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It was a chilly day, thought Eleven as he was sweeping in front of his house to gather the fallen brown leaves lying there. It had proven even more difficult than usual to leave his warm he shared with Erik, and his embrace was far more appealing than a manual-day labour outside… Still he had to leave his cosy blankets. He regretted it the instant he uncovered one of his feet and it was even worse to touch the ground. Wasn’t it for Erik’s encouragements and nudges, he would have gone back to bed. He had a big bowl of hot chocolate and a half load of bread before he took a warm shower and went outside. He had neglected collecting leaves the days prior and now the ground was covered with them to the point it was becoming dangerous. One risked slipping and falling. So Eleven took his broom and started his work as he watched the sun slowly enlighten Cobblestone. Fall was already here… The day before, he had chopped wood with Erik’s help. Before that, they were looking for hazelnuts with Mia’s help. The three of them always had a lot of fun together. They had to moved Cobblestone’s after Eleven’s and Erik’s wedding, and the Viking wanted his little sister by his side, far away from the cold lands of Sniflheim. So far she was content with her new life. She wasn’t given orders anymore – except when she was trying to skip her chores or bribe younger children to do them for her – and was free to do as she pleased. Erik was overjoyed to see his dear sister wearing a happy face every day. He couldn’t be prouder of her. He told Eleven one day that he hoped she could join l’Académie and so have a prestigious education but if she decided otherwise, he would still be proud of her and cherish her.
Eleven worked all morning and made a nice pile of leaves. He looked at it with a proud grin and brushed his forehead with his sleeve.
“Nice work, hero,” he heard behind him. He turned around to smile at his husband who tiptoed to kiss him on the lips and he gave him a cup of hot chocolate.
“Thank you”, Eleven said with a smile. He drank the hot beverage, delighted. It was a great comfort after his effort… Erik leant against him, drinking his own cup and Eleven wrapped an arm around him then bent to kiss his spiky hair. It tickled.
Then Mia jumped into the pile of leaves, destroying Eleven’s work and shattering the peace. The Luminary stared at the remains of his pile while Erik scolded the goblin his little sister was.
“What’s gotten into you, sis?!” He raised his voice. “El has been working outside since dawn and you come and ruin it? Why did you jump into his pile?!”
“Oh, c’mon, give me a break!” She protested. “I was on the roof and I tripped! Would you have preferred I landed on the ground?!”
“I would have preferred you refrained going on the roof in the first place!”
“Guys, please,” Eleven sighed. “Let’s not argue… Mia, I wish you refrained from going on the roof and disturbing my chores… What if you slip on a leaf and fall?”
“I’ll do a back-flip!” The teen retorted.
“And you’ll break your neck!”
“Now, now,” Eleven sighed as he stepped in. “Let’s not argue so early in the morning. Erik’s right though, it was dangerous, Mia. You may not know but it’s dangerous to climb buildings, even more during fall because it becomes slippery. Promise me not to do it again or at least tell us beforehand so we can secure you.”
“Alright,” the teen groaned. “Won’t do it again. Sorry.”
“What about the leaves?” Erik said, pointing at said leaves all spread around the house. “Do you intend to not fix your mess?”
Mia scowled and opened her mouth to reply something – probably an insult – but once again, Eleven cut them off. “You know, Mia, I believe I lost a coin or two around the house… I didn’t find them yet…”
Mia narrowed her eyes. It was a poor trick but she shrugged and took the broom. “Alright, I’ll look for them… What if I don’t find anything, though?”
“Then I believe I should make it to you by giving you ten gold coins.”
“Deal.”
Erik shook his head as he followed Eleven inside the house.
“I’m not sure you should coddle her so,” he said as he sat on a stool. “I’ve spoilt her enough.”
“I’m not coddling her, merely giving her motivation to work. And, before you say anything, I doubt she’ll do more mischiefs just to get some more coins. She’s smarter than that.”
Erik sighed deeply but he knew his husband was right. He cleaned their mugs then sat on Eleven’s knees to cuddle with him. The Luminary smiled and placed kisses along his jaw. Erik giggled and turned his head to kiss Eleven properly, lovingly. He felt the young man’s hands petting his sides and their bodies warming up. They exchanged a look and –
“I’M DONE!” Mia announced as she opened the door loudly. She paused to look at them and made a disgusted face. “Ew.”
“Mia!” Her brother exclaimed, upset and embarrassed. “Learn to knock on the door!”
“I shouldn’t have to knock on the door of my own house, especially when you know I’m right outside and about to come in at any moment,” his sister retorted. “Well, sorry for bothering you in the middle of… this.” She gestured to their position. “If you don’t mind me, I’m gonna help Gemma at the stables. Bye!”
She slammed the door after her. The young men looked at each other… and burst out laughing.
“Your sister’s right you know,” Eleven said through chuckles.
“Yeah, I guess,” Erik replied with a smile. “I’ll tell her I’m sorry… later.” He grinned and cupped Eleven’s face. “I’ve got important business to do for now… It’s a cold morning after all.”
Eleven mirrored his grin and lifted his husband. “Well, this is a problem! One we must fix right away! How could I, the Luminary, leave one suffering if I can help?!”
Erik rolled his eyes and chuckled once more. It was a fine morning, chill outside but warm and fuzzy inside, and the Luminary smiled at his husband, hugging him close and with peace in his heart.