𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕟

𝔼𝕡𝕚𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕦𝕖

- six months later -

Julian was spreading peanut butter on a slice of bread when he started talking to Archer, who was meowing loudly from the kitchen floor.

"You're always bossing me around, and I really don't appreciate it. I'm the one in charge around here, you know. You eat way too damn much, and you're so much smaller than I am... I swear you're going to turn into a circle one of these days. You're not as smart as you think you are, and I still can't believe you bested me."

Archer meowed again, as if to argue, and Julian added, "No, Archer. You literally just had breakfast. Why are you complaining? Trying to get my PB sandwich? Keep dreaming, man."

When Owen, still in his sweatpants and groggy, walked into the kitchen, he caught Julian's teasing. "Julian! Are you being mean to Archer?"

Julian turned and smiled, trying not to wake Owen up. "She likes it when I talk to her... It's our thing."

Owen gave Julian a look of feigned disapproval, but Julian's laughter soon made Owen crack a smile. Julian then turned, giving Owen a warm hug around the shoulders.

"You have no reason to be grumpy, gorgeous. You slept for like ten hours," Julian whispered, kissing Owen's head a few times. "How'd you sleep?"

Owen hugged Julian back, leaning his forehead on Julian's shoulder. "I slept pretty okay, I guess."

Mrs. Miller had passed away three months ago. It was a hard blow for both of them. Owen had found her one morning, gone peacefully in her sleep. Julian was doing his best to support Owen through this tough time, promising to keep moving forward despite the grief.

Owen had his good days and not-so-good days. After her diagnosis, Mrs. Miller's health declined rapidly. Julian had convinced Owen to take a leave of absence from work, even trying to get him to resign, since Julian could now support them both financially. They were living in the Miller house, which was already paid off, and Owen had worked enough over the years. Julian wanted him to rest and recover.

When Owen noticed Julian's breakfast choice, he laughed, "Are you eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast?"

Julian smirked. "Yeah. I didn't want to wake you up to cook me breakfast. 'Cause you know... I'm not an asshole."

Owen chuckled, "I have no idea how you survived on your own for as long as you did, Julian."

Julian laughed and started kissing Owen's face and neck, making him giggle and crumble into Julian's arms, enjoying the moment of light-heartedness.

• • • • •