We sat beneath the trees, limbs heavy with ice, for a short amount of time.

"Hey," I whisper with a grin "You know what I want to do?"

He doesn't face me, but he still speaks to me. Yes?

I point skyward. My fingertip burns from the cold and with excitement, I rise off the ground. "I want to climb this tree. Will you help me?"

Why? You don't need to go up there.

"It just looks so pretty..." I sigh, but perk up with an idea "Actually..."

Yes?

I dash to my bike and speed away. I've been wanting to climb a certain tree that I've been thinking about. I see all the birds soar to its limbs and sit, mocking me with their condescending song.

"I want to climb this one." It's a giant water oak. Bark that looks like white stones, full of its leaves that are teal in the pale light, it's mighty limbs reach to the heavens and the lower branches resemble hands, wanting to take my own and escort me to my throne atop the wooden beast.

I see what your fascination is with trees now. He puts a warm hand on my shoulder. I would be honored to carry you.

"Thank you" I chirp with happiness as I wheel my cruiser to the base of the tree.

A shrill shriek from the kickstand.

Worn out shoes stepping over dead leaves and dried acorns.

Are you ready?

"Yes."

In a single sweep, he scoops me up in both arms and we ascend into the tree.

"Huh? How are you-" I was wondering how we were moving, but I paused when I noticed the black masses of tentacles pull us higher and higher.

He cradles me like a child. He embraces me dearly as if I were the only thing he owned. He sends me soothing colors of a creamy white and a pastel blue, colors I've seen in the sky. I'm almost lulled to sleep on our climb.

Open your eyes, little one. He positions me up to see the view. I see a grey field and misty green pines. White sky above us and ominous slate blue clouds in the horizon. I glance over his arm and the forest floor is far below us.

"I can see my house from here," he sends me a smile.

Come, lets sit. He seems to float gracefully backwards to a thick branch. Is this ok?

I'm perched upon his lap, he secures our spot with tentacles gripping the tree. They seem as if they're threatening the tree, saying 'if you harm her, I will squeeze the life out of you'.

"Huh? Yes, it's ok."

Daydreaming? He asks with a soft tone, the sound resonates in my dreamy head.

"Yes," I shuffle around in his lap. He feels cool, but not cold. Warm, but not hot like human flesh. "I'm enjoying this."

That is good to know, He drapes his heavy arms around me. What's on your mind?

"Wha- Nothing. Why? .." I'm nervous and I don't know why.

What is the matter?

"I don't know." Suddenly I feel lightheaded.

His attention perks up. He feels my lightheadedness. I feel myself falling, but caught by strong, boney arms.

Tentacles fashion a web for me to lay in, and I am tucked into a pouch of darkness where the light doesn't enter.

I'm here for you. I close my eyes for a moment and the words materialize from nothing.

Those words return to me.

From the day we met, I knew you understood.

From this day forward, I entrust you with the affinity to communicate with me mentally.

From this day forward, I promise to guard you with the entirety of my dark being, to protect the innocent soul who believed in me.

I am eternally yours.

My eyes open again and I'm propped up on his lap.

"I'm ok." I feel hazy "I'm ok."

Have you eaten today?

"I don't remember."

Do you want to return home?

"No," I press my body over his shoulder "I want to stay with you."

I wish you could.

"What?" A distressed whimper escapes my frozen lips.

I wish more than anything in the world that you could stay with me forever.

"But...you can." My dizziness is fading but anxiety rises in my chest. "You can always watch over me. You can always talk to me. You never have to leave my side. I'd have to go to school in ten days but that doesn't mean you can't follow me, or at least look through a window. Please don't be upset."

I promised to be at your side, but your "school" will be a battlefield for me.

"I know. But we can find a way..." I sit back, he supports my weight as I skim my fingertips across his face. I notice knit brows where there are none, and fearful eyes where they don't exist on his face. I feel like I'm being pulled into him.

You must be tired, he sends me the soothing sound of his "voice" the sound of wind and water and earth. Let me keep you warm, little one.

My eyes were only open half way before I feel the sensation of snowy lips upon my forehead. A warm tingling shivers down my body and I feel alive. I stare, wide eyed, at his empty face. How did he kiss me- he who has no lips? Searching for an answer, and nothing is found.

Forgive me, he interrupts my thoughts, but you felt cold.