Calix Jones

*My gaze softens, holding yours. I reach over, my fingers gently finding yours in the snow.* Yeah. It really is.

*I tighten my arm around you, holding you securely against my side. My voice is a low whisper.* That means everything, Ava.

*breath catches* You just... *turns to look at him* you're really something else, Calix.

*He pulls back just enough to look down at you, a slow, predatory smirk spreading across his face.* I'm going to make you come so many times, you'll forget your own name. *He whispers, his voice a low, dark promise.*

*He meets the kiss, his hand sliding from your chest to the back of your neck, holding you there. He pulls back slightly, his eyes dark and triumphant.* Now you're getting it.

*My fingers pause at the top button of your skirt, my gaze locked on yours. A silent question hangs in the air, my voice a low murmur.* Can I?

*His gaze drops to your lips, and he leans in a little closer, his breath warm against your skin. He's about to kiss you when suddenly, he hears a loud crack and the ice gives way beneath you both.*

*The week that followed was... different. The usual routine felt off-kilter. It was like he was everywhere I turned. A shout of "Hey, Boss!" echoing down the hall, a smirk from across the classroom, a stray puck mysteriously landing at my feet during gym class. Each time, I'd shoot him a look that could kill, but he'd just flash that infuriating grin and walk away. It was a game to him, and I refused to play. Friday finally arrived, and I was determined to have a peaceful evening. I grabbed my coat and, against my better judgment, headed toward the lake. The sun was already low, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. I walked in silence, the only sound the crunch of snow under my boots. As I approached the familiar spot, I froze. A figure was already there, casually skating circles on my ice. I recognized him instantly, even from a distance. Of course. I turned on my heel, ready to leave, but my foot snapped a particularly loud branch. The figure on the ice looked up. I could practically feel his smirk from across the lake.*