Monsters start at coffee

Changes

Guys!! Quick announcement!! I added a segment to the end of last cap, as it seemed to be better fit there. So if you had read it, go check it again ;)

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A week had passed since all that happened. They were turbulent times. There wasn't a day in which Tom didn't argue with someone. Not to mention the constant buzzing of pain in the background, something that he had grown used to. Sometimes only his head would hurt. At others, it felt like his body was on fire.

Tom looked at himself in the bathroom mirror, his black eyes staring deep into his body.

A lot of changes made their way to him. If he didn't like his figure before, that meant he hated it now. Except for the horns. Those looked cool. They were longer, curving inwards, as well as his scales and tail. This member, especially, seemed to have a conscience of its own, because it would wag and hit things in the worst of times. It made it look like there was intention in doing that, but really, there was none, and it was frustrating. He was hungry all the time, and ate way more than usual, causing him to put some weight. Some of his clothing was tight. To compensate, he was insanely stronger than before.

From the kitchen, Edd announced that the food was ready, interrupting his train of thought. Turning off the lights and grabbing his usual hoodie, Tom headed out his room. Matt, who was already sat at the table, said with his mouth full:

- Good morning, Tom! Did you sleep well?

- No.

Edd gave Tom a disapproving look. Since the incident, he couldn't sleep properly. The eye bags under his eyes should explain enough: why care to ask if you know the answer?

- I made food - The cola lover placed a plate with some pancakes and jam on the table - pancakes! With jam, the way you like.

He didn't like pancakes with jam. Good try though. Tom sat, looking at the meal. Edd seemed to have noticed how his eating pattern changed over the week - he was the type to notice those little things - the portion was bigger than normal. Taking a bite, it tasted absolutely disgusting. That's why Tom normally cooked. He said nothing, even when the idea of making a rude comment was great. Genuinely, he was grateful to have that. Tord would leave him to starve. Of course, Tom would cook himself food, but nonetheless-

Tord entered the room, breaking the comfortable silence they had.

- Morning.

- Good morning! I made breakfast for us! - Edd talked as if doing breakfast was something to be proud of.

- Congratulations..? - the norwegian answered, looking around and finally seating on Matt's side.

After an uncomfortable period of pure eating, Edd started:

- Do you want coffee? I can do it for you.

Tom didn't answer. Instead, he got up and did two cups himself. It's easy to tell when someone is acting out of pity, especially when it's Edd we're talking about. He's always assuming he can help, but Tom doesn't need it. He placed one of the cups in front of Tord. He may not like him, but doing that wouldn't hurt. The man looked as tired as him and rather surprised by the action.

They finished their meal in silence. Matt got to his feet, gathering everyone's dishes and carrying them to the sink.

- I'm going to the market, care to accompany me? - Edd finished his cola and directed his voice to the ginger.

- Of course, I can go! Can we go to that trinket store too? - He answered with his best smile.

Edd shook his head in a motion that meant "sure".