Blending Into Gray

Chapter 7

Walking into the woods the following morning, I really couldn't focus much.

The sword was still sheathed in its scabbard on my back, but I wasn't intending on using it.

Instead, I held a small box in my hand.

If he doesn't murder me, maybe he'll actually be ok with this.

And if I really was supposed to be worried about him killing me, then I wasn't doing a very good job of utilizing self-preservation.

Whatever.

Finishing the walk, I plopped down by the lake, careful of the sword still placed on my shoulders.

Unlike how I act, I really can learn from past mistakes, thanks much.

The sun shone, and the lake reflected sharp rays of sun.

Truly, it was peaceful here.

Then, a disturbance.

Well, not really.

Just fucking emotions that aren't mine.

I turned to see Roman standing directly behind me in my shadow, as was becoming a habit of his apparently.

"Boo," he greeted, grinning cheekily.

"Hey, Elias," he continued, moving to sit beside me at the edge of the lake.

I smiled, giving him a light nod.

"Hey, Roman. Best behave yourself, though. Otherwise I won't give you this awesome gift."

I held the box out of his reach, leading to his suspicion.

"What is it?"

Despite his best efforts, his excitement was shining though.

It was strangely endearing.

I wonder when his dad last treated him to something, like mine treated me?

Chuckling lowly, I handed him the box.

"Only if you promise to be good," I teased, and he gave me a mirthful look, taking the box.

His amusement was evident, as was his curiosity.

Gently, slowly, he opened the box. He gave a startled gasp, before meeting my eyes and grinning.

"Dude, I love you so much right now I could hug you."

A smug smirk from me, as he lifted the cupcake out of the box.

"Yeah, my dad and I visited his friend last night, the one with the bakery. She handed me this box on the way out to thank me again for my work, so to speak. You said you haven't had a cupcake in years. These ones are really good, I promise."

He was staring at it reverently, and had an awestruck look on his face.

His admiration was clear in his feelings, as well.

Roman hesitated for a brief second more, before shoving a large bite in his mouth.

I watched his eyes widen, saw them flutter closed as he sighed through his nose.

Giana's cupcakes really were good enough to die for.

"This is heavenly, I mean, shit. Fuck, this is a good cupcake," Roman sighed, the last few words muffled as he placed the rest of the cupcake in his mouth.

I laughed, glad he was pleased.

His euphoria at finally eating another cupcake was enough to make me happy.