look was innocent, as Caleb reached over to brush some flower off of Markus.

"Don't worry about it." Markus laughs running a soft hand over Caleb's ear. This was a nice little set up. His mother conveniently disappearing and Caleb's sudden confidence

He grinned at him then cleared his throat. He had to take care of a little problem of his. Shaking his head he separates himself from Caleb and leaves the kitchen, trying to hide his little embarrassment. He cleared his throat again as he made it to the dinning room side of the island. "Ah...Caleb could you start uh with the dough. I'll be back in a moment." Markus went over to the left side of the room to the door and went inside.

Next to Caleb Trini sighed arms crossed over her chest. "That boy leaving you to make dinner all by yourself. Mah, you have Kiemi at least." She says cheerfully. Kiemi was peaking from behind the rectangular pillar. His eyes were watching for what Caleb would do.

Caleb had no idea what was wrong with Markus, whatever the case he would start the dough like he had said, in a happy mood at that. He began to roll the dough when his mom walked up beside him, he was now a little more relaxed and less shy than he was before, he was still a little tense.

He smiled and looked over to Kiemi, "Can you help me, I heard you're the expert behind all this." he waved for Kiemi to come over.

Kiemi smiled at Caleb before going over to the island and getting up on a stool. He grabbed a chunk of dough and a hand full of basil and sprinkled the basil onto the flour. Then began rolling it, his little hands pushing the dough back an forth making a roll. He picked it up and smashed it together until the dough was kneaded enough to set down. He set it down on a unbasiled part of the counter and repeated the process.

Trini who hadn't really moved peered over their shoulders. Cooking was fascinating to watch some times. When Markus was little she was only ever to make and afford microwaveable things. It worried her that he might not grow up to be healthy because of this but when he showed and interest in cooking she was surprised. Over joyed but surprised none the less.

"So how long have you two known each other?" She asks going around the Island so that she was across from them.

Caleb watched Kiemi and copied exactly what Kiemi was doing, "Thanks, you're much better than I am at this." he ruffled his hair. Cooking wasn't so hard when he had someone beside him to help him, he was looking forward to having Markus teach him, and then maybe he'd be a bit more confident.

When his mother asked the question his face turned a bit red, it really hadn't been long, although Markus had said he knew of him for some time, so maybe that was the right path to go, "We both go to the same school... so for some time now." Caleb didn't have the guts to tell her that they weren't friends before today, and that he didn't fit in with Markus' crowd.

Trini nodded her head cherry red curls falling into her face. She blew them up and over her head in irritation not to long after. "Cool." She says reaching over and grabbing an egg noddle as they were drying out. Kiemi frowned at here and shook his head. 'not until its done' he signs quickly before going back to rolling the dough. It was almost finished all that was left was what Caleb had in his hands. Kiemi waited patiently until he was finished. Watching Caleb roll the dough.

Trini grinned at him and ruffled Caleb's hair. "You've still got flour all over you." She smirked at him with a wicked but playful stare. "You weren't doing any thing naughty were you?" She pokes at him knowing full well what they had been doing. Kiemi's only response is to shake his head ruefully.

Caleb's cheeks turned red yet again, "No ma'm," he tried quickly to get back to rolling the dough, as memories of kissing Markus flowed through his mind. He shook them out of his head and showed Kiemi what he had done, "So what's next Kiemi." he asked with a smile at Kiemi.

He grew more nervous as the minutes passed by, where had Markus gone? He hoped he would be back soon, it was apparent now that he was nervous and surely his mother would take advantage of that situation.

Trini raised an eyebrow at Caleb. Just her being in the room made him uncomfortable. That saddened her. She wasn't trying to make him nervous just trying to get to know him. She gave him a sympathetic look leaning against the edge of the counter. "Well that's good." She giggled covering her mouth with her hand.

Kiemi pointed to the noodles then the stove. He signed to Caleb, not really knowing if he understood or not but still did. 'Put them in the oven at 350 degrees and wait till they've completely dried out.' Is what he signs before hanging him the bowl with the bow like egg noodles. They were good sized pieces too. 'we have to put them on a pan and separate them. then stick them in the oven.' He jumped down from his seat with another bowl filled with the boiled egg yokes.

Just as he was about to explain the next step Markus opens the door to the room he entered. "Well how are we doing so far?" He asks. He was now wearing a green t-shirt and blue jeans with the apron over them.

"Great!" Trini answers walking over to pat her sons head. "I'll be in my room if you need me. Send Kiemi in if he's any trouble." Kiemi and Markus again give the woman identical looks of confusion as she heads into her room from earlier.

Markus shook his head. Sometimes his mother didn't make any sense. "Anyway. How are is the dough coming along?" He asks glancing over the table.

Caleb simply looked at Kiemi as he signed to him, unfortunately Caleb had no idea what this meant the expression on his face must have been priceless. He felt bad that he couldn't understand what he meant, the little guy was pretty smart, but he only wished he knew what to do next.

He was relieved when Markus walked back into the room, when he looked up he smiled. He sure looked good in that colour... why was that the most important thing right now? He shook his head, he needed to stop fantasizing about Markus and figure out what was set at hand.

"Ah..." Caleb rubbed the back of his neck slightly embarrassed that Kiemi had done most of the work, "Kiemi helped me finish the dough..." he bit his lip, "But he signed to me what to do next... and I... I just don't understand." His eyes were apologetic, he had never felt so stupid before, and he was impressed that the family were able to communicate without much thought.

Markus quirked a grin. Ah he forgot to ask id Caleb knew sign language. They used it in the house with Kiemi so much it was common place. Though he supposed it wasn't that big of a deal. "Ah. Well he wants to put the egg noddles on a pan and put them in the oven so they'll dry out. Then we'd have to cook them again with the paste we'll be making." Keimi nods. "Hey maybe I'll teach you some sign language while I'm teaching you how to cook." he laughs walking over and patting Caleb on the head and smiling fondly at him.

Kiemi rolls his eyes standing on his stool to grab a pan form the high cabinets. He started putting the noodles on quickly then shoves it over to the two just standing there. Markus thanks him and places them in the stove, leaning around Caleb.

Caleb smiles, "I guess it will be helpful..." was this assuming he would get much use out of it, that would mean he was over at Markus' house more often. This made him happy that Markus liked him that much to already be thinking about that. "It'd be nice to know what Kiemi is saying."

He nodded in line with the directions, the whole meal was starting to blow his mind, "It might take me sometime to get hang of this cooking thing... there's so much to remember." Although Caleb was intelligent this was completely out of his realm of expertise, "Now if making food was like writing a program, I'd have no problem." He blushed slightly realizing how nerdy that must have sounded, he coughed, "Sorry, that must have sounded incredibly lame..."

Markus nods. "No I perfectly understand. Some things you have to compare with others in order to get them right. That's how I got through chemistry. Since baking/cooking are very similar it was just like learning new recipes." He patted Caleb's shoulders to get more of the flour off of him. That wasn't going to come out by the time he had to go home. "Don't worry, what I am going to teach you will be easy stuff. We'll start with the basics like frying bacon and scrambled eggs. Shot things." Markus stared at him for a moment , thinking.

Making his decision he grabbed Caleb by the arm and dragged him over to the door he just walked out of. "We should wash your clothes." he says opening the door more to reveal a plain white room with a king size platform bed with white sheets. There was no window to speak of but there were lamps scattered around the room. The was no much in the way of personal effects such as posters, a TV or a radio, or even many decorations. Just the lamps, bed, and dresser that had cook books stacked on it. Other then that one messy spot of books the room was tidy. There was a closet on the far wall as well and then the door was open to a bathroom on the left. He grinned at Caleb and closed the door. "You can borrow some of my clothes so you can change and we can wash your cloths." He offered even though he wasn't going to let him say no.