Blue Christmas

To call her interests and things Cosette liked delicate and fine was a first for her, and she blinked at Willow as she spoke in detail about coffee cups. Cosette had never even thought about them like that, she had never gone to schools or had access to such information, but the way Willow knew so much and still claimed she didn't know much made Cosette envious. Envious and impressed.
"I have never thought about it like that. I've ever just liked them because they are pretty. But it sounds very interesting. If only-"
Cosette stopped herself, she had been about to say if only she was allowed to go to school or take courses. But that would've gone against...an order?
Cosette frowned a bit to herself, why had she been able to start that sentence? Just thinking about wanting to say something that goes against the orders activates the magic. Cosette shouldn't have been able to even begin the sentence.
But she didn't have much time to think about it further before Willow continued speaking.

"Oh, yes, I saw one for the first time when I was a little girl. It was beautiful, it was like a whole world was captured in a tiny space barely large enough to fit my hand."
Cosette explained with sparkling eyes and smiled at Willow, a genuine excited and fascinated smile.

For now Cosette just let her hot chocolate be, and she concentrated on listening to Willow. Although when Willow mentioned loving to shop alone it made Cosette feel a bit guilty, she hoped she wasn't pushing herself at Willow too much, or annoying her.
"I agree, shopping alone is fun."
Cosette answered with a small smile, she had only ever shopped alone before Willow had come along, so she also wanted to stand up for shopping in company, but Cosette was too busy swallowing the lump in her throat she didn't say anything.

"How many? Um, enough. I don't necessarily need any more."
It was a lie, but Cosette was good at pretending and smiled like usual. In reality she had one thicker sweater, others were either worn or thin, and she had only one old winter jacket, the one she had on now. Cosette didn't spend much time outside besides Thursdays, or so Ulric thought. In truth Cosette had been training with Ghum outside these days and during those times she was always cold.
"But if you'd like to shop for additional winter clothes I'd gladly see. Although you don't need my opinion, you have a wonderful style."

Cosette felt sef-conscious again, when Willow pointed out how her clothes looked, and even though she got her attention with the mention of lace Cosette felt hesitant. A coat was a big purchase, and would require a special permission from Ulric. Cosette didn't want to anger him. She rubbed her other arm a bit, trying to warm it up a bit.
"I suppose you're right. I'll take a look around if I find anything nice."
Cosette answered and smiled wider this time. She hoped she really could consider buying a new cute jacket, but it would draw too much attention and Ulric wouldn't accept it.

Upon confirmation from Willow that the hot chocolate was drinkable Cosette lifted her cup and sipped some, humming a bit from enjoyment. The drink tasted good, and it warmed Cosette up inside out. She rarely got to drink hot drinks so Cosette made it count, saving every sip. Although when Willow asked about what she had been about to say Cosette couched a bit and swallowed the drink quickly.
"Oh, it was nothing, truly. Do not worry about it."
Cosette answered and waved her hand dismissively.

Cosette watched with a happy, bit goofy smile how Willow enjoyed her hot chocolate. It was nice just seeing the woman enjoy something, and Cosette sighed a bit, content. Until she realized she had been staring and concentrated on her own drink, cheeks flushed.
"What, um, what is your favourite food?"

Cosette loved baking and cooking and she regretted she couldn't do it more. Ulric didn't want his trophy sullying herself doing chores, so Cosette was forbidden from doing any. She really wanted to bake or cook for Willow, really show her appreciation, but she couldn't. At least Cosette could get her her favourite food, make Willow happy. And maybe some day Cosette could cook for Willow, use her own hands to bring joy for her.

"Blackberries and rasberries? I think that more than counts, they're delicious. I love them as well, and lingonberries."
Cosette chuckled, berries and fruit were one off the main things she and her family used to eat back in Nesting ground. As for Cosette's favourite food, she looked thoughtful for a second and sipped her drink. It was almost finished.
"I suppose fruits are my favourite as well, and I like, um, waffles, vegan blueberry waffles especially."
Cosette smiled bit shyly at Willow, Ulric had called her taste in food childish and Cosette almost never got to eat waffles. But she loved them.

Cosette saw Willow sneak her hand back on the table, and almost instinctively Cosette pushed her hand towards Willow's and spread her fingers. Cosette's cheeks glowed pink as Willow took her hand in hers and began stroking Cosette's fingers with her thumb. Cosette had a small shy smile on her face as well, and she looked at their hands almost mesmerized.