A New Leaf (Eddsworld Tom x Reader)

Chapter 5: Breakfast

    I woke up the following day earlier than usual. I slowly fought to clear my blurry vision, expecting to be greeted by the usual ceiling fan that hung over my bed. Momentarily confused of its absence, I realized I was in my neighbor's house. More specifically, Tom's room. The soft light of the morning sun peeked through the curtains to bathe the room in a cooled yellow gleam. The air was warm around me, but not to the point where it was uncomfortable. 

I sat up, reviewing yesterday's farcical events. The memories that were once meshed together were all becoming clearer now. I was so lost in perpetual thought that I didn't even notice the sleeping body next to me. Even though I logically should've expected him, I was still surprised to see Tom, sleeping peacefully beside me. My eyes traveled over every inch of his body, enjoying every feature. I felt embarrassed at my lack of self awareness as I realized I was being creepy. 

Tearing my eyes away, I stood up slowly from the bed, tip-toeing to the door. The icy doorknob made my hands tingle as I quietly opened it, making sure it wouldn't wake Tom up. The long process of opening it finally ended as I stepped through the doorway. I was swiftly devoured by the hallway's cold, stale air. I shivered as I walked into the living room. Glancing at the clock as I passed I noticed that it read: 6:29 AM

I sighed, understanding now why no one was awake. It was too late to go back to bed now, and I'd probably just end up waking a grumpy Tom. Instead, I stepped into the kitchen, searching for something to satisfy my growing hunger. After some continuous searching, I finally found some simple bacon and eggs buried behind endless coke cans in the refrigerator. I've never had a particular affinity for cooking, but I made a quick breakfast that tasted exceptional. Feeling satisfied with my work, I gazed up at the clock once again; it now read 7:16 AM

I frowned to myself, wishing that it was just a little later. The others probably wouldn't be up until at least nine.  I wasn't planning to do anything specific with them, it was just becoming lonely after being surrounded by people yesterday. My eyes traveled to the leftover ingredients on the counter as I tried to think of ways to pass the time. Feeling generous, I decided to just make breakfast for everyone. It would serve as a nice thank-you for letting me stay here. I thought this was a good way of showing them my appreciation. Smiling, I picked up the pan, getting back to work.

---

I underestimated how much work was put into cooking for four people. I had a new-found respect for every mother out there who had to do this every day. Wiping my brow of sweat, I looked at the clock one final time. It read 9:05 AM. 

Perfect timing, I thought.

Having already set the table with three of the plates, I only had one left to do. As I finished plating the final dish, I almost dropped it as an ear-shattering squeal pierced my eardrums. Matt had rushed into the kitchen, absolutely overjoyed at the sight of breakfast. Edd followed close behind, yawning. 

Matt excitedly ran up to the dining table. 

"Is this all for me?!" He asked, examining the food.

"Unfortunately, you're going to have to share with everyone else," I laughed, grinning.

Crestfallen, Matt sat down, mumbling to himself.

"Thanks a lot, Y/n," Edd said, as he walked past me to grab a can of cola.

"Yeah, no problem," I replied, smiling.

"What the hell is all that noise?" I heard someone groan in the doorway. Turning around, my eyes were greeted with an annoyed-looking Tord, who also seemed to have just woken up. His question was answered when he saw the food on the table.

"Thanks," he mumbled, not meeting my eyes. Part of me felt bad for how our first encounter ended, and I could sense that he was still embarrassed over the ordeal. But I couldn't just forgive him without an apology.

"Yeah," I responded with a small smile towards Tord. As they all sat down, I felt happy, being able to help out around here a bit. I understood that making something as small as breakfast didn't just completely resolve my debt to them, but it felt good anyways. I knew they could've just denied me, and I was eternally grateful they hadn't.

 It was extremely difficult to not look at Tom as he sauntered into the room. My chest was still tight as I remembered my thoughts of last night.

"Look Tom! Y/n made us breakfast!" Matt said in between chewing mouthfuls of food. Tom looked over at the last remaining plate of food on the table.

"Oh. Cool," he said curtly. My stomach twisted in knots of anxiety as he stepped past me.

"Thanks," he said, barely glancing at me. I felt confused, why was he acting so cold again all of the sudden? The heat in my chest dissipated slightly as I watched him sit down.

"I-uh, yeah, sure," was all I could manage to say as my mind churned with thoughts. Maybe this whole 'love at first sight' thing was just one-sided. Why else would he be so.. distant? 

Maybe I'm just overthinking this. Again. 

 As Tom cocked one eyebrow at me, I realized that I was spacing out. My face reddened at the awkward exchange that I didn't even notice happened until now.

"Are you, uh.... Feeling okay?" He asked. 

Maybe I should be the one asking you that. I thought, slightly annoyed.

"Yes, uh.. yeah, sorry," I answered, trying not to let my tone betray my thoughts. Tom just shrugged and said nothing more, much to my dismay.

---

For the remainder of the morning, I did some chores around the house. Vacuuming, taking out the trash, and cleaning the dishes was the least I could do after sleeping here. As the boys chatted and laughed, I felt strangely at home here. It felt good to take care of others, especially when I never had the opportunity in my past. After everyone finished eating, they all sat down on the couch. Everything was strangely still.

Matt, -to no one's surprise- broke the silence.

"Okay... so what do you want to do today?"