Hey guys, bet you're wondering why this is named Chapter 4.5. Well, that's because this is technically a one-shot set in the same universe. There are no spoilers so enjoy.

And AnimeAddicts7 I do know you are there, and thanks, high school has actually been pretty chill.

Inspiration: Winter Song by Ali & Theo

Snowflakes drifted down, landing softly on the ground. Basch drew off a glove and placed his bare hand on the window. Not minding the cold glass. He recalled a day similar to this. His gaze fell to the snow-laden fields.

"Big Bruder! Big Bruder!" Lili ran into the room, eyes bright. "It snowed last night!" He grunted in agreement.

"I can see. What about it?" Lili clasped her hands together. Giving him her best puppy eyes.

"Oh, Big Bruder, can I go outside and play in it? Please?" She sounded so sweet. How could he refuse that face? He stepped away from the window and patted her head.

Smiling softly he said, "Of course. But, dress warmly, don't approach any caves there might be bears, wear proper footwear, don't wander off too far…" Lili giggled, interrupting him.

She grinned, "Don't worry, I'll be fine." Mentally he chastised himself, she could handle herself. She called to him, "Bye Big Bruder!" And opened the door.

"Wait!" He grabbed something blue out of the closer and tossed it to her. "Don't forget your scarf." Basch had his usual frown, trying to hide his emotions.

Lili tied the scarf around her neck. "Okay." She then slipped out the door. It shutting softly behind her. Basch went back to the window and watched as his sister started making snow angels. He allowed himself to give a small smile.

Basch found himself outside. He must have left the house without realizing it. At least he was wearing his coat. He stopped at the spot that could be seen from the window. Basch fell backwards. Making a star. The snow enveloping him like a soft blanket. He sighed and closed his eyes.

It had been only half an hour but Basch was worried already. He stood up from the armchair, placing his book down. He just couldn't concentrate. He threw on his wool coat, wrapped his scarf around his neck, placed his cap on his head, and finally pulled on his gloves.

Stepping outside he was glad he had decided to clear the front of the cottage of snow. He went over to the side of the house where he found Lili making a snowman. She looked up as he approached.

"Big Bruder, you came out!" She was always this cheerful. "Want to help me make a snowman?" He figured why not. So Basch started making the body of the snowman, seeing a Lili already had the base halfway done.

About an hour later they stepped back to look at their work. Basch tilted his head. There was something missing. Then it hit him. He unwrapped his scarf and put it on the snowman. Lili clasped her hands, "Oh, it's perfect Big Bruder!"

Suddenly she shivered. This did not go unnoticed. "How about we head inside now?" He offered. "We can make some hot cocoa." She nodded.

They went back to the cottage, hung up their coats, hats, scarves. Basch started a fire while Lili went to put the kettle on. Soon they were both holding a mug of hot chocolate. The two of them sat on the couch and watched the fireplace crackle and spark in comfortable silence.

Eventually, Lili fell asleep on Basch's shoulder. Carefully, he got up and gently slipped a pillow under her head. Then he went and took a blanket. After he pulled it over her he bent down and kissed her forehead. "Sweet dreams Lili."

Standing up ever so slowly, Basch made his way back into the cottage. The place felt cold and empty. He could always start up a fire but it wouldn't feel the same. He hung up his coat and sat in his armchair, right by the window. A clear view of the path that leads up the place.

And there he sat, watching. He never saw anyone. Only the occasional wild animal. But never a single human being. Sometimes he thought he saw something but it was just his imagination.

He got up and was once again standing in front of the cold glass. He rested his forehead on it. Taking in the cool feel. A stray tear rolled down his cheek. Placing a hand on the window he whispered.

"Please come home."