People Do Crazy Things

Three.

My eyes fluttered open, the sun blinding me for a minute. I gently nudged Shadow in the ribs. He groaned and rolled over on top of me.

"You have five seconds before I bite you,"I said. He quickly rolled off of me. I sat up and stretched. I sniffed the air.

"Do you smell that?"I asked. "What does it smell like?"Shadow asked. "Like someone is cooking,"I said. Shadow quickly sat up.

"You don't think the kids would try to cook, do you?"he asked. Oh shit.

We looked at each other then jumped out of bed. We hurried downstairs and into the kitchen.

"Morning, guys,"Carter smiled as he stood in front of the stove. The kids sat on the barstools at the cabinet, eating waffles. "Good morning, Mommy and Daddy!"Maria and Haze said in unison.

"Morning. Carter, you didn't have to cook,"I said as I ran a hand through my hair. "I know but I was already up when the kids woke up so I decided to cook,"he said. "Well, that's sweet of you. Thank you,"I smiled.

I nudged Shadow. "Yeah. Thanks,"he said. Carter's smile widened. "No problem,"he said. Shadow and I sat down to eat as well. At first, Shadow was against eating the food just because Carter made it. But I made him eat.

Shadow is not about to starve himself just because a guy he doesn't like made the food. Nope. Not today.

After breakfast, the kids played with their toys in the living room while I washed the dishes. Shadow is playing with them. I don't know where Carter went. I think he said something about going into town for a few things.

I heard the giggling of the kids and the laughing of Shadow. I smiled to myself. That's the best sound in the world. It makes my heart soar.

I finished the dishes and walked into the living room. All three of them were in the middle of the floor. Maria was putting Shadow's quills into ponytails with bows while Haze played cards with Shadow.

God, I wish I had a camera.

"Who knew you looked good in pink, Shadowkun?"I smiled. He looked up from the cards and at me. "We shall never speak of this to the others,"he said. I laughed and nodded.

The front door opened. "I'm back and I- Woah! Shadow, you look dashing in those bows. Pink really brings out your eyes,"Carter smiled as he closed the door and walked inside. He had bags in his hands.

Shadow glared at him. I covered my mouth, trying not to laugh.

"Welcome back, Carter. What's in the bags?"I asked. He dropped them onto the couch. "Oh, just some toys and stuff for the kids,"he said.

Maria and Haze's heads popped up so fast. Their eyes glimmered. "Toys for us?"Haze asked. Carter nodded and smiled. He began to pour the contents of the bags onto the couch.

Dolls, bears, toy cars, coloring books, crayons, and other various items laid on the couch.

Haze and Maria gasped and looked at each other. "Take what you want and leave nothing!"Carter smiled. The kids cheered and practically attacked the couch.

"That's a lot of stuff,"I said. "I know but the kids are so helpful that I wanted to reward them,"Carter said. Aww. How sweet. "Kids, don't forget to say thank you,"I said.

"Thank you, Carter!"

"You're welcome, kids,"he smiled before picking up the now empty bags and taking them into the kitchen. I glanced over at Shadow.

There was something in his eyes. I could see it. But I couldn't figure out what it is. It can be hard to read him sometimes. I walked over and sat beside him, looping my arm with his.