It was Call, Aaron, and Tamara's copper year and since Tamara's house was larger; they all decided that it would be better to spend winter break at her house instead of Call's. The outdoor pool was too frozen over to use, but the hot tub was inside and both Aaron and Tamara liked to talk in the tub.
Call and Aaron were sleeping in Tamara's room on Christmas Eve. They laid out their blankets in a circle on the floor and turned off the lights, using moonlight to see. "Two Christmases ago, Kimiya set the table on fire." Tamara laughed, "My parents were so mad! I bet you've done something like that, Call."
Call grinned and shook his head, "I've created an earthquake."
Tamara laughed, "What happened?"
"It was the first time I've ever done anything magical." Call said, "What about you Aaron? Ever done something that crazy."
"No." He leaned against his palm, "But I do want to hear more about that earthquake."
Call was glad that the darkness concealed his frown, "It was nothing."
Tamara heard the tone in Call's voice and quickly changed the subject, much more effectively than Aaron, "So what about Celia?"
"What about Celia?"
"You, know. What's going on with you two?"
Call looked away, "We only kissed. We're not in a relationship if that's what you're asking."
Tamara rolled over and onto her back, "It's really late, we should get to sleep."
Soon Aaron's breathing steadied but Tamara and Call stayed up. "Hey Call." Tamara said, "Why didn't you want to tell us about the earthquake?"
"It's embarrassing, that's all."
"I won't make fun of you." Tamara promised.
"I don't want to talk about it." Call grumbled, wincing and rubbing his weak leg.
Tamara raised an eyebrow, "You do know that I will get it out of you one way or another."
"I know." Call stared at the ceiling until he heard Tamara's breathing grow even. That was when he finally had the courage to fall asleep.