If he\'d been smiling already, then the offer left Matthew absolutely
beaming. Gone was the anger from being drenched in muddy water by the carriage; it seemed that it had actually been just the catalyst needed to get the two housemates communicating properly. Matthew stood up to put his belongings near the washtub and to tip the water into his bath, suddenly very excited. "I\'d love that," he said honestly, and set off to get ready.
~*~
Later that night, Matthew let himself in through the back door of the townhouse in a far better mood, but a great deal more tired. He\'d had a very busy day, in the end. The trip through the market had been one of the best he could remember having, for he finally had an equal by his side (and frequently pressing against it, whenever his attention was sought or he needed to get Rico\'s attention by squeezing his arm), with whom he could speak in depth, discussing ingredients and debating the benefits of each.
After the market, he and Rico had worked as an efficient team again, with Matthew doing a lot of initial peering over Rico\'s shoulder, but then
doing as he\'d done, learning by creating personally. He\'d found the process fascinating and had been quite regretful that it had had to come to an end so the pies could be cooked. They\'d gone over really well at the manor, too, with Lord Liari giving a great many compliments to Matthew as he ate - the Oberon native was greatly looking forward to reaching his own home so that he could try them for himself.
The manor\'s kitchen cleaned, he\'d left as soon as he could, rather wishing Rico had been there to receive the praise as well. He
really could not understand why the man was unwelcome there and had decided on the brisk walk home that he would ask. He knew Rico was spending his time training and bathing while he was out delivering dinner at the manor and the two of them had organised that they would eat together when he got home. Matthew would ask then. Probably.
"The menu was
very well received," Matthew announced with a smile as he walked into the townhouse\'s warm kitchen. He\'d hung up his scarf and jacket on the hooks out in the hall and was dressed only in a snug pair of pants and a loose shirt that was tucked into their waistband. He\'d left his boots by the back door and was walking about in his socks now, feeling warm and happy. His blue eyes were glittering at Rico as he rubbed his hands together happily. "I\'m looking forward to tasting it myself."