In the forest during winter, many things die. Nothing can change that. It's the cycle of life. Fall ends as winter rolls in and life is still until spring. But in this particular forest winter reigned supreme. Snow didn't cover the ground yet, but it was definitely eminent.

Alec had never experienced winter. The closest he came was one mission but it wasn't like he got to play in it. He did the job and went back. End of story.

Staring out the window, he saw the dead trees and fallen leaves. A small part of him wished that snow blanketed the ground just so he could play in it. Snowballs and snowmen; he never thought he'd want to play in the snow.

"It'll probably snow tonight," a voice came from behind.

Alec sighed contentedly relaxing into Satrina's embrace when she wrapped her arms around him. Her chin rested on his shoulder and she gazed out the window. "You think?"

"Mmm-hmm," she answered. "It was really nice of Logan to let us use his cabin. What exactly did you have to do in order for us to borrow it?"

"Well, Logan is a lonely guy, and he wanted some company so..." He let her fill in the rest.

Satrina let go of Alec. "Well, if you're getting cozy with Logan, maybe I should talk to Max. She must be getting real lonely without Logan to kiss."

"Oh really?" Swiftly, he grabbed her and kissed her. His lips played with hers lightly. "Now what were you saying?"

Her mouth moved slowly with no words. Finally she was able to get out a haggard, "Mmmm ... what?"

He chuckled. "Nevermind." He squatted next to the fire and haphazardly threw a log on it. "What do you want to do?" He glanced over his shoulder at her.

"I'm all for going on a walk."

"Are you sure you can keep up with me?"

She frowned. "Honey, I can keep up with you in bed and you're worried about a walk?" At the rising red on his cheeks, she continued. "Exactly. Not get your cute embarrassed butt over here and let's go."

He joined her. "Alright, sweet-cheeks. Let's go for a walk."


Standing in the middle of the forest, Satrina was ready to kill Alec. The trans-genic decided it would be funny to traipse off leaving her wondering where the hell he was. She also had no idea where she was. I'm going to kill him! That dirty son of a bitch! I'm freezing, lost and alone. This isn't even good revenge. It would have been better if he had embarrassed me instead of leaving me lost!

Her numb fingers longed for mittens or gloves ... or maybe the throat of a certain X-5. An angry grunt left her throat as she shoved her hands in her coat pockets. Not bothering to look for Alec, she started walking in the general direction she thought the cabin was in.

He's probably out there laughing at me. As soon as I get a hold of him, I'm going to ... to get him very unclothed.


She smirked. That would be hilarious. Thoughts of revenge distracted her and she hit her head on a low branch with a loud smack.

Instantly, her hand flew to her head. Screams of rage erupted from her. "Alec! You bastard! When I get my hands on you, you're going to pay!"

Her walking continued as she mumbled. "That dirty son of whore. I'm going to fucking kill that bastard."

"Now that's no way for a lady to talk."

Whipping towards him, Satrina's eyes widened. "I hate you!" She punched him hard in the stomach. Due to him being a super soldier, the punch barely fazed him. "You left me in the god damn cold having no idea where I am!" Spinning on her heal, she went in her previous direction.

Easily, he caught up with her. "Satrina, come on. It was a joke."

She pointed to the bruise on her head. "Does this look funny to you?"

He winced. "I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you."

She snorted. "I highly doubt it." She crossed her arms in front of her hoping to look more upset.

"Please let me try," he pleaded using puppy-dog eyes and letting his bottom lip pout.

Involuntarily, her lips curved into a smile. "God, I hate it when you do that. Fine, but only because you're so damn cure."

Stepping in front of her, he pointed to his back. "Hop on."

"What?"

"Go ahead. Up." When she made no move, he looked to her confused face.
"Come on. I'm promise I'll be nice. All I wanna do is give you a piggyback ride back to the cabin."

She shrugged. "Okay, but I hope your Manticore strength doesn't fail you." She jumped up and straddled his back.

"Hmm, this seems familiar," he said slyly and was quieted when she slapped him upside the head.

"I'll have to ask Logan if being extremely witty is a common trait in X-5."

"Only in the good-looking ones." And he was off. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders quickly to make sure she didn't fall off. His speed was amazing even with her added weight. Zigzagging, he effortlessly dodged every branch and tree.

Their gallop took them all the way back to the cabin in record time.


What do you think? Any good? All bad? Continue?