1. Sleeping in

Vervain peered out of the kitchen window. The sun was rising later and later every morning, and so was Jaden. Ver didn't mind if their housemate wasn't a morning person, when it was time for chores, or working in the orchard and gardens, Jaden was right there beside them, working just as hard. Jaden also did the bulk of the care for their shared livestock, the fluffy green kitsu had a way with the lallabaa, as well as a passion for working with their fluffy, soft wool.

Vervain was quiet in the mornings, letting Jaden sleep in. They themself liked the hushed morning time, rising before the sun did. They went around the house, opening the windows to encourage the morning breezes. The summertime mornings had brought the scents of wildflowers, but the changing season brought a change to the scents on the wind. This morning's breeze was crisp, Ver breathed deep, no floral scents, but an earthy smell. Maybe they should make a point of heading into the forest with Jaden, to hunt mushrooms and acorns.

Outside the day was fresh and still, aside from the occasional clucking from their fyrefowl, the birds weren't especially noisy until they were let out from their coop, the roos finding the highest perch they could and crowing to greet the morning. The roos didn't just crow in the morning, they crowed at all times of the day.

Upstairs, Jaden gave a soft and sleepy exhale and rolled over, pulling their quilt over their head, pulling their feet up close to their body, their trio of tails tangled with their legs and the heavy blanket. They were awake now, morning sunlight filling the room, but they didn't want to get out of bed. It was so comfortable and warm beneath their quilt. They could hear the fyreroo calling, which meant that Ver was outside, feeding their collective flock.

Jaden didn't feel guilty exactly, sleeping later than Vervain did, Ver never once had complained about their habit, but it wasn't easy to fall back asleep, knowing that the day had once again begun without them. Jaden huffed again, pulling themself into a tighter ball. Comfy, cozy, think sleepy thoughts… but then their stomach growled, just a little gurgle, thoughts of breakfast started to fill their mind.

Jaden stretched themself out, still beneath the blanket, but making an effort to remedy that. Little by little they peeled back the blanket, the morning air was chill, but they didn't really mind the cold, not with how fluffy their coat had grown.

Tossing back the rest of the quilt in with a sudden grand sweep, Jaden sat up, scooting off the side of the bed until their feet touched the floor. They stretched again, moving to standing. Rubbed sleep from their eyes. Maybe tomorrow they would sleep in for longer, maybe they would put a darker curtain on their window so the morning sun didn't wake them. They padded across the wooden floor, worn boards creaking, heading downstairs. Maybe they would try getting up earlier instead.

(WC: 510)