Journals and Diaries
Post-Christmas One-Shot?
Chapter 6?
?
The weather turned colder as weeks passed by. Lands that once brimmed with greens had begun to wilt and were covered in white wintry snow. Frost came early this year, as said so by the city's natives. Many considered such an omen, as for others, it was a break from the ongoing war.
In the distance, mountain tops were covered in white, their valleys enveloped by mists dancing in the wind. Winter trees swayed, softly caressing one another and reaching for every falling speck of flurry.
Tranquil was the only word that came to mind.
She stood there on the sidewalk, witnessing people scurrying about their business. Children pressed their faces against stores' windows along the open main road. Horse-pulled wagons and carriages passed by, clopping noises resounding each time a hoof touched the cobblestone boulevard. She went on ahead at a short pace.
She found herself at the town square. A tall tree stood erect at its heart, higher than every building surrounding it. Not that anyone would care–it was the Pride of Winter after all. The tree, or Great Green, was decorated scantily, no uniformed sense of composition, structure or distribution could be found. The bare assortments brought by the people who lived here served as the tree's decor. Uneven glass ornaments, discolored fruits, broken gingerbread figures, and even sloppy children's drawings hung on its branches, making it a unique sight to behold.
Perhaps, that's why she liked it. They felt genuine, in a coming-together sort of way. The sun had long passed its peak and was now making its journey toward the western mountains. A wooden beam supported her as she sat down and leaned against the backrest. Tucking both hands into the coat's pockets for extra warmth, she relaxed and eased into comfort. Just like everyone who came, they were all waiting—from families to those who lived on the streets–for that special moment.
Golden Hour, it was called. And breathtaking couldn't even begin to describe it.
It was when the sun's rays peeked between the mountains and painted the sky in a dazzling orange and red. It was when cascading shadows contrasted against the bright colors of sunset. When falling snow shimmered in the air as if the stars were falling from far above. Amidst everything, the Great Green just glowed, like a colossal candle had just been lit.
Ah. Mesmerizing.
She was completely enthralled, as others around her. It was a spectacle she had witnessed before, but it never failed to captivate her.
She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She could only smile while gazing at the sight. She stayed there until it ended and her smile never left.
The sun signaled its full retreat and sunlight no longer shroud the land, giving the stage to its sibling stars and moon. The crowd cheered happily, many giving prayers before leaving for their homes. She remained there, gazing at the empty square and snuggling deeper into her coat. The few street lamps that existed were enough to give lights.
All else that remained were peace and quiet.
Inhale.
Hffff!
And exhale.
Haaaaah~
It was a cold night indeed.
She fixed her hat, stood up and left.
…
A small fire crackled as it sprang to life from a flint spark. Timbers burned and embers danced atop the flame. She hunched there, legs pulled up with knees touching her chins. A rugged carpet laid beneath and a warm blanket wrapped around her body. Both her hands were fixated upon the heat in front. She was still shivering from the chilly winter air, a hot bath sounded heavenly about now.
A door opened then closed. She heard soft bare footsteps coming toward her direction, bringing along a pleasant scent. The figure sat down next to her and reached over with a mug in hand. She took the offered mug and took a whiff.
Hot cocoa. How it brought back memories.
She took a small sip and quickly hissed.
Hot.
Really hot.
The laugh was expected when it rang from her right. A somewhat deep but rough voice full of boyish charm that was annoying yet endearing. There was some shuffling noise and she could feel his towering warmth engulfing her.
"So, you're gonna share that blanket?"
She shook her head and stuck a tongue out childishly.
There was a sigh and the clink of a mug being placed down.
Oh no.
She started scrambling away while trying to not let her cocoa spill, but it did ever so slightly anyway when she hurriedly put it down. A pair of hands snatched at her feet and began pulling her towards a handsome demon.
She squeaked and fought against such an infernal being–albeit half-heartedly. But that's not the point!
The monster dared laughed at her, his evil claws gripping higher at her legs and gradually pulling at her hips. Her arms flailed in retaliation despite yielding little to no effects. Out of options, she resorted to the last act and covered herself with the woolen blanket.
Slowly and uselessly, it was peeled off and the figure darkened by shadows peered right down. The fire illuminated his young yet roughed up features. She looked at his piercing eyes which stared right back at her in turn. That damned smirk of his–the very same that had been there since she was little. The same grin that would always form when he teased her. The cute dimple that laid bare at every happy time. Her hand reached up and felt his fuzzy cheek.
It was the smile she swore she would protect. No matter how long or how far, she would always find him, just as she did two years ago.
"So..."
She stopped and stared.
"You're gonna share yet?"
Must.
Resist.
Stubbornly, she looked sideways and huffed, closing her eyes. She could practically feel his eye-roll at her, but it was more fun this way.
Suddenly her body felt jolts of sensation at her sides. She couldn't help but wriggle and laugh while trying to stop the devil's hands. He knew where all her ticklish spots were. It wasn't fair!
Eventually, it stopped and she felt herself being pulled up into a sitting position. Breathing a bit fast, she rested her head against him and let his arms loop around her body. They sat there in silence, hearing nothing but the crackling fire.
She could hear his heartbeat, soft and rhythmic, letting her know that he was here and alive. How she survived without him she would never know. She snuggled in closer and felt his arms tighten, a hand on her head stroking her messy hair.
A soft breeze somehow snooped its way through, making her shiver.
The blanket draped over both of them, killing any drafts of cold that might've lingered. Comfort returned in an instant. Everything felt right at that moment and she didn't want to let go. Still unmoving, he set her on his lap, both facing the small fireplace. He reached for her mug and she gingerly accepted.
It was delicious.
"I want to stay like this too."
His voice was so soft and full of genuine tenderness. She never doubted him once, as he never did she. Leaning back closer to his warmth in response. He took a deep breath, nose tickling at her hair.
Was he smelling her?
Ew.
A small laugh followed.
"We will always have each other."
It was a promise.
"I promise that."
She couldn't help but giggle.
She felt her chin being tilted back delicately and saw his eyes.
"I will find you, as you found me."
A hundred times she had heard it, but a thousand more she wouldn't mind.
She leaned in for the kiss.
It tasted like hot cocoa.
Edited by windstruck07
A/N: Updating past Christmas 'cause no one reads on Christmas, duh. Hello? Is this fandom even still alive? Why am I here? Just to suffer? Jk. Enjoy this short and expect the next update...uh, never?