#acutelatios

Waking up was a slow process. You found yourself resting in a nest of pillows and blankets, all wrapped and tucked around you just so. When you do finally open your eyes, it’s dim, with the windows being mostly covered by the curtains that are drawn shut. Light still manages to filter through them, casting soft light across the nest. It’s warm, comforting, and you almost feel like going right back to sleep.

“Good, you’re up.”

You rolled over onto your side toward the door to see Rick crossing the space between the door and the nest, a slight frown pulling down at his lips and a dusting of pink across his cheeks. He knelt down beside you, a tray balanced on his knee until he set it down on one of the many pillows surrounding you.

He’d brought you breakfast in bed, all of your favorite breakfast fare on little plates of their own, and it was all so...cute? You look up from the food to meet his gaze, and he’s quick to glance away, clearing his throat.

“Protein is good for the brain. When we don't eat enough good protein, the brain doesn’t produce enough neurotransmitters...such as serotonin, which is one of the main chemicals that regulates mood.” When you say nothing, he gives a little sigh and raises a hand to cover his mouth. “Basically, eating this high protein meal should make...you...happier.”

“Aww, Rick, you didn’t need to-”

“Yeah, yeah,” he cut you off, “just shut up and eat already, okay?” There was no bite to his words at all, and you couldn’t help but smile at him as he stood back up, walking around the nest to join you inside it. He shoved a few pillows out of the way and laid down next to you, immediately wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you back into him. “And eat it before it gets cold. I woke up early to make it.”

You quickly pick up a fork and dive in, making sure to thoroughly enjoy every single bite. It was a little burnt in some places, and there might not be quite enough seasoning like you normally  like. But just as Rick had said, you felt happier eating it...though maybe not for the reason he had given.

Once you finished every plate, you felt him press his face into the middle of your back, a chuckle rumbling from his chest. You turn the best you could to give him a questioning look, but he ignores it, pulling you even tighter against him.

So instead you turn over in his arms, suddenly facing him, and his eyes widened a fraction before he frowned at you.

“What?” He sounded almost defensive, but you knew he was just embarrassed. So you leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his forehead, just above his brow, and gave him your sweetest smile.

“Thank you, Rick. You were right! It really did make me happy.”

The corner of his mouth quirked upward in an awkward smile, and he gave you a squeeze around your waist.