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The soft pattering of rain against the roof tiles created a peaceful thrumming that echoed throughout the house, which was otherwise quiet except for the occasional curse and clanking of utensils emanating from the kitchen.
A hand swatted away the rising smoke coming from a pan of grease, before reaching to turn on the fan above the oven. Van uttered another curse as a small crackle of grease popped against his hand as he reached for the knob on the stove to turn the heat down.
Van was far from a 5 star chef (which was ironic considering the “#1 Chef Apron’ he was wearing, but who couldn’t resist buying such an esteemed piece of apparel?)
He had learned to fend for himself long ago, and after 25 years he had managed to fare for himself decently in the feeding department. But cooking for oneself and cooking for someone else were two entirely different matters, hence why he found himself cracking and whisking his 2nd pair of eggs after the first batch had been just a tad bit too crispy.
Normally he was far from a perfectionist, but this breakfast was special, and his typical half thrown together meal wouldn’t suffice. You see this breakfast was dedicated to the Taissa Turner, and he’d be damned if he accidentally gave her food poisoning from undercooked eggs.
A slight trickle of sweat rolled from his forehead down to his cheek, and he wiped it away with a thumb. As he slid the pancakes off the slightly simmering pan and onto the plate, he got to work creating his masterpiece.
His brows furrowed in concentration as he arranged the plate, veggie bacon here, pancakes there, eggs here. Some blueberries for eyes and a strawberry for a nose. As he finished placing the last berry in the shape of a smile he couldn’t help but smirk as he thought of Tai’s reaction, and he had to admit this might even be to corny for his standards (which was saying a lot)
A small laugh escaped his lips “Nothing but the best for her, huh?”
He admired his handiwork for a second, slightly proud that the meal had come out looking mostly satisfactory and appetizing. A small burst of thunder rippled outside, and as he focused he could hear a slight shuffling of movement upstairs.
Perfect timing, he grinned to himself. He poured the mug of tea and set everything on the tray. He had considered making one of those fruit smoothies Tai seemed to like much, but decided a nice calming tea would be more appropriate. Besides he didn't feel like breaking his blender as he fumbled around trying to replicate some needlessly convoluted online recipe.
With one last look over and an approving nod, he grabbed the tray and began the slow journey throughout the house. He was careful not to make too much noise as he approached a bedroom towards the end of the wall. He had left the door open just slightly earlier in advance to avoid the complication of trying to open a door while balancing a breakfast ensemble.
As he began to enter he could make out the curled figure laying tucked snugly on the bed, back turned towards the door. Van could hear a small sniffle as he approached and set the tray down on the bedside table. As he looked down he almost felt bad for waking her, Taissa looked so peaceful as she slept. But he knew that even when sick she didn't like to sleep in too late.
He shook her on the shoulder lightly, “Tai” he whispered. Taissa mumbled something, somewhere between asleep and awake. Van shook her again. “Tai, Wake up” he prodded.
“Va..wha..what?” as Tai opened her eyes and blinked the sleep away.. As she locked eyes with Van. She shot up almost instantly.
“Van? What is it? Is something-” before she could continue Van cut her off with a light chuckle.
“Everythings fine” he began, “Sheesh, you're that on edge now?”
Tai smiled before responding “Hard not to be lately” her nose wrinkled as she sneezed adorably. Sniffling as Van handed her a tissue from the box on the nightstand.
“That's probably why you're sick now”. Tai looked like she was about to protest and argue otherwise, Van expecting the “its just a cough” excuse he had heard yesterday. And the day before..and before that.
He cut her off before she could get the words out “Yeah yeah it's just a cough, and that's why you've been curled up in bed for two days?”. Tai opened her mouth to argue, but shut it as she couldn't muster up a retort. She knew she was sick, Van knew, what was the use in pretending. Instead she raised an eyebrow as she finally registered a tantalizing smell wafting from the bedside table.
"Clearly you're sick" Van continued, "And I-" he turned towards the nightstand, "Have taken it upon myself, to treat you". Van reached for the tray, once again admiring his full spread before turning back to Tai. "A specialty breakfast made just for you", as he placed the tray down he playfully courtside, "Nothing but the best for you, m'lady."
"Just for me?" Tai retorted playfully, "Why thank you". Van leaned on the nightstand as he smiled, "You're more than welcome"
“You know you didn't have too” Tai began. Van shrugged noncommittally. “I wanted too.” He moved some things over as he sat on the edge of the bed, looking Taissa in the eyes.
“You've been doing a lot Tai. And you've been stressing yourself to hell and back. And look where it's gotten you. You deserve to have someone take care of you too, you know?”
Tai smiled as she looked up, "Thank you Van. I appreciate it. All of it". She couldn't help but let out a smug smile as she added, "And next time, maybe a little less on the smiling pancakes? Feels like I'm killing it everytime I take a bite" she joked.
Van laughed in response, "Noted".
Tai finished swallowing her recent bite of pancake before she set the fork down as she spoke again, "You know there's plenty of ways to get rid of a cold." she leaned in towards Van as she whispered "I hear sweating it out works well too"
Van chuckled amusedly, "Wooah, lady. How about you finish eating first?" he countered before leaning in for a kiss, as the two pulled away Van couldn't help teasing, "And maybe after that we could explore…other methods of treatment."
As the soft pitter patter of raindrops continued to rain down outside, the pair shared a laugh. As Tai took another sip of her tea, she had to admit Van had a point. It felt good not to worry, not to stress about this or that even for just a second. And she couldn't complain, it felt good to have someone pampering her all day. Maybe it was the slight fever, but she could swear she felt the sickness beginning to melt away. She smirked as she thought to herself.
Maybe love (and slightly overcooked bacon) really was the best medicine.