It doesn't have much holiday to it, but it's the right season so. It's also a different AU from the last one.


Audrey always walked at a brisk pace no matter the season. Normally, it worked out perfectly well, but icy winter did add a bit of danger. Less than a block away from home, she hit black ice and her feet slid out from under her. She flailed, trying to regain her balance.

"I've got you."

She felt a pair of hands on her back, and they helped keep her upright even if she and the person they belonged to slid forward a few inches. "Sorry," she said, reaching out to keep stable and grabbing onto the front of his coat.

"It's alright," he said, smiling at her. "You're in my Russian lit class, aren't you?"

"Yeah, yeah," she said, nodding and trying to control her blushing. "I've seen you. I'm Audrey."

By seen him, she meant she'd spent at least one class attempting to not drool over him.

"Ivan," he responded, loosening his grip on her.

"Thank you, for catching me," she said, pulling her hands away from him.

"It's no trouble," he said with a shrug. "Just be careful since it's so icy out."

"I will be," she promised and with her next step lost her footing again. This time, he caught her with a hand on her back and another on her arm.

"Would you like me to walk you home?" he asked as he righted her again.

"No, that's not necessary," she said, blushing and tucking her hair behind her ears.

"Then, since I've finally gotten your name and we're about to part," he said, tilting his head. "I think you're really cute. Would you like to go out for hot chocolate?"

"Oh," she said, shocked to the point of almost giggling. "Sure."

"Great, what about tomorrow?"

"Sure, how's one?"

"Good, I can meet you on the corner," he said, then pointed to the apartment building one down from hers. "I live there."

"I'm right next you, actually."

"Then I can meet you out front tomorrow and walk you home now," he said, grinning.

"Alright," she said, and as soon as she started walking, almost slid on the ice again. "Your help is much appreciated."

"Clearly," he said, chuckling.

"Don't make fun of me."

"I'm not," he promised as they made it to her apartment building. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

She smiled and nodded at him. "Yeah."


They're going to be together in the next one. I can only write so many asking out scenes.