Ok so this technically isn't a new chapter for "Why Me?" but a random one shot I had in my head, it was originally intended for a release last year but I couldn't finish it in time for the holiday season. Why? Bills, so many bills that stressed me out not to mention tax season is here. So just to be clear this chapter isn't canon (well neither is the story legally - you get the idea) this is just a "what if" story I thought up for the winter season so enjoy! As for when this one shot takes place? Basically any time pre chapter 7.

Winter warmth (one shot)

I have to say this isn't one of my greatest moments

"S-so cold..." I muttered as I kept pushing against the snow. My legs were practically numb from the freezing pain. The icy winds weren't doing me any favors either "Come on! Gotta get out of here b-before I f-freeze to death" I sputtered to myself. I tried pushing myself through frigid winds only to collapse onto the snow. With no options left, I crawled at a painfully slow pace to my empty den.

"Still hasn't come back, I don't blame her I wouldn't have forgiven myself either."

Another gust of the chilly air snapped me out of my thoughts.

"None of that matters now! I have to start a fire fast or else I'll-"

My thoughts stopped as I suddenly slipped into unconsciousness.

Can you believe it? Christmas eve, and this is how I'm spending it alone and cold. Now you may be wondering: how in the hell did I get myself in this predicament?

Simple, I left to go get firewood but this weather is so damn cold.

As for the alone part? That is a bit more complicated.

To set it straight I messed up, I ruined my only relationship for a dream that I'm not sure I even want anymore. I wanted to get out of this Arceus forsaken town and finally have some time for myself, but she couldn't bear the idea of me leaving let alone by myself. One heated argument later I end up pushing her away. At the time I felt like our relationship was rushed, I also didn't want any of the time work and effort I had made to go to waste.

The main reason why I wanted to travel was to get away from the others that tormented me in the past. It was as if I was a living punching bag. I never fought back because it would just prolong my suffering; I mean why fight back against others that are ten times stronger than you? Yet here I am suddenly reluctant to leave, even though I hate almost everyone here. Dawn was pretty much the only one who cared for me and at least tried to break me out of my shell.

Because of that she kinda grew on me.

However, Dawn and I don't even speak to one another nowadays, it's like we're complete strangers. Yet on the rare occasion we bump into each other she doesn't show any signs of malice or anger towards me. She just gives me an empty smile each time I see her face.

I felt so damn guilty not to mention alone.

…

…

…

My eyes slowly opened the only thing I felt was a searing pain on my now sore throat. I cleared my throat as I scanned my surroundings. To my surprise I spotted Dawn sitting across from me staring intently. She's just as beautiful as I last saw her.

We didn't say a word to each other until I sneezed suddenly.

"Uh hi…" I finally responded trying to break the ice between the two of us. My face was burning with embarrassment.

"Are you okay?" Dawn asked with concern evident in her tone.

"I'm fine just got a cold" I replied with a thick cough only for Dawn to get close trying to heat me up with her warmth. Flinching I tried pushing her away, it's all a bit too soon. Besides, I didn't want her to get sick because of me. It's bad enough that she's nursing me back to health again. Noticing my hesitation Dawn let go. "What's wrong?"

"you already know"

"I uh just don't want you to get sick because of me is all" I replied with a nasally voice.

"But that's not all, is it?" She pressed on causing me to look away in shame.

"Hey, I missed you too…" Dawn practically whispered as one of her ribbons moved to caress my chin only to pivot it towards her.

"And I still love you, I always will"

My face was practically on fine when she said those words. Pulling away from her I averted my gaze to the ground.

"I was doing fine on my own." I lied

"All evidence to the contrary." She replied with a snarky attitude causing me to sigh in defeat.

"I'm sorry, I missed you too" I apologize.

...

"I was worried about you… I hadn't seen you in weeks! I thought you just decided to leave without saying goodbye" She huffed with a small pout.

"I'm sorry for that as well but if you don't mind me asking why did you come back?" I asked as Dawn regained her composure

"I didn't want you celebrating Christmas on your own, which reminds me, here!" She replied only to search for something in her travel satchel.

It was a perfectly wrapped box with red wrapping paper and a green ribbon. Slowly I unwrapped the gift as Dawn leaned closer to me. Inside were a pair of eyeglasses that kind of reminded me of aviator goggles. Underneath said goggles was a red scarf that felt very high quality kinda like the ones rescue teams have.

I've entertained the idea of joining one in the past but I would need more battle training which is something I'm not too fond of really. But hey the idea alone was pretty neat. I looked back at Dawn with so much guilt on my back, I don't even have anything to give her.

"Dawn I-I don't know what to say"

"Don't its parting gift just something to remember me by…"

"I shouldn't have freaked out like I did when we last talked. I get it now, you had a bad time here, you just wanted to leave and have some alone time. Then here I come trying to make you stay knowing full well how bad you've had it here" she apologized looking at the ground with a saddened expression making me feel like an even bigger piece of crap.

"I'm not the only one who's had it rough here…" I suddenly replied causing her to avert her gaze to me.

"I'm sorry too Dawn, I really am, I treated you like crap and I don't even deserve all this. I wanted to leave as soon as I could back in the day, but as soon as you showed up everything got muddled up for me. Despite the fact we both had it bad here I only focused on myself rather than giving you any of my attention. As stupid as this is going to sound I'm such a wreck without you Dawn. These past three months I couldn't get you out of my head because you're all I got-" I continued only to have Dawn interrupt me with her paw against my mouth.

Her smile was so infectious as tears of joy streamed down her cheek, her ribbons suddenly lashed out pulling me towards her. We both embraced each other tightly sharing our warmth as we finally forgave each other.

...

"You know I haven't really given this trip much thought now that I really think about it, I'd just thought i'd just go to Sinnoh or Kalos by myself. Sounds pretty boring when put into perspective, but I digress my point is maybe I don't have to go alone.." I replied gesturing to Dawn causing her to gasp softly.

"I'd like you to join me, I like you a lot and I don't want to leave you behind" I didn't know what really came over me at that moment but I can't say I second thought any of those words.

"Y-you mean it Spike?" She was surprised that I would say such a thing.

In the past I would have been against this, for so long I wanted peace for myself, but I'm so tired of doing this by myself and just being alone in general.

"Absolutely." I replied with no doubt causing Dawn to squeal as she hugged me again.

Well that wraps up the one shot pretty short overall which is kind of the main reason why I didn't make it an entirely different story. As far as updates go I might have an easier time updating chapters since my college schedule is much less hectic this year. However I am currently trying to get all my other stories updated as well so it may take a bit.

See ya peeps!

-The Ultimate Spiderman