Phoenix Maplewood there was an empty space in the shadow beside you

despite himself, he gave a small chuckle at her statement, serious as it was. "when am i not?" adi said with humor, flicking an ear backwards. his breath left him in a small sigh as she came into his embrace, settling her head over his shoulder. he would feel all right if not for the look in her eyes, something he hadn't seen before.

the snow was slowing, finally, coming down in tiny pinpricks of white rather than the barrage of large flakes they had endured for hours. the trees had helped, and aditya was taking a liking to this place; it reminded him, somewhat, of the sequoia forests to the south, where he had spent so many happy hours. 

perhaps he could convince the morningsiders to settle here, instead.

"you can't sleep," he whispered, his voice flat with statement rather than question. he pulled back, albeit reluctantly, and looked at her, hoping she wouldn't shy from his gaze. "you've got a lot on your mind.

"tum sapne dekhte ho lekin so nahin karte
tum sapne dekhte ho lekin so nahin karte
kya gupt tum paas hai, mere pyaare?"

vah vah, kya baat hai. rambling like a poet, now.