My Little Mouse - Izzy Konasine

Tea Or Hot Chocolate?

Erin was cooped up very comfortably in his home by the large cackling fireplace, wrapped up in a very warm, grey blanket. Trying not to drift asleep as he read a book, but his heavy eyelids were not cooperating. He was seated on a large armchair, sleep just threatening him.

Now, with his head tilting down, Erin's eyes began to gradually droop. His vision got blurry as he lost his focus. He just stared blankly before his eyes completely shut and his head began to tilt down further, until his snout was pressed against the pages of his book.

He was just about to fall asleep when he suddenly heard knocking on his door that made his fur stand on end. His eyes shot open and his posture stiffened so he could sit up, the book slid off his lap in the process.

Erin, now alerted, stood up and glared over at the door suspiciously. He was not expecting any visitors whatsoever, and knowing there was someone outside seemed to have angered him. Especially at this hour.

He was angry because he really wasn't in the mood for people. And he was placing his bets on it being those damn Jehovah's Witnesses dudes again. It really bothers him to have to say no constantly until they get the message. If there's one thing he hates the most it's repeating himself.

Or if it's going to be a robbery then too bad for them, Erin would be too strong, as well as he hasn't really got anything too valuable. They can take the book or whatever, but honestly Erin isn't the type to get attached to objects.

Another reason for Erin's temper was that no one should be outside at 9 pm just to knock on his door, especially in this cold weather, that's what Erin theorizes. He looked at the window and could see the wind howling now, it was the beginning of a gale force.

Erin walked to the door, resting his hand on the cold doorknob and twisting. He pulled the door open ajar, as to not let the strom in, but still enough to see who trespassed. Wearily his eyes fixed on the person standing on the doormat.

Vlyad?

Vlyad was shivering, wrapping himself up in his own small arms. His face was pale and he looked almost traumatized. His teeth were chattering wildly as he looked up at Erin from behind the frosty mask of ice covering his face.

"C-Can I come inside?" Vlyad spoke very softly.

A sympathetic feeling stabbed at Erin sharply and he couldn't get rid of it. He really despised the look of seeing his small friend in such a state. In fact, he hated seeing any of his friends in horrible standards.

Erin opened the door wider and stood aside. Vlyad crept inside slowly as Erin closed the door behind the small individual, watching his frail movements. Every slow step was painful to watch.

The warmth of the fire nearby seemed very welcoming for Vlyad, but it felt like it would take him years to get to it. Even the sight of the crimson flames brought warmth to his chest.

Vlyad stood in front of Erin and looked up at him. Erin was like a huge towering giant compared to himself. But a kind one. I would say it's a close midget and titan friendship.

A glimpse of a smile appeared on Erin's cheeks, yet it was obvious he was still concerned for Vlyad. Vlyad looked as if he was about to collapse on the spot. He was still a shivering mess.

Vlyad held up an icy cold hand to Erin. Erin knew this as a sign that Vlyad wanted to be picked up. He did it occasionally. So Erin gently lifted Vlyad off his feet and cradled him in his large warm arms.

Vlyad felt safe now, much warmer too, he wasn't shaking anyone, nor was he as pale as before. Vlyad is very vulnerable to cold weather, and hates it with all his little heart. Every time it rained he would sing, "Rain, Rain Go Away" or just hide under the blankets.

Vlyad let out a weak groan and pressed his body against Erin's, his head lolling over the edge of Erin's forearm. Vlyad was too weak to keep a dignified pose at the moment, but he didn't care right now, he was just glad he didn't die.

Erin walked to the armchair and set Vlyad down on it. Vlyad watched Erin with his tired eyes and smiled. Erin tucked Vlyad under the grey blanket and then sat down in front of Vlyad on the ground, to be eye to eye with him.

Erin's sympathetic side was the best side of Erin. Vlyad often was intimidated by Erin, especially when Erin was pissed with everyone and starts staring daggers at everyone he makes eye contact with.

Erin also enjoyed Vlyad's company. At first he was bothered at the fact someone was outside. The last person he thought about was Vlyad. Vlyad hardly ever comes to Erin's home, so it felt rather unnatural seeing him sitting on his armchair.

"So what brings you here, Vlyadimir..." Erin spoke slowly, pronouncing each word carefully.

"I uh... Well," Vlyad began to explain, "Zane locked me out because we were playing truth or dare. He dared me to spend a night away from home without food, water, or anything else. He also phoned everyone to tell them not to let me into their homes. Did you get the message?"

"That's bullshit. What a dick thing to do..." Erin answered as he folded his arms, "And no, I didn't receive such an ignorant message..."

"D-Don't be m-mad at him, Erin," Vlyad stutters, "It's j-just a game. I b-brought it on myself for picking d-dare anyway."

Erin nodded, letting out a sigh as he stood up. Erin reckoned that is the worst dare he had ever heard. He still had a deep frown carved into his face, and his eyes were narrowed with slits for pupils.

"I'll go make you something warm to drink. Would you rather have some tea or hot chocolate?" Erin murmured as he made his way to the kitchen.

"Tea please," Vlyad replied as he snuggled up in the blanket.

He sighs and closed his eyes, feeling the frost on him slowly evaporating because of the warm flames licking the night are with orange, forked tongues. He felt safe, completely and utterly safe.