For the Most in a Month Competition, the One Word Title Oneshot Challenge (January), and the Themes Challenge (write about the moment someone realizes they're in love)
"Aren't you cold?" Blaise asks as they walk through Hogsmeade together, leaving tracks in the heavy blanket of snow at their feet.
Theodore blushes. He had been so excited for his date today, that he hadn't grabbed anything to go over his long sleeved shirt. Not the brightest decision to make during such a grim and bitter January snowfall. But he doesn't want to tell Blaise this, so afraid that Blaise will think that he's an idiot. "I'm fine," he says. "Nearly at the Three Broomsticks, and there will be a fire going."
Blaise shakes his head, pulling his jacket off. "Take my jacket. It's cold out."
"I'm fine," Theodore says again, his face hot despite the chill in the air. "Besides, you need your jacket. Like you said, it's cold."
Blaise snorts, rolling his eyes. "I have a jumper over my shirt," he points out, draping his jacket over Theodore's shoulders. "It isn't a big deal."
Theodore hesitantly slides his arms into the jacket. Despite his protests, the warmth feels amazing. Even better, the jacket smells like Blaise. He breathes deeply, his heart fluttering at the scent of coffee and peppermint.
"You didn't have to do that," he says quietly.
Blaise shakes his head, coming to a stop. He turns to face Theodore, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "You're my boyfriend, Theo," he chuckles softly. "I did have to do it. I'm not going to let you be even slightly miserable."
Theodore swallows dryly, leaning into the touch. Boyfriend. He thought he would never get used to hearing that word, and yet it sounds so natural now. Everything is so natural. The way Blaise stays close to him, the way the hold hands, the way he's so quick to offer his jacket despite the cold January air.
The world seems to shift. It's such a subtle change, but Theodore can feel it in his bones.
Blaise Zabini has always been such a handsome boy. But now, Theodore can see just how perfect he is. It's so much more than just the good looks. His heart is so beautiful, in spite of his air of superiority he wears like a crown.
"I love you," Theodore says.
And it's the first time he's ever said those words to anyone outside of his family. He never thought he could ever feel this way about anyone, even after months of dating Blaise. But the words fall from his lips so naturally and easily. He didn't even have to think about it before saying it.
Blaise grins, his hand dropping to Theodore's shoulder. "I love you, too," he says without hesitation.
Theodore leans in, pressing a kiss to his boyfriend's lips. They've kissed before. So many times. But he can feel how different this act is. This is what it feels like to kiss the lips of the person he loves. He smiles into the kiss, a soft laugh bubbling out.
"Butterbeer?" Blaise asks softly, pulling away with a satisfied smile. "My treat."
Honestly, Theodore has forgotten about their plans entirely. It's so easy for his thoughts to blur and his mind to wander with this new realization.
A breeze blows, and Blaise shivers. Theodore realizes that, despite his boyfriend's bravado, he really is cold without his jacket. A new warmth, a strange, giddy sensation, jolts through his body.
"Butterbeer sounds lovely," he agrees.