The slightest hint of a smile curved Laurent's lips at the question. There was a bundle of garlic hanging inside a cupboard. He pulled some out and chopped it, adding it to the soup along with the other things, not ever suspecting Gansey's theory.

"I don't think I'm much of a Eugene," he said, adding herbs and salt. He didn't seem to have any limitation to his supplies. He still demanded the Phantom's salary from his opera, after all, which kept him living comfortably, and he had several contacts who took his money and shopping lists and returned things to his specifications.

Gansey's company was incredibly pleasant. He'd been uncomplaining, only curious, and his help had been extremely valuable after only a day. Laurent wanted to keep him, and it was with a feeling of utter ecstasy that he realized he could. Gansey belonged to him now. There wouldn't be any leaving without Laurent allowing it. The air of sadness that surrounded Gansey was unsettling, of course, but it had diminished considerably since his initial capture. Laurent allowed himself to believe that Gansey was accepting his new life here. That he could be happy here.