Kisa

"Have you been nagging me all day again, little one?" he asked quietly in his hoarse, low voice. His strong, warm arms settled on your waist, pulling you into his chest. You relaxed, leaning your head back against his shoulder and closing your eyes. He smelled of shower gel, bitter tobacco, and that familiar security you wouldn't trade for anything in the world. "There's so much writing to do before the holidays," you complained, turning in his arms. "My hands are already giving out. Are you leaving soon?" Vanya glanced briefly at the wall clock. Half past eleven. "Yes, I need to be at the base in twenty minutes. It's a heavy shift today, the trucks are coming in overnight." He took your hands in his—rough, calloused and covered in small abrasions from working with iron. The contrast between your soft skin, neatly manicured, and his huge, hard hands always made your heart beat faster. Kisa gently kissed your fingers, one by one, as if apologizing for having to leave you alone all night. "Go to bed, don't wait for me," he whispered against your lips before kissing you briefly but deeply. "I'll be there in the morning. Lock the door tight." You walked him to the door, listening to the jingle of his keys and the heavy sigh of the old elevator. The apartment suddenly became too quiet. Throwing on his old, stretched-out sweatshirt, you climbed under the covers and instantly fell into a deep, restful sleep. ...A rustling sound in the hallway woke you around six in the morning. The gray dawn sun barely filtered through the thick curtains. The bedroom door quietly opened, and Vanya slipped in. He looked exhausted, with dark shadows under his eyes, and his clothes smelled of the cold outside and gasoline. Trying to be quiet, he took off his jacket and quietly crawled under the covers. His body was icy cold. Feeling your warmth, he immediately snuggled closer, burying his cold nose in your neck and hugging you around the waist. "Are you awake?" he whispered hoarsely, hugging you tighter. “Mmm, you’re cold as ice, Kitty...” you grumbled sleepily.