Restoration of Fire

Chapter 8

Not wanting to be alone, Winter slept in Swindle's room as he read at his desk. When she awoke the next morning, he was gone. She stayed in his bed for a time, thinking about the previous day. While it wasn't as overwhelming as it had been, she still couldn't believe all of it happened. She was half dragon and had the power to seal off the underworld forever. Winter knew what she had to do, but there was also the possibility she would be trapped in the Underworld if she did manage to kill Sugeth. When she thought of him and what he had done, anger rushed through her making her ball her hands into fists. She covered her eyes with her arm, but the anger wouldn't subside.

"Winter? Are you alright?" Came Swindle's gentle voice. She moved her arm and saw him in the doorway, adjusting his tie.

"Yeah, just still trying to process yesterday." She answered, sitting up. Swindle gave her a kind smile as she ran her fingers through her hair.

"How about, since it is just the two of us, we go out for breakfast?" Swindle suggested and Winter perked up in surprise. Swindle never suggested going out unless there was a certain task involved. Just to go out to eat was unheard of.

"R-Really?" She asked and he nodded.

"Yes. We can think of it as a date." Winter blushed a deep red at his suggestion, unable to form an appropriate response.

"Not a good idea?" He asked and Winter cleared her throat.

"No! I mean it's a good idea! You just-"

"Surprised you?" Winter gave an affirmative nod.

"It seems I'm not the only one who can get easily flustered." Swindle teased and Winter blushed harder, but smiled.

"You're so mean." She joked and Swindle laughed. Getting to her feet, she stretched before letting out a happy sigh.

"Alright, well I better go get ready for our date." She told him as she left his room. Swindle watched her leave and chuckled before getting ready. Winter went to Agmos' room and got dressed in black skinny jeans, a dark blue open-sleeve sweater, and black ankle boots with a two inch heel. Once she was dressed, she pulled her wooden pendant free and let it rest on her chest, her fingers gently running over it as she thought of Swindle. Not wanting to keep him waiting, she stood and grabbed the silver star earrings she had gotten and put them in. She ran her fingers through her hair once, making sure it was decent to her before going out. As she stepped out, she shapeshifted, giving herself a more human appearance.

By the door stood Swindle. He had changed into his usual attire, but he had added a silver tie clip, and, Winter wasn't sure how, but he appeared more sharply dressed than usual. She paused in the hallway and he turned his gaze to her. Winter watched as his gaze looked her up and down before a smirk appeared on his face making her heart skip a beat.

"You look beautiful." He complimented and Winter felt the blush return at his words.

"You look quite handsome yourself." She replied as Swindle took his sunglasses out and put them on. Winter smiled and Swindle echoed it as he held his arm out for her.

"Shall we go?" Winter nodded as she took his arm.

"Where are we going?" She asked, wondering where he planned on taking her. Swindle smiled at her and Winter tilted her head curiously.

"Remember that café we passed when we took you shopping? The one where all the seating was outdoors?" He asked as they walked out the door together. Winter smiled as she walked with him, heading down to the street, remembering the café well.

"Oh yeah, I thought it looked really cute." She answered as they walked. For once, Winter didn't even notice all the people around them. Swindle noticed how happy she seemed and couldn't help but enjoy himself as well. They arrived at the café and were seated outdoors. After they ordered and were given their drinks, Swindle leaned forward.