"Love you!" Miles called out, tugging his shoes on while hopping toward the door. He nearly tripped over a laundry basket but quickly caught himself against the wall, chuckling at his own clumsiness.

Jefferson glanced up from the bowl of cereal he was eating, wiping the back of his mouth with one hand as he stood. "You don't want a ride? It's a long walk," he offered, stepping forward to grab his keys from the coffee table, a hint of concern etched on his face.

"It's fine!" Miles shrugged, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I'm a fast runner! Besides, I need the exercise!" He threw his backpack over one shoulder, adjusting the straps with a sense of determination.

"Sure… sure," Jefferson muttered jokingly, playfully squinting at his son as if he could gauge the truth of Miles' athletic prowess. He plopped back down on the couch and resumed his battle with the cereal, which seemed to be winning as he struggled to balance the spoon and bowl together.

Miles laughed a little, the sound bright and infectious, before putting on his jacket. He waved one last time, turning toward the door but not before stumbling slightly on the mat.

Jefferson shook his head, chuckling, and went back to humming to himself, leaning back to watch a rerun of an old sitcom.

Just as the door shut behind Miles, Rio stepped into the living room with a yawn, stretching her arms above her head like a cat awakening from a long nap. Jefferson turned at the sound, briefly pausing his episode to soak in the sight of her.

"Hey, baby," he muttered, setting his spoon down with a clatter and standing up. "What are you doing? I thought you had to leave early today."

Rio blinked the sleep from her eyes as she looked up at him, her hair tousled and her expression adorably disheveled. "I'm off this week," she replied with a faint smile. "… I thought I told you."

"You probably did," he mumbled, looking away as he grabbed his phone. He checked the time, then the date, squinting at the screen like it would reveal more than just numbers.

"Huh…"

"What?" Rio asked, sensing his confusion.

Jefferson looked back at his wife, a grin breaking across his face. "Looks like we get a day together since—" he held up his phone, proudly showcasing his calendar app—"I'm off too."

"You're off until something happens," Rio corrected him, a sleepy smile spreading across her face.

"Don't say that; you are too," Jefferson chuckled, shaking his head as he leaned against the wall, feeling a bit of relief wash over him.

Rio smiled and playfully shoved her husband out of the way, walking into the kitchen for a cup of coffee. Jefferson followed her, his curiosity piqued. He watched her pour the rich, dark liquid into her favorite mug, one emblazoned with a whimsical illustration of a cat chasing a mouse.

Jefferson leaned against the kitchen counter, his eyes fixed on her as she navigated the morning routine. "Why don't we do something fun today? Just the two of us?" he suggested, an idea starting to form. “We could go for a hike or check out that new café downtown.”

"Just let me drink my coffee," she replied, not looking up, though her smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Let me enjoy the view, then," Jefferson countered, a teasing glint in his eyes. Rio gave him a light slap on the chest, a cute burst of irritation that made him grin wider.

"Jeff, I just woke up. I look like a zombie from one of Miles' comics," she said, finally turning to face him, her hands cradling the mug.

"Those zombies wish they looked like you," he said, the sincerity in his tone cutting through the light banter.

Her expression softened, and she rolled her eyes playfully, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. "You're just saying that because you didn’t have to see me before I got my coffee."

Jefferson shrugged with feigned indifference. "I might have arrived at that conclusion even before you started brewing."

----

(assisted by Grammarly because I suck buns)

these two so cool (why does it look like a tiny person is hitting the Gangnam Style behind them)