[IC] shadows.

[Rystelle]

As Sophia started to season the steaks she asked, "Could you husk the corn and peel the potatoes? Just put them all together in that bowl on the table and I'll sort them out later." Tim let out a resounding, "Uh..." Realization struck her and Sophia giggled a bit. "Alright," she said, smiling at him. "Give me a moment and I'll show you." Sophia washed her hands and showed Tim how to break the stem off of the corn cob and then peel off the husk. "Make sure to get off as much of the hair as possible," she instructed him, referring to the thin golden strands that surrounded the cob. She tossed the remains of the husk into the nearby trashcan and put the first corn cob in the bowl. There were four in total and so only three remained. Next Sophia grabbed one of half a dozen large potatoes and the peeler and showed Tim how to peel them so he would only take off the skin and not the meat of the potato. "You gotta get the bad spots out," she said as she used the end of the peeler to dig out a bruised spot on the potato. "Ready to try your hand at it?" Tim nodded and Sophia handed the unfinished potato and peeler over to Tim. She finished seasoning the steak and set it aside to absorb the seasoning and oil. Then she started preparing the ingredients for the cranberry sauce and set that to simmering. Once Tim was done with the potatoes and corn she smiled at him and said, "Thanks, Tim. I can take the rest from here. Go on and relax." Sophia took the now peeled potatoes and cut them up into little chunks and tossed them in a pot with some water. They went on to cook, and so did the corn in another pot. When those were nearly done Sophia took off the cranberry sauce and put it in a dish, then started to cook the gravy and steaks. The potatoes were the last thing to be finished and she drained them, tossed them in a standing mixer with butter, salt and pepper, and milk and mixed it all up. Sophia grabbed a spoon, scooped up a bit of the mashed potatoes, and tried it. "Hm," she mused to herself. Grabbing a fresh spoon, Sophia scooped up some more of the mashed potatoes and called to Tim, "Hey, Tim. Come try the potatoes and tell me if you think it needs some more of something."

[DELTED293y5gds]

Once again, Tim was startled by her voice, but he obeyed, getting up and walking into the kitchen again. His hand was on his arm again, tugging aat his sleeve over the crook of his arm. He walked up to her, shrugging his shoulders a bit and exhaling loudly. He felt a bit self conscious right now, considering that Sophia had just seen him in the almost-nude, soaking wet, scars exposed, everything. He still felt a little uneasy knowing that she could have seen them. They were very personal. "Ah, I dont really know food, so, I dunno if my opinion will be any good, y'know?" he said, biting his lip a bit.

[Rystelle]

"It's alright," Sophia reassured him, giving him a smile. "So long as you like it, that's what matters." She held the spoon out for Tim, thinking that he might take it from her. But instead Tim just leaned forward and ate it directly off the spoon as she held it out. Sophia managed not to be flustered, and she waited for Tim's response. "Well?" She asked hopefully. After a moment Tim straightened up with a surprised look on his face and said, "That's good. Like, really good." Sophia couldn't help but beam widely. She was always really happy when people enjoyed her cooking. "Great!" She exclaimed excitedly. "Let's make our plates then. Take however much of whatever you want." Sophia handed Tim a plate, fork, and knife. All the dishes already had their own serving utensils. "Shall we sit on the couch or at the table, Tim?" Sophia asked as she started to make her plate.

[DELTED293y5gds]

Tim didn't eat good food too often, so having it right in front of him was probably one of the best things that had happened to him in five years. He made sure to get a rather large portion of everything, because not only was he incredibly hungry, but he was way too happy to not eat food right now. He turned to Sophia, smiled a bit, then answered. "Let's just go to the couch, it's comfier." He said, shrugging a bit as he picked up a spoon and a fork off of the counter.

[Rystelle]

"Sounds good to me," Sophia agreed. She set her plate down on the coffee table before making them both a glass of hot apple cider. With everything in its place they settled down on the couch. Sophia turned on the tv and flipped it to a channel with an old movie playing. She didn't like football and she didn't think Tim might either. Soon they were comfortable and enjoying their Thanksgiving dinner. Sophia felt really happy and relaxed. She didn't have to deal with her family asking her personal questions she didn't want to answer. She didn't have to deal with ex-boyfriends and fake friends. She didn't have to deal with weird tunnels that led to nightmare worlds. It was just her and Tim on Thanksgiving night, eating dinner and watching TV with a companionable silence set over them. Sophia didn't think she could ask for anything else. "Thanks for helping me with dinner," Sophia finally said, turning to smile at Tim. "I know it's not a traditional Thanksgiving dinner--steak instead of turkey and all that--but I hope you like it."

[DELTED293y5gds]

"Oh, gosh, it's absolutely no problem at all." Tim said, bringing his legs up to his chest, turning to face her on the couch. He smiled a little bit. "I mean, you didn't really need to go through all the trouble and stuff--this is, like, a full sized meal with everything attached-- but um... I never really get to eat good food with uh, cool people that I can talk to, so this was a good change for me." He stayed facing her, shrugging his shoulders a bit now. "Besides, if you hadn't forced me out of the house, what else would I have done? Probably just spend all day brooding in my too big, too clean apartment thinking about nightmares and coding things." he said, nodding slowly in agreement with himself after he finished talking. He bit his lip a bit. "I'd rather do stuff with you, anyway."

[Rystelle]

Tim's words made Sophia extremely happy. She was glad that he enjoyed her cooking, but even more she was glad he enjoyed spending time with her. Sophia set her plate down for the moment and turned on the couch to face Tim, crossing her legs Indian style. They could talk for a while, she figured, and then get back to their food. "I'm glad you like it," she stated happily. "I like cooking, and it makes me really happy when people enjoy the food I make. And I'm really, really glad you like spending time with me. Honestly, I thought the first day was going to turn out to be such an utter disaster that you'd never want to speak to me again." Sophia was really glad that it hadn't. "And to be frank," Sophia continued, "I'd rather spend today with you than with my family. I love them and all, but some of them pry into my life too much." She grimaced at the thought of being pestered with questions concerning her non-existent love life. Then she smiled again and said, "Anyway, I don't have to worry about that tonight, so that's nice. Is there anything in particular you want to do after we finish eating? Games, a movie, talk?"

[DELTED293y5gds]

Tim rested his chin on his knee, leaning in ever so slightly as he did. He liked hearing Sophia talk, it made him happy. It took his mind off of things, took him to a place where he could think calmly. He tried to imagine that place in his mind. Strangely, all he thought of was his apartment. He and Sophia were there, and they were sitting very close. Their hands were intertwined, like they had been before. He wondered why. These were not things he often thought about, and what they meant were not clear to him yet. But it made him happy. "I dunno, we could just talk some, I guess." He said, smiling a little again. "I mean, we only met, like, a week ago, and I dont know too much about you. I know you like video games and you always seem strangely and completely prepared for everything, but other than that, I know nothing."

[Rystelle]

Realization hit Sophia and she declared with wide-eyes, "You're right!" They had been so busy trying to distract themselves from one horrible event or another that they hadn't done too much talking. "I feel like an idiot," she said, smacking her forehead with the palm of her hand. Then she grinned and said, "Alright then. Time for an in-depth conversation! How about we take turns asking questions about likes and dislikes and go from there?" It was a good place to start she figured. It would let them get to know each other better, compare their similarities and differences, give them something to talk about. Sophia wanted to learn more about Tim, strengthen their friendship. "How about you ask me something first?"

[DELTED293y5gds]

And suddenly, Tim felt himself put on the spot. He was never good at asking good questions. Why did he even suggest that they talk bout things? He couldn't think of any really good questions to ask her, and he was struggling to find something to ask. His face visibly showed his struggle. Eventually, he just gave up and asked a basic stock question. "Um... what's your favorite color?" He said, pulling his knees tighter against his chest as he waited for her answer to his stupid question.

[Rystelle]

It was a simple question, but it was a start. Sophia considered Tim's question for a moment. She liked a lot of colors really. Red, green, blue, purple, and black. But if she had to pick a favorite... "I like black," Sophia finally said. "The color goes with everything. How about you, Tim? What's your favorite color?"

[DELTED293y5gds]

Tim thought for a moment, contemplating his answer. His face twisted into one of contemplation, deep thought. This answer could very possibly define his entire life. Okay. He thought. There are over ten million colors distinguishable by the human eye. These form various hues and shades and primary colors and all that. There are millions--literally--millions of different answers I can give to this questions so I should really take the time to think of that. And I should probably give a moderately detailed explaination as to why I think it is my favorite color and-- "Blue." He said simply, shrugging his shoulders a bit. "It looks nice." Nailed it.

[Rystelle]

Sophia couldn't help but giggle. Tim's face had been contorted into a look of deep concentration for so long that she realized that he was probably over analyzing things. To think that he was thinking so hard about what his favorite color might be. It was too cute and Sophia couldn't stop another giggle from escaping her as Tim finally decided he liked blue. "Blue is nice," Sophia said with a wide, friendly grin. "I like blue oceans and the blue sky. So! Next question. What's your favorite food? It can be a breakfast dish, lunch, dinner, or dessert." This one was probably a harder question, as Sophia herself really loved a wide variety of food. Still, if Sophia knew what Tim liked best she could cook it for him some time.

[DELTED293y5gds]

"Pancakes." He answered quickly and simply. "Pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream. Jesus, it's the best." That was an easy question for him to answer. Pancakes were his all time favorite. Breakfast food was amazing, in his opinion. He didn't understand why anyone would want to eat anything else. He made a hand motion, lifting it above hi head and making a circular motion with it. "Go, same question! Favorite food!"

[Rystelle]

A big smile broke over Sophia's face at Tim's answer. She agreed: that did sound good! Next time she knew to make him pancakes instead of waffles. Nice fluffy pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream! When Tim returned the question Sophia immediately replied, "Crawfish! Spicy boiled crawfish with the works! Red potatoes, corn on the cob, carrots, mushrooms, onions, garlic, sausage. And jalapenoes! Yum!" Sophia's mouth was watering just thinking of the spicy goodness. It made her want some right at that moment. She might have been small, but when it came to crawfish Sophia could really put it away! For some reason Sophia found herself excitedly flapping her hands as she exasperatedly declared, "Oooh! I can't stand it. I wish I had some crawfish right now! Ok, ok. Next question! Do you like to read?"

[DELTED293y5gds]

That was a question Tim really needed to take time to think about. He had read for sure, but did he actually really enjoy reading? HE thought back through the years. Back to college, where he had to read large text books about things he already knew. He didn't like that one bit. He thought back to high school, where he had to read text books about things he hadn't known and still doesn't know. He absolutely despised that. But he thought a bit harder, about novels, and poems, and short stories. He remembered reading The Catcher in the Rye in 10th grade and falling in love with it. He remembered when he first read The Perks of Being a Wallflower and relating to the character of Charlie completely. Reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time and crying because of how amazing the book was. He then realized that, yes, he did love reading. "Yeah, I do, I think. J.D. Salinger is my favorite. Franny and Zooey was absolutely beautiful." He said, recalling the time he read it last year for the fourth time. Two short stories, one book, both amazing. He smiled a little at the memory, finding it to be one of the few things he was happy about in the last few years.

[Rystelle]

"Cool!" Sophia exclaimed happily. So they both liked to read. That was nice to know. She had plenty of books in her room, mostly fiction, some classics and some newer. "I love to read too. I have plenty of books in my room if you'd ever like to take a look and borrow them." Sophia herself was a very avid reader, and while she hated reading material for class, she loved reading on her own time. When the mood struck her Sophia would start reading and would not put the book down until she finished it. Sometimes she would get through at least three thick novels in one week. Since Sophia had already inadvertently answered the question of if she liked to read, she tried to think of something else to ask Tim about. Favorite type of music? Favorite subjects like history or art? Favorite movies or TV shows? There was so much she could ask, and yet Sophia hardly seemed able to think of anything. Instead she decided to ask, "Is there any holiday you like best?"

[DELTED293y5gds]

Tim breathed in sharply, then stopped altogether. Memories flooded into his head again. Not good ones. Birthdays, spent listening to his mother drone on and on about how horrible he is, about how he should just go and die already so she could live her life. Valentine's Days spent alone in his room, watching the happy couples from his bedroom window in the park across the street. Thanksgivings being physically abused. Slapped, spit on, punched. Because his father was born on Thanksgiving day. The Christmas day he had to lock himself in his bedroom. Where he had to cower in the opposite corner as his mother tried to break through his door, ramming it, punching it, screaming at him from the other side, calling him names, using slurs. Ungrateful bastard! I'll fucking kill you, you son of a bitch! Open this door! Open this fucking door you piece of shit faggot! Let me in! "No." His voice was flat and quiet, and for a moment, his emotions drained from his face as he recalled the events. His eyes were staring off behind Sophia.

[Rystelle]

The question had meant to be an innocent one. Sophia had been genuinely curious at to what holiday Tim liked best. For a while she had forgotten Tim's past. She was sure that he didn't want to be treated with kid gloves, even if she was still careful around him when it came to physical affection or having him open up to her. But no doubt all holidays were hell for Tim. Surely his mother made them so. Sophia realized what she said too late. A horrified look crossed her face as she saw the change in Tim's expression. Instantly Sophia closed the gap between them and wound her arms around his middle. "I'm sorry!" She apologized frantically as she hugged Tim tightly. "I didn't think about what I was asking. I'm sorry, Tim! I didn't mean to upset you!" Sophia bit her lip and looked up at Tim, a look of worry on her face. She could only imagine the horrible memories she had dredged up with her question. Would he push her away now? Would he leave? Would he never speak to her again? Sophia couldn't stand the thought of any of those happening and she hugged Tim again as she waited for him to respond in some way.

[DELTED293y5gds]

The sudden movement had startled Tim, breaking him out of his memories, bringing him back into the present. Sophia had pretty much thrown herself across the couch, nearly on top of him as she hugged him tightly. If he hadn't been sitting up, she would be lying on top of him, basically. He cringed at first being touched, feeling an instant burning sensation as she grabbed him, but it soon dulled and left completely. He sighed a bit, shaking his head a little. "Oh...um, no, you didnt do anything." he said, speaking calmly. "You couldn't have known what was wrong...um... it's alright, really." For a moment, he thought about waiting for her to stop hugging him so she would lt him go and he would have his personal space back. But then he thought about how hard she was trying to make him comfortable, however hard that was to do. And he couldn't help but notice how it really was calming that she was hugging him. That his whole body all the way to his cheeks felt warm when she embraced him. And so he decided that he liked this hug right now at this moment. He wouldnt always like the hugs, but he liked this one. And so, slowly, he reached up and sort of hugged back, his arms going to her sides, not totally wrapping around her entire body for a full hug, but getting the idea of a hug across. If he was being honest with himself, this was a good moment.