A Tomorrow of Our Own

Flowers and Soft Rain

Guy grew to really like this warm bitter bean juice that the Bettermans had made up. The name was pretty lengthy though and didn't roll off the tongue, Guy meant to talk to Phil about that. Coffee seemed like a good word, he wasn't sure why but it felt right. He liked to spend his mornings before needing to get to the family chores in silence, sipping from the cup to energize and shake off the remainder of the sleep. Eep wasn't much of a morning person, a lifetime routine of sleeping in until past sunrise was hard to shake.

He glanced out towards the farm, admiring the pastures glowing golden under the early dawn light. It shouldn't be long though until his wife awoke, stumbling into the patio once she realized he wasn't in the house. Perhaps he could convince her to join him for a morning shower, he mused as he leaned back comfortably in his chair. Belt was laying on his lap, the sloth purring in contentment as Guy stroked his red fur gently.

As if on cue, he could hear the lumbering footsteps of his mate from the other side of the wall. She was usually pretty graceful and light on her feet but until she finally woke up properly it was like an owlbear was in the house.

"Mhm... babe?" The sleepy voice called out.

"Patio, Eep," Guy called, taking another swig of the bitter bean juice.

Eep pushed the door open and stretched, opening her mouth into a loud yawn. Her bright red hair, which was usually always a bird's nest, was even more so. She looked at Guy, rubbing a green eye with her fist.

Guy smiled at her, giving her sleepy visage a look. "Finally joining the world of the living, are we?"

Eep huffed at him and padded towards him, reaching down to pick up Belt off his lap. The sloth gave a wirring noise in greeting, Eep taking his spot back on Guy's lap. Eep curled up much like a cat comfortably, pulling her knees up and resting her head beneath his chin. Guy adjusted his legs so they could support Eep better without cramping his knees. She let Belt rest in her arms though, idly patting his head. Guy chuckled, tangling his fingers in her hair.

He began to gently brush through her hair, pulling apart any tangles he felt. She closed her eyes with a content little noise, still tired. Guy was quiet for a moment, gazing fondly at her. "I think you need a coffee," Guy murmured, pressing his lips against her temple.

"A what?" Eep started, peeking a bleary eye open.

"Bitter bean juice, sorry. I forgot I'm the only one still using that word." Eep turned to look at his cup with a frown.

"That stuff is nasty," she said but reached for his cup anyway, ignoring his half hearted protest that he could get her a cup of her own. Eep lifted it to her lips, making a face after the first few sips. "Bleh, I don't know how you and Mr. Betterman drink this every morning."

"It's an acquired taste. Have you tried adding sugar and shark milk?" Guy inquired, knowing that was how Hope and Dawn liked their morning beverages.

Eep, despite her complaint, still took another drink. Her sour expression made him suppress a chuckle, instead Guy muffled his face into the soft curve of her neck. She only gave a grouchy groan.

Guy grinned. "How are you today, sunshine?"

"I woke up today so I can't complain," Eep said, always taking every day as a blessing since leaving the confines of her old dusty cave.

Eep stretched a moment, somehow avoiding jostling her comfortable position whilst doing so. Belt slowly squirmed himself free of Eep's embrace and looped his arms around his neck, causing Guy to lean back. His pet found a more cozy place there, draping himself like a scarf across his shoulders.