NOTE: This isn't actually a crossover fic. It's just the closets Misc. sub category I could put this in because silly doesn't have Havemercy under books yet.

Dusk stole through the curtains hanging heavily against the cold window. For what seemed to be the hundredth time I glanced at my pocket watch and realized Hal was late again.

Now that Hal spent most of his days at the 'Veristy, we had christened the evenings for ourselves and ourselves only. With the exceptions of when Hal disappeared of course.

I pulled on my boots, listing subconsciously the places where Hal would most likely be found. Catching sight of the ominous grey sky, I picked up a jacket and strode off to the library Hall frequented almost every day. It seems ever since Hal had met Antoinette during my illness, he had become partial to that particular wing or the library.

By the time I reached the building a light snow had began to fall. The warmth and silence welcomed me as I made my way through shelves of books and the occasional 'Versity student.

"Turn left," a female voice suggested from my right.

I automatically knew who had spoken and murmured "thank you" to Antoinette who was undoubtedly perched regally on her regular chair.

I saw Hal's mop of long, ruffled hair first. Hal had slumped over his book, head cushioned by this arms. I took the chair next to his, letting my eyes wander leisurely over his freckled face gladly taking advantage of our virtual solitude.

I brushed his hair from his face as I often did and he stirred, eyes still shut, blushing as he felt my hand resting gently on his neck.

I removed my hand after an indulgent moment and Hal's eyes opened guiltily.

"I'm sorry," he said roughly, straightening and rubbing his eyes, just like he had done when we first met in the country.

I accepted his apology with a smile and asked if he was finished with the tome he had fallen asleep upon. Hal's blush deepened and he nodded, and he left me a moment to return the book to its proper shelf.

Hal announced his return with a gentle kiss on my temple; it was so soft I could hardly feel it. Yet, as always, that simple kiss was enough to scatter my thoughts and tempt me almost beyond my control.

Sensing my restraint, Hall backed away and blushed a deeper red. I took his hand and murmured,

"Are you ready to head home?"

His blush still in place, Hall smiled and nodded and stood up with me.

As we turned to corner, a muted laughter met us. Antoinette smiled wickedly at us, obviously amused by what we were both undoubtedly thinking. I winked at her and Hal turned scarlet.



The snow had intensified during my brief time inside the library and had iced the city in sparkling white.

"It's beautiful." Hal said reverently while a smile stole across his face. The cold had stolen the blush from his cheeks and his awe struck eyes stood out more starkly against his face than ever as they roamed the transformed city.

I smiled as well and stepped up behind Hal and slid my arms around him, resting my chin gently on his head. It seemed to break his trance as he tilted his head into my neck and leaned back into me.

We stood there watching the snow and the city until we shivered in the cold. Hal turned in my arms and placed a cold lipped kiss on my own blue lips and said,

"I believe we're late for dinner."

With warmth coursing through my body, I decided dinner could wait a little while longer and pulled Hal back into the deserted library.