Marcus looked at Nem over the book he was reading. Another one of those he'd bought out of pity from whatever street peddler. That, Nem was pretty sure, was one of those things that would never change about the man.

"Why do you ask?"

Nem sighed and furrowed his brows, irritated, sitting up from the bed.

"Obviously, because I want to know"

He answered, scratching his neck.

"That, and...."

Another sigh.

"I'm not.... As cute as I was before... You know..."

Nem uttered finally, turning to look at the wall with a sullen expression. Marcus blinked a few times, and put his book down, choosing to sit up as well.

"Ah well, if I had to say, then the buff type"

With this, the blond's eyes snapped back to stare at him.

"Buff...?"

"You know, muscular. Well built"

He smirked at the smaller man, who just stared at him mouth agape.

"That... But I'm not that AT ALL?!"

Nem all but shrieked, clearly well on his way to being actually offended. Marcus tried to stifle his laughter, unsuccesfully. With one swift movement, he pushed the other flush against the sheets.

"Well,  even so... "

He leaned over Nem, trailing his jawline with his fingers, rough and calloused from picking at the strings of his guitar

"The past you who was prickly and cute, and the tired you now who works hard with all his might -"

Marcus moved his hand to caress Nem's cheek. Leaning closer, he pressed his lips to the blond's ear.

 "I find them both extremely irresistible"

"And in 50 years when we're both shabby and old, I'm sure I'll want you just as much then"

The smaller man just stared at him in stunned silence, before blushing in a positively explosive way. 

"I really liked the shy and meek you much better"

Nem muttered, averting his eyes. Marcus just chuckled in response.

"I wonder about that"