One pleasant winter evening, Arturia found herself trading the warmth of a fireplace for the feel of snowflakes on her eyelashes.

Shirou, Rin, Iskandar and the rest of the gang were inside, having one too many shots of some sake they found in the kitchen. A crash and some shrieking later, she chuckled at her friends' antics, knowing Rin must've thrown something at her former Master.

"Enjoying the snow, my lady?"

A half-smile made its way to her face, recognizing the voice. Only one man called her "my lady" anyway.

"Mm...Quite," she answered over her shoulder, staring captivated at the falling snow before her.

It was his turn to smile. He wondered silently if she could sense him do so, even if she didn't face him, for he could hear her stifle a giggle. Diarmuid thought that was utterly adorable. Heck, he thought everything about her was adorable.

Gosh. When did he start thinking that? Saber had started out as just a friend for him. A comrade. One who upholds the same honor and chivalry. But from the moment they met, he knew there was something. Something special about her he'd never find in anyone else. Admitting this to Iskandar though, was quite the idea. The big man had said he was "absolutely smitten." The worst part of it all was that he couldn't deny it. He definitely did fancy the lovely king.

"I'd think a king such as yourself could tolerate at least this level of rough housing," Diarmuid commented, throwing a glance back at the crowd of Servants and Masters, "If your knights were anything like my companions, I'm sure you'd gone through your share of drunkards."

As if on cue, a very very drunk Iskandar let out a Santa-worthy laugh, while crushing the honorable Wav-, er, Lord El-Melloi II in his arms, prompting the two knights in the snow to laugh.

"Oh shush, you," Saber answered, faking annoyance, "You are out here to escape as well, are you not?"

She still had her back to him. Diarmuid was silent for such a long time, she felt the snow at her feet had risen an inch. She raised her shoulders, shivering a bit in the cold, and cupped her hands together, warming them with her breath. Winter never really changed since her time. It was still wet, freezing, and yet so incredibly beautiful. But it was still freezing. She found herself longing for the flickering flames inside, yet she was reluctant to leave the snow.

She heard the Irish knight sigh. It sounded a little like he was just warring with himself and gave up.

"I am not."

Hm.

"Then why are you out here—"

She was interrupted by his arms wrapping around her, and the sudden feeling of warmth when he pulled her back to his chest.

"To be with the snow."

His arms tightened around her, and she stood surprised...confused… embarrassed, neither pressing herself to him nor pushing him away, silently praying he couldn't feel the beating of her heart.

"To be with the regal, enchanting, beautiful snow that has captivated me so."

Gah! I hope it's not too late for a Holiday fic!

I have been internet deprived til now, and I am so, so sorry! :((

Anyway, as a bonus, the next chapter will be up today too :)

Thank you for the reviews and favorites and follows! They make me so happy! You people are the best thing that's happened to me this year!...well last year and this year! :)

Happy Holidays!

-akampana