Viktor's eyes opened, his long lashes pressing against his pillow. His body felt stiff and especially sore this morning.

Shifting underneath his blanket, he saw his small room was lit up by the morning light peeking in through the blinds. It took a moment before he realized he was alone, and noticed the smell of eggs and biscuits.

Groaning, Viktor stretched out his arms, his new bruises already becoming another problem added to his beaten body.

His light eyes cut over to the other pillow that was next to his, noticing the bed was made on his left side.

Looks like Ruby was up early and had the decency to keep his presence neat and unnoticed.

Viktor pushed himself up and dragged his body out of bed, walking out of his room and entering the bathroom.

As he urinated, Viktor caught sight of himself in the large mirror that took up the entirety of the wall where the sink was. His hair was disheveled, bags were under his eyes, and he could still see the imprints from the diamond shards on his whip around his neck.

"Idiot," Viktor muttered, flushing the toilet and putting down the lid. "You just had to show off, huh?" Washing his hands, Viktor wondered if he should fix his appearance more for their "guest", or continue to live life without a care.

He chose the latter.

Viktoria was seated at the table on her tablet when a hot plate with scrambled eggs and buttered biscuits was placed in front of her. Looking up from her screen, dark brown eyes greeted her, a smile on the owners lips. She returned her own smile, grabbing the fork next to her.

"Thanks so much for cooking, it looks delicious," Viktoria said gratefully, prepared to dig in. Ruby simply nodded, turning to make his own plate.

"You gonna add some salt and pepper to those eggs?" he asked, piling the food on his plate. "Or would that be too spicy?" A huff escaped Viktoria's lips, along with something about how his eggs aren't even that good. Ruby caught the sound of someone descending the wooden steps in the hallway, deciding then was a good time to laugh obnoxiously loud.

Viktor entered the kitchen to see his sister and his supposed roommate eating a light breakfast together, smiling and staring into each other's eyes like they were the only people in the world.

"Morning," Viktor muttered after not getting acknowledged, shuffling towards the stove.

"Hey, how'd you sleep?" Viktoria asked cheerfully, looking towards her brother.

"Terrible."

"Sorry, I probably took up too much space, didn't I?" Ruby suggested. "I'll sleep on the floor tonight." Viktor's back was turned, but he could only imagine the smuggest look on Ruby's face.

"No way are you sleeping on the ground!" Viktoria exclaimed. "You can stay in my room."

"He's not staying in your room," Viktor said, turning to face them with a plate full of eggs and two biscuits.

While Viktor was wondering if he should have made himself more presentable for a guest, their guest considered a disheveled Viktor more than satisfactory. If Viktoria wasn't present, Ruby might've tried something, but he had to keep up appearances. That didn't mean Ruby focused his attention on his own plate instead of the whole meal walking towards the chair next to his.

"Are you guys really that cramped up in your room?" Viktoria asked, determined to find a solution.

"Yes," Viktor said, taking a large bite of his biscuit. His sister narrowed her eyes at him, disgusted at how he could just eat like that in front of Ruby. Heck, she was mad he ate like that in front of her.

"Then why don't you sleep on the couch?" she retorted, crossing her arms. "It seems like its only you who's having a problem, isn't that right Ruby?" The dark-haired male was carefully eating his food while stealing glances at Viktor, but his name caused him to freeze. He looked up at Viktoria, swallowing his food so he could speak properly.

"I can just sleep on the couch," he said. "You've already been too kind to me already, letting me stay with you guys." A gentle smile spread on his face. "It's only right if I take the couch."

"See, it's settled," Viktor said, his mouth full of biscuits. He swallowed his food, realizing that his throat was dry.

"But-," Viktoria started, pouting as her brother grabbed a glass cup and filled it with water.

"No," he replied, not giving his twin a glance. "End of discussion." Viktor's emotionless voice cut through the silence of the house, causing him to feel the slightest bit embarrassed. Turning around, Viktor saw the other two people quietly finish their plates.

Holding the glass, he quickly took a sip of the refreshing water before setting it back down on the counter. Without another word, he left the kitchen.