The snow fell heavily outside the raggedy shack. The old structure provided no protection against the cold winter weather that surrounded it. There were holes in the flimsy wooden walls and icicles dangling from the corners of the ceiling. Even the mildewed floor had ugly cracks and arches in it that allowed the slightest bit more of the cold to find its way inside the shack.
Matthew Williams stood facing one of the walls, rubbing his bare hands together as he gazed out through one of the holes in the wall. His body was trembling in the frigid air, and with every breath he took a tiny cloud condensed before his lips. A tiny whimper from behind caught his attention and he turned around to face the tiny mountain of blankets and tarps on the floor that his companion, Alfred F. Jones, was huddled inside. Matthew clasped his hands together and knelt down in front of Alfred.
"Al? You want me to see if we've got any more blankets left in the bags?" Matthew asked.
An incoherent murmur came from inside the bundle. Matthew rolled his eyes.
"I can't understand you. Please speak up a little," the Canadian sighed.
Another murmur and then a moan.
Matthew blinked. "A little louder please, Alfred."
Suddenly the blankets parted and Alfred was revealed. His arms were wide open- almost in a welcoming manner.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I understand what you-"
Matthew was cut off as Alfred suddenly grabbed him and pulled him into his lap.
"E-E-EH?!" The smaller blonde squeaked, a blush spreading across his pale cheeks.
Alfred didn't respond and turned the Canadian around so that he was straddling him. Then he pulled the blankets around the two of them and nuzzled his face into the crook of Matthew's neck. His arms snaked around the smaller man's waist in the process.
"A-Alfred? What are you doing?" Matthew whimpered in a small voice, his face completely flushed.
"Keeping us warm," Alfred muttered against his cold skin.
"Th-This isn't necessary, I can just get you another blanket," Matthew insisted. The Canadian tried to pull back, but Alfred kept him in place.
"No. This way we can both keep warm," Alfred said stubbornly.
"I'm already perfectly warm, Al," Matthew argued. Just then, a violent shudder wracked his frame, and Alfred's arms tightened around him.
"No. You're cold. Now just shut up, will ya?" Alfred growled.
Matthew could only let out a tiny groan as he realized he couldn't argue with his stubborn companion anymore. And he had to admit, he was getting warmer. He didn't make another move for a while and the two of them just remained there in comfortable silence.
As Matthew's shivering gradually began to disappear, he felt himself getting sleepy and struggled to keep his eyes open. After shifting a little to make himself more comfortable, Matthew rested his head against Alfred's shoulder and let his warm breath fan out against the American's chest.
This had been extremely awkward and embarrassing at first for Matthew, but now it didn't seem so bad. He wasn't as freezing as he was before and having Alfred cradle him was… comforting. He felt safe.
He was just about to fall asleep when…
"I wish this war was over, Mattie," Alfred whispered.
Matthew placed a soft kiss on the side of Alfred's head.
"Me too, Al."