Valerian and the Kittens

As I creep down the hall towards Tom's room, hand full of papers, I wish I was lighter on my feet. I don't particularly want to have a conversation until I've had my morning wine... or maybe a cup of something warm.

I gingerly push the door open, peeking in and find it empty.
"Thank Korotiku, he must be downstairs nose buried in a book." After making a holy symbol, I sneak in, and move towards the desk in the corner with all that paperwork in neat piles. I place the papers somewhere into the middle of one of the stacks, and turn to leave, and see that the door swinging closed.

"I know that you don't respect the system, but could you at least respect me and that I know what I'm doing?"
Tom appears from behind the door, how long was he waiting there for me, I wonder... but not for long, because he continues.
"I get it, you like a full house, but Laren and Iris are doing well. You'll find someone, you always do, don't force a bad fit."
"But Tomiiiiiiiiiii-"
"Dani. Go downstairs, have some breakfast, someone left a basket of fruit on the front step again, still no note or name."
"I wonder what's in season..." I mutter to myself as I am already halfway out the door.
"'Thank-you Tomislav.' ... 'You're welcome, Danijel.'"
For someone so serious, he can sure be a drama llama.

I make my way past the Kitten's rooms, and look into the mostly vacant room right at the top of the stairs. Furniture with no-one to use it is like a song with no audience, I hope someone is able to appreciate this soon, I know my Petal is waiting for another brother or sister, I've caught her fluffing pillows and turning down the bed, even though it has been unused for months.

Getting into the kitchen, I pour a glass of wine from the carafe on the counter. I take a mouthful, and place my glass on the table, turning my attention to the basket of fruits.
"You think after all this time, they would leave a note. Secret admirer's are weird."
"Sometimes people don't need to have their feelings reciprocated to have them validated." Iris answers back.

I reach for my wine, and instead find my hand touching a warm cup. Looking over I see a cup of tea, I suppose I should take at least one sip. Two sips... Okay, this is pretty good.
"Iris, my sweet, my dear... what is this?" Fluttering my lashes at her, as though that will force a truer answer.
"I put a thin sliver of each type of fruit from the basket into the pot with the tea leaves and a few dried rose petals. Does it work?"
Her tone may seem curious or unsure, but she must have done this before, it is as sweet and refreshing as it is energising. I say nothing to her, but continue sipping my tea. I catch her smile before she turns away and returns to slicing up some of the stonefruits and a honeydew melon.

"Where's Laren, Iris?"
"He took a nectarine from the basket a minute or two before you walked in. If you didn't pass him, check the reading room."
"I'll catch him later. As Tomi suggests, there is no urgency on filling the spare room. Take your complaints to him."

I sit in the kitchen, taking my time enjoying the sweet fruits, left, like many other gifts, on the porch.