Act Two

XVII

The snow has begun to fall, trickling against the exterior's brick walls with the mild breeze. The sun has set hours ago, capturing the bayside land in utter darkness beyond street lamps and the city's buildings. The young Russian female has been over at the man's flat for a few hours now, barely making it on time before the heavy snowfall. Snowflakes twinkle and mimic the night sky's stars above the billowing clouds. A warm dinner sits heavy in the couple's stomachs, pleased with the meal, nonetheless. Yakov has shown many domestic traits since they have started dating, surprising Lilia, quite honestly. He always cooks their dinner, cleans the dishes, and anything in between. He simply does not allow Lilia to move a muscle if he can help it.

The duo currently resides on the living room sofa, staring at the staticky television screen across from them. The evening's weather report comes in, showing more snowfall is headed their way along with colder temperatures. "I'm glad you were able to stay here. I would have been so worried if your power had gone out and I wouldn't see you for a few days." The man next to her speaks up, his right arm around her shoulder while she leans into his side. "I am too. Thank you for the offer, Yasha. You really go out of your way for me and I am flattered by it." The woman lifts her chin, smiling gently at him. "It's the least I can do. My door is always open for you." He leans down to place a small kiss on her forehead.

"I got some tea for you, by the way. Would you like me to make you some?" Lilia's eyes meet his once again, never understanding how caring he is. "No, no, you don't have to do that this late. I will have a cup in the morning. Thank you though." She grins anyway, very thankful. "Would you like to go to bed then?" He asks, satisfied with their closeness. He never wants to let go of her. "Yeah, sure. It's getting late." The lady nods, sitting herself up from Yakov's side. The two rise from the sofa and stretch themselves out, feeling better after being stiff for so long. "Go ahead and change first." Yakov offers with a smile. "Thanks." She grins in return, opening her burgundy leather travel bag to fish out something to sleep in.

While the brunette changes in the bathroom, the man removes the cushions from the sofa to pull out the foldable bed from beneath. He goes back into his room to grab an extra fitted sheet along with a pillow and a blanket. Lilia walks in once she has finished getting ready for the night, surprised to see him grabbing some belongings. "Where do you think you're going?" She asks, pulling out her left studded-earring. "I'm sleeping in the living room like last time. You take the bed, Lilya." He states like it is obvious. The woman gives a slightly sad pout, moving the man over to the bed to sit him on the edge of it. "Will you stay here with me? I sleep better when I am next to you." She asks with her best hopeful puppy expression.

And it will always work on him.

"Okay, I will if you are comfortable with it." Yakov chuckles, setting down the extra bedding items next to him. His arms then wrap around Lilia's waist, pulling her over between his legs. He looks up and smiles fondly at the woman as her delicate hands rest upon the hollows of his cheeks. A smile of her own tugs at the corners of her plump, bubblegum-pink lips. "I'm always comfortable around you." She whispers, thumb smoothing over the slight stubble of facial hair by his mouth that has grown in a day. "I'm glad that you are. I feel the same about you." Yakov mumbles, his hands trail up her back before returning to her hips. His left hand is extra cautious around her hip, a gentle circular motion around the fragile area. This is enough to make Lilia melt into a puddle under his feet. Typically, she would have swatted him away but he is considerate.

(I think) I'm falling again.

As Lilia attempts to capture his lips, a sudden jerk in movement startles the living daylights out of her. Yakov has pulled her on top of him, rolling them over so she lays flat on the bed while he straddles over. Now, before she can get a word or reaction in, his swift fingers begin to tickle her sides. "Yasha!" The woman chortles, quickly clasping over her mouth. The man above her can only laugh in response, her giggles, and gasps like musical harmony to him. Nothing about it is unattractive like she thinks, it's only human. Before she's completely out of air, he finally stops and removes his hands from her. Lilia's chest rapidly rises and falls with every deep intake, turning her gaze to meet him. "Y-You are evil." She laughs breathlessly, smoothing back the baby hairs that had fallen in her face. "I know but you look cute when caught off guard. Although, I was a bit afraid that you were going to punch me." He chuckles with a tease, moving off from her.