Unrequited

16

The next morning, Pavel gently shook Pooh awake. "Aren't you going to school today?" he asked softly.

Pooh blinked up at him, still groggy. "No, I won't," he replied, pulling Pavel into a hug. "I'm gonna spend these five days with you."

Pavel chuckled, breaking the hug. "Your breath stinks. Go and brush your teeth," he said, picking up the cat and cradling it in his arms.

Pooh frowned. "Since when did you find that cat?" he asked, his tone tinged with annoyance.

"Oh, I found him beside the main road. Someone had left him," Pavel explained, stroking the cat's fur.

"I don't like that cat," Pooh said, glaring at the feline. "I'm jealous because you always play with it."

Pavel laughed at Pooh's antics. 

"What? I don't like that stupid cat," Pooh whined, his jealousy was evident.

Pavel sighed with a smile. "Get ready. I'll take you to the beach today," he said.

Pooh's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?" he asked, hardly able to contain his joy.

"Really," Pavel confirmed, grinning at Pooh's reaction.

With a burst of energy, Pooh jumped out of bed and hurried to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He couldn't believe he was going to spend the day at the beach with Captain Pavel. It felt like a dream come true.

As Pooh got ready, Pavel prepared a small picnic for their beach trip. He packed sandwiches, fruit, and drinks, all the while keeping an eye on Pooh to make sure he didn't get sidetracked. The cat watched curiously from its perch on the counter.

When Pooh emerged from the bathroom, freshly brushed and dressed, Pavel handed him a hat and sunglasses. "Here, you'll need these," he said.

"Thanks, Captain," Pooh said, his face glowing with happiness. He put on the hat and sunglasses, feeling more excited by the minute.

They headed out to Pavel's car, and soon they were on their way to the beach. The drive was filled with light-hearted conversation and laughter, Pooh's earlier jealousy forgotten in the excitement of the day ahead.

When they arrived at the beach, Pooh couldn't contain his excitement. He ran towards the water, the cool breeze whipping through his hair. Pavel followed at a more leisurely pace, carrying the picnic basket.

They spent the day swimming, building sandcastles, and collecting seashells. Pavel watched with a mixture of amusement and affection as Pooh ran around, his joy infectious. For those precious hours, the worries and fears of the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun.

As the sun began to set, they sat on a blanket, enjoying the picnic Pavel had prepared. Pooh leaned against Pavel, feeling a sense of peace and contentment he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Thank you, Captain," Pooh said softly, looking up at Pavel with gratitude in his eyes.

Pavel smiled, ruffling Pooh's hair. "Anytime, Pooh. Anytime."

They watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water. In that moment, everything felt right. For Pooh, being with Pavel was more than he could have ever hoped for, and he cherished every second of it.