Chapter Text
Joe wrapped his arms around Nicky from behind before kissing Nicky's cheek. Nicky was baking a Panettone.
Joe: "It smells amazing, but how does it taste?"
The second Joe's fingers got near the bowl, Nicky hit him with the spoon.
Joe: "Aww, why?"
Nicky: "You have to wait until the Panettone is baked."
Joe: "Says the one who will lick the bowl the moment the Panettone is in the oven."
Nicky: "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Joe laughed before kissing Nicky.
Joe: "I better get going. It is a four-hour drive each way."
Nicky turned around before swirling his finger around Joe's shirt.
Nicky: "I could do it."
Joe: "No way are you going. You have been cooking and baking like crazy for the last week, so once the Panettone is in the oven, you are to sit down on the sofa with your new book."
Joe produced "The Great Gatsby" in Spanish. It made Nicky smile as he took the book.
Joe: "And leave the dishes. I will do them once I'm back again."
Nicky looked at the dishes and other things that needed to be washed. Joe placed a finger under Nicky's chin to make him look at him.
Joe: "Remember our agreement: when one of us cooks, the other one cleans."
Nicky: "Reading is more fun than cleaning."
Joe: "Glad we agree."
They kissed until the old clock in the living room chimed.
Joe: "Remember, I love you."
Nicky: "Remember, I love you."
Joe smiled.
Joe: "And before I go, I will kiss you four more times. One kiss for each hour I'm gone."
Joe kissed Nicky's entire face, which made Nicky giggle.
Nicky: "Go. I will be here when you get home."
Joe: "You better, or else you won't get any Christmas gifts this year."
After another kiss, Joe left Nicky. Nicky looked after the car until he couldn't see it any more. Then, Nicky went inside, and after putting the Panettone in the oven, he licked the bowl clean for dough. Then, Nicky went into the living room, where he sat down on the sofa with his book, blanket and a cup of tea. Before opening the book, Nicky couldn't resist taking a sniff at the blanket because it smelled of Joe and it felt like Joe was right beside him. With a smile on his face, Nicky opened the book and started to read it.