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Tolas Valkirk didn't often make a habit of watching his partner, Mauwyl Mudkirk, sleeping in their shared apartment in the Pendants, but watching the rise and fall of his chest in the early morning hours of his day helped his racing heart settle somewhat.
Another nightmare… He breathed out slowly, matching Mauywl's gentle snores as he gripped the hem of his nightgown. At least I didn't wake him this time.
No longer shaking, he decided to quietly slip off the bed and padded to their kitchen, searching through the cupboards to make Mauwyl and himself a simple breakfast.
Just something small… I want us to have a nicer meal later at the Wandering Stairs. Hopefully something I can fully stomach.
As he continued to work, having settled on harcot-spiced porridge with pixie apple slices, he found himself softly humming, enjoying the scents bubbling from the pot before getting to work on cutting up the apple into little shapes. While completely absorbed in his work, he failed to hear his partner tiptoeing until he felt arms slithering around his waist.
He couldn't help the way he tensed, but instantly melted into the touch and continued to make their meal.
"I turned over, and the bed was growing cold…" Mauwyl's voice was husky and laced with sleep in a way that made Tolas's heart skip a beat. "I didn't think you'd be up this early to make breakfast… do you need to head out today?"
Tolas put the heat on their stove down to low and twisted gently in the hume's embrace. "No, my apricot… I promise." He snorted softly and pressed a kiss onto his hair before draping his arms across Mauwyl's shoulder. "I checked the work register that I have with Atli. He made sure I was not listed on it today… or tomorrow. And I know your own workload is clear today. I told you last night we could go on a date today, my love."
Always so sleepy… It's quite endearing.
Mauwyl snuggled closer into his chest and let out a soft groan. "Aaa, 'our right. I'm so sleepy I forgot some."
"I know, but I don't mind telling you again." He whispered before he heard a boiling noise. "Ah, wicked white, the porridge."
He twisted back around to the hob and pulled the sweet-smelling concoction away from the heat. "I-I think it's salvageable… it was only to be something to tide us over until lunch later…"
After my injury… sometimes I can hardly stomach a handful of raisins, let alone my favourite one made by Glynard and Cyella.
"Smells delicious!" Mauwyl yawned before he slipped away to get bowls and cutlery for Tolas. "I know it goes without sayin', but we can take it easy today as much as you need." He turned to face Tolas, eyes awash with understanding. "I'm gatherin' you were making breakfast before me 'cause you had a nightmare?"
Shyly nodding, Tolas mixed the pixie apples into the porridge and separated it between the two bowls before sitting down at the table with the hume. "I-It wasn't as bad as usual… I matched my breathing to yours and-and then got to work."
Mauwyl lent over the table to press a kiss to Tolas's lips before picking up his spoon. "Watching me sleep, Tolas? You know that has some interesting implications."
Face turning aflame, Tolas busied himself in pouring an obscene amount of sugar into his meal before mixing it. "I-I know we've talked about such antics in the past… M-Maybe we can do something akin to… coupling when we return from shopping."
Bursting out with bright laughter, Mauwyl slapped his knee and grinned at his elf. "Oh, I'd love that. But bein' all serious, I am glad the nightmares aren't lingering as harshly on you today, my dear knight."
Tolas felt a smile dancing on his own lips. "Aye… Full glad am I to enjoy these moments with you. New memories to snuff out the oppressing feels of that of my past." He caught Mauwyl's amber gaze with an earnest look. "Thank you, my apricot. For sharing these moments with me. As domestic and small as they seem… I couldn't begin to imagine life without you."
It was Mauwyl's turn to have red stain his cheeks before he ducked his head in a rare moment of shyness. "O-Of course, Tolas. I-I feel the same way… through rain or shine, I 'ave your back."
And so, the two continued their day in the throes of love and joy, and Tolas Valkirk had never felt happier to share a day off with his one, his only, Mauwyl Mudkirk.