Fallout and Future

Chapter 5: New Friend

Basil had always been an early riser, so he surprised himself when he woke to a late morning sun shining through his window. He felt the heat on his face and went to rub his eyes when he realized his arm was trapped under something. Glancing to the left, he felt his face heat up further when he spotted Kel quietly snoring right next to him, under the same blanket. Basil figured he probably looked like he was going to melt as he realized Aubrey was to his right, steadily breathing. Both had their arms wrapped around him in some awkward setup, but he found that he didn't mind the touch. No, he actually quite liked it, albeit in a platonic way.

Aubrey's hand was buried in his hair while Kel had draped his arm over his chest. Basil shifted beneath them, hoping to get up and start breakfast before they could insist that they help. At the same time, he sort of wanted to stay here.

Polly poked her head in through the open doorway, winking at Basil. "Hey, guys. I decided not to wake you up sooner; you just looked too cute!" She entered, laughing at his mortified whine. His caretaker was carrying a tray laden with two mugs of coffee and one of black tea, which she set down at the foot of the bed. Aubrey and Kel stirred, exchanging an embarrassed look as they realized what was happening.

"Uh... sup, Basil. Had a good sleep?" Aubrey tried to play it off like the three of them hadn't just woken up cuddling. She took her arms off him, but didn't move away.

Kel sat straight up like a jackknife. "Whoa. I don't remember my room looking like this." He looked down at Basil, who was still under the covers up to his neck. "Ohh, I'm still dreaming. Th-" He glanced at Aubrey. "Nevermind, guess it's a nightmare."

Polly laughed at their antics as Aubrey called Kel a nightmare, and the friends disentangled themselves to get ready for the day.

Basil was the last to emerge from the bathroom, having pulled on a collared green t-shirt and white golf shorts. Aubrey, unsurprisingly, had the previous day's jacket and jean shorts, while Kel wore his usual clothes. The former of the two had refused any of Basil's oversized sweaters, though Kel happily borrowed the blue pullover he now had over his basketball jersey.

They sat around the dining table, where Basil finished his now-lukewarm black tea. "So... I wanted to apologize again for last night. I shouldn't have tried to make you confess because I was hurting." Kel rubbed the back of his neck shamefully.

"I understand, Kel. I forgive you - actually, I think it might've helped!" Basil replied. He understood and didn't want to worry his friends now that he realized 'I deserved it' usually wasn't appreciated. The look of relief on Kel's face was something Basil did appreciate, though.

"Also, we didn't say it yesterday, but we should've come with you to the funeral." Aubrey's caring gaze made Basil want to wither away. This is too much. Why are they doing this?

They're my friends. Are they? Maybe?

Kel nodded. "This sounds pretty terrible, but I was still distracted by... everything going on. Wasn't thinking too hard about the funeral..." He rubbed the back of his head shamefully.

Basil responded with a smile. "Really, I understand, guys. It's alright, I didn't hold it against you." He looked to the side sheepishly. "Well, I kinda did, but then figured that it was my fault- uh, I mean, I changed my mind."

The two friends gave Basil amused grins. "I guess it's progress." Kel took a sip of his empty mug, chuckling softly.

All of them could smell Polly's cooking from the kitchen, steam slowly drifting through the air. "Breakfast is ready, everyone!" She called, bringing over a tray with several plates of hash browns, tomatoes, and eggs piled onto them.