Soda & Latte

Outside, the night was dark and cold. Nary a star could be seen in the clouded sky, and ever was the biting wind in action. The only sounds that could be heard were distant echoing howls and soft rustling of dry leaves and the steady pattering trickle of an unseen stream.

But, if one were to step inside the little wood cabin in the middle of the forest, one would think they had entered a completely different world. The cackling fire in the hearth filled the rooms with light and warmth; the air was infused with the sweet scent of potted geraniums and the earthy scent of coffee. And on the plump couch, surrounded by fleece throws and woven cushions, sat two who were huddled together with a cosy warmth greater than fire or coffee  - Soda and Latte.

They sat together, Soda curled within Latte’s lap, skin to skin and heartbeat to heartbeat. On a casual glance, one would observe that they seemed intent on the game they played, for so determined were their eyes that locked on the wide screen and so tense were their hands that grasped their consoles. But the astute observer would have noticed the finer details - the way that Latte tenderly stroked Soda’s back with a free hand in between games; the soft whispers of endearment that Soda uttered to break Latte’s concentration and her subsequent chuckles when these worked; the little home-baked cookies that Latte popped into Soda’s mouth as revenge distraction; the way that Soda rested her head comfortably on Latte’s soft shoulder.

Alas, all games may only have a single winner. Of the two, it was clear that Latte was in the lead, with her racing kart leagues ahead of Soda’s. But one should always remember the saying that all is fair in love and war - and video games. What one lacks in skill, one can always make up for in other ways. And that was what Soda did. The cheeky grin on her face was obvious as she tugged Latte’s head down, meeting her lips in full passion. And as Latte’s console slipped out of her desire-weakened hands, Soda kept her joystick at full throttle.

And so, one may say that Soda won the game. But, really, one would be more accurate to say that the two won each other’s heart that night and every night hereafter, no matter how cold or dark or lonely the world outside may be.