This time let's not burn the food, Alder told himself as he took out an old cookbook and flipped through the pages.

“Here it is! Mothers favorite recipe.”

“I’m back,” Earl declared as he stepped inside the small apartment to be attacked by the smell of food coming from the kitchen,”

“What are you making?” Asked Earl as he peered in through the doorway.

“Don't look, it's a surprise.” He walked over and took Earl’s arm.

“Go sit, I'll call you when dinner is ready.”

“Ok,” He blushed and walked over to the couch.

“Don’t get used to me making you dinner,” Alder mentioned as he brought two plates over to a small table in the corner of the room. Earl walked over and stated,

“This would be the first meal someone other than Ms. Marie made for me.”

“Well, aren’t you lucky?” Alder joked as he sat down at the table.

“Spaghetti! This looks amazing.”

“Thank you, I found an old cookbook my dad used to use, and I picked the one meal I still know. Every year on Mother’s Day my dad and I would cook my mom her favorite dish. This is the first time I’ve cooked it alone, so it probably won’t be as good as my fathers.”

“Well, it smells delicious, and you didn’t burn anything!”

“I wouldn’t jump to conclusions.” He walked over to the toaster and opened it to show a black loaf of garlic bread.

“That toaster hates you!” teased Earl. The smell of burnt bread spread through the apartment overtaking the sweet smell of tomato sauce.

“The toaster always wins.” Replied Alder as he threw out the loaf and walked back over to the table.

“Do you even know how to cook, Earl?”

“Kinda?” He laughed. “Ms. Marie always cooked for me.”

“I’ll have to teach you someday.” Replied Alder.

“I’m not sure if you're a good enough cook yet to teach,” He smirked.

“You don’t like my meal?”

“I’m only joking, it looks wonderful. Thank you.” He walked over to Alder and crouched down placing a small kiss on his cheek, which immediately made him redden.

“You’re so sweet. You made this whole meal just for me.” They both met each other’s eyes and slowly began to move in closer.

“Can I kiss you?” Asked Alder before he was pulled into a passionate kiss. Alder placed his hands on Earl’s shoulders and stood up from the seat bringing them up to a standing position.

“What are you doing!” Alder shouted as Earl put his hands on his sides, lifting him over to the couch. As Alder climbed onto his lap, they both embraced each other in another kiss. In each gasp for Air and glances at each other’s eyes, their hearts felt a glow.

Alder lifted his head away with lovesick eyes, “The food is going to get cold.”

“Sorry. I just couldn’t wait for dessert.”