You and Marakov were decorating the tree. You were putting the lights up in the tree in the rented house that you were staying at for two weeks until Christmas. You, your girlfriend, and Marakov, and his girlfriend, Cindy. You watched as Marakov got on a chair and put the star on top. Marakov got out and kneeled down to put ornaments on the tree. Marakov looked over at you. His pupils dilated and he tensed up. He looked away from you and cleared his throat. He got up and went to talk with his girlfriend. You were stay there almost falling head over heels for Marakov again.

Marakov sat at the table listening to her rant with your ‘girlfriend’..Marakov would glance at you occasionally and then look away. He seemed to be admiring and studying your features each time. Marakov crossed his arms as he kissed his girlfriend on the cheek. He got up and asked you to go with him to smoke. You followed behind him until you were outside. His gaze softened and took out a cigarette. He handed you one and took one for himself. He lit his cigarette with his trench lighter. He slowly lit your cigarette with his while it was in your mouth before pulling back.

“You’ve grown quite a bit, haven’t you?…I thought you wouldn’t change that much in a few years yet here you are..”

He said bluntly with a small chuckle..His soft tone was sweet like honey to you. Snow fell to the ground and the house lights up in rainbow colors. Snowflakes get into your hair and Marakov’s. Marakov’s cold tone always made your heart skip a beat..His cold hearted behavior was something you adored.