Marcello de Lorenzo & Tyler Lockwood

Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi nodded his head and then shrugged a shoulder. "It's like that age old question of whether you like what you're interested in because you're good at it or you're good at it because you're interested in it," he said, laughing. "I guess we'll never really know. But there is something to be said that sometimes you get praised about certain things when you're young and that sticks," he said, cocking his head to the side. "Though no one was praising me for anything," he joked.

He chuckled and then moved his gaze over him. "Mm, well, I don't think I'll have any trouble remembering what I want to do to you," he murmured.

He arched a brow at him, watching him. "Does being on tour help you feel like maybe you don't need them in the same way you thought you did?" He asked, watching him. "Of course you want to see them and spend time with them, but I think that's different than feeling like you can't do anything without them."

[marcelloandtyler]

"I didn't realize that was an age old question. Huh. Look at us being philosophical," Marcello teased. "Yeah. I think I gravitated towards cooking naturally. My parents just kind of... encouraged our interests, I guess. Nico was more into typical little boy things. Trucks and dinosaurs, and later he was more into being in the garage with our dad, whereas I wanted play cook sets and was always trying to help my mom in the kitchen. Our sister was more into reading books and studying."

He smirked. "You better not," he murmured.

Marcello shrugged, his eyebrows knitting. "I think we're just so busy that it's hard to... let myself wallow. I think I miss them more when I stay back or you're super busy. Which makes sense. I don't mind missing them, but... I do wonder what I would feel if we settled into somewhere far from them and had a... somewhat normal daily existence that didn't involve long bus rides and exploring new cities and... all that comes with tour."

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi laughed and then shook his head. "Nah, I've never met someone that hasn't had to train to get better," he said, giving him a smile. "They might have some natural talent, but it always needs to be honed." He shrugged a shoulder and then met his gaze. "Sure, yeah. But the same can be said for you. You just need a little polishing."

He smiled at him and then arched a brow. "Alright, when we get back. I'll try and put together a whole list of things I want to do to you," he teased, glancing across at him.

He nodded his head and moved his gaze over his face. "Something to consider then... when we're not bound to be anywhere specific."

[marcelloandtyler]

Marcello nodded. "Yeah, of course. I think sometimes we choose what we want to be good at because we have a natural ability or inclination towards it," he said.

"Good. Be as thorough as you can be," Marcello said, looking at him softly. "I don't want you to forget a single thing."

He gave him a soft smile, just looking at him quietly for a few moments. He took him in, just admiring him for a little while. It was so hard not to.

"I know it's good for me. I think it's something I've just... wanted and dreamed about for so long but always felt this obligation to stay in Boston for my family. Not-- because they demand me to. And it's obvious they don't really need me. They're doing fine while I'm... here. On this tour. But I've always just been afraid that I need them."

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi laughed at Marcello's comment, arching a brow at him. "Hm, who would have thought," he teased, moving his gaze over him. "And here I thought you just magically become good at things."

He grinned at him, shrugging a shoulder. "Perhaps, though there are plenty of naughtier things going through my head right now," he murmured, watching him intently.

He furrowed his brows at his comment. "Feel better how?"

[marcelloandtyler]

"I'm sure some people do," Marcello said, giving him a small smile. "You're probably naturally good at singing, but you've probably gotten better... more controlled and... able to belt things out longer and louder with practice."

Marcello cocked a brow. "I'd ask you to share, but I don't know that that is a wise idea," Marcello said. "Maybe when we get back to the hotel."

He smiled as he looked at his boyfriend and shrugged his shoulders, his body warm. "Just... more relaxed. At home. I don't know. I like it here," he said softly.

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

"You're sweet," Levi said, chuckling. "But that's only because I've been doing it so long. You should have heard me when I first started." He gave him soft look. "You better."

He took in a deep breath, watching him take a sip of wine before he picked up his own glass. "I need to get my mind out of the gutter before I leap this table," he said, taking a drink. "Huh. That is really good," he said, swirling it a bit in the glass. "Shit. Well, that makes me excited for the food at least."

[marcelloandtyler]

"Mm, you're spicy," he replied, giving him a teasing grin. "That's usually how you build skills. With time and practice."

Marcello laughed. "That would certainly be a naughty thing for you to do," Marcello murmured.

He watched as Levi took a drink of the wine, his eyes dipping to his throat as his Adam's apple bobbed. He chewed his lower lip and then gave him a shy smile.

"It's nice to be in Europe. I feel better here."

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi chuckled and then nodded his head. "It's definitely a more portable way of doing music," he said, smiling over at him. "I learned piano first, but if I was to choose, I'd probably go guitar too." He shook his head. "I don't think I'd have to try too hard to make you good," he said, meeting his gaze. "But I can teach you some vocal practices that will make it easier on your voice and let you be on pitch more times than not."

He grinned at that. "You sure about that? I am awfully annoying when I want to be," he joked.

He grunted at Marcello's words, rolling his lips into his mouth to keep himself from saying something while the waiter was there. He waited until he was gone, glancing over at Marcello, meeting his gaze. He chuckled and arched a brow at him. "The rate we're going we'll be lucky if one of us isn't under the table before the night is out," he teased.

[marcelloandtyler]

"Good thing you don't have to choose. You're good on both," Marcello said. "Alright. I'll hold you to that," he said.

"I am quite sure," he said, smiling at his boyfriend.

"Mm. That would be scandalous," Marcello said. He smirked and he reached for the glass of wine, taking a tiny sip to get the flavor. "Oh, that's good. Rich and deep." He took another small sip.

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi laughed and then met his gaze. "You know, I find piano can also be good for writing music," he said, smiling at him. "But it depends on your preference." He shook his head, amused. "I'm not! You're genuinely good. I could shape you into a professional with some time."

He looked at Marcello softly and then let out a breath. "Alright," he said quietly. "As long as you're sure. I don't want to... make you spend a bunch of time with me and have you get sick of me," he said, laughing.

He arched a brow and then chuckled. "Well, it definitely sounded incredibly hot in Italian," he said, shaking his head. "If we weren't in a restaurant I would have dropped my pants by now."

[marcelloandtyler]

"I think both are hot," Marcello said. "I kind of like the idea of busting out an acoustic randomly around a fire, though," he said, laughing a little. "Hm, well, I'd like to see you try. I wouldn't mind being good. It's a skill that... is cool to have. And then maybe I can join you on stage someday," he joked. "Be your backup."

Marcello smiled and rolled his eyes. "You're ridiculous. I'm not even a little sick of you," he promised.

He cocked his brows. "And I'd be on my knees under the tab--" he cut himself off as the waiter walked up suddenly, pouring them their wine and leaving the bottle for them on the table. Marcello smiled, blushing as he looked at Levi.

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi laughed and then cocked his head to the side. "Well, I can definitely teach you guitar any time you want," he said, smiling over at him. "And teach you to sing, though your voice isn't half bad on its own."

He shook his head. "Don't worry about that. Let me worry about that," he said softly, looking across at him. "Though if I'm being too much, let me know." He didn't want to get into it too much right then, but he'd been told that before so he didn't want to repeat the same mistakes.

He huffed out a breath as he listened to Marcello speak. "I have no idea what you just said, but it sounded really good."

[marcelloandtyler]

"I'd love that. You'll definitely have to do all of that when we start writing music and stuff together," Marcello said. "I'm glad you don't find it half bad, but... you're being generous," he said.

He shook his head. "I never find you too much, Levi. I've wanted a relationship that was even... a fraction as good as this has been... for so long. I love... love this relationship becasue I love you exactly as you are."

He smirked. "Basically just... telling you how hot you are and how much I constantly want you."

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi laughed and then arched a brow at him repeating him. "What?" He asked, smiling across at him, shaking his head slightly. "Oh, is that so? That's what you're going to do, huh? You're going to force me to be normal?" He joked.

He moved his gaze over his face, watching him quietly. "Is that your way of telling me I'm smothering you?" He asked, chuckling slightly. "It's hard when I'm excited about someone or something to be overly balanced about everything. I just... really wanna make sure I'm not sacrificing this. I know it would be easy to get caught up in everything happening and I don't... I don't want to neglect what is important."

He grinned at Marcello's reaction, taking a sip from his water, looking across at him innocently. "What?" He asked, chuckling. He pushed his foot back against his gently. "Can't appreciate my boyfriend for all his good qualities?"

[marcelloandtyler]

"You're so cute," Marcello said, laughing a little as he looked at Levi. "I donno if that's normal, but I'm forcing you to enjoy the things I enjoy, too. So, it's fair game that you teach me the guitar or how to sing."

Marcello laughed. "No," he said honestly. "Not at all. I'm afraid I'm hogging you when I shouldn't be so much. I'm afraid I'll get you in trouble or be a distraction in a bad way."

He smiled and looked at his boyfriend softly, his face warm, his body hot as he watched him for a few moments.

"Mi fai impazzire. L'attrazione che provo per te è incredibile. A volte perdo la testa… Non riesco a smettere di desiderarti."

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

"Yeah, that's true," Levi said, smiling at him. "They are a lot more packed and if you want to travel at all, I'm sure it's a boon to know several languages in case you need them." He gave him a warm look, moving his gaze over his face. "That could be fun," he said, resisting the urge to reach out and touch him. "I do want to learn, it's just hard to get myself to when there's so much going on."

He met his gaze and gave him a soft smile. "I love this too. That's why I want to make sure we prioritize it as much as we can," he murmured.

He smiled at Marcello as he spoke, arching a brow at him. "Mmhmm," he said, just loving to listen to him and to hear what he knew. "I grew up in eating in restaurants because my family never cooked so I've kind of always heard the whole red with steak thing," he said, shrugging. "But I'm not that picky in general. I go off vibes," he said, laughing.

"God, you're so fucking hot when you're competent in something I'm not and just take control," he said, shaking his head. "It makes me want to shove my tongue in your mouth."

[marcelloandtyler]

"A boon," Marcello repeated, finding Levi adorable. He laughed softly. "Yeah, it's definitely a boon." He nodded. "Well, I'm here to make you do all kinds of things you don't have time for, like read and learn languages and learn to cook."

He nodded. "We do a good job at that," he said. "Honestly, it's not that difficult. I feel like... We're traveling a ton and you're so busy and on the go with practicing and sound checks and workouts, and of course your nightly shows. But... We've been making so much time for one another. I'm worried you're making too much time for me and not enough for other things," he said, half teasing.

"Yeah, that's typically how it goes," he said. "And he's bringing us a bottle of red, so. I have a good feeling it'll be good."

Marcello laughed and nearly choked on his own spit when Levi called him hot, his face warming. "Levi," he said, his lips rolling between his teeth for a moment as he hid his smirk. "You're ridiculous." He nudged his foot with his own under the table.

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi smiled at him and listened as he spoke, moving his gaze over his face. "Suppose that is true. I've never considered it. No, that's not true, I have considered it, but I just haven't had the time or the chance to learn anything," he said, giving him a small smile. "Other than when I was in school. I took Spanish for a couple years, but I was never that good at it," he confessed. He moved his gaze over his face, giving him a warm look. "I wonder what it would be like to live somewhere where its more encouraged. But I love listening to you speak other languages."

He chuckled and then met his gaze. "Maybe it's kind of silly for me to do that or say that, but I really genuinely want to give you everything I can," he whispered. "And I want to keep this feeling fresh. I don't want you to feel like you missed out on any phase of this."

"Sure, we could do that. I don't mind white either," he said, shrugging. "I don't know why, but I just kind of assumed you'd prefer red," he said, laughing.

He nodded his head. "Please, yes," he said, handing the menu over to Marcello. He felt like he could probably point at anything on the menu and be happy, but he trusted Marcello and his taste at this point, since he fed him all the time.

[marcelloandtyler]

"It's nice living places where it's more encouraged and just a part of daily life. I guess they have to here. Every country is closer together and they each have their own language," he said, shrugging. "I can help you. We can help each other. If you wanted to learn."

Marcello smiled and looked at his boyfriend softly. "You're so fucking sweet," he murmured. "I love... this. I love our relationship."

He grinned. "I love all wine. But I do like red, yes," he admitted. "White is nice sometimes, too. Usually red pairs best with steak, but you can get a good full-bodied white that is great, too. Depends on the cut."

Marcello did his best to speak French to the waiter, ordering them each a steak cooked medium rare with a rich, green salad and pommes rissolées, a crispy, cubed potato dish. The waiter took their menus and left to retriever their wine and Marcello looked across at Levi.

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi smiled at Marcello's words, giving him a soft look. "That's an incredibly sweet and charming thing to say," he said, laughing. "And it's also very true for me when I'm near you too."

He watched him as he spoke, his lips quirking up slightly more with each word he spoke. "I wouldn't have even considered that, honestly," he said, thinking about it. "I would have fumbled around with my limited English and pissed everyone off if I was in your shoes," he said, laughing. "It's sweet that you want to be able to communicate with everyone in their own language."

He smirked at him. "We're always at the wooing stage," he said, laughing. "At least to some degree. I want to always make you feel like it's the beginning all over again."

He nodded his head and then moved his gaze over the menu. "Yeah, sure. Red, I assume?"

[marcelloandtyler]

Marcello laughed softly. "Thank god," he said softly.

"I'm not necessarily good at it, but it's just... polite to try," he said, shrugging, scrunching his nose. "When I lived in Italy during Covid, my cousin had a roommate who was French and she spoke German. My cousins speak French and Spanish, and some speak German. It's just more common there. But we were in a bubble together, so I got to practice a lot. I took DuoLingo, too. But it's been a while since I practiced. I intended to but... Guess now is my chance."

He laughed a little. "Oh, I didn't realize. I mean... I'll take it. I like being wooed." He longed to lean over and kiss him on the lips, but he resisted.

Marcello shrugged. "If that's what you want," he said. "But I wouldn't mind white. I guess we could ask for a recommendation from the waiter."

The waiter came over just then, greeting them in French. Marcello did his best to follow, catching most of it, but it'd been a while. He did his best to ask for a wine recommendation to pair with steak and then ordered a bottle of the waiter's favorite.

"Do you want me to order for you?" Marcello asked Levi quietly as the waiter asked if they were ready, knowing his boyfriend's tastes at this point.

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi laughed and then arched a brow at him, smiling. "I think I'm happy to do that and that alone," he said, pressing a kiss against his cheek gently. "Especially when I get to see you smile."

He watched him as he explained, amused. "I get French as someone who was interested in fashion, but why German? He asked, chuckling. He felt warm as he walked along with him, cocking his head to the side. "I love that you're so multi-lingual. The best I can do is say singular phrases to the crowd at night after being taught to repeat them over and over for an hour," he said with a laugh.

When the got to the table he was grateful that it genuinely seemed rather private. He sat down and settled in, smiling over at him. "It does," he said softly, taking his hand briefly over the table. He gave his hand a gentle squeeze before letting go. "Though I guess I'll have to save the majority of the wooing for later."

[marcelloandtyler]

"It's not too hard to smile when I'm with you," Marcello said honestly. He looked at his boyfriend softly, just adoring him in every way.

He smiled. "I want to live in Italy eventually," Marcello explained. "And there are a number of German speaking countries nearby. Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, some other smaller countries. I figure between English, Italian, and French, I'd be pretty well off, but German is handy if you want to live in Europe, too." He shook his head. "Don't know that I'm all that versed. I'd like to get better, but maybe this tour will give me more of an opportunity to practice."

He laughed a bit. "Wooing?" he asked. "Are we still in that stage?" He picked up the water the hostess had poured and sipped it, his eyes scanning the menu. "Do you want to split a bottle of wine?"

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi gave him a soft look and then pressed a kiss against his cheek. "I know," he murmured, taking in a deep breath. "I feel like I want to kick the ass of everyone who has ever wronged you all the time. Especially old boyfriends. Anyone that made you feel bad about yourself."

He chuckled. "Pretty nifty, eh?" He said, grinning at him. "Wow. That's a big compliment," he said, chuckling.

He listened as Marcello spoke, trying not to get completely turned on by the way he was speaking French. He huffed out a breath, arching his brow, feeling warm all over, his mouth slightly dry.

"Christ, I love when you talk other languages," he muttered under his breath as he followed Marcello to the table.

[marcelloandtyler]

"Mm, I wish you could, honestly," he said, laughing a little. Marcello gave him a small smile. "But I will settle for you just making me feel good about myself."

He nodded. "Absolutely," he teased.

Marcello laughed softly. "My French is beginner. I took a few semesters of it. I went through a phase where I thought I'd fluently learn French and German, which is not a sexy language. But I've been brushing up on some when you're practicing," he admitted, knowing that it was polite and preferred to attempt the language of wherever they were.

They were seated at a quiet table by a window overlooking a little alley. There weren't many people around. The restaurant was pretty quiet already. He took a seat and smiled across at Levi as they were left alone. "Feels like a proper date," he said quietly.

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi moved his gaze over his face, taking him in. "Why does it scare you?" He asked quietly, searching his gaze. "I'm protective of you too, you know," he murmured, giving him a warm look. "More than anyone in my life."

"The luckiest bastards in the whole world," he whispered, pressing a kiss against his lips again, smiling against them as he did.

He chuckled and then arched a brow at him. "You should feel good. You're absolutely incredible, and I don't mean just to look at."

They walked along together, standing close together but not touching. It was maddening how much he wanted to reach out and take his hand or just put an arm around his shoulders. Every time they were out together it was like fighting a battle he felt like one day he was eventually going to lose.

"Perfect," he said, giving him a bright smile, walking into the restaurant as he opened the door for him. "Thank you, stranger," he teased.

[marcelloandtyler]

"It's just so... deep and instinctual and new," Marcello said. "I've never felt like this for anyone." He shrugged a little, his brows drawing together as he looked at his boyfriend. "I know you are," he replied quietly.

He smiled. "Thank you," he said. "I am glad you feel that way. I think you're pretty nifty, too."

Marcello nodded. "Of course," he said, moving up behind him to the hostess stand.

"Bonjour," he said. Marcello gave the hostess a smile when she smiled at them, asking how she could help. He used whatever French he could conjure up, asking for a private table as politely as possible. "Une table pour deux, dans un endroit un peu.... plus tranquille, er... intime si possible, s’il vous plaît."

She smiled. "Bien sûr. Nous avons une table au fond de la salle. Suivez-moi, s'il vous plaît," she said quickly. Marcello did his best to translate as she grabbed menus to lead them into the restaurant. He followed her quietly, glancing at Levi softly.

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi laughed and then smiled across at him, arching a brow at him. "Oh, good. I would hate to have only a few days with you every time you had to start moving again," he teased, pressing a kiss against his lips. "Mm, of course. You have every right to revoke away."

He gave him a soft look and then leaned into him. "I love you too," he murmured, smiling a little. "I love who you are and everything you do."

He smirked at him and arched a brow. "I can't help it. Look at you, you make me absolutely feral," he teased, moving his gaze over him.

"Alright," he said, smiling at him. "I'm going to let you choose the restaurant because I feel like you have more of a knack for it," he said, laughing. "But this definitely looks promising."

[marcelloandtyler]

Marcello smiled. "I'm protective of you in a way that almost scares me," he admitted, his brows furrowing.

"Aren't we lucky, then?" he asked quietly, lightly cupping Levi's face before he leaned over and kissed him softly on the lips.

He felt warm as Levi spoke, his lips twitching into a small smile. "You make me feel so good," he murmured.

"Mmkay," he said, not complaining. Marcello smiled, checking a couple more menus as they walked along the busy street. There were shops and cafes and restaurants and bars spanning several blocks, and while it was a little busy, it wasn't too crazy. It was a weeknight, so he figured that helped the crowds.

Finally, he reached a restaurant that gave him all of his green flags and after a quick check online for reviews, he was glad to see it passed that check, too.

"I think we've found our spot," he said, giving him a small smile before he opened the door for Levi, allowing him to enter first.

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi chuckled and then searched his gaze. "I don't doubt it at all," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss against the corner of his mouth. "I just rather have you than have you on the run," he murmured, giving him a warm look. He listened to him as he spoke, taking in a deep breath at his words. "Thank you," he whispered, shaking his head. "You've no idea what it means to me to hear you say that. I don't think I've ever had a partner that has accepted every part of me like you do."

He glanced at Marcello and then arched a brow at him, seeing his expression. It was hard being careful when they were out when all Levi wanted to do was put his arm around him and press a kiss against his lips every two seconds. Still, he did his best not to come off like he was obsessed with him.

"Other than you?" He teased, keeping his voice low when he said it. "Maybe some steak?"

[marcelloandtyler]

"Don't worry. I won't be going on the run," Marcello promised, giving him a small smile. "But if we ever encounter anyone who makes you feel that way ever again, I reserve the right to revoke that promise."

He looked at his boyfriend softly. "I love yo. Every part of you," Marcello murmured, kissing him on the lips softly.

Marcello smirked, his body warming at Levi's comment. "Naughty," he muttered. "Mm, alright." He stopped outside of a little restaurant to look over the menu. He was alright with French, recognizing a lot of the words on menus from his culinary experience.

"This place has some, but not sure they'd specialize in it. They seem to have mostly classic French meals," he said, gesturing for Levi to keep going so they could check a few more places.

[noahsandersonlevicarter]

Levi felt the way that Marcello moved in closer, the press of his hands against his skin both soothing and offering a deep connection. He closed his eyes, enjoying the way he made him feel, slipping his own arms around his shoulders loosely. He carded his fingers through the back of Marcello's hair, careful not to muss it too much before opening his eyes to look at him up close. "Not sure you should become a serial killer for me," he said softly, giving him a small smile. "Even if I deeply appreciate the sentiment."

He nodded his head and then smiled at him. "You're probably right. It's also pretty busy tonight."

He laughed and then entwining their fingers as they walked for a bit. This was always his favorite part, holding hands in public until they felt under too much scrutiny. "Aw, and here I thought you were going to pay," he teased.

[marcelloandtyler]

Marcello released a soft grunt. "You doubt how deeply I love you," he whispered. "It makes me... so sad for you, and so angry... That anyone could ever make you feel that way. You're the opposite of a disappointment. I'm so fucking proud of you and in awe of you. Constantly."

He smiled a little and glanced at Levi, keeping aware of their surroundings. He was always careful when out in public and visibly gay, regardless of where he was. It came naturally to him. Now, knowing Levi's fame often drew unwanted eyes on them, he was extra vigilant. Despite being disguised, he worried that someone knew where Levi was and they'd get caught.

"What are you in the mood to eat?"