By the time they returned home, the warmth of the indoors was a welcome relief from the lingering cold. It felt really nice, stepping away from a winter field to a warm house that radiated warmth. Though, the sudden transition of the cold to the heat made it uncomfortable and unbearingly hot for him.
Snow still clung to Sunny's clothes, melting slowly as he stepped inside and shut the door behind him.
He let out a sigh, rolling his shoulders with a slight grimace. His muscles were tight from all the sudden movements during their little "fight."
"I'm stiff, tired and want to sleep." he muttered, walking toward the kitchen. "I need coffee."
(real)
Nephis didn't respond, but he could hear the faint sound of her setting something down behind him as he moved toward the counter.
Sunny busied himself with the coffee maker, measuring out the grounds with steady hands. The coffee did its thing. Or rather, the author doesn't know how coffee works and runs on water.
Then, Nephis spoke.
"I could help with that."
Something in her tone made him pause. He cursed himself for still not being used to her new personality around him. His grip on the counter tightened for a split second before he turned his head slightly, glancing over his shoulder.
Her expression was calm, but there was a knowing glint in her silver eyes.
A slow smirk curved his lips.
"Please do."
Nephis smiled - not her usual reserved one, but something a little more playful.
"You'll have to beg for it."
Sunny huffed a quiet laugh, turning back to his coffee.
"No thanks."
Nephis let out a soft chuckle, moving further into the room. She settled somewhere behind him, likely watching as he went through the motions of making his drink.
For a while, silence stretched between them, comfortable and easy.
Sunny finished preparing his coffee, the rich scent filling the air. He took a sip, feeling the warmth seep into him, easing some of the stiffness.
After a moment, he leaned against the counter and glanced at Nephis again.
"…You really enjoyed knocking me down, didn't you?"
Nephis tilted her head slightly, considering.
"Yes."
Sunny narrowed his eyes at her.
She met his gaze, utterly unrepentant.
"Tch." He took another sip of his coffee. "I'll remember that."
Nephis simply sat down, resting her chin on her hand. With a soft smile, that spoke volumes, she replied.
"I hope so."
Sunny rolled his eyes but didn't bother replying. Instead, he turned his attention back to his almost done coffee, letting the warmth spread through his body.
'I should brew some more.'
Nephis remained seated, watching him with that same quiet amusement.
After a moment, she spoke again.
"You sulked less than I expected."
Sunny scoffed. "What, did you think I was going to throw a tantrum?"
Nephis shrugged. "You are very competitive."
He huffed, setting his mug down. "I am. But I also know when I'm outmatched."
Nephis raised an eyebrow.
"So you admit it?"
Sunny gave her a flat look. "I admitted it the moment I hit the ground. Doesn't mean I won't get even."
Nephis just smiled, as if she had already expected that answer.
He sighed, shaking his head. "You're insufferable."
"And you're predictable."
Sunny rolled his shoulders, finishing his coffee before pushing away from the counter. He stretched again, this time feeling the stiffness ease just slightly.
"…At least I didn't lose to Effie."
Nephis let out a soft laugh. "That would have been tragic."
He smirked. "Exactly."
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the only sound in the room being the quiet ticking of a clock somewhere in the background.
Then, without much thought, Sunny moved.
He stepped forward, reaching out, and flicked a stray strand of silver hair away from Nephis's face.
Her eyes flickered slightly at the motion, but she didn't move away.
His fingers lingered for a brief second before he pulled back, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"…Anyway," he muttered, looking away. "I need a shower."
Nephis smiled, but didn't comment on the sudden shift.
"Go ahead."
Sunny exhaled through his nose, then turned, walking toward the bathroom.
As he disappeared down the hall, Nephis sat back slightly, still watching the space he had just left.
After a long moment, she let out a quiet breath and leaned her chin against her hand again.
"…Predictable," she murmured to herself.