I own nothing. I only own the plot and a laptop to type this.

Hello once again readers! I am back from a short break (curse you tablet…) and I am back up! Enjoy this one-shot for MoD and Tune's Fireside Tales Contest!

o.o.o.o.o

Today is a snow day, a day everyone loves. There is a smile on everyone's face and everyone is outside, enjoying the white snow on the ground and falling from the sky.

…That is, except for one boy. One blonde boy, watching everyone from the inside. One boy who hasn't played in the snow since he was 11.

Me.

The snow…. It is too much for me. It brings back memories that make my throat hurt and my stomach turn.

"Lucas!"

I close my eyes as the painful memory floods into my mind and plays right before my eyes.

"Let's go play in the snow!"

"Yay! C'mon, Claus!" the young blonde boy squealed excitedly. He grabbed the orange-haired twin's hand and dragged him outside.

The two instantly started throwing snowballs at each other.

"Ha! Got you, Claus!"

A tear slides down my cheek.

A snowball hits the side of the blonde's head.

"Got you back, Lucas!" the older twin shouted.

The blonde smirked and tackled his twin into the snow.

The two laughed and playfully wrestled each other.

By now, streams of tears are flowing out of my eyes.

Claus….

Claus is gone.

I miss Claus.

My only brother… Died in my arms.

I sigh and lay my head down on the desk, letting my tears fall freely.

"Lucas?"

I ignore the voice. My ears are probably playing tricks on me.

"Lucas!"

There goes the same voice. It sounds familiar….

"Lucas!" Someone puts their hand on my shoulder.

I jump and whip my head up. My vision is blurred from my tears, but I can make out two people.

"Lucas…. Why are you inside?"

"And why are you crying?"

I recognize those two voices…

I blink to clear the tears from my eyes.

Pit and Ness.

"I-I'm f-f-fine," I manage to choke out.

"No you're not," Ness says.

Pit pulls me into an embrace. "You can tell us."

Claus.

I burst into tears.

Pit rubs my back in a comforting way. "Let it out."

"I-I used to p-play with Claus o-on days like t-this…" I stutter.

Ness quickly understands. "Lucas, don't stay in the past. That'll just keep you from looking at the future."

Pit nods. "We're your friends, and we'll stick with you all the way, no matter what."

My heart swells up with joy. "Y-You mean it?"

Both smile and nod.

I smile widely and tackle them both into a hug. "Thank you guys so much!"

They laugh and hug me back.

"Now, let's go play outside!" Ness exclaims.

"Race ya!" Pit exclaims and runs off.

"Hey!" I say and run after him.

Ness chuckles and runs after us.

The second I get outside, I make a snowball and throw it at Pit.

Pit smiles mischievously and throws a snowball back at me.

Snowballs start flying everywhere.

I smile as I see everyone participating.

"I'm proud, bro."

I look up and smile. "Love you, too, Claus."

A snowball hits my face. Ness had thrown it.

I laugh and throw a snowball back at him.

I will go on. For Claus and my friends.

o.o.o.o.o

And there you have it!

I hope you enjoyed!

Until next time!

-LLB