It was cold.
Ryo looked up at the darkened sky, frowning softly at the snowflakes drifting from the vast black-blue expanse and collecting in his thick lashes. They melted upon landing on his face, leaving little wet patches and making him feel even colder.
He glanced at his watch, hating the crowds that he knew were holding up Seiji.
Hunkering down further in his down jacket, Ryo stomped his feet a little. His toes were frozen and his nose cold. He jammed his hands in his pockets, wishing he hadn't forgotten his gloves. He would have much rather stayed inside, watching the New Year's festivities on the TV, but Shuu had dragged them all out, saying it was better in person, so now Ryo was waiting -trying to avoid the crowd- for Seiji, who had told them to go on ahead while he washed up in the restaurant's restroom.
The others had disappeared into the crowd; Shuu was simply too excited to stand around waiting. Ryo had volunteered to stay behind, so his partner could find at least one of them when he finally made his way out of the crowded restaurant.
"Ryo."
He turned, face lighting up at the sight of a familiar hunter green wool coat and blond hair dusted lightly with snowflakes. "I've been waiting for you, Seiji." He reached up to brush the snow out of his companion's hair, but Seiji caught him by the wrist, sliding his hand down so their fingers were twined in an uncharacteristic show of affection.
"Your hand is warm." Seiji half-smiled and Ryo blushed.
"I'm freezing." Ryo seriously doubted there was anything warm about him at the moment. He didn't have any clue how much the temperature had dropped, but it had gotten very cold over the last few hours.
"No." Seiji just shook his head slightly, leading Ryo through the crowds of celebrating New Yorkers and glancing around, trying to catch a glimpse of Touma's distinct hair. "You're always warm." He looked over his shoulder at the blue-eyed man clutching his hand, this time offering a rare full-fledged smile.
Ryo blushed again.
He didn't feel so cold any more.