One thing Chris always admired about you was your ability to switch from one language to another with incredible ease. It was something you did unconsciously, you were so used to it that it became almost natural, but it never ceased to amaze him.
The first time he heard you speaking in your native language he was hooked. He was mesmerized by the sound words made as they felt out of your lips. Almost rhythmical, as your accent switched on and off.
And Chris liked it so much that he decided he would learn how to speak your first language. For you, because he knew how stressful it could be for you to speak English sometimes. When words just escaped you mind, and you suddenly realized you didn’t know how to say something in his language. And for him, because he was curious to know what you said whenever you were absentmindedly talking to yourself. And he wanted to surprise you.
But leaning how to speak a different language wasn’t an easy task. And that didn’t take long for Chris to realize. Figuring how hard it was to be able to be fluent in a language that wasn’t one’s own only made him admire you more. Because words sounded weird whenever he tried to say them, but when you did, it was ridiculously hot. One of his favorite things.
Seven months had passed since Chris had had his first lesson. Five months filled with three-times-a-week classes, hard work and moments of frustration. But Chris was slowly starting to make progress.
“What are you humming?” You asked your boyfriend walking up to him and wrapping your arms around his waist and resting your head against his back.
Chris was the kind of person who would hum along to random songs while doing everyday chores. Whether it was tidying up, walking Dodger, folding laundry, or cooking, like he was at the moment. In this particular occasion though, the song he was humming along had captured your attention. It wasn’t one from his usual repertory, but you knew you had heard it before. You just couldn’t quite figure where.
“A song.” He replied nonchalantly, stirring whatever he was cooking. His body tensing for a moment at the realization that he might’ve just exposed his secret. “I always hum.” He added trying to sound as casual as he could.
“Yeah, but what song was it? It sounded super familiar…” You said still thinking about the song he was humming minutes ago.
“I don’t know.” He replied with a shrug. “I might have heard it on the radio on my way back from the grocery store and somehow got stuck in my head…” He added with a nervous laugh that didn’t escape you.
“Can you hum it again?” You mumbled pressing your face against his back and inhaling his precious scent.
“Mmm… I don’t- I don’t think I remember it anymore.” He said trying to avoid it, turning the stove off and turning to look at you. His arms lovingly wrapping around your waist.
“Chris…” You said stretching out his name, your eyes locked on his as a childish smile grew on his face. “Hum it.” Your requested.
“I’ll try something else instead….” Chris replied with a sigh. “Don’t judge me…” He warned pointing his finger at you.
“Why would I do that?” You chuckled and he inhaled deeply.
“Vorrei donare il tuo sorriso alla luna perché, di notte chi la guarda possa pensare a te. Per ricordarti che il mio amore è importante. Che non importa ciò che dice la gente perchè-“
“Wait!” You said stopping him before he could continue. “What?!” You exclaimed looking at him with eyes wide open trying to process what you had just heard. “Did you just…?”
“…parli un perfetto italiano? Si, l'ho fatto.” He cockily replied, winking at you at the end.
“Shut up!” You told him. “Since when do you…?”
“A few months.” He replied. “It was supposed to be a surprise actually…”
“And it was quite the surprise.” You told him. “Damn. You’re good at it.”
“Grazie.” He said proud of himself.
“What else do you know?”
“A few more things…” He told you. “But I plan on using them other time so, I guess you’ll have to wait until then.” He said.
“Hmmm” You said wiggling you eyebrows at him.
“Not exactly what I was thinking,” He noted. “but I like where your mind is at.” He added bringing you closer to him understanding your innuendo.
“What were you thinking about then?” You questioned. Your nose lightly brushing against his.
“Uh-uh.” He replied softly caressing your face. “Hai già soffiato una delle mie sorprese, non rivelerò nient'altro.” He said making you roll your eyes.
“You learned all that in just ‘a few months’?” You asked him taking a step back. “Impressive.”
“Let me show what else I can do impressively.” He said rushing back to you and lifting you in the air. A squeal leaving your lips as your wrapped your legs around his waist.
“What about the food?”
“We’ll reheat it later.” He said already busy making his way into the bedroom.
