Morning Comfort

The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the small kitchen. Victor stood at the counter, flipping pancakes with practiced ease. The aroma of coffee and fresh batter filled the air. Despite the chaotic storm of emotions the night before, Victor found solace in the simple task of cooking.

Milo's footsteps padded softly behind him. Victor turned to see Milo, hair slightly tousled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he walked into the kitchen.

"Good morning," Victor greeted, a warm smile gracing his lips.

"Morning," Milo replied, his voice still laced with sleep. He stretched, yawning softly. "What's all this?"

"Breakfast," Victor said, turning back to the stove. "Pancakes and coffee. Go clean up; it's almost ready."

Milo chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "You're surprisingly domestic, Victor. Never pegged you as the breakfast-making type."

Victor glanced over his shoulder with a playful smirk. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Milo."

Milo raised an eyebrow but didn't reply. Instead, he shuffled off to the bathroom.

***

When Milo returned, freshly washed and more awake, he found the table already set. Plates of golden pancakes, a small bowl of fresh fruit, and two steaming mugs of coffee awaited them. Victor was pouring syrup over his stack when Milo sat down.

"You didn't have to go all out, you know," Milo said, picking up his fork.

Victor shrugged. "It's no big deal. Besides, I needed to do something to keep myself occupied."

Milo nodded, taking a bite of the pancakes. His eyes widened. "Wow. These are actually really good."

Victor feigned offense, placing a hand over his chest. "Actually? You doubted my skills?"

"Of course I did," Milo teased, grinning. "You don't exactly scream 'culinary genius.'"

Victor chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, now you know. I'm a man of many talents."

"Clearly," Milo said, popping another piece of pancake into his mouth.

The two fell into an easy rhythm, chatting about trivial things as they ate.

"So," Milo began, leaning back in his chair, "what's your plan for the day?"

Victor sipped his coffee thoughtfully. "Not much. Just the usual work stuff. Meetings, reports, avoiding chaos in the office." He paused, looking at Milo. "What about you?"

Milo shrugged. "I've got a few designs to finalize, maybe check in with some clients. Nothing too crazy."

Victor nodded, tapping his fingers against his coffee mug. "You've been working a lot lately."

"Yeah, well, the workload doesn't lighten itself," Milo said with a small smile. "Besides, I enjoy it. Keeps me busy."

Victor's gaze lingered on Milo for a moment longer than necessary. "You should take a break sometimes. You know, do something for yourself."

Milo raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

Victor shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "I don't know. Go out, meet people, have fun. Maybe take me out for a meal as thanks for this amazing breakfast."

Milo laughed, shaking his head. "Sure, I'll take you out. But don't expect pancakes as good as these."

Victor grinned. "Deal."

The conversation flowed easily, the tension from the previous night seeming like a distant memory. It felt natural, like slipping back into an old routine.

As they finished their meal, Milo stood and began gathering the dishes. Victor reached out to stop him. "Hey, I cooked. You don't have to clean."

Milo rolled his eyes. "You cooked in my kitchen. That's the rule: you cook, I clean."

Victor raised his hands in surrender. "Fine. But don't complain if you can't get the syrup off the plates."

Milo chuckled, heading to the sink. Victor leaned back in his chair, watching him. For the first time in days, the weight on his chest felt lighter.

Milo's here, Victor thought. And for now, that's enough.