Story 4 - Bonding

Larkin peeked his head inside the kitchen, watching Mikael set the table.

"What the hell are you doing?" A voice suddenly called out.

Larkin quickly turned his head.

"First of all, watch your mouth," he scolded.

"Second of all, why aren't you in bed?" He questioned.

"Can't sleep," Rick said nonchalantly, followed by a yawn.

"Anyway," he continued.

"Why are you spying on Mikael?" He asked.

A smirk slowly crept across his face.

"Hey, Larkin..." He whispered.

"Don't tell me you've got a crus-"

"Be quiet. He's coming!" Larkin cried, grabbing Rick.

"Hey," Mikael said, coming around the bend.

"What the hell are you two doing?" He asked, narrowing his eyes.

"O-oh...you know," Larkin began, chuckling nervously.

"J-just bonding...!" He stammered.

"Are we though?" Rick asked with a hint of sarcasm.

Larkin quickly smacked him on the head.

"Ow!" Rick cried.

"What was that for!?" He shouted angrily.

"Anyways, bonding time is over; time for bed," Larkin said as he picked Rick up.

"Ah, well, goodnight then." Mikael smiled as he turned back towards the kitchen.

"You're just going to let him get away with that!?" Rick cried as the bedroom door shut.