Friday evenings had a rhythm of their own for Sammi and Eriko, a gentle cadence that marked the end of the workweek and the beginning of a much-needed retreat into each other’s company. The snow began falling just as Sammi arrived home, the soft flakes brushing her fiery red hair as she unlocked the door to their cozy apartment. Eriko was already inside, her black hair tied back loosely as she folded a load of fresh laundry on the couch.
"You’re just in time," Eriko greeted, glancing up with a soft smile. "I was thinking we could order pizza."
Sammi slipped off her boots and coat, her cheeks flushed from the cold outside. "Perfect plan. Let’s get the fireplace going too. It’s freezing out there!"
The scent of fresh laundry mingled with the faint aroma of pine from their holiday candles, filling the space with warmth and comfort. Sammi joined Eriko on the couch, helping her fold the last few towels while they debated toppings for their pizza. After a quick call, their dinner was on its way, leaving them free to settle into the peaceful hum of their evening.
The snow outside thickened, blanketing the streets in white. The light from their living room window illuminated the flakes as they drifted lazily to the ground. Eriko finished loading the washer with the week’s laundry while Sammi sorted the clean clothes into neat piles, her methodical motions slowing as she watched Eriko move with quiet efficiency.
"You know," Sammi said, her voice teasing, "for someone who claims to hate chores, you’re surprisingly good at them."
Eriko laughed softly, closing the washer door. "It’s all about the company," she replied, leaning over to plant a quick kiss on Sammi’s cheek.
When the pizza arrived, they spread out on the couch, their feet tucked under a shared blanket as they indulged in the cheesy comfort of their dinner. The TV played softly in the background, a nature documentary neither was really watching. Instead, they talked about their week, their voices weaving a quiet harmony that filled the room with an intimate warmth.
As the evening deepened, Sammi peered out the window at the snow, now a steady cascade. "Let’s go out on the balcony," she suggested. "Just for a few minutes."
Eriko hesitated, glancing at the frost gathering on the glass. "It’s freezing."
"We’ll bundle up," Sammi promised, already fetching their thickest coats and scarves.
Minutes later, they stood side by side on their small balcony, the cold biting at their noses and cheeks. The world was quiet, muffled by the thick layer of snow that covered everything. Sammi slipped her gloved hand into Eriko’s, their breath visible in the frosty air. They didn’t speak, letting the stillness of the snowfall settle over them like a shared secret.
"It’s beautiful," Eriko murmured finally, her voice almost lost in the hush of the night.
Sammi squeezed her hand. "So are you."
When the chill became too much, they retreated inside, shedding their layers and piling onto the couch with more blankets than seemed necessary. Sammi leaned against Eriko’s shoulder, her eyes growing heavy as the warmth seeped back into her body. Eriko’s hand rested lightly on Sammi’s back, her fingers tracing lazy patterns as they talked about nothing and everything.
Finally, when the clock ticked past midnight, they made their way to bed, their room cool but welcoming. The pile of blankets on their bed promised a cocoon of warmth, and they slipped beneath them, their bodies fitting together with the ease of long practice.
"Goodnight, Sammi," Eriko whispered, her voice soft in the darkness.
"Goodnight, Eriko," Sammi replied, her words trailing off into a contented sigh.
Outside, the snow continued to fall, but inside, the world was warm, safe, and entirely theirs.
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