Angelo woke up with a yawn.

Byleth's bed had been unbelievably soft. That was the best sleep of his entire life.

Sitting up and stretching, he looked out the window. Snow was still falling down, blanketing the world in white. He remembered what Byleth had said to him: "Around here, snowstorms can last for up to a week."

A week? He was supposed to stay here for a week?

Then again, she seemed to be perfectly fine with it.

He pushed aside the blankets covering his body and carefully stepped out of bed. As his leg came down on the floor, he winced slightly. He was slightly sore from his recent experience as a Mii ice cube.

With a slight limp, he walked out of the room and followed the sound of Byleth humming a tune he didn't recognize. He arrived in the kitchen, where she seemed to be making breakfast.

She saw him and smiled. "Ah, good, morning, Angelo. Did you sleep well last night?"

He laughed and leaned against the counter. "To say such a thing would be a huge understatement. I've never slept so peacefully. Maybe I just need a new bed."

She nodded. "The softness helps me sleep. I tend to have trouble sleeping."

Angelo eyed the food she was cooking. Mmm, eggs, he thought to himself. "Do you live here with anyone else? Not exactly a bed expert, but that's a two-person bed right there."

Byleth shook her head. "No, I live here alone. That bed was there when I brought this house."

She put the eggs she was cooking on a plate and handed it to Angelo, along with a fork. He gratefully accepted the food and started chowing down.

"Where are you from?" she asked him as he ate. "I've never seen you around here before."

Angelo swallowed a bite of egg before replying (because he was not a rude person). "I come from the Miitopia region, happened to be in the neighborhood. I'm what you'd call an 'adventurous soul.' I like exploring, traveling. I'm not one to just sit around doing nothing all day. I like to do things, you know?"

She nodded. "And that is when you got caught in the snow, I'm guessing?"

Angelo sighed. "I guess I should've listened when the townspeople said that this area has 'unpredictable weather.'"

Byleth snorted. "Ah, yes, minor detail that could have saved your life."

Angelo laughed. "Yeah, I guess it's kinda my fault. Again, thanks for saving me."

She blushed slightly. "It is no problem, really."

He finished his eggs and set the plate on the counter. "So…what happens now? Were you serious when you said snowstorms can last up to a week?"

Byleth sighed. "Unfortunately, yes. I am afraid you are stuck with me for as long as this blizzard is here."

"Oh, no!" Angelo said jokingly. "Let me out! I don't wanna be trapped here forever!"

Byleth laughed. "I will make it forever if you don't behave yourself!"

Angelo turned and mimicked running away, then immediately cried out as he jostled his bad leg. He fell to the floor, wincing and groaning as his body reminded him of his recently chilly experience.

The next thing he knew, Byleth was at his side, hand on his back. "Are you alright?" she asked him.

Angelo managed to nod. "Ah, my leg…It's killing me."

Byleth tried to hoist him to his feet, but failed. "You have to help me. I cannot carry you back to bed."

Angelo laughed weakly. "What's the male equivalent of 'damsel in distress?'" he said.

Byleth scoffed. "Even in pain, you retain your sense of humor? You truly are unlike anyone I have ever met."

"It's a gift."

Byleth shook her head and tried lifting him again. This time, Angelo planted his feet and managed to rise up. Together, they got him back to the bedroom and into bed, where he winced as he slid under the covers.

"Oh, my goodness…" he winced as he settled in. "That's…slightly better. Thanks."

Byleth sighed. "Get some more rest. I'll not have you hurting yourself for the sake of a joke or two."

Angelo managed to smile. "Aw, she's concerned for me. I feel touched."

Her face reddened. She quickly turned and tried to run out the room, only to run into the doorway on her way out.

"There's a wall there!" he called after her.

There was no response, but he laughed to himself as he drifted off to sleep.

Being sore sucks, no matter what it was that got you sore. But when it's after you just worked it, it's worth it because you know you just got a little bit stronger from it.