Daily Breakfast

      One would think the Heavenly Embassy would have some sort of cleaning service come by or arranged for the grounds. There was enough hoof traffic to warrant it, and there would be no shortage of succubuns eager to prove themselves to the cherubuns above, or to simply snatch business for themselves. Even so, Primrose, the head of the Embassy, chose to do majority of the daily cleaning by himself, or with a small group of volunteers from Burrowgatory and the Heavenly Meadow alike. He’d always say ‘the more hooves the merrier!”, well, he would say that if his personality wasn’t the one he cultivated for himself. That is… he’s a bit of a sourpuss.

      Only other cherubuns could cut through his haughty demeanor, and that would only be the ones who wanted to still associate with him. In the Meadow, Primrose was always by Melangel’s side: complimenting them, praising them, taking their edicts as absolute. Many were surprised when he tentatively followed Dove down into Burrowgatory. Half of his entire persona seemed to be as one forever cast in Melangel’s overarching shadow, so if that part of him was lost, what would remain? Much of the law-abiding and so-called ‘virtuous’ parts, for one. That wasn’t so hard to get used to for other buns.

      Primrose looked up from the pillar he was carefully cleaning in the dining hall as the door opened softly. Before him stood another cherubun, this one with dark fur cut across by golden scars. Their golden ophanim circled their limbs, and their white hooves and neck fluff glowed softly. A pair of pure golden eyes bore into his own, and though the other bun’s expression was neutral, Primrose smiled.

      “Halcyon, good morning!”

      Halcyon and Primrose had always been close in the Heavenly Meadow. It took everything inside of Halcyon to confess their trepidations about Melangel to Primrose, and they were so worried about the backlash that the two didn’t speak for some time. It was only after Halcyon fell down the hole themselves that Primrose’s heart stirred with longing for a life he never thought he’d want. All of that lie in the past; buried and laid to rest, yet not properly mourned. Both cherubuns’ emotions lay bubbling under the surface of their scorching hearts. It was all either could do to ‘act normal’ around the other, even when every fiber of their beings pleaded for them to each make a move.

      “Good morning.”

      It was well past the morning rising, golden light breaking to pale blue. Halcyon approached Primrose, surveying the immaculate hall.

      “You’ve started already?”

      Primrose chuckled. “It’s never too early to keep things in pristine shape.”

      “Have you even had breakfast?”

      Primrose gasped, so taken aback that he dropped his feather duster. “How could you suggest such a thing?! Of course I have, it’s the most important meal of the day!”

      Halcyon approached and picked up the duster, shaking it absentmindedly. They looked deep into Primrose’s eyes. Primrose couldn’t contain the blush rising from his cheeks and looked away.

      “I— I mean, I was getting things cleaned up for breakfast, yes, of course, so we could have breakfast together!” He stammered.

      Halcyon gazed at him, then picked up where he left off, carefully cleaning the pillar in front of themself. “I see, you weren’t intending to wait patiently for me. Always needing to stay busy.” The tiniest smile crept onto Halcyon’s face, which caused Primrose to blush even harder. “That’s not very virtuous of you.”

      “Having a good work ethic is also virtuous!” Primrose would’ve turned red in the face from anger if he wasn’t already flushed.

      Halcyon let Primrose fume for a minute, moving from cleaning the pillar to an ornate cabinet set off to the side of a table. “Why don’t you start breakfast while I tidy up?” The way the dark cherubun said it made it seem less like a request and more like a command.

      Primrose fidgeted with his hooves a bit before sighing. “Alright, alright. I’ll bring everything out once it’s ready.” His steps were defeated little clip-clops as he trod towards the kitchen. After a few minutes Halcyon could hear the sounds of sizzling and mixing, signaling them to really get started.

      Cherubuns, like everyone, have different ideals of cleanliness. Primrose unfortunately was of the mind that everything — everything — should be spotless at all times, which is rather inconvenient if a space or tool is currently in use. Whenever he cooks, every utensil or instrument is immediately washed regardless of whether or not he’s actually finished with it. Most buns would never be able to get close enough to Primrose to taste his cooking, but he was probably the finest chef in the Heavenly Meadow. His generosity usually extends more to his time or resources, but the meals he prepares are solely from the heart and shared with only his most trusted of friends. Halcyon and Primrose frequently dine together, which should’ve been a sign that something deeper was at work between the two.

      And if Primrose would work so hard and lovingly to craft a meal, the least Halcyon could do would be to ensure that it’s presented in as spotless of situations as possible. They wasted no time in finishing to dust off the various cabinets around the dining hall housing cutlery, kitchenware, and various centerpieces. Wiping off the tables and chairs where they would be dining was next, and Halcyon flew through these tasks with practiced ease. They swept the floor, and even had time to polish the silverware before setting out the breakfast dishes. Truth be told, Halcyon had no idea what Primrose would cook up for breakfast. The two usually had simple meals, some oats or pancakes, and the occasional batch of sinnamon bun pull-apart bread, but now Primrose was taking an unexpectedly long time to even finish cooking. Just to be safe, Halcyon set out the most elaborate arrangement he could think of them requiring, with several forks and spoons, plates and bowls, cups and saucers. Whatever Primrose decided to treat them to, he’d be ready.

      When the sound of Primrose’s hooves tapped back into earshot, Halcyon was focused on organizing tablecloths in a cabinet by both color and pattern. The soft clink of tableware meeting the table’s surface drew their attention to Primrose, who had just entered with a large plate of toast. Halcyon raised an eyebrow, but didn’t say anything. Primrose caught their gaze and the blush immediately returned to his cheeks.

      “T-there’s more! I didn’t just spend all of that time making this…”

      He rushed away as fast as he came, and made several trips piling the table high with all manner of breakfast goods. At the very end, Primrose carried a fresh kettle of tea and jug of orange juice in either arm. Panting slightly, he set everything out as Halcyon silently observed. The toast was crispy golden brown, with a smattering of toppings laid out in a neat crescent shape. Overnight oats topped high with fresh fruit and berries, delicious scrambled eggs with milkweed-cheese and peppers, hash browns and gravy, along with fluffy, simmering waffles ladled high with maple syrup and butter. Primrose shifted uncomfortably next to the table, waiting for Halcyon’s reaction.

      “Now that you’re here, we can begin.” Primrose said.

      Halcyon turned their gaze to Primrose and smiled ever so slightly. “You’ve left the kitchen a mess in your haste, haven’t you?”

      Primrose only stared ahead, mouth moving to try and form a coherent response, but only short gasps came out. Halcyon gingerly reached over and rested their hoof onto the other cherubun’s. Primrose’s mouth shut immediately, pupils dilating.

      “I’d be happy to clean it with you after we partake.”

      An audible gulp escaped Primrose, and he sat down, taking a few moments to steady himself. After a breath, he shakily smiled at Halcyon and offered some jam for the toast.

      The two cherubuns ate and shared the company of each other, passing delicacies back and forth and musing over their respective duties for the day. Halcyon complimented Primrose’s cooking and he blushed, as usual. Primrose remarked on the thoroughness of Halcyon’s cleaning, and they thanked him. Chatting and whiling away the time, their conversation flourished while their bellies grew full. Primrose dabbled at his mouth with a napkin while Halcyon gracefully stacked the dishes on the table.

      “Let’s get these back to where they belong.” Halcyon said.

      They began carrying dishes to the kitchen sink, and Primrose wasn’t far behind them. They donned pairs of rubber washing gloves as Halcyon washed and Primrose dried. The subtle sounds of cherubun songs drifted through the rush of water and scrubbing of sponges. Primrose closed his eyes to listen to Halcyon’s tune and spaced out when the other bun handed him a bowl to dry.

      “Sorry.”

      “It’s alright.” Halcyon said. “It’s nice to hold some small comforts.”

      As the dishes were done and put away, the two tidied up themselves. Primrose smiled across their handiwork; a spotless kitchen and dining hall. Now all that was left was… everything else. He coughed and Halcyon turned to face him.

      “Halcyon, thank you for the help with cleaning, truly. I appreciate it.”

      Halcyon smiled the smallest smile. “You’re very welcome”.

      “Would you mind, helping me out further?”

      “Certainly, what shall we tackle next?”

      “…everything else.”

      Halcyon gave a sigh of amusement. “I’ll head to the maintenance closet for more supplies.” It was the least they could do after the gift of Primrose’s sustenance, and company. Besides, Primrose always made it up to them in his own way, and Halcyon is always ready to return his kindness. A never-ending cycle of generosity.