Damnation Of Devotion ✔

15: Damn Penguins

{ AHT }

"You forgot your bouquet, Snow White!"

Theo whirls around at the bottom of the staircase and looks up at us. Ki holds up a bundle of tulips while I lean against the bannister.

"Oh knock my head!" He runs up, snatches the bouquet, and rushes down to the door. "Thanks, Ki!"

Can't stop one more tease, I add, "Go get her, lover boy!"

"Don't pressure ME!"

I snort and we burst into giggles. Theo slams the door shut, and his pitter-patter on the snowy gravel outside fades when I pull Ki downstairs for breakfast. We exchange nods with Mr. Guthrie at the front desk, where he diligently listens to the long tales told by a new guest.

The golden-lit hall isn't crowded because the morning is too early. Six in the morning to be exact. Why is the Guthrie family awake before dawn? Christmas is approaching and they didn't prepare a single thing due to a surge of guests, until a couple of days ago. Currently, I can hear Mrs Guthrie baking in the kitchen with their staff. Their sons put up the lights outside. Their daughters decorate the corridors upstairs. Not in a hurry, however, these are all the last touch-ups.

Since last week, Ki and I have worked here for a real clean income. Due to our work shift this afternoon, we are up early because we want to spend today's free time exploring outside. I don't think the townspeople will like it if a pair of giants stroll around the streets at three in the morning.

Also, we helped Theo get ready for his date. I asked him why he took Angeline out for such an early breakfast. He said they both decided it since they'll have more time to spend the day. If I didn't care for them, I'd gag.

With many dishes in hand, Ki and I take seats near a large window. Dark distant hills graced with snow are shown.

Graced with snow... How ironic.

We dig in.

"Do you think he needs help in dating Angeline?" She thumbs the breadcrumbs on my chin when I eat my strawberry pancakes ravenously. She wore me out for the whole day yesterday...

Doesn't mean my hunger for her dwindles. Certainly not when she licks her thumb clean. Funny enough, she does it without a care. As a habit. It's strange yet satisfying to see how fast we understand each other's habits for around two months now. How fast we can be openly affectionate. I guess human time runs differently for us both.

"He's a big boy, sweetheart. A man. He will learn by himself," my voice breaks, and I clear my throat.

She watches the hills, sipping an orange tea. Her look shifts to calculative... Definitely doesn't help with the hunger.

"It's been two weeks since they last met, correct?" Munching down her toast, she then licks her upper lip... Her gaze moves to me. She soon flashes a wolfish grin, tilting her head to the right. "My fire. Hungry again?"

I look away, willing my cheeks to stay unaffected. And failing. "Says the insatiable monster." My foot plays with hers under the table and she hums in glee. "Thirteen days and thirteen hours. At most," I answer.

Her eyes linger on me, even when we're finishing our meals. Her questions were peculiar. Theo and Angeline met again during our lunch outing, and he clammed up around her. Only at the end of it, he dared to ask her. In a timid manner. I'm sure he'll be fine... eventually?

"Do you always count the time, love?" Her question pauses me.

"Not always." I glance down and resume my last bite. "Fine, often. Regarding the people I care about. It won't go away so easy, Ki."