Disclaimer: Why do I have to do this again? Oh yea, that's right, it's because I can't afford to be sued… whatever. sigh I don't own Tales of Symphonia, or any of its characters. I do, however, own this plot!

Chapter 1: Ice Cold Slumber

Lloyd's POV

Cold. So very, very cold. In fact, I'd say it's freezing. All because I drew the shortest straw and was stuck on guard duty! In the middle of a frozen continent. Lucky me.

The fire provides little warmth, even though I'm sitting close enough to be in danger of catching myself on fire, though I'd imagine it's impossible for someone so cold to be flammable.

There aren't any of the heavy blankets left by the others, who are sleeping peacefully, blissfully unaware of my current predicament.

My body is wracked with shivers, and I draw my knees to my chest, trying to save precious body heat, which is quickly disappearing into the sky, overlooking the bland whiteness of this stupid place.

Just as I'm about to fall over out of pure physical exhaustion, I feel something warm and heavy being draped onto my shoulders. My reflexes are deadly quick, a sword at the other's throat, much like the time I snuck up on Kratos.

"Whoa, whoa, chill out, bud. Put the sword down," Zelos says, trying to sound calm and not move too much.

Blinking in realization of the identity of my 'enemy,' I lower and sheath the sword, then scratch the back of my head sheepishly.

Looking to my shoulder, I see that the item placed there, which by some miracle has not fallen off, is a blanket.

"Oh, sorry, Zellos… eh-heh, I guess my reflexes are a little bit too quick…"

"And here I was, just trying to be nice and bring you a blanket! See if I ever help you again."

"I said I was sorry… and thank you for the blanket. I just thought it was some monster sneaking up on me to attack!" I tell him.

All the redhead does is smirk.

"But wait… where did you get the blanket? I thought there weren't any more?"

He seems to contemplate this for a moment, though I don't know why. "It was mine. But you looked so cold, I felt that you needed it more than I did. Besides, I'm so hot I could keep myself warm forever!"

I punch him lightly in the shoulder, identical large grins played out across both of our mouths.

That being done, Zelos sits down on the small area I cleared of snow, beckoning me to do the same. I comply, allowing myself to close my eyes at the warmth of the combination of fire and the blanket.

For a moment we simply sit there in comfortable silence, listening to the wind howling through the barren tundra. But soon, I allow my eyes to open, and I scoot gradually closer to my companion. I don't know why; for some reason, I feel this overwhelming need to be next to him. I'm sure it's just because I'm cold and can receive warmth from body heat. At least, that's what I tell myself.

Zelos makes no move to resist me, and I turn my head to his. Eyes closed, breathing shallow. He's asleep. But I also see that he is shivering lightly. Stupid baka gave me his own blanket, when he would be left without one.

I wonder for a moment just what I'm supposed to do, but make up my mind quickly. Casting aside any qualms, I quietly crawl into Zelos' lap, leaning my head against his chest, draping the blanket over the two of us.

I take a minute to simply enjoy his presence, though hoping desperately that I wake up before him, as well as the others, because this would make a rather embarrassing situation.

I carefully ease Zelos backwards so that he's laying down, and since it's a large blanket, I'm able to make part of it into a sort of pillow for his head, and lay at his left side, on arm draped across a muscled stomach.

It's only a few hours until dawn, and I cleared the area underneath us of snow, so I'm pretty sure we won't be in danger of getting wet.

With last thoughts of the handsome man beside me, I join him in peaceful slumber.

TBC

So, how do you like it? This is my newest fanfic. I already have up to chapter 9 written, so expect fairly hasty updates. Please review, even it's only a few words! Flames are accepted, but will be used to burn my muses when they refuse to inspire me.