"Get up you lazy bum." the words jolted me awake just in time for a pillow to slam down on my face. "If you don't get up soon Iris is going to come in here with the spoon," said the voice, a slight hum of amusement lingering.

"Well you don't have to sound so happy about it" I grumbled, swinging my legs off the side of the bed.

"Just be glad it's not annoyance, Kal. I can't wake you up forever y'know" he called back, already out of the room.

Mornings here are the absolute worst. Luckily I have that pillow armed jackass, Colt, to help me stay on track. He says he can't wake me up forever but I honestly can't remember a time when he didn't. We came to this house together so we've come to be... close. If that's what you would call two orphans attached at the hip.

"Tell the heathens to save some breakfast for me!" I yelled, struggling to get my clothes on. The only answer, a hum of confirmation followed by a chorus of high pitched whines.

I stumbled into the dining room, rushing over to the packed table before plopping down in my assigned seat. Nine other children, all younger than myself, sat around the round table, each stuffing their face to various degrees.

"Slow down or you'll choke" came a gentle voice from behind, followed by a plate of food being put in front of me.

"Thank you big brother Colt!" shouted Amy, one of the little girls, between bites.

"Don't talk with your mouth full" he chided, ruffling the girls hair as he returned to the kitchen to get his own food.

Because we arrived together, our assigned seats were right next to each other and as he sat down I couldn't help but stare. Short blonde hair messy from sleep, light green eyes that watched over the other kids with care and fondness. 

I guess I was staring too long cause when I got back to his face he just smiled. "How the hell can you be so happy this early in the morning," I mumbled, laying my head on the table in an attempt to hide my embarrassment.

"Well I have you" he mused "and the other kids of course. Now get your head off the table and eat.  I worked hard to make this." He said before starting in on his own plate.

One by one the kids finished eating and took their plates to the kitchen. Colt and I placed ours with the rest in the sink and headed outside.