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Erik's head rested against Anna's chest, rising and falling with her slow breaths. The room was dim, heavy snow drifting outside the window, but neither cared about the view beyond the glass, only each other's presence mattered. They lay like this for hours, since dinner, whispering softly, laughing for no reason, then falling silent again. Neither felt the urge to rise, nor did either wish to.
Her fingertips idly traced circles through his silver-white hair, occasionally tugging a strand just to feel his movement as he drew closer. His arm wrapped loosely around her waist, his palm resting on the warm skin beneath the hem of her old shirt. Each time she thought he might finally suggest coffee or a walk, any activity that would take them off the bed, he only curled deeper, burying his nose in the curve of her neck as if he could hide there forever.
“You're not planning to move, are you?” Anna teased softly, her voice tinged with amusement.
Erik let out a low groan while tightening his embrace. “Nope.”
“Not even if I bribe you with your favorite chocolate chip cookies?”
He lifted his eyes slightly, a skeptical look in them. “You'd have to get up and get them yourself.”
“Exactly.” She grinned. “I'm stuck.”
He dramatically lowered his head in feigned defeat. “Tragic.”
Anna chuckled softly, the sound traveling from her chest to his ear. “You know what you remind me of right now?”
“No. And I don't want to know.”
“A kitten.”
He let out a long, exaggerated groan. “I take back what I said. I'm getting up right now. I have my dignity to uphold.”
But he didn't budge an inch.
Anna's smile grew even brighter. She shifted her body to get a clear view of his face, propping herself up on one elbow. Erik's eyes were closed, his lashes casting deep shadows on his cheeks, a stubborn curve playing at the corners of his mouth. This look made him seem younger, soft and utterly vulnerable.
“You're so warm,” she murmured, her voice teasing yet full of affection. “Every time I stop stroking your hair, you rub closer. When I tickle behind your ear, you make that little satisfied sound...”
“I didn't make any sound,” he muttered low against her collarbone.
“You absolutely did. Like a cat purring, but human. A very dignified purr.”
Erik opened one eye. “You're enjoying this way too much.”
“I am,” she admitted cheerfully. “It's adorable. My tough angel, turning into a little kitten the moment he relaxes.”
He lifted his head completely now, feigning hurt. “Tough? Who says I'm tough?”
“You did. Last month. When you lugged seven shopping bags up three flights of stairs and bragged about it for a whole week.”
“That's different. That was necessary. But now...” He waved vaguely toward the bed, toward her, toward himself curled up in her arms. “This is me turning into a complete softie.”
Anna laughed even louder. “A softie? I’m the one being used as your personal body pillow.”
“But you clearly enjoyed it.”
She tilted her head, pondering for a moment. “I did enjoy it,” she finally admitted, “but I'll still tease you about it forever.”
Erik narrowed his eyes. “Forever is a long time.”
“Exactly. Long enough for me to perfect my imitation of your little kitty.”
At that, Erik sprang up, pinning her firmly beneath him. When his fingers traced her ribs, her laughter abruptly turned to gasps. “Take it back,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, yet his eyes sparkled with mischief.
“Never!” she gasped, struggling, her body already arching beneath his light touch along her side.
“Say I'm not a kitten.”
“You...Haha! You absolutely are a kitten!”
He scratched her a little harder, making her shriek as her legs kicked futilely beneath the covers. “Wrong answer.”
“Erik... stop... Mercy!”
He paused, fingers still hovering menacingly. “Mercy is granted only to those who speak truth.”
Anna gasped, cheeks flushed, hair scattered across the pillow. “Fine,” she said, feigning seriousness, “you're not a kitten.”
Erik raised an eyebrow, waiting.
“You're a big, grumpy tomcat who pretends to hate hugs, but you'll fight anyone who tries to pull me off your lap.”
He stared at her for a moment, then flashed a slow, crooked smile before resuming his assault. Anna squirmed beneath him, half-heartedly pushing his hands away as laughter filled the room. She finally caught one of his wrists, but he slipped free effortlessly, diving straight for that forever-sure spot under her arm that always sent her completely over the edge. She kicked out hard, nearly sending him flying, but he was rock-solid, now laughing too.
Finally, her eyes reddened as she surrendered. Erik released her, collapsing beside her once more as they both panted softly. Anna immediately rolled closer, slipping back into his embrace as if they'd never stopped.
“You're so bad,” she murmured against his chest.
“You started it.”
“You're still just a little kitten.”
He sighed softly, his arms wrapping around her naturally, holding her tighter. “You really are a naughty one.”
“But you're still here. Still refusing to leave.”
“I don't want to leave.”
“I know,” she replied softly.
“It's silly. We have things to do. Dinner. Work tomorrow. Adult responsibilities.”
“Mm.”
“But I just...” He paused, searching for the right words. “I like it this way. Staying here. Being with you. Just like this.”
Anna lifted her hand to brush the strands of hair from his forehead. “It's not silly.”
He looked at her, his eyes searching. “Don't you think... this is too much? Too clingy?”
She offered a gentle yet firm smile. “Erik. You proved your strength by carrying seven bags of groceries. You fixed the wobbly table before I even asked. When I couldn't sleep, you stayed up chatting with me for hours until I drifted off. And now you just want to lie in my arms all night doing nothing. If that's clingy, I hope you never stop."
His expression softened as he leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers. “Will you still call me kitten?”
Anna's lips curved into a wicked smile. “Oh, absolutely. I'll call you that whenever I get the chance. Even in public, if you're lucky enough.”
He laughed, a low, dangerous chuckle. “Careful. You're playing with fire.”
“Excellent. I prefer it hot.”
“Fine,” his voice suddenly deepened into that velvety-rough tone that always made her knees weak, “but only if I can keep doing this.” Without waiting for a response, he kissed her—slowly, deliberately, possessively. Anna sighed softly into the kiss, her fingers tangling in his hair, tugging gently until a low growl escaped his lips.
When he finally pulled back, she immediately closed the distance, playfully biting his lower lip. “No, you can't stop there. This is just the appetizer.”
Erik's eyes darkened, teasing and fervor igniting simultaneously. “You're such a little troublemaker.”
“Only when you kiss so deeply yet pretend once is enough,” she countered, raising an eyebrow. “I know you have more. Don't hide it from me, little kitten.”
He chuckled softly, his amusement tinged with resignation, then cupped her cheeks and kissed her again. This time it was deeper, slower, savoring every moment. His tongue traced the curve of her lips until she let out a soft, hungry moan, parting her lips for him. When they pulled apart, both were panting, her forehead pressed against his, her lips still tingling with the aftertaste. “Better, but I'm not satisfied yet.”
Erik's thumb brushed her swollen, sensitive lower lip. “Greedy little thing.”
“It's all your fault,” she countered, gently biting his thumb. “You're too good at this. Now I'm addicted.”
He leaned closer. “Addicted? Then I'll have to keep supplying.”
“Please,” she murmured softly, “the more, the better. More often. Starting now.”
He obliged, again and again, each kiss lingering longer than the last.
Time stretched endlessly in sweetness.