WMMAP - [S2] Shelter You

65: Venturing Affection

The black-haired man was preparing some kind of hot beverage, and all three of them fixed their attention on him.

Lifting the tray, Lucas carried four cups of steaming drink to the table as though he was not bothered by the stare.

Silently, Lucas placed the first cup in front of Ezekiel, then Jennette, and finally Athanasia.

The three people took a  look at each of the three colored cups. Only the cups that were in front of Lucas and Athanasia had the same lighter shade.

"What... exactly is this?" Ezekiel asked.

"It's hot cocoa, you rich privileged people." Lucas grumbled as he took a sip of the chocolate himself.

"Why do we have different shades of color?"

"It's the milk percentage. The darker, the bitter the taste."

Both Jennette and Ezekiel looked at their cups. The color was almost as dark as the Styx River.

"Is there... any milk in here?"

With a sigh, Lucas grabbed a carton box of fresh milk, condensed milk that had been sweetened, and artificial sweeteners from the refrigerator.

"I said hot cocoa. Not Hot Chocolate."

"But chocolate is made from cocoa. So technically, this—"

"Shut up and drink what I made, you white raccoon. Add sugar and milk to your liking."

Ezekiel's brows knitted, and he turned to Jennette. "Do I still have something on my face?"

Jennette laughed as she pinched his nose teasingly. "No. There is not. He's just—"

The couple turned to watch Lucas place the cup on the table with a loud clang.

Lucas rose to his feet, looming over Athanasia on the other side of the table. Right on top of the carton of sweetened condensed milk, his hand topped Athanasia's and held her hand there.

"It's sweet enough. What are you doing?"

"No, it's not!"

"Everything I made for you is sweet enough. Drink as it is."

"You put too much fresh milk in there. I don't taste an ounce of sweet!"

"It's for your tiny bones. Lilian told me to give you extra calcium."

"I'm old enough to Not need any calcium!"

"Iron deficiency."

"I have supplements!"

"You don't even take it."

"I forgot!"

"Yeah. Your stupid work distracted you."

"Hey! I—"

Now drink the hot chocolate, or I will make you eat cocoa powder instead."

"It's milk with a dash of cocoa powder and WITHOUT sugar!"

"Exactly. Drink up."

"After I add more sweet calcium," said Athanasia, tugging on the condensed milk box.

"That's not calcium; that's killing your insulin resistance. I'm not letting you spike your blood sugar."

Yet again, all three of them looked at Lucas quietly.

"What?"

Taking advantage of Lucas while he dropped his guard, Athanasia snatched the condensed milk and poured it into her cup.