Quoted By:
>”Oh, we’ve never been here before!”
“Mmm hmm…” You mumbled, pulling into an open parking spot.
>Only a few other cars in the café parking lot.
>Not too many.
>But there were other people.
>Perfect for the conversation to come.
>Steeling yourself physically, you pulled your winter gear tighter.
>Steeling yourself mentally, you tried swallowing.
>As if you’d forgotten, your body didn’t obey.
>How did this work again?
>On the fourth try, you successfully gulped down the nothing in your mouth.
>Your passenger made a show of putting on a knitted Christmas hat.
>Something to fool passersby outside, should they be spying.
>All part of her act.
>Your act, the loving part of your brain reminds you.
>But the bleak, rational part sinks its claws in tighter.
>”You feeling alright, Hun?”
>Snapped to reality, you were caught staring.
“No, no… Think I caught something.” You lie, clearing your throat.
>”Something warm should help, then!” Zoroark answers, trusting you.
>Vile wind whips the two of you, and you hustle across the damp parking lot together.
>Invisible hair lashes your coat, blowing into you from the companion pressed against you.
>To others, it looked like Zoroark held her arms tight in her coat pockets.
>In reality, you’re sure she hugged her long mane, keeping it somewhat neat.
>Flinging the café door open jingled the bells, and they rang all the harder once the bitter wind blew past.
>The pleasant, homely atmosphere warmed you both.
>Pleasant smells of fresh coffee and baked treats were enough to put anyone at ease.
>Dim lighting filled the eatery, broken by patches of vibrant white Christmas lights.
>Soothing, familiar Christmas melodies softly filled the air, coming from some unseen speaker above.
>”Lovely…” Zoroark said, entranced.
>You agreed.
>A lucky pick, on your part.
>The dark-type examined a painting on the wall.
>A smiling acrylic family, with mom and dad making cups of cocoa for children in the background.
