Two Months

So, what happened?

We finally get to hear from Floyd what it is that happened while trapped in the diamond bottle that's left him so traumatized.

I would like to preface this with a slightly warning of Floyd getting hurt at the hands of Velvet. He is finally telling what happened to him, and that is what his story includes.

——

It took them a while since Floyd had to keep stopping in order to take a breather every now and then, but eventually he and Clay made it to the kitchen where the others were waiting. As soon as they entered the room, they could smell the delicious scent of freshly made pancakes. Bruce seemed to be the one in charge of cooking them while Branch made the batter and John Dory 'supervised'.

"Nice of you two to join us," said John Dory when he noticed the two walk in. "We're almost done with the first round of pancakes, so you made it just in time."

"What do you mean 'we' JD?" Bruce asked, baffled at how his older brother could claim that he took part in the pancake-making. "You've just been standing there this whole time."

"I'm supervising, thank you very much."

"Uh huh," Bruce shook his head. Despite how far he'd come, John Dory still thought too much of himself at times. "Anyways, if you two want to take a seat, we'll get some delicious pancakes to you in a second."

"Actually," Branch spoke up, "I was thinking we could eat on the couch. I know, I know," he continued at the looks he received from everyone in the kitchen, "you've come to know me as the 'clean freak', but I thought I'd make an exception this once."

"Besides, there's some things we need to talk about, Floyd, and the couch seems like a better place to do it at than the table."

"Does it have to be during breakfast?" Floyd asked as Clay led him to the couch not too far away. Truth be told, he was glad that Branch had suggested they sit at the couch. It would be much comfier, and he really didn't want to put all that much effort into sitting on a kitchen chair. "Can't it wait until later?"

"I don't think that's the best idea, baby bro. We need to get it over with, and this is probably one of the only times you're gonna catch us all together for the next while." Clay helped Floyd get comfortable on the couch, adjusting the cushions that were right behind him so they could help provide some support.

"Clay has a point," said Bruce. "I've got to get back to my family soon. Brandy may be a capable and responsible person, but she's going to want a break from the kids."

"And I need to return to Rhonda sometime today so I can feed her. You don't want to know what happens when she's left unfed for too long," John Dory shuddered at the thought. A hungry Rhonda was not a fun Rhonda.

"Alright, I guess we can do it at breakfast. But at least let me eat something first while I figure out what exactly to say," said Floyd.

"You got it, Floyd," said Clay, ruffling his brother's hair, to which Floyd protested by moving Clay's hand away. "Just please try not to keep too much from us. We want to be able to help you, but we can't do that if we don't know what you need help with."

"Okay."

"Pancakes are served!" exclaimed John Dory as he, Bruce, and Branch walked over to join the two on the couch. Branch was carrying what appeared to be a portable table of sorts, while the other two carried plates piled with pancakes, an assortment of fruits, and other classic pancake toppings. After the table was placed down, the three of them began arranging everything so that it was all easy access from whatever angle they were sitting at.