TPQ (Aru Shah) One Shots

Hot Chocolate

Aiden grabbed two mugs from the cabinet and sat them down on the marble slab of the kitchen island.

One mug was in the shape of Spiderman's head and the other was a custom mug that his mom had gotten Aiden and Aru for their anniversary.

Aiden stirred the hot chocolate with marshmallows-a recipe he'd begged Brynne for-before pouring it into the mugs. He smiled as the smell of chocolate and sweetness took over the kitchen.

He looked at his girlfriend who was sitting on the couch, browsing Netflix, before picking up the mugs.

Aiden headed towards her and smiled at her state.

Aru was bundled up in at least two blankets and her hair was tied into a messy bun that drooped against her forehead.

"Here," said Aiden, handing her the Spiderman mug. "Be careful, though. It's hot."

"Thanks, Wifey," she said, accepting the mug.

Moving to New York had been tough on Aru. She just couldn't adjust to the cold weather no matter how much she tried and she couldn't go outside without looking like a minion in a bird's nest.

"What are we watching today?" asked Aiden, taking a seat next to her.

"A classic," said Aru, smirking.

"Oh my gods," said Aiden, groaning.

"Lord of the Rings!" said Aru cackling.

"Can we not?" asked Aiden, pulling his own blanket closer to his body. "My eyes are gonna burn if I watch that again."

"I'll get you your glasses," said Aru simply, shrugging.

Aiden glared, "Shah, there's no way you're getting off the couch now."

Aru opened her mouth to retort, looked around, then sighed in acceptance. "Whatever, snob. Just put it on."

Aiden smiled and pulled Aru closer, "How could I ever say no to you?"

Aru scoffed, but a blush overtook her face.

As they sat together, the opening scene of The Fellowship of the Ring began playing. It was peaceful moment; sitting intertwined as dialogues started opening up, along with the occasional sip of hot chocolate.

It was the intimacy of being fully understood by someone you loved dearly with all your heart, and that was feeling like no other.