The sun rays crept through an open window situated near Oria's bed. She yawned, stretching out her good hand before succumbing to the ever-present urge to fall back asleep.
While in her drowsy state, her natural instincts kicked in to ensure she was safe. She instantly began chirping, forcing the rest of her body to wake up alongside her vocal cords.
Her body jolted and twitched awake, which she was prepared for. Every day, she would feel unimaginable amounts of pain from her open wounds. While she bit down hard, she noticed something was off.
Oria opened her eyes in confusion, then began to slowly move her left foot. Instead of feeling a burning ache, it all felt normal. She instantly chirped with excitement and relief.
In the middle of her celebration, someone knocked on the door. "H - hey, Oria. I hope I didn't stumble on you doing... never mind. I brought your breakfast, if you want it now."
"What?" Oria yelled back. "Come in, but you'll have to explain to me what you thought!"
Ether opened the door, holding a big wooden plate. Well cooked Eteni mutton rested on it, still steaming. It gave off a mouth-watering aroma, bringing Oria's full attention on the meal.
"Huh... all that's for me?" Oria's eyes widened. "It's such a big cut! Did you save some for yourself and little Jakery?"
"No. I checked the pens after leaving for an early morning walk. Then I come back home with a nice, big cut of Eteni. Jakery had gone somewhere, and I wasn't hungry. So I made it for you," Ether replied.
Oria tilted her head down, frowning deeply as she looked into her lap. "You have to eat, too! Here, let's eat together."
Ether placed the plate right where she was looking, then stood back up over her. Oria shifted her gaze to meet he's, hoping to see some sort of interest in the meal he brought.
But there was none, all he wanted was to make her recovery go smoothly. Knowing how worried someone truly was about her made Oria feel at home. Despite being away from her pack.
"Well?" Oria lifted both arms. "Come on, let's eat!"
"I'm not hungry, don't worry," Ether quickly responded.
"You know, sometimes it's a bit difficult trying to get you to do something. But there's something about you... I don't know, probably because you're so odi and all that other stuff Yomies would tell their mates," Oria sighed.
Hearing her mention a Yomie caught Ether's attention. Before long, he sat down on the floor beside her, hoping to hear other things about them.
Only to feel Oria pat his crown. "Abba, abba! (Pat, pat!)"
Ether reached up for her hand. "Ever since I taught you how Yonies show affection to each other, you've been doing this. What if I were to do what male Ferals do to their partners?"
"What are you going to do?" Oria smirked. "I know you won't try to do what I think you might..."
"Yeah?" Ether slowly stood up. "Who will stop me?"
Before their joke could continue, Oria pointed down at the plate in her lap. "Do you want to make a mess? Speaking of. We should make a mess together!"
"No, Oria, this is for you. I seasoned it, cooked it, even added some twists to it just for you. Eat it," Ether instantly replied.
Jakery poked his head through the door, hoping to catch Oria playing with her brother. But what he saw was Oria making several gestures with her hands, while Ether struggled to keep a straight face.
"I'll do something for you, if you eat with me..." Oria laid down an offer.
"What's that 'something?'" Ether sat down beside her. "Will I get to be there, too?"
Oria chirped. "My body is all healed up now. So you and I can, you know. What we both have been looking forward to for what feels like an eternity!"
Jakery stomped into the room, smug grin on his face. "AH! I know what you're trying to do!"
"Oh, hi. I'm mostly healed, by the way!" Oria celebrated again.
Ether edged closer to her, ignoring Jakery as he did so. When he got right up against Oria, she used the claws on her good hand to cut portions of the meat and feed it to Ether.
He bitterly chewed, shamefully enjoying the meal with Oria. He did not want to participate in eating it, even if it was the best he cooked in a while.
"So, we are doing it?" Ether whispered.
Despite the low voice, Jakery heard it. Prompting him to bud closer to the duo, who sat enjoying a meal together.
"What do you mean, 'it?' Just say what you two will be doing. There's no use in hi-"
"Before you continue, there's nothing romantic about us heading back to meet my pack," Oria interrupted. "I just got homesick and Ether offered to fly me over, so we're excited to visit."
Ether nodded. "Yeah... hey, Oria, I wanted to tell you something."
Jakery sighed, relaxing his shoulders in defeat. By now, he began seeing the whole relationship as a trick. Ether didn't have any desires for Oria, neither did she for him. All they have been were good friends.
"You have a heart full of treasure, it feels like. How would you like your title to be Oria, Heart of Opulence?" Ether asked.
"Aw, that's cute! We're giving each other adorable titles, now... how about you be Ether, Young Yonie's Blush!" Oria brought another cut of meat to her mouth. "On a serious note, no. I want to remain as Oria."
"Okay, just thought it sounded good. And how well you treated me and Jakery I thought it could be a little thanks from me to you," Ether darted his eyes to Jakery. "Oh yeah, Valentine, did he tell you anything?"
Jakery blankly stared at him. "Huh..? Oh - oh, yeah. Digon something, Frosticus feels weird, and something about Light."
Ether quickly shot up on his feet. "Light? Oria, I'm sorry, but I have to leave early today. I'll be back tonight, though. We can do something together, if you want."
Oria frowned. "Ugh, fine. Just know I'll miss your presence as my little Yonie buddy, again. Also, I'd love to. Maybe you can spend the night over."
"Hmm, I'll think about it. Anyway, Jakery," Ether started for the door. "Let's see what he needs."