Aoba's eyes opened slightly, squinting at the bright sunlight. He groaned and pressed his face back into the pillow, only to sit up and rub his eyes. When he opened his eyes, he screamed. I sat on the edge of his bed, looking out his window to his balcony. I looked over to him, my face drained. My voice was tired and scratchy.
"Breakfast is ready."
I stood and shuffled toward the door, moving on autopilot. Aoba sat there, speechless and trembling, as I oh-so-gracefully tripped down the stairs and landed on my face. I immediately stood and walked into the kitchen, oblivious to the fact that blood was dripping from my nose in decent quantities. Moments later, Aoba burst into the kitchen, struggling to get his jacket on, and gasped at the sight of the blood. I looked away, feeling a weird prickling sensation in my chest. But he grabbed my face and forced me to look at him. I had to look down slightly, seeing as I was a couple inches taller than him. He worriedly inspected my nose and apparently a small cut above my left eyebrow.
"Cy, you need to be more careful."
I looked at him wordlessly, my face expressionless. He didn't notice, as he scrambled off and grabbed a first aid kit. He sat me down and made me look up at him as he cleaned the blood from the cut. I stared at his face, memorizing every little detail, something that is habit for me. He caught me staring and blushed. He grinned slightly as he spoke.
"It's not polite to stare."
I blinked in surprise, my lips twitching upward.
"Touché."
I winced at the sound of my own voice, my momentary grin gone. I wasn't used to sounding so vulnerable. His grin vanished with mine, and he moved to my nose. I felt my cheeks heat up involuntarily at his proximity. I scolded myself, trying to regain control. What the fuck is going on? His voice interrupted my thoughts, causing me to jolt slightly.
"Thank goodness your nose isn't broken. I don't know how to fix that."
I tried to pull away, but his grip on my face tightened slightly and I stopped. My heart sped up as he leaned closer to make sure he had properly tended to my nose. His thumb brushed my lip as he gently rubbed off a spot of blood.
"There."
He pulled away and my heart dropped a little. I mentally beat myself up for getting so worked up about a stupid boy. Besides. Cute boys are never gay. Wait WHAT NO HE'S NOT CUTE! I snarled, driving those thoughts fiercely from my brain. Aoba jumped back, shaking a little. I looked up and realized I must have actually made a face. I pulled myself back together and grinned mockingly.
"Jumpy, little rabbit?"
He scowled slightly at his new nickname.
"I'm not a rabbit."
"You're right. You're a bunny. Too cute and harmless."
"I am not!" He blushed, embarrassed.
"It's either that or little rabbit. You choose."
He didn't answer, instead growling slightly and plopping down at the table. He stared at the display of food I had prepared. Mouthwatering aromas wafted from the table, coming from bacon, eggs, and my specialty: blueberry muffins. Just as he was about to grab a plate, his grandmother walked in and screeched when she saw me. I immediately jumped up and put on my most charming smile, bowing deeply and elegantly.
"My greatest apologies, ma'am. I did not mean to frighten you such."
"Aoba who is this?!"
Aoba looked helplessly at me, panicking. I saved him, drawing his grandmother's attention back to me.
"Ma'am, please pardon my interruption, but I am simply a lowly traveler, whom your grandson has so graciously helped after he found me in an alley. See, I was unconscious, after being beaten up by a group of rowdy men. I am forever in debt to your family, especially Mr. Aoba."
Aoba blushed at that. I continued.
"I wanted to show my thanks by making breakfast for your family. But of course, I am still in debt. If you need absolutely anything, call my name and I will answer."
I bowed, dropping to my knee.
"It will be my greatest pleasure to serve you."
Aoba's grandmother stared at me, blushing ever so slightly. I stood and walked to the door.
"I wish not to burden you any further with my presence. Good day. I am forever in debt." I was about to leave when she spoke.
"You may stay if you wish."
I turned, acting surprised.
"Ma'am?"
"You heard me. Besides, you made this meal. I believe you should at least stay to enjoy it."
"Thank you for your hospitality ma'am." I bowed again.
"No need for any of that. And if Aoba wants, you may stay longer."
"Thank you."
I smile charmingly, and sit down next to Aoba. As his grandmother leaves the room for a bit, he turns to me.
"Where did all that come from?"
"Well, the bloody rags and the bandage on my nose aren't going to explain themselves. Besides. I'm experienced when it comes to charming myself into a house. But I really do like your grandmother. She's kind."
"Yeah..."
She walked back in and we began eating. After about 20 minutes of food and small talk, I cleared the table (with many protests from Aoba). Aoba's coil buzzed and he glanced at it.
"Grandmother, I'm needed at work today. Cy, why don't you come with me?"
I nodded.
"Of course."
