As the soft glow of the morning light filtered through the window, you slowly stirred awake, the warmth of your shared time with Stolas still wrapping around you like a comforting embrace. You stretched your limbs languidly, careful not to disturb the peaceful form beside you. Stolas lay on his stomach, his wings tucked in comfortably, his lips curled into a small, contented smile that made your heart flutter in ways you couldn't explain. You smiled softly at the sight, your fingers instinctively reaching out to gently twirl the delicate feathers that adorned his back. Each one seemed to shimmer under the light, a beautiful and mesmerizing display that made you wonder how anyone could ever look away from him. You couldn't fathom why Blitzo would turn down someone so captivating. It didn't make sense.

You slipped out of bed quietly, not wanting to disrupt his peaceful slumber. The cool air kissed your skin as you moved toward the door, glancing over your shoulder one last time at the serene figure resting beneath the sheets.

In the kitchen, Leonardo was already up, working with practiced precision. The scent of something delicious already wafted through the air—perhaps fresh coffee or the promise of something more elaborate. He flashed you a quick, mischievous grin as you entered. "Did you have fun, darling?" His voice had that teasing lilt that made you smile.

You chuckled, stepping closer to him and ruffling his hair affectionately. "Yes, we had a wonderful time," you replied, your tone carrying the faintest hint of contentment.

As you assisted him with preparing the meal, your thoughts still wandered back to Stolas. From the corner of your eye, you caught a glimpse of him emerging from the bedroom. He seemed slightly disoriented, his eyes blinking rapidly as though trying to focus on his surroundings. Despite the disarray, he was effortlessly elegant, his freshly washed feathers still carrying that faint, intoxicating scent of lavender and something deeper, something undeniably him.

"Hey, Stolas, everything alright?" you asked softly, your voice gentle as you moved to him, brushing a stray lock of his hair from his face before placing a tender kiss to his forehead. He let out a quiet coo, his beak nestling into the crook of your neck as if seeking reassurance.

"Absolutely fine, darling," he murmured, the words a warm caress that made your chest tighten with affection. His voice, though still tinged with a hint of sleepiness, carried a soothing quality that eased away any concerns. For a moment, everything felt right in the world.

You couldn't help but smile as your fingers gently caressed Stolas' head, his soft feathers tickling your skin. "Hey, why don't you go sit down while Leonardo and I prepare some food for you, hmm, darling?" you suggested, wanting to ease the slight hint of embarrassment that lingered around him.

A playful grin stretched across his lips as he leaned in, pressing a soft, affectionate kiss to your lips. "I would love that, my dear," he replied, his voice warm with gratitude.

With a graceful motion, Stolas moved to a nearby chair, settling down comfortably, giving you and Leonardo the space to work.

But of course, Leonardo couldn't resist a bit of mischief. "Ugh, get a room, you two," he teased, rolling his eyes dramatically as he pretended to gag.

You laughed, shaking your head in amusement, and grabbed a small object from the counter, tossing it in his direction. In one fluid motion, he caught it with ease, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Really?" you teased back, your tone playful.

With that, the two of you turned your attention to preparing a meal for Stolas, the warmth of the kitchen and the easy laughter between you filling the air, creating a sense of contentment that made everything feel right. It was a simple moment, but one that you knew would stay with you.

You and Leonardo worked seamlessly in the kitchen, a well-oiled team as you moved about the space with ease. The soft hum of the stove and the rhythmic chopping of ingredients filled the room as you both prepared a meal fit for royalty. The kitchen was alive with the scent of sizzling vegetables and the rich, savory aroma of a hearty stew simmering on the stove. You couldn't help but appreciate the comforting atmosphere, the warm glow of the overhead lights casting a soft hue over everything as the air buzzed with purpose.

Leonardo moved with his usual grace, his hands quick and precise as he diced onions and herbs, occasionally adding a dash of seasoning here and there, his eyes glancing over to make sure everything was just right. You were equally absorbed in the task, your hands expertly stirring the stew, the flavors melding together perfectly as the steam rose from the pot. The sounds of the kitchen—cutlery clinking, pots and pans shifting, the gentle sizzle of food cooking—formed a symphony of comfort, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to disappear. It was just the three of you—Stolas, you, and Leonardo—sharing something simple yet so deeply personal.

Finally, the food was ready. You carefully plated the meal, the rich colors of roasted vegetables, tender meat, and a perfectly crafted sauce that shimmered in the light. With a small flourish, you placed the plate in front of Stolas, the steam rising from the food, carrying with it the promise of warmth and satisfaction.

"Here you go, darling," you said softly, a smile on your lips as you sat beside him.

Stolas turned to you with a grateful smile, his eyes twinkling with affection. "It looks wonderful, my dear," he said, his voice deep and rich, laced with genuine appreciation. The sight of him—his soft wings resting gently on his back, the way he held himself with such effortless grace—made your heart swell with admiration. He truly was a sight to behold.

You sat down next to him, the weight of the day's events beginning to settle into a comfortable rhythm. As you both dug in, the flavors of the food mingled with the laughter that flowed easily between you, making the meal feel like more than just nourishment. It was a connection, an unspoken bond forged over the shared experience of good food, good company, and an easy, comfortable atmosphere.

The conversation naturally flowed, moving from one topic to the next with a fluidity that made time seem to disappear. You talked about everything—memories from the past, shared experiences, even the simplest observations about the world around you. Stolas was a captivating conversationalist, his voice both soothing and engaging as he spoke with passion and thoughtfulness. His humor was dry, but beneath it was a tenderness that made you feel both seen and appreciated.

"Do you remember that time in the kingdom when we tried to sneak out for a day of freedom?" you asked, laughing at the memory.

Stolas's eyes sparkled, and he chuckled softly, the sound warm and genuine. "Ah, yes. How could I forget? I thought for sure we'd been caught by those nosy guards, but you always had a way of getting us out of trouble."

You laughed, recalling the thrilling escape with fondness. "It's all about the timing, darling. And a little bit of luck."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, each word drawing you closer, creating a shared intimacy that transcended mere proximity. Stolas savored both the food and your company with equal enthusiasm, his eyes lighting up with every bite and every laugh shared between you. The way he leaned in slightly as you spoke, his attention fully on you, made you feel as though you were the only two people in the world. His smile was infectious, and it made your heart skip every time he caught your eye, his gaze never wavering, always steady and sincere.

Leonardo occasionally chimed in with his own witty remarks, adding his flavor to the conversation, but it was the easy back-and-forth between you and Stolas that truly defined the moment. It was one of those rare, golden times where everything felt in sync—when the world outside could wait, and all that mattered was the now.

The meal gradually came to a close, but the conversation continued to flow. You could feel the weight of the day slipping away, replaced by the warmth of the present moment. There was something soothing about the rhythm of your laughter, the way Stolas's voice curled around each word, the casual, comfortable nature of your time together. Everything felt... right.

As the last bite of food disappeared, you leaned back slightly, content and relaxed. Stolas followed suit, his wings folding around him in a subtle gesture of contentment.

"That was perfect," he said softly, his gaze meeting yours with a quiet intensity. "Not just the meal, but the company."

You smiled, reaching over to gently squeeze his hand. "I'm glad you think so, darling. You deserve nothing less."

And in that moment, everything felt perfectly aligned—the laughter, the food, the connection between you, and the unspoken promise that no matter what, these moments would always be worth cherishing.