Complete

40: Cocoa

They came to a warm cave with a round area in front of it, perfect for a campfire.

Gulf and Mew sat at the foot of the cave. In no time, Gulf set up a campfire and even brought out marshmallows and a thermos with hot cocoa from the motor sled.

Fenrir nestled by Gulf's side.

Mew and Gulf tried to throw the marshmallow to each other and catch it in their mouth, laughing when it falls to the ground pathetically.

Sipping the hot cocoa, small curls of steam rose into the cold air.

"You know Mew, after all this, I seem to have fully conquered my demons.

But there is still a part of me that is insecure.

Maybe it is because I have lived with them for so long.

When I was scared of you leaving, a part of me felt that I didn't have the right to stop you from leaving.

Leaving not as in you dying but later on in life if you got tired of me.

After my father's death, I built a wall around myself. I am a flawed and broken person. You deserve so much more."

Gulf confessed his insecurities, looking at the line of trees circling the area.

Mew had an idea that Gulf felt that way. But he didn't want to pressure Gulf. He wanted to respect Gulf's choice on when he would confide in him. But if Gulf didn't confide and ends up backing away, he would have to be the one to start the conversation first. Communication is needed for a relationship to work.

Mew turned to look at Gulf, Gulf turning around to face Mew as well.

Gulf knew it wasn't the time to run away. Communication is by both parties. If he shies away from Mew, then Mew is only talking to a brick wall.

Mew clasped Gulf's hands, his thumb caressing the back of Gulf's hand.

"Gulf, I love you.

I'm going to love you in your weakest moments to your strongest ones.

I'm going to love you when you're happy and I'm still going to love you the most when you're sad.

Do you understand?

I'm here and I'm not going anywhere.

I want to love you, each and every piece of you.

I want you with your imperfections as much as I want you for you.

And I'm always going to be here loving you with everything."

Gulf teared a little, his heart bursting.

"Me too Mew."

Wiping his tears with the back of his palm, Gulf fiddled with the thermos cup.

"Oh man there is no more hot cocoa." Gulf sulked, holding the thermos upside down. A few drops of hot cocoa dripped onto the snow before it stopped.

Mew tapped him on the shoulder.

"Hmm?"

Gulf felt a soft pair of lips on his.

A hand dove under his jacket and shirt, the cold causing Gulf to gasp.

Cocoa flowed into Gulf's mouth, Gulf tasting cocoa and peppermint.

But he was soon distracted when Mew started to devour his mouth, kissing him with passion and eagerness.

Pulling back, Mew licked his lips, proudly taking in the sight before him.

Gulf's lips have turned swollen, shining faintly from saliva. His eyes were dazed, those warm brown pools drowning in pleasure.

"I think we should go back babe." Mew smiled tenderly. Gulf nodded shyly, packing the empty thermos and left-over marshmallows into the motor sled.

As Mew extinguished the campfire, he smiled at the sight of a baked Gulf. His ears tinted red.

With Gulf sitting behind him, Mew drove back to the log cabin, Gulf's arms tightly wrapped around his waist.