How to Fly with Broken Wings...

Chapter Six

The next morning, Loomis slowly began to stir, feeling more rested than he had in a long time. He sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he adjusted to the morning light streaming through the window. He looked over at Kairo's bed, expecting to see him still asleep, but instead he found that the Miraidon was already awake, making breakfast in the tiny kitchen.

Kairo noticed Loomis stirring and turned to look at him, a bright smile on his face. "Hey there, sleepyhead. Did you sleep well?"

Loomis didn't respond, blinking the sleep from his eyes as his nose twitched, catching the scent of breakfast.

Kairo chuckled at Loomis's groggy expression and the way his nose twitched as he smelled the food. "Looks like someone is hungry. Breakfast is almost ready, so you better get your butt out of bed."

Loomis obeyed, standing up and running a hand through his hair. He was only in his sweatpants, and he yawned softly as he walked over to the kitchen, sitting at the small table.

Kairo tried not to stare at Loomis's bare chest as he walked over to the table, but it was a struggle. He couldn't help but admire the Umbreon's lean, toned muscles, and the way his sweatpants hugged his hips. He forced himself to focus on the food instead, not wanting to be caught staring like a creep.

Loomis didn't notice Kairo's look, feeling almost hungover from yesterday's activities. It was a lot of fun, a lot of emotion, a lot of socializing... he wasn't used to doing things like that. He was used to working at his uncle's pizza parlor, studying, and doing his gigs to earn extra cash... he wasn't used to fun, or friends...

Kairo could tell that Loomis was out of it this morning, a gentle expression on his face. He set a plate of food in front of him and sat down across from him, his tone soft as he spoke. "Hey, you okay?"

Loomis stayed silent for a moment, staring down at the food blankly before he started eating. "Yeah, I'm okay."

Kairo wasn't convinced by Loomis's response, but he didn't push the issue, a bit disappointed that the Umbreon seemed to have fallen right back into his antisocial ways. "Alright... if you say so."

Loomis couldn't meet Kairo's gaze, and continued eating while he thought. Had he... dreamed yesterday? It felt surreal... "Food's good." He managed to say after swallowing a mouthful, trying to play his uncertainty off.

Kairo smiled, happy that Loomis liked the food. He had put a lot of effort into making breakfast and was glad that his efforts were appreciated. "Thanks, I'm glad you like it. I'm not much of a cook, but I do my best." He paused for a moment, noticing that Loomis seemed lost in thought. He observed him silently, his features hardening slightly with concern.

Loomis finally looked up, swallowing another mouthful of food as he did, their eyes locking. "Don't look at me like that." He murmured, his eyes casting back down at the plate in front of him, now mostly empty.

Kairo gave Loomis a sheepish smile, pulling his gaze away from him reluctantly. He could tell that something was bothering the Umbreon, but he didn't want to pry too much. "Sorry. You're just... awfully spacey today."

Loomis wasn't sure how to respond, his expression darkening slightly. He had too much on his mind, too many things to do. And yet, for once? He didn't want to do any of it. He just wanted to spend the day like they had yesterday...

Kairo could sense the shift in Loomis's demeanor, his dark expression a clear sign that something was weighing heavily on his mind. He watched him silently, trying to gauge his mood and figure out what was bothering him.

Loomis sighed softly, finishing his food and washing his dish.

Kairo finished his own breakfast and stood up, gathering the dishes and putting them in the sink. He glanced over at Loomis, who seemed lost in thought as he washed the dishes. He wanted to say something, anything, to break the silence, but he didn't know what.