Sweeter Than Chocolate

One afternoon, Akari got off work and decided to make some cute chocolate. Valentine's Day had recently passed, which meant that all the chocolate at the store was on sale - the perfect opportunity to stock up on some sweets.

“Hmm, what should I make?” Her eyes scanned the aisles, taking in the rows and rows of colourful boxes. “Maybe... this?”

She reached out to grab a couple milk chocolate bars to melt into different shapes, when suddenly she felt a brush of warmth against the back of her hand.

“Oh, I'm sorry.”

Someone else had reached for the same chocolate bar. Her eyes widened when she realized who was standing beside her.

“Simeon!”

“Hello, dove. Fancy meeting you here.” The angel smiled warmly with a playful glint in his eyes.

Simeon was at the store to pick up a couple items for Luke, who wanted to bake double chocolate brownies. Akari was delighted to see him, although the sight of him and the sound of his gentle voice was enough to cause her heart to leap into her throat.

They paid for their items and exited the store, a rush of cold air hitting their faces. The clear sky masked a deceitfully chilly day; Akari shivered and drew her jacket tighter around herself.

“Um, Simeon,” she began timidly, inhaling sharply when he suddenly spun around. 

“Yes?”

His steady gaze came up to her face and warmth shot painfully up her neck. She met his gaze as best she could and spoke earnestly.

“Would you... like to have dinner? We haven’t spoken properly since your birthday, and I’d l-love to catch up.”

She half-expected him to decline, as he did say Luke was waiting for the groceries at home. Simeon looked surprised, and then his eyes lit up like two gems.

“Certainly. It would be my pleasure to have dinner with you.” In a flash, his phone was in his hand. “Let me inform Luke that I’ll be home late tonight.”

“Great. There’s a place I’ve been wanting to try, just a couple blocks from here.”

Akari didn’t know why she felt so nervous. Well, actually, she did: Simeon was nothing short of gorgeous, and his playfulness was beyond alluring. But they were simply good friends.

Right?

—

The restaurant was called Arcadian Table, a relaxed bistro featuring decor with a rustic vibe. A server led them to a table by the window, and Akari blushed when Simeon pulled out the chair for her.

“Thank you,” she squeaked. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest, and she hoped he wouldn’t notice how red her face was. If he did, he didn’t say anything. They ordered two of the daily special, which was steak frites, and two glasses of red wine.

“I’m having a lovely time,” Simeon said, between bites of his food. Even as he ate, his focus remained largely on the girl before him. “I’m so glad you suggested this outing.”

“Yes, me too. Although I didn’t know you drank!” She eyed the glass in front of him curiously. “Can angels do that?”

Simeon laughed. “I do drink, sometimes. Although alcoholic drinks from the Human World generally have little effect on angels.”

“That’s fascinating.”

They chatted a while longer, thoroughly enjoying each other’s company as the hours stretched into the night. By then, Akari was several drinks in, and starting to feel slightly lightheaded.

“Perhaps I’ve drank a little too much,” she murmured, massaging her temples with her fingertips. The world was starting to spin. “We should get going!”

“All right. Here, allow me to support you.” 

Akari felt strong arms circle around her as Simeon steadied her with his hands on her shoulders. 

“Thank you.”

She leaned into his embrace, feeling the warmth of his body against her back. His presence made her feel safe, as if being together was the most natural thing in the world.