18: Hibernate/Sleep: Trent and Courtney

When it got unbearably cold outside, Trent wanted to turn into, well, a bear. He could find a cozy spot and just sleep until it was toasty warm again. Spring would come and everything would be alive and rejuvenated: just how he liked it. Not barren and frosty with Jack Frost biting off his fingers and toes. He obviously couldn't morph into the creature, so he took his own measures. As soon as he got home, he'd blast the heat, make himself a hot cup of tea, grab as many quilts as he could, and snuggle up on the couch as he watched television.

He'd had this pattern most of his life, including the time he dated Gwen. She loved the cold, why he couldn't understand, and she'd try to drag him out but he refused. Well, sometimes he'd cave, but only because he knew it made her happy. He did a lot of things to make her happy, a lot of giving, but he never took anything, and maybe that's where it all went wrong. A relationship was give and take, no matter what. If one person did all the giving and the other took, well, what you had was a relationship that would one day implode on itself, never to be seen again.

Trent had moved on though to bigger, better things. He was a full time musician and was one hit away before making it big. Although Courtney liked to tell him how idealistic he was being, he didn't let her negativity get him down. He knew deep down she meant well. After all, he wouldn't have asked her on a date if he didn't think so.

It happened about a week after they met at the coffee shop. They were watching a movie in his apartment, drinking tea and getting lost in the show, when he slipped his hand over hers. He wasn't sure what made him do it, but he was glad he did. She didn't move away and, to his delight, rested her head against his shoulder.

Dating was inevitable. He realized that now. Once you knew Courtney, it was hard not to like her and to want to be around her. Yeah, she was bossy and conceited and a little out there, but that's what made her great. She inspired him to accomplish his goals, even if they were a little crazy to her. He saw the effort she made to get where she wanted to go, but she didn't forget her friends either. She even learned to forgive, thanks to Trent and his letter suggestion. Now, she was free of the baggage that held her back, and Trent was more than willing to continue the lighter journey with her.

The best part though was Courtney only liked cold days just so she could stay inside. She liked to wake up to a Winter Wonderland, made tea first thing, and best of all, stay in her pyjamas. They weren't the sexiest things around, but Trent didn't really care. Courtney didn't need to reveal anything to be gorgeous in his mind.

Like he was saying, she would grab the blankets and made a bed on the sitting room floor in front of the television. She pulled out all the favourite movies she'd been meaning to watch then settle in for a lazy day, as long as there weren't any classes. Then the system would have to wait till evening. Luckily for them both, it was currently a Saturday.

Trent got up late, almost noon actually, and arose to the smell of cinnamon toast and hot chocolate, his favourite. He found her in the kitchen buttering more bread. Her butterscotch hair was up in a messy bun and as he walked over, he noticed she was wearing one of his long sleeved shirts that went down to her knees, paired with her grubby sweaters. They'd only been dating a few weeks, almost a month, but they had known each other for years, so the idea of her wearing his clothes didn't feel like a breach of contract. He wrapped his arms around her waist and sighed as he buried his head against her neck.

His breathe must have tickled her for he caught her giggle and grinned. "Morning," he muttered sleepily.

"Good morning," she replied, tilting her head to the side to plant a kiss on his nose.

"All set for our personal snow day?"

"You mean hibernation?"

Trent chuckled. "Yeah, hibernation."

Courtney nodded. "Yup, the living room's all ready. Although it was hard to get some of the blankets because someone was being a lazy boy and decided to sleep all day," she teased as she placed the slices in the toaster.

"What can I say, being a musician is a hard life," he said, kissing her neck lightly.

"Alright Mister Musician, how about you head to the living room while I finish breakfast."

Trent shook his head. "Come with me," he said in his whining, childish voice that usually got him what he wanted.

"Would you like cinnamon toast or me? You can't have both," she chuckled.

He gave a dramatic sigh and reluctantly let go of her waist. "Fine, I'll go sulk. But I will have both later," he stated before heading to the living room. Courtney just nodded, but he couldn't wait all the same. He could definitely get used to this being a regular occurrence.

'As far as I'm concerned, it already is.'