Winter Hearts

N the Force

Leo ignited the burner and attempted to make Greek coffee as N watched him like a hawk.

"What are you doing?"

"Making coffee Greek-style."

"Where did you get all this?" N looked at the packet of coffee and the neatly laid out tiny cups on the counter.

Leo concentrated on getting the quantity of coffee right. Did Siana say two spoons per cup? Or one spoon per two cups? He realised he hadn't paid any attention at all when she was teaching them how to make it. He had been busy being very aware of her hands, her voice and her proximity. He hazarded a guess and put a spoonish portion for each cup. He nodded his head confidently.

Wait, how much water did he need?

Still waiting for an answer, N turned and walked out of the kitchen, going to the small sofa by the fireplace and flopping down into it.

"Now I know how my mother feels," he sighed.

There was a knock on the door, then he heard a key turn in the lock. It had to be Joonie.

Sure enough, he and Min Seok came round the corner, bearing papers and wearing house robes.

N watched as they settled in the sofa opposite and Kkomae started spreading out the documents he was holding.

"Miss Siana dropped off a suggested itinerary."

N saw Leo go still, listening.

"That was quick," N said.

"Yes and I have planned out our stay."

"Shouldn't we wait for the others to decide?" Leo called from the kitchen.

"NO." N and Kkomae answered together. 

Nothing would ever get decided with the eight of them trying to meld opinions.

"We will keep it free this week. So you guys will be rehearsing and everyone else can relax. We will visit restaurants, cafes and shops around here. This weekend, a day trip to Arachova which will end with hang-gliding after lunch in the mountains. There's not enough snow for skiing yet, but we might be able to go before we leave. Next week, some drives to nearby towns and locations. If you guys are up to it we can do some photoshoots."

N nodded. It was always good to have some fresh images, even if they had no official promotions on, which could be used for interim activities.

"We can go to Meteora, the famous hanging monasteries, but we need to stay overnight. There is Athens, the Acropolis, Plaka and shopping. And if you want nightlife, there are events around here but lots to do and see in Athens."

N nodded again. He heard Leo gasp and turned to see the coffee overflowing, pouring out of the tiny pot he was boiling, extinguishing the flame in the process. He jumped up, alarmed. Leo stepped back, holding the pot in one hand, watching the dark brown liquid drip over the counter and onto the floor.

"Aaagh," Leo grumbled, dumping the pot into the sink. He tried to turn off the gas but burnt his hand on the gas switch which was hot from being covered in liquid.

"You okay? Come on, let's just go out and get a coffee. You guys want to come?" He asked Kkomae and Min Seok.

Min Seok looked sheepish.

"We haven't bathed yet."

"Well, neither have we. Let's get ready and meet downstairs."

Kkomae and Min Seok nodded, getting up and gathering all the papers. N went over to help Leo mop up the coffee. The smell of drying, burnt coffee was strong, so he opened the windows to let the kitchen air.

As they left, N shouted out to Kkomae.

"We should bring Siana so she can help with any translations from Greek."

Kkomae shouted his approval and they left.

N looked at Leo, who had been mopping up the coffee with a tiny dishrag. Leo squeezed out the rag and rinsed it, repeating the process. He smirked and looked at N as he bent down to make sure the floor was clean.

"You know I can just see Siana anytime, there's no need to force the situation by asking her along with us."

"But you are too much of an old man to go against your own promise to stay away. Even after a week is over you might do that. So... I forced the situation."

Leo shook his head ruefully.

"You were coming on a little strong last night too. Were you trying to make me hit you?"

N leaned against the counter and crossed his arms as he watched Leo wipe down the floor thoroughly and then turn to clean up the cabinets.

"I was trying to see how much Siana was on your mind. If you didn't already know, she was all over it - you care a lot. My advice is, whether you pursue the matter or not, tell her what she has to look forward to."

Leo stood and dropped the rag into the sink. Before he could rinse his hands, N caught his wrist and looked him in the eye.

"All the good stuff. And all the bad stuff. Make sure she knows what she is in for."

Leo shook his head.

"It will just sound like I'm making excuses."

"It will be the truth, whether she believes you or not. You can't pull away without an explanation. She should know why. Don't force me to tell her myself."

Leo washed his hands, nodding. N had a point, but he knew explanations just sounded like excuses.

"Okay, how about this. You let Siana be until we go this weekend. When you see her again, ask yourself what you feel. And please, please, if you have any feelings for her, be honest with her. If she can't take your honesty, maybe you would be better off without her. So don't talk yourself out of doing it, okay?"

Leo shrugged. It sounded fair.

He just wondered if he could really stay away for almost a week.