I opened my eyes. A continuous tick of a clock is the only sound in the otherwise silent room. So quiet. It was almost scary. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes sitting up, the clock read 6:25 meaning I had woken up early. I usually have an alarm clock to wake me up...well a roommate's alarm clock. Yet somehow I always seemed to wake up five or ten minutes before it actually goes off. It's probably because if I didn't wake up my roommate would shove a pillow in my face till I couldn't breathe and woke up manually.

I fumbled with the bedding stretching impossibly wider and then sliding off the bed with a thump. It was still dark outside with only a little sunrise peeking from the trees. It wasn't even windy just clear, the snowstorm calming down, it was like everything was frozen in time. I rubbed my watery nose sniffling a bit as I sought the shower. 

The water ran smoothly under my fingers, cold at first than significantly warmer. After the shower, I brushed my teeth giving the mirror a wide pearly grin on my tippy toes. Sniffing again I changed my clothing to my uniform but frowned at the hole under the armpit. I really need some new clothes.

I gave a wistful sigh, put a pair of socks on, and creaked the door open. I didn't know what time exactly I had to get up but since it was Sunday I wouldn't have to worry about school. But Mr. Zadoc said I had to do a fitness and health checkup, I hope I don't have to do anything too physical. Please don't make me run! I hate running...

Looking down the hall I didn't spot anyone and it seemed as if nothing alive was here. I felt alone. It was weird, I always had a presence wherever I was in my old boarding school. Since it was still pretty dark I didn't know if I should leave my room but the open door next to mine made me curious. It wasn't cracked open it was more of just left wide open so I just walked a couple of steps and looked inside respectfully. This was Joel's room from what Mr. Zadoc said. Where was he?

With furrowed brows, I leaned more to get a good look at the room but it was empty. He was probably awake. I gave a small snuffle and was about to walk downstairs when I remembered. Last night. I hadn't heard them come back to their rooms after going downstairs. Maybe they did come back and I was just fell asleep. I pondered but shook my head, it wasn't my business, I just want to finish school without being nosy. 

I stepped down the stairs but heard no rustling or noises, it was just dead silent. I checked the living room and then headed for the kitchen. A familiar puff of green hair made me stop. Olive was in the kitchen sipping a cup of water while looking out the kitchen window. He had a melancholy look on his face as fixated eyes seemed to not be focused on whatever was outside, but more on what was going on inside his head. 

"Good morning," Olive suddenly said breaking from his spell.

I couldn't help but flinch at the sudden noise. Oh no, was I staring too long!? "Good morning," I answered meekly. I wonder if I ruined his moment. When I looked up towards his eyes they were softened looking more relaxed. 

"Do you want some maple syrup milk?" He smiled sitting his glass down.

Instantly I perked up, maple syrup! Hesitantly I nodded getting a genuine smile from Olive as he went to the fridge. I watched by the corner of the counter as he poured some milk into a pan and set it on the stove. Olive paused and turned to me, "come here Burr," he held out a hand, and reluctantly I went to him. "Do you want to watch?" he asked.

Nodding yes, Olive put his hands under my armpits and sat me on the counter next to the stove. The last time he microwaved the milk if I remember correctly so I wonder why he's boiling it. I watched Olive stir the milk before taking out a jar of maple syrup. When he popped it open I instantly smelled the wonderful scent making my mouth water. He added it into the milk and stirred making it into a creamy brown color. 

"Is Joel awake?" I asked softly. Olive blinked before shaking his head, "did you see him?"

"I didn't see him in his room..." I trailed off wiping my nose again. 

Olive paused in his stirring but then resumed the mellow steady pace. "What are you going to do after school?" Olive questioned. I swung my legs a little thinking carefully, "I wanted to work at a bakery two days ago but I don't know anymore." Olive laughed his smile bright and cheery, it felt nice to know that I put the smile on his face. I gulped feeling familiar tingles in my belly. 

"Inconsistent with your job choices reminds me of what I used to be like," he grinned. "Yeah but I'm 18 I should know what I want to do..." I frowned.

"Hmm, let's see, why did you want to work at a bakery?" Olive asked with a logical tone.

"I liked the smell of the pastries and breads!" I smiled thinking of the delicious smell that put me in a trance at the window of the bakeries. It wafted out onto the streets like a warm hug inviting you in with comforting arms. Olive blinked seemingly lost for words making me a little nervous at his quietness, did I say something wrong? 

"You have a cute smile," he smiled teasingly and lifted the spoon booping my nose. I looked stunned as the warm spoon went back into the milk. No one ever complimented my smile. The tingles came back again as my face flared like it was burning. Rubbing my nose where the warm spoon had left leaving me flustered at the odd action.

"So is that the only reason you wanted to have a job there?"

I nodded, I didn't even like baking.

"Well, what other things do you like, what're your interests?"

I thought about it, what did I like? 

"I like reading, food...and learning I guess."

"Librarian?" Olive called out.

I shook my head, I'm too short and I couldn't see myself in that application. Who would even accept a short bear with an average of Bs? I heard librarians are smart. And I can't even go to college because it costs money. It makes me stressed thinking about the future.

"What are you going to be?" I asked curiously.

"A healer," he stated simply but my eyes widened. Healers are magic users that use their power to heal instead of traditional doctors who use medical knowledge. I should have known since elves are acute to magic. If your fit to become a healer you're basically set for life, any college would accept you. "That's so cool!" I couldn't help expressing. Olives constant smile grew wider and he clicked off the stove, "you think so?" 

I nodded heavily and Olive's hand that was going to open the cabinet next to me out of the blue paused midair. I tilted my head questionably when I felt it. His hand running through my damp hair in a stroking motion. My eyes widened drastically looking at his face to see his thoughts, all I saw was a pastel tender expression. I was taken aback at first but when he scratched behind my ear and the back of my head gently massaging the scalp, tingles were everywhere. I felt like melted butter and in the span of a few seconds I became putty in his hands, feeling weak and somehow no longer tense. I didn't even know I was so tense until I felt my shoulders sag. I leaned more into his hand when I suddenly felt like I was slipping away. My bear had made an appearance popping his features out without much warning.

I started feeling heavy and drowsy, I wanted to stop Olive before it was too late and I couldn't control myself like last time but this time I wouldn't be a little bear cub. I could barely keep my eyes open when I strung my arms up to move his hand away when something warm touched my lips. 

Unconsciously my bear opened his mouth and chewed on the object before recognizing the delicious mouthwatering warm maple syrup milk splashing on my tongue. My lulled down eyes slightly opened wider as I sucked on the thing that produced the heavenly flavor, completely slipping away. 

Olive gave a muted chuckle as he glided his hand that was originally on my scalp down to my neck to hold my body upright so my gooey state doesn't fall over. Continuing to feed me the milk out of the weird squishy thing my bear enjoyed so much.

"You... you really are just a little bear," Olive smiled affectionately.

-

[ A/N- I was thinking of changing the title to something different. A name that I thought might fit is "Little Bear." I'm still unsure though if I should change the name. If you have any name suggestions or thoughts on what I should do please comment! ]