Morning Bonds

The next day arrived, marking a week since Carter had been summoned to this new world. As the morning light filtered into the cozy treehouse, Carter stirred in his bed, the warmth of the covers cocooning him in comfort. Slowly, he opened his eyes, staring at the wooden ceiling above him. He let out a dramatic yawn and stretched his arms above his head.

"Morning already?" he murmured to himself, his voice still thick with sleep. He rubbed his eyes and sat up, running a hand through his messy hair. "Alright, Carter, time to start another day."

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, planting his feet on the floor. As he stood up, he stretched again, letting out a small groan. "A week in this world," he said softly, a smile creeping onto his face. "And I've got a family now. Who would've thought?"

Padding toward the kitchen, Carter's thoughts began to wander. "What should I make for breakfast today? Something hearty, I think. Can't have Lily and Aria starting the day hungry," he said aloud, his tone filled with playful determination.

Entering the kitchen, he started gathering ingredients, humming softly as he worked. "Let's see... eggs, some of that fresh bread, maybe a bit of that forest serpent meat. Oh, and herbs from the garden!" He nodded to himself, his excitement growing as he laid everything out on the counter. "This will be perfect."

He lit the stove and began cooking, the sizzle of meat hitting the pan filling the room. "A little salt, a bit of pepper..." he muttered, carefully seasoning the dish. "I think they'll love this."

As the aroma of breakfast began to fill the air, Carter couldn't help but smile. "Cooking really is my happy place," he said, flipping the meat expertly. "It's nice to do something simple, something that brings everyone together."

He cracked a few eggs into a bowl, whisking them with practiced ease. "And let's not forget the scrambled eggs. Can't have breakfast without them."

The smell of food began to drift through the treehouse, reaching the girls' room. Ivy's nose twitched, and she chirped excitedly, leaping onto the bed. She landed squarely on Aria, who groaned softly, her eyes fluttering open. "Ivy... really?" she mumbled, still half-asleep.

Ivy didn't relent, nudging Lily, who stirred dramatically. "Mmm, nooo," Lily mumbled, pulling the blanket over her head. "Too early..."

Aria chuckled, sitting up and sniffing the air. "Wait a minute... is that... food?"

Lily peeked out from under her blanket, her sleepy expression transforming into one of excitement. "It smells so good! Carter's cooking again!"

"Come on," Aria said, throwing the blanket off herself. "Let's go see what he's up to."

The two of them shuffled out of bed, Ivy chirping happily as she led the way to the kitchen. Carter looked up as they entered, his smile widening at the sight of them. "Good morning, sleepyheads," he greeted, his tone warm and teasing. "Hope you're ready for a feast."

Lily ran over to the counter, her eyes wide. "What is it? What are you making?"

"Breakfast," Carter replied, gesturing to the pan. "Eggs, bread, forest serpent meat—everything you need to start the day right."

Aria leaned against the doorway, her red eyes sparkling. "You're spoiling us, Carter."

He shrugged, flipping the meat with a grin. "What can I say? I like taking care of you two."

Lily giggled. "And Ivy too! Don't forget her!"

Carter laughed. "Of course not. Ivy gets the first taste."

Ivy chirped happily, hopping onto the counter, and Carter gently lifted her back down. "Not yet, little one. Be patient."

Aria stepped closer, watching Carter work. "You know," she began, her tone teasing, "you're setting the bar pretty high here. If you keep this up, I might never want to leave."

Carter smirked, glancing at her. "Maybe that's the idea," he replied smoothly, his confidence catching her off guard.

Aria laughed softly, leaning on the counter. "Careful, Carter. Keep talking like that, and I might take you seriously."

He raised an eyebrow, his grin playful. "Maybe I want you to."

Their exchange made Aria blush slightly, though she quickly covered it with a smirk. "You're getting bolder," she teased, her voice light. "I like it."

Lily, sitting at the table with Ivy on her lap, watched the two of them with an amused grin. "You guys are so funny," she said, giggling. "It's like you're always flirting."

Carter and Aria glanced at each other, their cheeks tinting slightly. "What can I say?" Carter said, clearing his throat. "I guess we're just in sync."

Aria laughed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

The three of them continued to talk and laugh as Carter finished preparing breakfast. The warm, cheerful atmosphere filled the room, their bond as a family growing stronger with every shared moment. As they sat down to eat, it was clear that this new life—though unexpected—was quickly becoming something none of them could imagine being without.

Carter placed the last of the food onto the table, the smell of the hearty breakfast filling the room. He took his seat, looking over at Aria and Lily with a warm smile. "Alright, dig in, everyone," he said, handing out plates.

Lily eagerly grabbed her fork. "This looks so good, big brother!" she exclaimed, already taking a bite. Ivy chirped happily from her spot near Lily, eyeing the food.

Aria picked up her fork as well, her red eyes glinting with amusement. "You're really spoiling us, Carter," she said, taking a bite of the food. "This is incredible."

Carter chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Well, I like making sure everyone's happy," he replied. His gaze lingered on Aria for a moment, his smile softening. "Speaking of which, Aria... about last night."

Aria paused, setting down her fork and looking at him curiously. "You mean about me moving in?"

Carter nodded, his tone gentle but serious. "Yeah. I just want to make sure—you're really okay with this? I don't want you to feel pressured or rushed into anything."

Aria smiled, her expression warm. "Carter, I wouldn't have said yes if I wasn't sure. This place... it already feels like home. And," she added, her gaze softening even more, "being here with you and Lily, it feels right."

Lily, who had been quietly munching on her food, suddenly perked up. "Miss Aria, you're really staying? Like, for real?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.

Aria chuckled, reaching over to ruffle Lily's hair. "Yes, Lily. For real."

Lily clapped her hands together, her excitement bubbling over. "This is so great! We should celebrate!" she said, practically bouncing in her seat. "A big breakfast for a big moment!"

Carter laughed, shaking his head. "I guess we already are celebrating," he said, gesturing to the table. "Though, I didn't exactly plan it that way."

Aria smirked, picking up her fork again. "Well, consider this breakfast your victory meal."

"Victory?" Carter raised an eyebrow, his tone playful. "Are you saying this was some kind of contest?"

"Maybe," Aria teased, her red eyes glinting with amusement. "And it looks like you won."

Lily giggled, watching the two of them. "You guys are so funny," she said, her voice filled with happiness. "It's like you're always flirting."

Carter nearly choked on his food, glancing at Aria, who was laughing softly. "L-Lily!" he stammered, his cheeks turning pink.

Aria leaned back in her chair, her smirk widening. "She's not wrong," she said, her tone teasing. "You're pretty easy to tease, Carter."

"I'm starting to notice that," he muttered, though a small smile tugged at his lips. He looked at Aria again, his expression softening. "But seriously, Aria. I'm glad you're staying. It wouldn't feel the same here without you."

Aria's blush deepened, but her smile was genuine. "Thank you, Carter," she said softly. "That means a lot."

The three of them continued eating, the warm atmosphere of celebration filling the room. Lily chatted excitedly about all the fun things they could do now that Aria was staying, while Ivy chirped happily, darting around the table. Carter and Aria exchanged soft smiles throughout the meal, their connection growing stronger with every passing moment.

As they finished breakfast, Lily clapped her hands together again. "Okay! Now we really have to do something special today!"

"Like what?" Carter asked, leaning back in his chair.

Lily grinned. "I don't know yet, but we'll figure it out!"

Aria chuckled, her gaze lingering on Carter. "I think we've already started," she said, her tone light but sincere. "This is special enough."

Carter nodded, his smile warm. "I couldn't agree more."

Carter smiled warmly, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Aria," he said, "I've been thinking about how to make you feel more at home here. I've got a little gift for you."

Aria tilted her head curiously, returning his smile. "A gift? What kind of gift?"

Standing up, Carter motioned for her and Lily to follow him. "You'll see," he said, leading them toward the center of the treehouse. Kneeling down, he placed his hand firmly on the wooden floor. "Magic skill: Verdant Architect."

A soft green light emanated from his hand, spreading outward like ripples on a pond. The entire treehouse seemed to hum with life as vines twisted and wood shifted, forming the walls of a new room. Lily's eyes widened in awe as the transformation unfolded before them.

"Carter," Aria said, her voice soft with amazement, "you're building another room?"

He looked up at her with a grin. "Not just any room. Your room."

Aria blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You're serious?"

"Of course I am," Carter replied, his voice steady. "You said yes last night, and I want you to feel like this is truly your home."

Lily clapped her hands, practically bouncing with excitement. "Miss Aria, this is so cool! You'll have your own room now! It's like you're officially part of the family!"

Aria chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "You're really going all out, aren't you?" she teased, though her voice was tinged with gratitude.

"Only the best for you," Carter quipped, standing as the green glow faded. The new room stood before them, cozy and welcoming. "What do you think?"

Aria stepped forward, running her fingers over the smooth wooden walls. "It's perfect," she said softly. Turning back to him, she added with a smirk, "But now you've set the bar pretty high. What's next?"

Carter grinned, shrugging. "Guess you'll have to stick around and find out."

Lily giggled, watching their playful exchange. "You two are so funny," she said, her eyes sparkling. "It's like you're already married or something!"

Both Carter and Aria froze for a moment, their faces turning red before bursting into laughter. "Lily!" they said in unison, making her laugh even harder.

Aria brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, looking at Carter with a warm smile. "Thank you," she said genuinely. "This really means a lot."

"You're welcome," Carter said, his voice softening. "It wouldn't feel right here without you."

Lily clapped her hands again, her excitement bubbling over. "So, when do we go get Miss Aria's stuff? Can we go now?"

Aria chuckled, ruffling Lily's hair. "Not so fast. I still have to open my shop later today."

Carter nodded thoughtfully. "That works out. I need to visit a few other shops and the adventuring guild to sell some potions. We can bring your things back after."

"Look at you," Aria said, her tone teasing. "All organized and businesslike."

"I'm trying," Carter replied with a smirk. "But having you around helps."

Aria laughed, leaning slightly closer. "Flattery will get you everywhere."

Lily beamed, clearly enjoying their banter. "This is going to be the best day ever!"

As Lily turned her attention to Ivy, who was happily chirping and darting around, Carter glanced at Aria with a mischievous smile. Before she could react, he leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. Aria's eyes widened in surprise before softening, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

"Carter," she murmured, her tone somewhere between scolding and amused. "What was that for?"

He smirked, leaning back slightly. "Just a little thank-you for saying yes," he said playfully, his voice low enough to keep Lily from overhearing.

Aria shook her head, though her smile betrayed her amusement. "You're unbelievable," she said, her tone teasing. "But I guess I'll allow it."

"You better," Carter replied, his grin widening. "Because I'm not planning to stop anytime soon."

Aria laughed softly, the sound filled with warmth. "You're lucky you're charming," she teased, nudging him lightly.

Lily turned back toward them, her eyes bright. "What are you two whispering about?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

"Nothing important," Carter said quickly, flashing Aria a knowing look. "Just planning the day."

Aria smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Yeah, just planning," she echoed, making Carter chuckle.

The three of them stood together, the warmth of their bond filling the treehouse as they prepared for the day ahead. With Aria officially moving in, their little family felt more complete than ever.