Work Text:
Normally when Coco awoke, She never had trouble just simply enjoying her day. It’s not like she had an issue last night per se, She simply slept too well last night. She couldn't recall if she had done anything different, her mind was simply too rested! Her eyes were heavy like they were weighed down by stone. Her movements were slow and when she stood she accidentally fell back on to her mattress as if the bed itself was inviting her back there. That wouldn't do!
Clumsily, she made her way downstairs. And Embarrassingly, the others were already in the midst of setting the table. She fumbled her way towards where her master stood. There were dishes beside him which she assumed were also needing to be set out. She reached for them, all the while leaning to the side and into her master. He simply chuckled at her efforts, placing his arm around her before taking the dishes from her.
“Coco, Why don't you go sit at the table? These dishes are still dirty, so I will take them.” She pouted at him in response and using one of her hands to wipe the sleep from her eyes.
“You’re still sleepy?” Asked Agott concerned, Coco nodded her head still pouting. Coco felt a couple of hands on her shoulders gently steering her towards the table. She drowsily looked up at the face of her watchful eye, Olly.
“C’mon Coco, go sit” he says as he pushes her towards the table.
Sensing she wasn’t getting anywhere. She shuffled her feet to the table.
“Are you unwell, coco?” asked Tetia concerned, wandering over and observing her.
Coco simply mumbled and sat heavily in her spot. Though as she sat there, she realized that she would have to get up again to let her papa in. Her master wouldn’t mind her stealing his spot for the morning, would he?
She crawled over to his cushion and leaned against the wall, closing her eyes; Falling back to sleep. Not caring about the audience watching her.
“...”
“...”
“...”
“Oh, dear”
“Guess it was a rough night…”
In a few more moments, Qifrey decided that maybe a plate of her favorite food would wake her. He placed a plate of bacon, eggs, hash, and a small bowl of porridge in front of her. When she didn't budge, he decided to leave her be. He drew a warming spell, lifted her plate and placed it underneath.
“I don't understand, she went to bed way before I did last night.!” Exclaimed Agott, Qifrey placed a finger on his lips to quiet her then spoke softly. “We all have our rough mornings, Agott” He decideds to mix a small batch of citrus apple tea, with mint, honey and cream. He often found that this particular tea helped rouse his dear friend when he needed a boost in the morning. He noted his friend's gaze as he placed the tea in front of her; as close to her nose as possible. Allowing the steam to hopefully rouse her. Still no answer.
“Oh boy…” muttered Olruggio as he sat across from her watching as she snuggled as close as she could get to the wall. He snorts at her effort. The rest of the crew gathers to start their own breakfast, wearily watching their dear coco sleep away at the breakfast table wearing various types of expressions. Ranging from neutral (Richeh) to thoroughly amused (Tetia). They all decided to let time deal with it.
As Qifrey sat next to her, he places his food on the table as glances at her. He notices her leaning on the wall and gently maneuvers her to rest against him instead. Normally, he would put more effort into waking his sleepier apprentices. Not wanting to promote bad habits. Often though it was Richeh he had to deal with, not Coco. Coco was his earliest riser, in fact! Often waking shortly after he did. She never was late to breakfast which is why he was giving her a pass. He glances a knowing look towards Richeh who simply ignored him and started her meal.
It was halfway through breakfast when Coco finally opened her eyes again and was assaulted by her favorite smells. She squeals before excitedly digging in. Much to the surprise of the rest of her family. It wasn't until her master chuckled that coco looked up from her mouthful and saw them.
“...” She blinked a few times before flushing a bright red. She glanced up at her master who was smiling down at her. He places a hand around her and says.
“Good morning, sleepy head. Nice of you to grace us with your presence.” He says giving her a side hug to help soothe her embarrassment.
“Did you have another nightmare?” Tetia asked with concern.
Coco shakes her head and says “No... sorry for some reason. I had a harder time waking up today.” She takes a sip of the tea her master gave her and glances around the table. “Sorry, if I worried you. I didn’t mean to!” She says.
“Think nothing of it, every one has those days. I certainly do!” Olly says, He places another piece of bacon on her plate which she excitedly accepted.
“Did you put a snug stone under your covers last night?” Agott asked as if trying to find a solution.
“No, I didn't think I needed it.” She answered. it was hot that night so, putting a snug stone seemed counter productive.
“Maybe, you simply feel comfortable and safe. Sometimes when children are in a new space it can take a while for their mind to understand that. Your body may have needed the extra time to adjust.” Her master interjected. There was a warm smile on his face. He saw no reason for them to analyze it. She simply was tired. he urges the others to continue eating. Allowing Coco to eat her meal in peace.
There was a time in his youth when he slept for an entire day. Nothing his master did could wake him from his slumber. His master in his panic whisked him to the medical spire while he slept. Demanding answers. Only for them to say he was totally healthy and there was nothing to worry about. That was the explanation they gave him.
“I’m glad that you feel safe here coco.” He added smiling down at her, before finishing his meal.
They all finished their meal and Coco offered to clean up the table as repayment for not helping earlier. She stood by her master drying the dishes as he washed them.
“I think today, we can go outside and play instead of class. We can showcase what spells you all have been working on. Maybe I’ll even show some of mine as well.” Qifrey said, pondering their day. It seemed that an easier, more calming day was what was called for.
He glances down at the child beside him only to see the brightest of smiles beaming up at him. If a little extra sleep helped her to smile a little brighter. He would allow it anytime.