Vault

Thirty

When my alarm sounded, I reached over to turn it off, noticing the empty spot besides me in my bed. Karl isn't here. The light in my bathroom wasn't on so he must be downstairs somewhere.

I took a moment to wake up a little before I got out of bed and pulled on some shorts and a hoodie. Slowly, I made my way downstairs, being welcomed with the smell of something sweet. Karl was standing in the kitchen, with his back turned to me as he did something.

"Good morning," I smiled, "you're up early."

"Good morning beautiful," Karl smiled when he saw me, "I wanted to make sure I was up before you."

"What are you up to?" I giggled as I wrapped my arms around Karl from behind, resting my head against his back.

"Waffles are pancakes with abs, right?" Karl asked with a smile as he turned to face me.

"You didn't have to do all this," I smiled.

"I know, but I have to go back home today so I wanted to," Karl smiled.

"That was very sweet of you."

"I tried," Karl laughed, "coffee."

He handed me a cup of iced coffee with a wide smile on his face. I took a sip, smiling at the familiar taste. He had gone through the work of making me breakfast and coffee the way I like it best.

"This is perfect," I smiled.

"Good, I was nervous I made it too sweet," Karl blushed.

"It's perfect," I assured him.

"I wanted to bring you breakfast in bed, but it took longer than I thought it would to cook everything," Karl blushed deeper.

"It's perfect," I assured again, "thank you."

I took a seat at my table and watched Karl as he finished making breakfast. He didn't look out of place in my apartment, he looked like he belonged here. The thoughts comforted me, a warmth in my heart. I wanted him to stay here, be with me, be comfortable being close to me.

"What are you looking at?" Karl smirked as he sat down next to me with two full plates of food.

"You," I smiled, "I like having you here."

"I like being here," Karl smiled as he leaned over and placed a kiss against my temple.

We ate together, not talking much, but we didn't need to. We didn't have to be constantly conversing in order to seem like we were learning more and more about each other. It was just about being in each others company.

After breakfast I went back upstairs, quickly changing into a black dress for work. I straightened my hair, getting out the waves that had kinked into my naturally straight hair from the ponytails its been in all weekend, and did my subtle makeup.

"You're beautiful," Karl smiled from where he was standing close by to watch me apply my eyeliner.

"I have to leave for work soon," I sighed.

"I know," Karl nodded, "but you don't have to leave yet."

I smiled as I looked over my reflection one more time, determining that I was now ready for work. I didn't want to have to go; it meant Karl had to go too.

"Ready?" Karl asked.

"No," I pouted as I wrapped my arms around his torso.

"Neither am I, but I think your boss will get mad at me if I don't make you go," Karl laughed.

"I don't care if he gets mad," I sighed.

"I do. You're good at your job and I don't want to be the reason why you get in trouble," Karl smiled, "I'll be back soon. I'm not disappearing."