Work Text:
The apartment was slowly waking up.
Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window and a soft sizzling filled the room. Eggs were cooking, something fragrant simmering nearby, probably herbs hand chopped to the exact millimeter. Phainon leaned against the counter with a mug in one hand and a smug little grin on his face.
“You know,” Phainon said, raising his cup. “I have no idea how you make breakfast smell like a five star restaurant, but I’m not complaining.”
Mydei didn’t look up. “That’s because you’ve never cooked before.”
“Incorrect. I’ve made toast.”
“Once. And it was too burnt to be good.”
“You make it sound worse than it was,” Phainon said, gesturing lazily. “Despite the toast being slightly burnt, it wasn't too bad. I bet I could eat it everyday if I set my mind to it.”
Mydei set a plate in front of him with such precision it shut him up instantly. Poached egg, fresh greens, some kind of delicate sauce drizzled over perfectly golden toast.
“Uh, nevermind. This is amazing. Keep making food. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” Mydei said flatly, sliding into the chair across from him.
Mydei methodically cut his food into perfect quarters while Phainon ate like a starving animal. It was a normal morning. Very routine.
Then Phainon’s phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen. Blinked. Sat up straighter.
“Uh oh,” he said.
Mydei didn’t look up. “What did you do?”
“Nothing.”
He turned the screen around.
Aglaea:
Good morning, Phainon.
Would you and Mydei be available to babysit my nieces? I apologize for the short notice, but it’d just be today until Sunday morning. No overnight stay unless you're comfortable. No one else is free and you’re the only ones I somewhat trust to keep all three of them alive and entertained for more than five minutes.
“Today?” Mydei asked, setting down his fork. “The three of them?”
“Yeah,” Phainon said, tapping the screen. “Trianne, Trinnon, and Tribbie.”
“…And she wants us to watch them?”
“They’re six. How hard could it be?”
Mydei stared at him.
—
Not long after, there was a knock at the door.
A firm, evenly spaced triple knock. Too polite to be a neighbor, too confident to be anyone but Aglaea.
Mydei opened it, already braced for a long day. Aglaea stood on the other side in a crisp blazer, heels, and with perfect posture. Beside her stood three young girls, perfectly arranged in a little line.
Arranged until they saw Phainon, that is.
Because the second the door swung open, the formation disintegrated.
“SNOWYYYYYYYY!!” screamed Trianne as she launched forward. Tribbie and Trinnon followed instantly, running to tackle him to the ground.
Phainon had just enough time to look up from his coffee and say, “Oh no,” before being taken to the floor by blurs of red.
Mydei, to his credit, didn’t flinch. “Good morning,” he said calmly to Aglaea, stepping aside as the girls ran past.
Aglaea gave him a relieved smile. “Good morning. Thank you both for agreeing to watch them on such short notice. You two are lifesavers. I owe so many favors.”
“I’ll be keeping track.”
“Very well.”
Behind them, Phainon was now sprawled on the living room rug, Trianne sitting triumphantly on his chest while Tribbie attempted to mess up his already messy hair and Trinnon hugged his arm like a teddy bear.
“I HAVE A LOOSE TOOTH,” Trianne declared at full volume. “Wanna see?”
“No, I think that's alrig-” Phainon started before Trianne opened her mouth and showed him anyway.
Still at the door, Aglaea handed Mydei a neat emergency tote bag.
“Be careful with that one. She’s very energetic,” she said, nodding toward Trianne.
“And Tribbie's been asking questions before bedtime like ‘Why does life slumber?’”
“Alright.”
“Trinnon probably won’t do much unless her sisters are doing things. You know her.”
Mydei nodded.
Aglaea exhaled deeply and patted his arm. “And… They love you both. I mean it. And… They keep asking if you’re married because you live together, so prepare yourselves.”
“…Wonderful.”
Aglaea turned, heels already clicking toward the elevator. “Good luck,” she called out.
As the door clicked shut, Mydei turned to assess the damage.
Phainon was now being used as a human jungle gym by Trianne and Tribbie while Trinnon stood by, watching her sisters fondly.
Mydei calmly hung the emergency tote on the coat rack and walked into the kitchen. “Who wants honey cakes?”
“ME ME ME PLEASE!” Trianne shouted.
Mydei chuckled softly. “Well then you'll have to come over here.”
All three turned to him with sparkling eyes and ran over to the kitchen.
—
The kitchen was unusually quiet, all things considered. The three girls were sitting patiently, and not one of them was screaming.
Three pairs of small eyes watched intently as Mydei moved around the space. His apron was already dusted in flour. The batter bowl was half mixed. He didn’t need a recipe, or even to measure out the ingredients because his hands knew what to do.
Trinnon sat on a stool, hands folded neatly in her lap. She hadn’t said a word, but her eyes followed every flick of Mydei’s wrist.
Tribbie leaned against the table, gently swinging her legs and resting her chin in her hands. “That smells really good, De!” she said.
“I’m sure it will taste even better,” Mydei replied, cracking an egg one handed.
Tribbie stood with her arms crossed, watching from the edge of the counter like a tiny food critic. “You’re not measuring the vanilla.”
“I never measure the vanilla,” Mydei said.
“That’s not okay, De,” she said disapprovingly.
Phainon appeared in the doorway watching the scene unfold.
“You all would rather have honey cakes than hang out with me?” he asked aloud.
None of the girls turned to look at him.
“I'm wounded,” he muttered. “Can’t believe I was replaced by some guy just because he can cook.”
He leaned dramatically against the doorframe. “Y'know, I could help.”
“You could,” Mydei said, whisking smoothly. “But I won’t let you.”
Trianne giggled.
Phainon pouted. “I’m a great helper.”
Tribbie finally turned. “Agy said you almost got your apartment complex evacuated because you made toast.”
“Why is everyone giving me shit about my toast?”
Trianne stared at him eyes wide after hearing what he said.
Phainon blinked, realizing his mistake. “I didn’t say that and you won't repeat it.”
They all turned back to Mydei as he poured the batter into a pan, the scent warming the air. He moved like he’d done this a thousand times.
Phainon watched him for a beat too long.
Trinnon noticed.
She didn’t say anything. Just tilted her head and looked back and forth between Phainon and Mydei like she was taking notes.
Then she whispered to Tribbie. “Snowy was staring.”
Tribbie whispered back. “He always does.”
“They’re married I think.”
Trianne finally spoke. “...De is a good cook.”
The three of them nodded solemnly, as if that explained everything.
Phainon, meanwhile, still hadn’t realized he’d been caught.
—
They gathered around the small kitchen table, plates warm in front of them, honey cakes fresh from the oven and still steaming slightly. Phainon had done the honors of slicing them because Mydei didn’t trust the triplets with knives and Phainon was begging to help in some way.
“Careful,” Mydei said as Trianne reached for hers. “It’s hot.”
She poked the edge of her food. “It’s fine. My mouth is brave.”
Trinnon took a careful bite. Her eyes lit up almost imperceptibly. She didn’t say anything. Just kept eating in silence like she was memorizing the taste.
Tribbie was already halfway done. “This is good. Like... really good. You should make these forever.”
“Every time you come over?” Mydei asked.
“Yes,” Tribbie said immediately. “Also when I’m not here. Just in case I decide to drop by.”
Trianne chewed thoughtfully, then asked. “Are you guys married?”
Phainon choked.
Mydei, perfectly still, responded without missing a beat. “No.”
Internally, he was on fire. The kind of heat that crept up your neck and got stuck behind your ears and made your brain static out completely. Externally, his expression didn’t shift a millimeter.
“Oh,” Trianne said. She didn’t sound disappointed. Just confused. “I thought you were married. You live together.”
“We’re roommates,” Mydei said calmly.
Phainon coughed, not trusting himself to speak.
That’s when Trinnon, who had not spoken since the honey cakes were promised, set her fork down neatly and said. “Really?”
Everyone turned to her.
She didn’t flinch. Just looked at them, puzzled.
“Snowy always stares at you for way too long,” she said to Mydei. “And you always let him. Even when he talks too much. You don’t even tell him to be quiet, you just let him keep going.”
She glanced down at her plate, then added softly. “Agy said when someone’s really loud and messy but you still want them around, that means you love them.”
A pause.
“She was talking about us,” Trinnon clarified. “Because sometimes we fight and get glitter in her fancy shoes when she watches us. But she said she still loves us anyway.”
Trinnon looked back up. “You guys are like that.”
Silence.
Phainon made a sound that could only be described as a squeak.
Mydei blinked.
Tribbie stared at Trinnon like she’d just witnessed God speak through her sister. Trianne slowly turned to Phainon, eyes wide. “Ohhhh… I get it now! You like De and De likes you!”
Now both of them looked very uncomfortable. Ears red.
“Who wants seconds?” Phainon blurted, standing so fast his chair scraped across the tile. “We all want seconds. Seconds are happening now.”
He bolted to the counter.
Mydei took another bite of his food, trying to not seem bothered.
—
Phainon ended up bringing out seconds before scurrying back to the kitchen.
He didn’t want to reorganize the cabinets, or dig through the back of the fridge, or sweep the kitchen. But he needed time. Time to let his pulse slow, time to not think about the words “You like De and De likes you” coming out of a six year old's mouth after her sister psychoanalyzed his relationship with his roommate.
He needed air.
So he made an excuse. Something about a last minute errand for juice. They didn’t really need juice, but he knew the girls might want some at some point, and that was enough of a reason for him to grab his keys and step out into the summer sun.
—
He wasn’t gone long.
Maybe half an hour. Just enough to buy two kinds of juice and some cookies. Just enough time to get it together.
Phainon opened the door, bags in hand, expecting pure chaos.
Instead, he was greeted by Mydei and the triplets sitting in the living room playing a board game.
Trianne had on a necklace and a crown, Tribbie had two clip on earrings and a ring, and Trinnon was wearing a bracelet and one earring.
And in the center of the room, dead serious and cross legged sat Mydei.
He had almost everything on. Pink clip on earrings, a sparkly necklace, a bracelet, and two rings. One was a regular pink color and the other was a green ring.
“…What the hell,” Phainon said, awestruck. “Sorry. My bad. What the heck?”
“SHHHH!,” Trianne whispered. “It’s my turn.”
Mydei turned slowly. “She's trying to avoid the cursed ring and doesn't want me to get the crown or I'll win.”
“You look-” Phainon began, then just laughed helplessly. “You look fabulous, Your Highness.”
“I am fabulous,” Mydei replied flatly, as Trianne spun the wheel with dramatic flair.
Trinnon leaned toward Phainon and whispered. “Did you know he’s been stuck with that ring for three rounds?”
“Unbelievable,” Phainon muttered.
“Do you want to join? You can be on my team since there's only four colors of jewelry.” Tribbie asked.
Phainon looked from the pile of accessories to Mydei’s completely emotionless expression, back to the triplets’ hopeful stares.
“…Yeah, alright.”
—
Phainon sat cross legged beside the board when the final spin landed on the crown.
Trianne gasped.
Tribbie’s hands flew to her mouth.
Trinnon blinked slowly, like she’d seen it coming all along.
And Mydei, stone faced and regal in full plastic jewelry, reached across the board and plucked the crown from its spot. He set it gently atop his head.
“I win,” he said, expression completely unchanged.
There was a beat of silence before all three girls burst into applause.
“WOOOOOO!!” Trianne cheered.
“He had the cursed ring for almost the whole game and won! No way!” Tribbie said.
“He didn’t even cheat,” Trinnon mumbled. “I’m shocked.”
Phainon couldn’t help it. He pulled out his phone and snapped a photo.
Mydei didn’t blink.
“Are you sending that to Aglaea?” he asked flatly.
“She asked how things were going,” Phainon replied innocently. “It’s only fair she sees his majesty.”
He added the picture quickly and hit send.
Phainon:
[Photo attached]
Aglaea:
Send him my congratulations.
—
After the fanfare died down, the girls and Phainon cleaned up the game while Mydei took off the plastic earrings and rings with great care.
Eventually, the living room was tidy again, and the girls wandered off to the couch to play with their stuffed animals.
Phainon stood up and turned to Mydei. “Alright, what’s next? We already had lunch, played a board game, and became royalty.”
Mydei, halfway to the kitchen, paused. “I was going to start dinner.”
“We just ate like two hours ago.”
“They’re six,” he said. “They’ll get hungry again soon. They also don't go to bed as late as we do. Early dinner and early bedtime.”
“God, you’re so good at this,” Phainon muttered under his breath.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
—
By the time Mydei started dinner, the house had fallen into silence again.
Mydei moved efficiently at the stove, dicing and tossing ingredients into a pan like a man who had finally, finally found peace.
Then Phainon spoke loudly from the living room, ensuring Mydei would hear. “Hmm… It’s awfully quiet in here. Too quiet.”
Mydei tried not to glare at him. “Don’t.”
“I’m just saying,” Phainon said casually. “A peaceful home is nice, sure. But you know what’s better?”
“Phainon.”
“Music.”
“Phainon, I am cooking.”
“Exactly! It’ll help give the food some passion behind it!”
Mydei turned, face already flat with disbelief. “Absolutely not.”
“Hey girls!” Phainon called. “Do you like the popstar Robin?”
Tribbie immediately screamed, “I LOVE HER!”
Trianne leapt up, hands in the air. “SHE MAKES MY FAVORITE SONGS!!!”
Even Trinnon nodded. “She’s very talented.”
“Oh god,” Mydei muttered.
It was already too late.
Phainon whipped out his phone, connected to their small Bluetooth speaker, and hit play. The opening of Hope is the Thing with Feathers filled the apartment.
“Are you guys ready?” Phainon shouted.
Trianne climbed on the couch and did a power stance. “SOMEONE GET ME A MIC!!!”
Tribbie grabbed a ladle. “I FOUND ONE.”
Phainon started singing along loudly. “WE GLIMPSE, THROUGH OUR EYES! YET FOOLS, BLIND OUR SIGHTS!”
“Stop,” Mydei groaned from the kitchen. “Please...”
“Don’t pretend you don't know the words,” Phainon cackled.
“I’m going to throw our dinner at you.”
Phainon ignored him. “Okay guys! This is the best part. We gotta sing it.”
All four of them belted at the top of their lungs. "HEADS UP! THE WHEELS ARE SPINNING! ACROSS THE PLAINS, IN VALLEYS DEEEEEPPPP! TO DAWN, THE WHEELS THAT SINGGG AN UNNNENDINGGG DREAMMMMM!"
Trianne launched herself off the couch into a pile of pillows. Tribbie spun so fast she lost a sock. Trinnon raised her arms in perfect time with the music, serious and graceful.
From the kitchen, Mydei pressed the back of his hand to his forehead in suffering.
But he didn’t stop them.
—
The living room had eventually transformed into a full blown Robin music video.
The triplets were still going crazy. Trianne was spinning around, Tribbie was doing dramatic twirls, and Trinnon was gliding around.
And in the middle of it all stood Phainon.
He wasn’t belting out lyrics anymore. That job had been handed off to the girls.
No, Phainon was dancing.
Sort of.
He moved with awkwardness. Pointing up and down in a classic disco pose, then swinging his arms for some reason. He had also tried moonwalking backwards and tripped slightly on a stray pillow.
He looked ridiculous. And he was absolutely killing it.
“Go Snowy!” Trianne cheered mid spin.
“I can’t hear you!” he called back.
The other two girls giggled and joined in with the cheering.
From the kitchen, Mydei continued to prepare the food while watching the dance party out of the corner of his eye.
He told himself he was just supervising things.
That was a lie.
His eyes kept drifting back to Phainon. Not because of the stupid dance, not because he was doing the worst robot he'd ever seen. No. It was the way the girls were glowing around him, the way their laughter got louder whenever he moved, how he never once seemed tired of their chaos. How he matched their energy perfectly.
Mydei’s hand paused on the edge of the pan. He blinked once, then turned the heat of the burners down slightly. The timing was off by only a few seconds, but that was enough to make him blink again in disbelief.
He never mistimed dinner.
Back in the living room, Phainon was now doing something that vaguely resembled air guitar. Trinnon balanced a stuffed animal on his head. Tribbie was trying to mimic his arm movements.
Mydei turned back to the stove, cheeks a little warmer than the burner in front of him.
“What a disaster,” he muttered.
And yet, he hadn’t looked away for a full minute.
—
Dinner was ready by the time the last song faded, and Phainon only realized how hungry he was once he smelled the food.
“All right, time to eat,” Mydei called, already plating everything.
The triplets ran towards the kitchen like a stampede.
Trianne nearly tripped over a blanket trying to get to the table first. Trinnon quietly claimed the seat closest to the kitchen, already smoothing her napkin like a tiny grown up. Tribbie slid into the middle chair and immediately launched into a very serious discussion about how she deserved more dinner than her sisters because she danced the most.
“You did not!” Trianne argued. “I did!”
Phainon chuckled as he helped set down drinks, dodging small hands. “If you want more when you're done, I'm sure our lovely chef will give you some.”
“He’s not a chef, he’s Mydei,” Tribbie said.
“He is both,” Trinnon added helpfully.
They sat down, the five of them gathered around the small kitchen table. It was a tight fit, elbows occasionally bumping, drinks needing to be passed around, but the warmth was undeniable.
Phainon leaned back with a content sigh. “Okay, this smells amazing.”
Tribbie was already scarfing her food. “This is so good,” she mumbled. “Like top three foods ever.”
“What’s the other two?” Phainon asked.
“Mac n cheese, and... um... some really dark brick!”
“That was not a brick,” Trinnon said. “It was burnt toast.”
“Oh! I can easily make that for you,” Phainon lit up.
Trianne paused with a fork halfway to her mouth. “I thought De did all the cooking.”
“I do,” Mydei said.
“Do you do that because you love him?” she asked bluntly, then kept eating.
Phainon immediately choked on his water.
Mydei rubbed his temples. “We’re not having this conversation again during dinner.”
“Okay,” Trianne said.
—
By the time the last of the dishes were cleared and the girls were properly fed and mildly sleepy, the couch was already calling their names.
“Can we watch a movie?” Tribbie asked, eyes huge.
Mydei glanced at the clock. “Just one. But you all have to brush your teeth first.”
“YAYYYYY!”
Phainon helped wash the dishes while Mydei packed leftovers and wiped down the counter with sharp, practiced motions. They worked quickly. Dry. Stack. Wipe. Move.
The triplets had already made a break for the bathroom.
—
After the dishes were done and teeth were brushed, Phainon met the girls by the couch. Mydei turned off the lights and then sat down.
“Remote,” he said, flopping onto the couch.
Trinnon handed it to him without a word.
He quickly found a movie for kids and clicked play.
And the movie began.
It started with a gentle swell of music. Phainon took the remote and adjusted the volume until it was just loud enough to hear, then repositioned himself sideways against the couch cushions.
The triplets clustered close, warm and quiet now, their energy slowly giving way to yawns.
Trianne was curled up on Mydei’s left side like she’d always belonged there. She tugged a throw blanket over her knees, then leaned her head against his arm with an exaggerated sigh. “You smell like dinner,” she mumbled.
“I made dinner,” Mydei said, not bothering to look away from the screen.
Trinnon didn’t say anything. She was seated closer to her sister, with her arms wrapped around Trianne’s middle, and head tucked against her shoulder. Her eyes were already drooping.
Tribbie was up beside Phainon and was yanking his arm until he lifted it, then settled right under it like a sleepy cat. “You’re warm,” she said.
“That’s because I'm the light of everyone's life,” Phainon whispered dramatically.
Tribbie poked his side. “You’re so weird.”
Mydei softly huffed, clearly amused.
They stayed like that, all five of them under blankets and pillows, the flicker of the TV casting soft colors over their skin. Phainon didn’t move, except to occasionally wiggle or make a face at something happening on screen just to hear Tribbie giggle. She’d gone quiet a few minutes after, though, her head gently resting against him.
On the other side of the couch, Trianne’s hand had slipped into Mydei’s, fingers curled loosely. Trinnon had fallen asleep against her, small breaths even and soft.
Phainon turned his head just slightly.
Mydei was still sitting upright, his spine stubbornly straight, eyes fixed on the movie but not really watching. His gaze kept drifting downward, toward the girls. Protective. Focused. Unshakably gentle.
And for just a second, Phainon couldn’t look away.
Something heavy and warm settled in his chest.
Because he’d known Mydei was good with kids. He’d seen it before, in passing moments. But this? This kind of care, this quiet affection, this softness?
It hit harder than expected.
He exhaled slowly and looked back at the screen, heart hammering a little too loudly in his ears.
And when Mydei’s shoulder eventually leaned a fraction closer to brush against his, Phainon didn’t move. Didn’t speak. Just stayed right there, like the tiniest shift would wake the whole moment up.
—
The credits rolled with soft music playing in the back. The movie had ended several minutes ago, but neither of them had moved.
Tribbie was still curled tightly against Phainon’s side, now fully asleep and lightly snoring. Trianne had gone still too, arm still loosely draped over Mydei’s. Trinnon hadn’t stirred in over half an hour, her breathing slow and steady against her sister’s shoulder.
Mydei finally spoke, his voice low. “They lasted longer than I expected.”
Phainon shifted slightly, careful not to wake the girl tucked against him. “Honestly? I’m impressed.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, you'd think with how energetic they were this morning they'd get sleepy pretty early.”
Mydei hummed, eyes on the blank screen, face lit only by the ambient glow of the TV. “...This wasn't so bad.”
“They love you.”
Mydei gave him a look. “They love whoever gives them sugar and lets them play board games.”
“And yet, that's more than what most adults would do.”
“For the record, they love you too.”
“Because they know I make a fool of myself for their entertainment,” Phainon said, then grinned. “You’re the one they trust to make food and stuff. I'm just here to keep them occupied.”
“That's probably accurate.”
Phainon laughed softly, leaning his head back against the couch. He was quiet for a moment, eyes drifting to the kids.
“…You’re really good at this,” he said finally.
Mydei blinked. “At what?”
Phainon gestured lazily at the scene in front of them. The triplets scattered across the couch, the cozy quiet, the empty bowls from dinner still on the drying rack. “All of it. The cooking. The cooperating. The patience.”
Mydei shrugged, but the tip of his visible ear was pink. “I just try to treat them how I would've liked to be treated as a child.”
“I think you're making excuses for your kindness. You’re just good at taking care of people.”
There was a beat of silence.
“…So are you,” Mydei said quietly, surprising them both.
Phainon blinked. “What?”
“You don’t think before you do it,” Mydei added. “It’s not neat but it’s… consistent. And it works. It's why they like you so much.”
Phainon stared at him.
Mydei didn’t flinch. Just looked at him for a second, then down at the sleepy head resting on his arm.
“It’s easy to forget how much they notice,” Mydei murmured. “How much it sticks with them when someone’s patient. Or funny. Or just willing to be there.”
He looked back at Phainon.
The apartment felt very still.
Phainon’s chest swelled, words catching somewhere behind his tongue. Mydei looked away again, like maybe he’d said too much.
“…Well,” Phainon said finally, voice quiet, “after this weekend, if you ever want to do this again sometime… Y'know. Babysitting, movie nights, or whatever… I’m down.”
Mydei’s mouth turned upwards a smidge. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
They sat in silence again, the weight of the moment warm between them. Eventually, Mydei glanced down at the triplets again.
He shifted first, slowly rising to his feet gently. Phainon followed his movements without a word, watching as Mydei leaned over Trianne and gently tilted her head so it wouldn’t be sore when she woke up. She didn’t stir. He draped the soft throw blanket higher over her shoulders, smoothing it out around Trinnon too, who was still curled at her sister’s side like a shadow.
Phainon mimicked him with Tribbie, carefully sliding a pillow under her head and tugging a second blanket from the back of the couch. She murmured something unintelligible in her sleep and clutched at his sleeve for a second before settling again.
Neither of them spoke.
Mydei took one final look at the three of them, all bundled up and tucked in together.
Phainon’s chest physically ached.
There was that softness in Mydei’s expression again. The calm, focused warmth was always there, but right now it was tangled with something quieter. Something closer to awe.
Phainon couldn’t look away.
They stood there in the dark living room a moment longer.
And then, slowly, Mydei took a step back. “Come on,” he said softly. “Let’s give them space.”
Phainon followed him quietly toward the hallway. But before he turned the corner, he stole one more glance at the couch.
Three sleeping girls.
A house that felt warmer than it should’ve.
And Mydei.
—
Mydei stood outside his bedroom door for a moment, listening. Nothing but the faint hum of the heater and the breathing of three small girls fast asleep on the couch.
He stepped inside and quietly shut the door behind him.
The silence inside his room was usually comforting.
Tonight, though, it pressed in around him in a suffocating way.
He lay down, tugged the blanket up to his chest, and stared at the ceiling.
He could still hear the girls laughing. Trianne’s dramatic spins. Tribbie’s endless commentary. Trinnon’s quiet insights whispered to her sisters.
And Phainon.
Phainon doing awkward disco finger points like it was a concert. Phainon twirling around until he made Tribbie collapse into giggles. Phainon quietly helping shift blankets so no one got cold. His voice low, warm. Steady.
Mydei rolled onto his side and groaned softly into his pillow.
How was he supposed to sleep after that?
—
In the next room, Phainon was doing just as badly.
He’d flopped onto his bed an hour ago and hadn’t moved since. One leg was half off the mattress. His hair was sticking up from where he’d rubbed at it too much. He kept replaying every second of Mydei tucking in the girls.
The way Mydei gently tilted Trianne’s head, like she was the most fragile thing on earth.
The way his voice dropped into a murmur when he spoke to them.
The way he looked in the dark, tired but kind.
Phainon let out a muffled groan and shoved a pillow over his face.
“I am so in love with my roommate,” he whispered into the void. “This is not okay.”
—
The next morning, the sun hadn’t been up long when Mydei stirred.
He’d dozed off eventually, but only barely. Still, it was enough to get him moving at his usual time.
He padded softly out of his room, fully expecting a sleeping living room.
Instead, he found all three girls awake and sitting in a circle on the floor, surrounded by plushies. A tiny tea party was already underway. Trinnon was carefully pouring invisible tea, Tribbie was critiquing her bear’s posture, and Trianne was trying to braid a stuffed unicorn’s mane.
They all looked up when they saw him.
“Morning, De!” Trianne whispered loudly.
“Good morning,” he said, blinking. “Did you all sleep alright?”
They nodded vigorously.
“We’re letting Snowy sleep in,” Tribbie informed him. “Because he did the disco.”
“I see.”
“Do you want to come to the tea party?” Trinnon asked quietly.
Mydei blinked again, then smiled just a little. “I’ll make real tea,” he offered.
Three heads enthusiastically nodded.
—
Five minutes later, three mugs of lightly sweetened tea sat beside stuffed animals at the party.
And then it happened.
Trianne gasped. “Wait. We were letting Snowy sleep in but he's going to miss out on the fun!”
Tribbie was already shaking her head. “You're right! That’s not fair. We need to wake him up with our stuffies.”
Trinnon handed Mydei a stuffed rabbit. “You have to come too. He listens to you.”
“…Fine.”
—
Phainon’s door creaked open.
The room was dim, blackout curtains still drawn. Phainon was buried under a mess of blankets, snoring softly, hair a total disaster.
“Ready?” Trianne whispered.
“On three,” Tribbie whispered.
“One… two…”
“THREE!!!”
All three girls launched themselves at the bed in a coordinated, giggly ambush.
“RISE AND SHINE, SNOWYYYYY!” Tribbie shouted.
“YOU HAVE TO JOIN THE TEA PARTY!” Trianne added.
“Please wake up,” Trinnon said politely, holding the stuffed rabbit.
Phainon jolted upright like he’d been electrocuted, blinking through the chaos, one arm tangled in his pillow. “Wha? What's happening-?”
Mydei appeared in the doorway with a half smile and a mug of tea.
Phainon blinked again. Then he saw the tea. And Mydei’s soft, amused expression.
And three little girls piled on top of him, all smiling.
Phainon chuckled lightly, sinking back into the pillow pile.
Mydei rolled his eyes fondly. “You have five minutes before we start breakfast.”
“Make it ten.”
“Six.”
“…Fine.”
—
Phainon dozed back off after the girls left, and by the time he shuffled into the kitchen, his hair was even worse than before. He looked like he'd been run over, blinking blearily at the warm light streaming in from the windows.
Mydei had already corralled the triplets to the table. Trinnon was organizing a set of napkins by color, Tribbie was dramatically sniffing the syrup bottle like it was perfume, and Trianne was helping stir something in a mixing bowl.
Phainon leaned against the doorway. “You guys got everything, right? Aglaea’ll be here in-” he paused to squint at the oven clock, “-an hour and a half.”
Mydei didn’t look up from the stove. “Morning. We'll have to help them gather their things after breakfast.”
“Alright.”
Phainon shuffled toward the table and flopped into the nearest chair. “So what's on the menu today?”
“Tea,” Mydei said dryly.
“You made tea?”
“I made tea,” Mydei repeated in confirmation, setting a warm mug in front of him without looking.
Phainon stared at it, then at Mydei. “Thanks. You're the best”
Mydei didn’t respond. But he did glance over his shoulder.
“Does Snowy always look like a zombie in the morning?” Tribbie asked, peering over her teacup.
“Yeah,” Mydei confirmed. “He'll fully wake up in a minute when he smells the pancakes I made.”
“You’re making pancakes?” Phainon perked up, mildly.
Trinnon nodded solemnly. “He's making the best pancakes ever.”
Mydei plated the first batch of pancakes and passed them to the girls. “I'd put some whipped cream on everyone's pancakes, but someone forgot to get some on his impromptu grocery trip.”
Phainon held a hand to his chest, scandalized. “Wow. So early in the morning and you’re already attacking my character.”
Trianne pointed with her fork. “De was complaining to us earlier about how you bought double the juice boxes.”
Phainon blinked, surprised. “That was in a moment of weakness. I was looking for an escape.”
Mydei slightly smiled, suddenly too focused on flipping the next batch. “Escape, huh?”
“That’s…” Phainon trailed off, gaze catching on the soft curve of Mydei’s shoulders, the quiet focus in his brow, the way he carefully set down a plate in front of each girl like it was second nature. “…irrelevant right now.”
Mydei didn’t say anything, but his ears were a little pink.
Tribbie started talking again. Something about how pancakes tasted better if you spun around three times before eating them, and the conversation spiraled off into a debate about syrup vs jam.
But Phainon kept watching Mydei.
The sunlight hit his hair just right. He was still in pajamas, sleeves pushed up, a smear of flour on the side of his hand he hadn’t noticed. The kind of image that wouldn’t leave Phainon’s brain for the rest of the week.
Eventually, Mydei looked back over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow. “You’re staring.”
“Sorry,” Phainon said honestly, not bothering to lie.
Mydei blinked. Then turned back to the stove, visibly flustered, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like a Kremnoan insult.
Phainon smiled into his tea.
He hadn’t even touched his pancakes yet. But this was already his favorite part of the day.
—
As breakfast wound down and the kitchen buzz faded into the soft clink of forks on plates, Phainon pushed back his chair and stretched with a groan.
“Alright,” he said, ruffling his already messy hair, “‘m gonna go freshen myself before Aglaea shows up and decides I was a danger to her nieces.”
Mydei arched an eyebrow as he dried his hands. “She already knows you are.”
“Exactly why I need to look presentable. It's damage control, Mydeimos.” He gestured vaguely at his own face. “You know. Clean shirt. Less frizz. Eyes that look more awake than they actually are.” Phainon explained dryly, already retreating toward the hallway.
The bathroom door shut behind him with a click.
—
Fifteen minutes later, it opened again. Phainon emerged looking not nearly as bad. His hair was still damp, but it'd started to fall into soft shapes that framed his face. He’d swapped his shirt for a nice one and even tugged on a decent hoodie, sleeves pushed up.
He padded barefoot down the hallway, rubbing the back of his head. “Okay, your turn before Aglaea shows up and judges us both.”
He froze.
Right between the hallway and living room.
Mydei was sitting on the floor, back straight, legs folded neatly beneath him. Trinnon sat in front of him with perfect posture. Mydei’s fingers worked with quiet precision, sectioning her hair and guiding it into a braid with gentle movements.
Trianne was beside them already beaming, hair still slightly frizzy from the morning but woven into two beautiful braids. Tribbie was brushing out a doll’s tangled hair so she could copy Mydei's movements. The whole scene radiated early morning peace.
Phainon stared.
“You're braiding their hair?” he asked finally, half dazed. “Since when did you braid other peoples’ hair?”
Mydei didn’t look up. “Since I had a mother that worked most days.”
“I always knew you were a helper.”
“Do you want one too?” Trianne offered, holding up a hair tie.
Phainon smiled. “No thanks. I’m just impressed.”
“De’s really good at it,” Tribbie said.
“It’s just muscle memory. I do it almost everyday,” Mydei said mildly, tying off the braid.
But when he looked up at Phainon with his hair still damp, hoodie sleeves pushed to his elbows, standing like a deer caught in the coziest headlights, the moment felt unreal.
And that feeling lingered.
Trinnon peeked up at Phainon and gave him the softest, most knowing smile a six year old could manage.
Phainon swallowed, suddenly feeling very, very warm. “Anyway. Shower’s yours.”
Mydei stood, brushing his palms off on his pants. “Keep them alive.”
“I’ll try.”
They passed each other in the doorway, and their arms brushed.
Phainon didn’t move for a full five seconds.
—
The bathroom door shut behind Mydei with a soft click, and the faint sound of running water drifted out a few seconds later.
Phainon stood in the middle of the living room, still slightly stunned from the whole braiding scene.
Unfortunately, he didn’t have time to process everything.
Because Tribbie dramatically propped her head on her hand. “Soooo,” she said, drawing the word out. “Are you and Mydei roommates?”
“Yeah,” Phainon replied, lowering himself into the spot next to her. “You keep asking that.”
Trianne appeared out of nowhere on his other side. “Why are you roommates?”
He blinked. “What do you mean why? Because we needed a place to live?”
Trinnon, now seated cross legged on the rug in front of him, asked gently, “Why together?”
Phainon hesitated. “Because… we’re friends?”
“Why?” Trianne asked again, chin in her hands.
He squinted at her. “Are you doing the thing? The endless ‘why’ thing?”
“Yes,” said Tribbie, with zero remorse.
Phainon groaned. “Okay. We’re friends because we met a while ago, and we got along. Eventually.”
“Why?” Trinnon prompted, patient and merciless.
Phainon stared up at the ceiling like it might help him. “I don’t know! We had school together. I thought he was interesting.”
“Why?” Trianne said, bouncing a little.
“Because he-” Phainon stopped. His face twisted. “Because he’s, like, smart? And he acts like he has no time for anyone, but then turns around and does stuff like braiding children’s hair without blinking.”
Tribbie tilted her head. “So you liked him.”
Phainon’s eyes widened. “Not like that.”
“Why not?”
He looked betrayed. “You can’t just ask that!”
“Why not?” Tribbie echoed with a grin. “You two are good for each other.”
“He’s so not my type.”
“Why?”
“I- because he’s Mydei!”
“Why is that a reason?”
Trinnon, the quietest of the three, piped up then. “You look at him how my auntie looks at the green haired teacher guy. She also pretends she doesn’t like him the way she does.”
Phainon froze.
He didn’t speak for a moment.
Mostly because he wasn’t sure he could.
And now the triplets were just sitting there. Watching him.
Like tiny, adorable predators sensing weakness.
“Okay,” he said finally, voice strained. “That’s… Something..”
“But true?” Tribbie prompted, raising her eyebrows in a way that was absolutely inherited from Aglaea.
Phainon opened his mouth. Closed it. Rubbed a hand down his face.
Trianne leaned forward, elbows on her knees. “If he asked you to kiss him, would you?”
“What-” Phainon half yelled, immediately hissing it down to a whisper. “What kind of question is that?”
“You didn’t say no,” Trinnon observed.
“I- okay, wow.” Phainon flailed slightly, gesturing at nothing. “I would not kiss my roommate. That’s insane. That’s- no. Absolutely not.”
“Why not?” Trianne said again.
“Because,” he snapped, “that’s not what this is. We’re just friends. We live together, and we babysit you three, and we have, like, completely different approaches to life. He makes amazing food. I can’t boil pasta. He reads history books and watches long documentaries for fun. I watch romcoms and listen to Robin. He’s got his entire life together. I don’t.”
He paused.
“Also, he’s definitely not into me.”
A silence settled for exactly half a second before Tribbie hit him with another question. “Why do you think about that?”
Phainon stared.
She blinked innocently.
“You didn’t have to bring that part up,” Trinnon added helpfully.
He opened his mouth again. Nothing came out. Not even sarcasm. Just the quiet realization that he was rapidly losing control of this conversation, his dignity, and possibly his entire sense of stability.
“I don’t think I’m equipped to answer these questions,” he muttered, slouching sideways into the couch cushion.
Trianne poked his shoulder. “What do you like about him?”
Phainon covered his face with both hands. “This is embarrassing.”
“Answer the question,” Tribbie said sweetly.
He groaned into his palms.
“I like that he-” His voice cracked slightly, so he cleared it. “He... listens. More than people think. He notices stuff. Like, really specific stuff. And he never makes a big deal about it, but he’ll fix things before you even ask. He doesn’t just take care of people, he understands how they want to be cared for.”
The room went quiet.
Phainon slowly lowered his hands from his face.
“Why am I even telling you this?”
The triplets were still watching. Still smiling. Trinnon’s eyes were especially bright. “Do you like him still?”
And then the bathroom door opened.
Phainon’s entire body tensed.
And then Mydei stepped out into the hall, toweling off his hair, now half wet and slightly mussed, and wearing a fresh shirt.
“Is everything alright? Why’d it get so quiet.” he asked mildly.
Trinnon opened her mouth.
Phainon lunged for control of the discussion. “We were just talking about the tea party. Stuffies. Cleaning up before Aglaea gets here. Y’know.”
Mydei paused, blinking. “…Alright?”
He stepped further into the room, glancing curiously between the triplets, who all wore the exact same smug expression.
Trinnon gave Phainon a look.
Phainon gave her a pleading one back.
“Are they almost ready?” Mydei asked, gesturing toward Tribbie, Trianne, and Trinnon
“No, but I kept them alive.”
“Impressive,” Mydei said, checking his watch. “That gives us about thirty minutes before Aglaea gets here.”
Phainon nodded. “Yep. I'll start grabbing stuff.”
Mydei nodded.
Phainon spun on his heel. “Alright girls! Let’s find all your shoes and plushies. Then we’ll go and brush our teeth.”
He could feel three little pairs of eyes burning into the back of his head as he started looking around the room for shoes.
He heard Tribbie whisper, “He’s shy ‘cause we figured out about his crush.”
And Trianne giggled, “I know.”
—
The living room transformed into chaos again as the triplets scattered to gather their things.
Trianne marched around in search of her unicorn, dragging a half open backpack behind her. Trinnon was already putting her stuffies in her bag, each one receiving a polite pat on the head before being shoved in. Tribbie was sitting on the floor carefully zipping her bag shut.
Phainon sat by the couch, helping sort out which stuffed animal belonged to who.
“Okay, wait,” he said, squinting at a chimera plush. “Is this Trinnon’s or Tribbie’s?”
“Mine,” they both said.
They stared at each other.
Trinnon blinked slowly. “Mine.”
Tribbie shrugged. “Okay.”
Phainon blinked. “That worked?”
Mydei returned from the hall with a folded blanket under one arm and a gentle. “She’s probably afraid of her sister or something.”
Trinnon smiled serenely. “I am never scary.”
“I think Tribbie would beg to differ,” Phainon muttered as he handed her the chimera.
Mydei crouched beside him to fold the blanket into someone’s bag. “Did they behave while I was in the shower?”
“Oh yeah,” Phainon said casually, zipping the front pocket of a backpack. “As I said, we were discussing tea parties and stuff.”
A pause.
Mydei didn’t look at him. “You sure?”
“Yep.”
Another pause. Mydei’s fingers stilled for a second on the zipper of the bag.
Phainon glanced at him, heart knocking against his ribs.
But then Mydei just hummed and kept folding. “Fun.”
Phainon exhaled slowly, watching the way Mydei’s hair fell in front of his face as he worked. Damp strands curling slightly. Still soft from the shower.
Too soft.
He looked away.
Eventually, they finished packing everything. Backpacks zipped. Stuffed animals accounted for. Shoes retrieved. Teeth brushed.
Trinnon spoke up. “I am ready.”
“You look ready,” Phainon assured her.
Trianne lifted her backpack onto her own back. “Okay, I’m also ready to impress Agy.”
Phainon blinked. “Perfect!”
“She’ll be impressed, right?” Tribbie asked, bouncing on her toes.
Phainon put a hand to his chest like he was taking an oath. “Aglaea will be very impressed with how good you girls were. I promise.”
Then came the knock.
It was confident. Sharp. Three precise taps.
Trianne squealed. “SHE’S HERE!!!”
“We are ready.” Trinnon repeated.
Tribbie nearly tripped while putting on her backpack. “I missed her so much!”
Mydei reached the door first and opened it calmly.
Aglaea stepped inside like she owned the apartment. Hair perfect. Coat draped over one arm. She took one glance around the apartment and immediately clocked everything. The folded blankets, the clean kitchen, and spotless living room.
Her gaze flicked to Mydei. Then to Phainon.
“Well,” she said, smiling faintly. “Nobody’s crying. That’s a promising start.”
“Auntie!” the girls chorused, running to her like a parade.
She knelt, somehow gracefully, and hugged all three at once. “Did you behave?”
“Yes!” Tribbie cheered.
Aglaea kissed each of their heads and straightened. “I see.”
She turned to the boys, eyes narrowing slightly. “Did they behave?”
“They were wonderful,” Mydei said.
Aglaea’s gaze lingered on him for a second longer than necessary. “Mm. I’m happy to hear that.”
She took one step further into the apartment, glanced at the five mugs in the sink, and then back to the boys with a smile.
“Did they eat?” she asked.
“Made dinner and breakfast,” Mydei said calmly.
Aglaea’s eyes glittered. “Great work you two.”
Phainon gave her a smile, “It was a pleasure having the girls around.”
She looked at him. Tilted her head.
Smiled.
Said nothing.
Aglaea gave Mydei a look, trying to gauge his thoughts.
“You’ll see them again soon,” she promised gently, resting a hand on Trinnon’s shoulder.
Phainon crouched to hug each of the girls one by one. “We’ll be looking forward to it!”
Tribbie grinned. “We’ll pay you in stickers next time.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Trianne threw her arms around Mydei’s waist. “Thanks for cooking,” she said, muffled against his hoodie. “You’re a better cook than restaurants.”
Mydei blinked down at her. “You’re welcome,” he said, a little gentler than usual, wrapping his arms around her in return.
When the door finally opened again, the hallway light looked too bright.
“Okay, girls,” Aglaea called, gathering her herd. “It’s time to leave now.”
Trinnon hugged both boys one more time. “Thank you.”
And then they were gone.
Mydei and Phainon looked at each other.
And then… smiled.
Soft. A little tired. And a little too fond.
Phainon didn’t move from where he stood by the kitchen. Mydei lingered near the doorway for a few extra seconds.
Then Mydei turned back toward him, arms folded lightly over his chest.
And there was something in his expression. Calm, but mischievous. Knowing.
“So,” he said slowly, “what exactly were they grilling you about while I was in the shower?”
Phainon blinked. “Huh?”
“The ‘tea party’,” Mydei said casually, making air quotes. “They were all whispering while you looked scared for your life.”
“I was,” Phainon said.
Mydei tilted his head, mock concern in his voice. “Did they ask you about anyone?”
Phainon tried to scoff but it came out nervous. “Maybe.”
“Mhm.”
“They started with ‘are you roommates?’ and then why, and then why again, and then why do you like living with him. And then it just spiraled from there.”
Mydei tried not to laugh. “Sounds about right.”
Phainon muttered. “One of them also asked if I liked you.”
Mydei raised an eyebrow. “And?”
“You think I’d answer? No matter what I would’ve said, they would’ve twisted my words.”
“Coward.”
Phainon huffed. “They were trying to get the answers they wanted, Mydei. I had no chance.”
Mydei walked towards the kitchen and leaned against a counter, clearly enjoying this. “But you do like me. At least enough to tell a few six year olds why you like living with me.”
Phainon opened his mouth, about to deliver some kind of retort. Then paused.
And smiled.
“Don’t act so smug,” he said. “You got exposed too.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. Remember dinner last night?”
“…I made it.”
“Trinnon said you love me.”
Mydei groaned immediately, rubbing a hand over his face. “I thought we decided to pretend that never happened.”
Phainon laughed. “Hmm… What did she say again? Something about liking me so much that you let me talk on and on? You didn’t even deny it.”
Mydei peeked at him from behind his hand, ears tinged pink. “I panicked.”
“Uh huh.”
“Be quiet.”
Phainon grinned. “I’m just saying, if we’re both getting called out by kindergarteners, maybe it’s time we admit something.”
The air stilled for half a second.
Phainon stepped a little closer. Not quite touching.
“Mydei?”
“…Yeah?”
“If I said Trinnon got everything right, what would you say?”
Mydei’s gaze softened.
“I’d say,” he said, “you’re an idiot.”
Phainon blinked. “What.”
Mydei’s eyes crinkled with a smile
“I like you too,” he said.
Phainon stared at him. “Oh.”
Mydei gave a tiny huff of laughter. “That’s all?”
“Hold on. I’m processing it.”
“Want me to help?”
Phainon didn’t have time to ask what he meant before Mydei leaned in and kissed him softly.
When he pulled back, Phainon’s ears were pink.
He blinked, completely still. “I am so in love with you it’s not even funny.”
—
Later that day, after the door had long since shut and the house had settled into a familiar silence, they found their way back to the couch.
No princess themed board games. No tea party. No sleeping triplets wedged between them.
Just the two of them.
Phainon was slouched into one side of the cushions, head tilted slightly, his shoulder brushing against Mydei’s. Mydei sat upright at first, like he was pretending they weren’t touching. Until Phainon gently nudged him.
Mydei slowly tipped his head onto Phainon’s shoulder.
They sat like that for a few seconds. Then Phainon broke the silence with a quiet breath of laughter.
“I think I got spooked by how soft you were this weekend.”
Mydei huffed amusedly. “I got a good laugh out of how much of a fool you were.”
“It had to be done,” Phainon said solemnly. “And you were out here braiding hair and pouring tea and tucking people. You indulged them a lot.”
“I didn’t think you were watching.”
Phainon turned his head slightly, voice lower now. “I couldn’t stop.”
A beat passed.
“My heart buffered,” he added, hand gesturing vaguely. “Like, literally lagged when I saw you braiding Trianne’s hair. I was standing there like, what the hell, he’s adorable.”
Mydei covered his face. “You say the stupidest things.”
“I mean them.”
Mydei peeked at him. “…But really. You were good with them too, you know.”
Phainon tilted his head.
“You kept them laughing. Made them feel safe.”
Phainon looked away, suddenly bashful. “I was just messing around.”
“I think you unknowingly did more than just mess around,” Mydei murmured. “You made the apartment more comfortable for them.”
Phainon’s eyes met his again. The hush between them was heavy, tender, full of meaning.
“...We made a good team,” he said softly.
Mydei nodded. “We did.”
Another pause.
Then Phainon leaned in the tiniest bit. “Like I said last night, we should totally do this again.”
Mydei blinked. “Babysit?”
“Yeah.”
Mydei smiled. “Only if you promise not to buy juice as an excuse to leave.”
Phainon grinned. “Deal.”
He rested his head against Mydei’s, arm coming up to loosely wrap around his back.
Somehow babysitting triplets made everything a little clearer.