Roses Bloom in Winter

Frostbitten Shadow

   Shadow began chewing on his lip in a mixture of confusion and something he couldn't quite pinpoint. Although this sudden feeling was strange, the ebony male found it somewhat relaxing. He turned his head towards the kitchen entrance and watched Amy pour something into a glass mug, followed by a package of brown powder. 

   "What's that?" He asked curiously. Amy looked over at him and smiled.

   "It's milk and hot cocoa mix, silly." She laughed then immediately stopped herself, remembering that Shadow had never tasted hot cocoa. Maybe, she thought, he'd also never seen it made. "I can't make it homemade so I have to use the powder mix. To me it tastes better when you put in in the milk while it's cold, then microwave it. It makes the powder kinda chunky but it tastes really good." She averted her emerald eyes from his crimson gaze. "But, if you don't want to try it that way I can remake it."

   Shadow shook his head. "No. That sounds fine the way you said it." He walked out into the kitchen, curiosity slowly gnawing at his Rose-ridden mind. He stepped until his feet were beside hers, peering over her shoulder.

   She sighed. "Okay, you're making me feel short." Shadow smirked and let out a quiet laugh. 

   "I apologize for making you realize the obvious." He laughed once again. Before he could realize it, Amy had pulled back her elbow, causing it to connect with his lower abdomen. A sharp gasp escaped his previously smiling mouth. At first he felt only shock, then he felt the sudden pain. He held his lower stomach and released a grunt.

   "That's what you get for calling me short. And for your information, I'm not short. I'm fun sized. Which, by the way, is the perfect size for me to kick your ass." She flung her silver stirring spoon over her shoulder, causing milk to hit Shadow in the nose and cheek. Still slightly shocked from the pain of being elbowed in the gut, he lifted his hand and brushed the cold liquid from his face. 

   "Once again, I apologize." He replied. "May I have something to get this off of my hand?" He looked at Amy expectantly. 

   "Yeah, there's paper towels right there." She gestured to the side of her with the milk covered spoon.

   Shadow reached around her and pulled a paper towel from it's roll. Hesitantly, he reached his other hand around the opposite side of her and began wiping the milk from his hand, encasing her in his arms. She awkwardly placed the spoon on the counter, a feeling of confusion falling over her. Once again, Shadow smelled that sweet smell. Her smell. He allowed himself to be entranced by her scent and wrapped his arms around her, placing his chin on her shoulder.

   "This is so strange." Amy whispered. "I just met you in the woods a few hours ago and have kissed you, invited you into my home, and am now making you something to drink with your arms wrapped around me. And I barely know you." She sighed. "So many people would judge me for that, but yet, I don't think I really care." She sighed and leaned into him, placing the back of her head on his shoulder. "But, you don't really understand it. . . do you?" She asked as she tilted her head, her nose brushing the side of his jaw. 

   Shadow softly bit down on his cheek. In all honesty, he wasn't quite sure if he understood or not. He didn't know what feelings he felt right now or what was happening to him while he was around Amy, but he knew it was strange. That much he did understand. 

   Hesitantly, he shook his head. "No." The word left his lips in a quiet whisper. He let his arms fall from around her slender frame.

   He felt Amy's hands wrap around his forearms. "I asked if you understood, that doesn't mean I want you to let go." She replied, her voice a whispered reply. "But, maybe someday. . . if you're still around me. . . I can help you understand."

   The midnight colored male froze, much like the things his hands have frosted. Help him understand?