Fire crackled quietly in the fireplace, illuminating the study in a warm orange glow as I sat on the aged carpet. It's material still soft despite its faded hues of red and gold. My finger traces a rose design as I hum softly. Soft snoring snatches my attention, I look beside me at the sleeping fairy, her drool sparkling as she laid on a stack of books awkwardly despite her earlier graceful appearance. Her little leg kicks as she mumbles before resting back in her curled up position. I hold back my giggle as I look down at the heavy book in my lap, 'Mythical Creatures and Folk Lore', it held no information of the dark force in the forest and didn't even talk about the fairies. It was simply a children's book of unicorns and life lessons. "Another dud!" I whisper towards James and place the book next to the many others in the pile of rejects beside me. "Same here." James sighs behind me from the desk, his pile just as large but messily thrown around from his mini tantrum when the fairy called him a "dummy" for struggling to read a foreign word.

"Just when I thought we would be livin' in peace from stupid shit." He groans loudly and rubs a tired hand down his face, "I say we just kill the fairy and act like we never knew." He peeks through his fingers up to send the sleeping fairy a dark glare. I sigh and get up from my place on the carpet, "That would not be the right thing to do James.. We are good people who help others." I scold gently as I move to his side, "And I think your grumpy because you need some sleep." I rub slow circles on his back, much to his enjoyment as soft purrs leave his chest. He peeks up at me, "Sleep won't solve this mystery." I roll my eyes, "And neither will impatience." His eyes narrow for a second before he rolls his eyes, huffing as he scoots back his chair, "Fine.. But we will be working hard tomorrow." I smile and nod my head so fast I think it'll fly off, "Yes, sir!" He chuckles and holds my head in his hands before placing a kiss on my forehead. My cheeks burn as I shy away out his grip, "A-And I'm kinda hungry too.." I look at my toes then back up at him. He gives me a knowing smile, "Hm.. You suddenly have such the appetite." His big arms scoop me up as he head towards the door. I wrap my legs around his waist and giggle, "Hm.. I Wonder why!" I fake gasp and he chuckles, "I can list one reason.. and give you another." I gasp as his hips thrust up, grinding himself against me. I small moan leaves my throat, "I-If you wanna.. I don't mind.." He smiles and leans in for a kiss only to be stopped by my finger, "After a snack and cuddles!" He looks at me surprised before he shakes his head with a smile, "Such a little weirdo." I lay my head on his shoulder,

"No I'm not."
"Yeah you are."
"How?"
"You only walk on the colored tiles in the store."

"If I don't then my toes will explode!" I give him a duh look as I shake my head. He raises a brow, "You only buy bright cereal boxes bc it 'taste happier'." I nod my head, "Does Raisin Bran taste happy? No. It's good but not happy." He looks at me with a blank face for a minute before sighing, "Your too damn adorable for me to be mad at." I smile cheekily, "I know." He cracks a smile as we enter the brightly lit kitchen.

The grey brick walls were filled with spices, pots and pans as strong oak countertops that matched the cluttered shelves. The back wall held a giant stone oven that easily even towered over James. I look at James who also seemed impressed, "Looks like that weirdo kept the kitchen renovated.. Least he could do." James grumbles as he sets me down on the wooden counter. I swing my feet as I take everything in, "Wow.. Even the oven is pretty!" I look over at the old fashioned oven and hop off the counter, making my way closer. Despite the bright lights, the inside was pitch black as if the center was cut open and filled with black paint. I pull the back the iron covering and feel cold air push back against me, "Look!" I move to step inside and feel strong hands pull me back, "Ion like it.. Don't go inside." I look at James who's eyes hold worry as he peered into it. I frown deeply, "It's only an oven, love.. Nothing wrong with it." James only hums but his eyes stay locked on it, blank and staring inside. I wave my hand in front of his face, "Why don't we just get some food and then sleep? You seem a bit tired." I smile as he finally looks down at me, "Yeah.. Okay." His eyes linger back on the oven for a moment before looking ahead towards the fridge.

To say I expected to see a fridge full of food was a dumb decision. I sigh softly at the blank white shelves, "But I'm so hungry.." I whine and look to James who himself looks cranky, "Guess we gotta go shopping tomorrow." I nod as the door swings shut, making my tummy very unhappy. I look to James, "We can just get some rest or explore some more." He hums softly, "It's past your bedtime and I'm already tired so it's time to go to sleep." I pout and hold back a whine as I nod my head, "Okay.. Carry me?" I make grabby hands and smile as he easily scoops me up.

The once bright kitchen turned dark as James turned the lights off. I watched as we walked away from the kitchen, it's old rose carved door frame growing smaller and smaller with each step. I look to James, "We gotta get Petal! She's all alone!" James simply shrugs, "Oh well." I pout and lay my head on his shoulder, "I hope she isn't lost or missing us." James scoffs as he rolls his eyes, "She's knocked out, babe. Did you not see her drooling?" I giggle as I nod my head, "She is so adorable!" I gush and James frowns, "She's a rat.. with wings." I ignore him as he walks into the bedroom. The big bed calling my name as I reach out my hand to it.

The soft silk sheets felt like heaven as I let myself sink into the thick mattress. I let out a soft sigh, "This feels amazing.." I look to James who stripped off his shirt and was working on his sweat pants, "Scoot over.. Your head's taking up the whole bed." He flicks my forehead, making me burst out in giggles as I roll over to give him his space, "Your head is bigger than mine!" He slides in the bed, "I love you but your head looks like a watermelon." My tummy rumbles but I ignore it as I flick his forehead, "Yours is like a megamelon!" He shakes his head and smiles, "Go to bed, goofy." I let him wrap his arms around me and pull me close. I giggle and press a kiss to his lips,

"Good night, James."
"Good night, baby."