If two lie together, then they have heat, Eccl 4:11
John's feet couldn't carry him to the door quick enough. He was cold to the bone after hours in the wind and snow, chasing a number with the brain of a spoiled rich two year old. Unlocking the door, he unleashed one final cloud of breath before sliding inside.
The drastic change in temperature brought a gruff cough from his throat. He sniffed, tugging off his coat and his body involuntarily shivered. The chills were trying to creep on him again. He could feel it.
He had returned to work too soon.
Joss had urged him to stay in one more day, at the very least. Instead of taking caution to her words, he rushed out. Determined to prove a cold and fever, no matter how bad, would not keep him down. However, a few hours in the single digit weather did nothing, except prove that Joss had been the one right. Although he finished the case successfully, he felt weak, distracted, and physically vulnerable the entire time. All he wanted now was to curl up beside Joss, and let her warm him.
He kicked of his shoes while he started unbuttoning his jacket. Although the thought of lying beside her was strong, he knew he didn't deserve such a privilege. It wouldn't be fair for her to have to deal with his freezing body, after she had asked him not to leave in the first place. No. Before he joined her, he would at least warm himself.
Feeling slightly unsettled, he rounded the wall towards the living room and stopped. His heart gave a hard thump at the sight before him. Under the glow of the television and dim light from the Christmas tree, Joss lay on the couch with a heavy comforter draped over her small body. She had pulled one corner back in invitation for him to join her. The small smile on her face was not a figment of his imagination. In spite of his blatant disregard to her earlier warning, she waited up for him. She not only waited, but prepared herself to take care of him upon his return.
John sighed, completely mystified. She always managed to turn up just when he needed her. Even in the simplest of ways. He couldn't believe he once functioned without having this kind of love in his life.
The chills started to overtake his body as he continued standing there, staring at her. Joss waved him over, noticing his trembling. Obediently he crossed the room and slipped beneath the thick blanket, straight to her. It took several moments of shifting for Joss to securely wrap him in her arms, in a way that would quickly pass her body heat onto him. Once situated they relaxed against each other.
John kissed her cheek and let his eyes wander to the television, where the yearly special of "It's A Wonderful Life" played. Warmth started to snake its way down to his cold stiff bones. In that moment as she held him and as sleep started to beckon, he became overwhelmed with gratefulness. He snuggled closer to Joss, fighting now to stay awake. Wanting to treasure and prolong every precious moment they had to lie together instead of alone. Engulfed in their heat.
So I still feel guilty for the delayed posts with Make Another Wish and I thought I'd try to make up for it with a post in this story since it's been a while. This idea came to me a few weeks ago and I thought it would be perfect for this time of year. Hope it warms you up as you read it.