#i don't like winter coats!! i feel stuffed and heavy and all too hot and everything SUCKS in a winter coat :(((

[keeps-ache]

hats are pretty neat things. how many kinds of hats are there? some are Plops, some are Brimmed, some do not serve any Practical Function, some are not even Fashionable but they're Funny To Look At, some are Very Big! and some are So Small you have to pin them to your head! hats are neat :)

[blueberrypossum]

You are my weakness

Howdy yall!! I wanted to get this out for the Hollidays so that everyone got their daily dose of Leonard love (I can't get this man out of my head).

⚠️ WARNING ⚠️: There are swear words and little bit of adult content (such as making out and yearning)

I don't know if others are like me, but I love listening to music while reading fanfiction so here's a few songs I was listening to while writing

Hope you guys enjoy!

(BTW the word fat head is slang for stupid or foolish person, I just see Danny using slang and such)

Okay, that’s not how the conversation went, Mickey is lying to you!”

“That electric pole couldn’t lie to his worst enemy!”

“I guess you’re below that point then, aren’t ya?”

The orge yokai let out a bellowed laugh next to you and you couldn’t help but laugh along with him. You both were hanging out on his balcony, Danny, Mickey, and a few of your other friends were back inside; you all had a successful heist and were celebrating back at his and his gang’s place. You slightly move the mug in your hands, the hot chocolate slowly swallowing the marshmallows Mickey had placed in it. 

With winter hitting the surface world, the Hidden City had gotten colder and some of the witches had cast a spell to let it snow, the fluffy little flurries covering the city in a thin blanket of white. You looked back over at Leonard and couldn’t suppress the smile that grew across your face. You’ve been friends with him and his gang for years, always working together to be known as some of the best thieves down in this golden city. 

You brought your jacket close, well, Leonard’s jacket. Anytime you were cold and forgot to bring something warmer, you were always up to steal Leonard’s clothes. He never complained and never asked and you would make sure to leave it where you found it. You could hear the faint laughs of Danny, Mickey, and your friends inside, knowing that they were placing bets on the card game they were playing. As you took a sip of your drink, it was Leonard’s turn to watch you silently. He took in your red cheeks, how your fingers twitched against the warmth of your cup, and how the snow stuck to the top of your head like a crown. 

It has been years; years of earning each other’s trust, months of becoming close friends, weeks of falling for you. He watched as you ran your fingers through your hair, the snowflakes that had settled melted or pushed away. Your arm was touching his and he tried his damn hardest to not let it show that it bothered him, how he wanted to lean into you, lean into your welcoming scent and breath you in instead of the icy wind.  

You were so addictive and he hated it. 

You let out another giggle and he gave you one of his side grins.

“What’s so funny?”

“I was just thinking about today. How Danny literally started to sing to the crowd while we made our escape, maybe he should join a band.”

“With that ugly mug? He would mostly likely have to be the drummer since people swoon over the singer, guitar player, and then the drummer.”

“Does that mean you get to be the guitar player since you play?”

“And leave Mickey to be the singer? I think we’re better off as thieves.”

You placed your hand over your mouth to hide your laughs as the jokes finally got to you, her body unwilling leaning against Leonard to hold you up as your body heaved up laughs. The tall yokai gladly took in your weight, your warmth spreading over him like wildfire and couldn’t help but let a light hue of red cover his face. 

You were extremely close now, to the point that if you breathed the little ice cloud would cover his face. You were still letting out chuckles as you finally looked up at him, tears barely forming at the corners of your eyes, causing your eyes to sparkle like deep twilight. All titans above he has fallen for you, he has fallen so deep for you he was surprised he was still standing.

“Are you done laughing? I’m pretty sure the humans above heard you.”

You roll your eyes and set your mug over on the ledge of the railing, the steam of the hot beverage slowly dancing with the breeze.

“You know bad jokes are my weakness. Unlike you, I can actually admit to it.”

“I can totally admit my weaknesses.”

“Really? What’s your number one weakness then?”

This was it. This was the time to say his bloody feelings, to let you know that he thinks about you nonstop at random times of the day, how he makes sure that nothing hurts you during their heists, how he lays in his bed and thinks, just for a bloody second, what it would be like if you were there next to him. He could feel sweat start to build up on his body as the silence continued between you two. You were so genuine, loyal, funny, and your features could make anyone swoon. 

His mouth opened up to say something, anything, until Mickey came crashing through the door. Leonard quickly moved over to where you and him were no longer touching and he moved his face to hide the blush that covered it. Heavy laughs and booing bursted out from the apartment as the cold air was let into the warm building.

“Y/N! Y/N! I need your help! Danny cannot beat my ass at this next game!” The eel yelled, his face warm with the booze mixed within his hot chocolate. He grabbed your arm and you let out a laugh as the eel basically fell onto you as he tried to drag you back into the apartment. Leonard gave Mickey an evil eye as he dragged you away, a low growl rumbling out of his throat as he turned back to the night sky, his beaten up fingers running through his hair. Maybe it was a sign, to either let you go or to go after you, he didn’t know. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

You had left the apartment after your friends left, and Leonard couldn’t help but stare at the front door. Mickey was passed out on the couch, clinging to his handful of cards he had from the final game and Danny was cleaning up the last of the mess. 

The green yokai looked back at the balcony and saw that the snow was building up speed and little piles were being created. 

“So, ya going after Y/N?”

Leonard instantly perked at the sound of your name and he quickly turned to Danny, who’s eyebrow was raised and a frown was crossed over his face. 

“What the hell are you talkin about?”

The rat yokai let out a gust of air as he threw the last bit of trash into the trashcan and crossed his arms over his chest. 

“Ya know that Y/N has fallen head over heels for ya, right? I knew that you were a fat head, but not that much.”

Leonard looked over to his side and his hands balled into fists, the emotions that raged inside of him were just too much, he had flings in the past, but he didn’t want that with you.You weren’t just going to be a fling. He wanted you. He needed you.

“What should I do, Dan?”

The tall rat was a little taken aback, never once in his life had he seen his friend so defeated, almost helpless, so desperate that he was asking for help. Danny looked around until his eyes landed on Leonard’s jacket, the one you had been wearing an hour ago.

He handed it over to Leonard.

“Go.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The alleyway was silent as you walked home, your hands stuffed into the pockets of your hoodie as you watched your small breaths create clouds in front of you. The last few hours flashed around in your head and your heart went weak at the sight of Leonard that jumped through your head. You wondered what he was going to say, you wondered if he was going to say anything at all, you wondered if he only saw you as a friend. 

You heard hard and fast footsteps behind you and your hand was instantly out with a knife in your dominant hand, prepared for anything. You turned just in time to see who it was that was racing after you, almost trying to catch up.

“Leonard?”

The ogre yokai was out of breath by the time he got to you, his coat and jeans clinging onto him for dear life just like his hands were with his jacket. He took in several gulps of air and just when he thought he had gotten his breath back, it was taken away from him once again. 

Snow was once again sprinkled onto your hair and even your eyelashes and your cheeks were clinging for any kind of heat. The city lights dusted you with a golden blur and in the silence he could hear and see your steady breathing from your chest. 

Holy fuck you were exhilarant.

He was so distracted that he barely heard your voice against the pounding in his ears. 

“What are you doing here? Did something happen?”

He looked down at you and then lower at his jacket, his fingers creating fingerprints due to the cold. 

“You, uh, you forgot this,” he grunted and swiftly handed it to you. You took the jacket into your hands and gave him a frown.

“Len, this is your jacket.”

Shit shit!! What do I say? What do I do?

“Yeah, well, you wear it so much it might as well be yours,” he growled as he shoved his hands into his jean pockets, his eyes wandering around so he didn’t have to look at you. 

You were still confused but put on the jacket anyway, the old scents that you had held dear hours ago flooded back with open arms. You could smell the sweat of the jacket, the adventure, the thrill of being Loathsome Leonard, you could smell his cologne that made him smell like a foggy pine forest with nothing left but moss covered stones and mysteries left unsolved. 

“Thank you, but I’m guessing that's not why you are truly here,” you said with a light sigh, the chilly environment no longer bothering you. He watched as you brought the collar of the jacket closer and noticed how you smelled it and it made his throat and mouth dry. 

“It’s hard to talk to you, you know that?” He huffed out as he scratched the back of his neck. 

“I know, but you know it’s just me, right?”

Yeah. He knows it was just you, and that’s what made it unbearable to stand here and not kiss you, have you, to be yours. 

He tried to think of something up, something cheesy and romantic like Danny, or truthful and spontaneous like Mickey, but if you liked that, you wouldn’t be hanging out around him, you wouldn’t want to be with him. 

“Isn’t my weakness obvious, Y/N?”

Your frown only went deeper as your brain tried to think of what the hell he was talking about, and then the conversation came lashing back like a wip. You tilted your head at him and he rolled his eyes and looked at you again, but not at you, but the piece of clothing you were wearing. The jacket. The jacket you were wearing. You. 

Oh.

All the blood in your body raced to your face and your hands were moving through your hair so fast that you were surprised that you weren’t bald yet. You tried to remain eye-contact with Leonard but it was almost like you were back in school, blushing and stuttering over a small crush. But this wasn’t a crush, this couldn’t be a crush, this was something fully developed, more well rounded and shaped, this wasn’t something you could just get over with.

The silence was almost too much for the yokai and for a split second he could feel fear and regret hit his gut like a punch, until your lips crashed into his like a freight train. 

You were standing on the end of your toes and your hands were holding his face as you kissed him, praying to the titans above that you didn’t mess it up. 

Leonard almost went dead within your hands as the heat from your lips traveled over to his, his hands had slipped out his pockets but they stood stiff near you as if afraid to touch you. For Leonard it felt as if the kiss lasted a few lifetimes full of adventure and heartache, but the kiss was short and simple. 

You pulled back as you looked up at him with worried eyes. Maybe you had taken it too far, maybe you should’ve had him specify what he meant to double-check, or maybe just-

His lips were back on yours again, this time with meaning, this time with everything he fucking had. You instantly melted into the kiss and so did he, his hands holding onto your face, his thumb softly caressing the skin under it. That hand soon moved to behind your head as your hands went to his chest, your fingers gently holding onto his shirt. With his size and strength he was practically looming over you, consuming your scent, your passion, your taste. Your head started to dip as the kiss started to get heated, more meaning being pushed into it. 

You barely had time to come up for air before he attacked your lips again and soon your back was against the wall of the alleyway and everything in your head was getting dizzy, all you knew was that Leonard smelled good, he felt good, and you’ve craved this for months. 

Leonard couldn’t keep himself off of you, unless you said something, he was going to chase and explore this feeling you were giving him. His strong hands roamed your waist and couldn’t help but pin you against the brick wall of the alleyway. Your lips were soft, delicate, and your scent was practically calling his name, and your hands traveled up his chest and hooked around his neck and to all the higher beings above to say that you gave him a high was an understatement, because highs don’t last forever, but the love he felt for you would.

“Leonard,” you moaned into his mouth and he instantly slammed his hand up against the wall next to your head, his instincts going haywire within him. 

He had never heard you say his name like that. He had only dreamt of it, only allowed his mind to wonder to you groaning and moaning his name during desperate times.

 He growled into your mouth and it shook you to your very core to the point that it felt like you were sweating during the winter storm around you. You were able to get another breath before his lips once again found yours and he growled deep into your mouth. It’s almost like he knew you would go weak in the knees because he was holding onto you. 

It felt as if he was made for loving you. 

“Leonard.”

There it was again, the desperation, the thrill in your voice that was laced with need, you needed him, you wanted him. Another growl rippled from his throat as his kisses slowly trailed down your cheek, then jawline, and then your neck. You let out a gasp as his hands dipped under you and he lifted you up, pushing you more against the wall as he had full and utter control. 

He took in your sensitive skin, the shiver that ran through your body, how his jacket looked on you. He couldn’t get enough, he could never get enough of you, he wanted this to last, to taste and savor every last second with you. But, when you said his name again, it was filled with panic. 

“Leonard! The cops!”

The ogre yokai quickly turned over to the end of the alleyway; there were two cops standing there, flashing their flashlights down the dimly lit alleyway. As he questioned why the hell they would come down here and ruin his and yours night, he looked above your head to see the obvious No Loitering sign.

“Shit.”

He gently let you down and took your hand and headed in the opposite direction, the cops instantly spotting you two and gave chase. Of course, the cops wouldn’t do much to just two people loitering, but you both had just done a heist and you both knew that your faces would be plastered over every police station. 

You and Leonard quickly darted into every alleyway, trying to find a building or area where you could stay hidden until the cops lost your trail. You couldn’t help but laugh as you both raced away from the cops, you felt like a kid again, running away from the cops for vandalizing or when you didn’t know how to hide from the law when you were younger. 

Leonard heard your laughter and he rolled his eyes at you, once again laughing at the face of danger. But, you were his weakness, and he was glad of it.  

[rosenoirwrites]

Live for me (bxb)

Prologue

First draft

Dane Watford had been through the wringer when it came to the various strategies and methods his newly found counterparts used to constantly get rid of him.

He’d been sent a baseless note that had ended things, been kicked out of the apartment he'd spent a night in—with his crumpled clothes thrown along side him, had to find out from a mutual connection and had been told over a simple text: “its over”

But none had prepared Dane for the estrangement with his new lover, a boy by the name Matthew. Matthew had been the one, if Dane were to say, that he’d felt the first spark of connection with.

A young lad that he’d offered his jacket to on a cool winter evening while he took a stroll along the campus park. The weather had been chilly and wrought with a mild blizzard hurling icy sleets at people who’d been brave enough to step outside.

A bored and sadistic idiot like himself, had ventured out of the comfort of his warm and cozy dorm room and into the raging storm. With a stuffed coat and a thick scarf with an extra jacket in hand in case of an emergency, Dane embarked on his aimless journey through the campus, passing by the academic buildings and through the campus park that was vacant.

The benches had slowly acquired frosted coatings on their surfaces, particles of white hoar layered on them as the blizzard went on. Dane had found the condition of the campus quite disastrous but for a heart that’d been recently shattered, a change of scenery—though bizarre and intractable, felt like the perfect chance to clear his clouded mind.

Until he laid his eyes on a certain man who sat, seasonally dressed as though it were summer in his pleated sweater and plaid jeans, his head bowed like he were alseep or lost in thought.

His first thought had been to walk away and ignore the strange fellow, but as he attempted to pass by his bench, he felt the sudden need to stop. Contrary to his pessimistic mind and recovering heart, he'd reached out to him and offered his extra jacket.

A gesture that solidified the relationship that bloomed afterward. One that had lasted longer than the other flings he'd suffered from, a smooth and not so conflicted romance that had always seemed too good to be true.

Which It’d actually been all along.

Now seated opposite one another in a quaint coffee shop at a mere distance from their shared off-campus apartment, Dane had—for the first time in a while—been left dumbstruck at the the words that left Matthews lips as he spoke.

“It’s been coming for some time now” He’d sputtered, twirling the teaspoon in his mug as he spoke, “I-we haven't been as happy as we should be, I'm sure you’ve felt it as well” He sipped at his sizzling latte, avoiding eye contact with Dane as much as possible.

“You can't pretend like as if we’ve been living our best lives together, it's obvious that we’re both miserable” he continued, now tapping his fingers against the table, “and my parents offered to take me for counselling and I accepted the offer”

“What the fuck do you need counselling for?” Dane spat, feeling the sensation of fumes emitting from his ears as he spoke, the anger raging within him competed with the scorching heat that spewed from the cup of tea set before him.

Matthew leaned forward, his gaze now set on Dane’s as he spoke, “For this fucked up relationship we have! You think it's normal for two men to actually be together?” he pinched the bridge of his nose, “I know we confessed our feelings for each other and all but these last few weeks have got me thinking and I don't think that this—that we are normal. We need to seek help, and counseling can achieve that”

“Is that what your priest told you?” Dane retorted, cleanching his fidgeting fingers into fists as he bit down on his bottom lip, his tongue swirling along the intricate loop of his lip piercing, “That loving me is a sin? That it's uncommon? I thought we were past that”

“Well you thought wrong” Matthew leaned back in his seat, tussles of his brown curls falling over his eyebrows as he watched the man he’d once loved, unravel in the face of his unexpected breakup—it was certainly better than the truth, this was much more appealing to reveal to him at least.

“I’ll need you to pack your things and leave by tomorrow evening, I'll help you pack if—”

In all his practice and anticipation of Dane’s reaction to his sudden request for a breakup, Matthew had never seen a swirl of hot coffee spilled over his body as one.

Nor had he expected a rage driven Dane to pounce on him, lunging forward over the table and crashing unto the floor, punching and screaming obscene words at him.

The customers around them had scrambled to separate them, a certain elderly nosy woman dailing her emergency contact, 911, as the struggle to subdue a punching and writhing Dane as well as the battered Matthew continued.

Once they were able to drag them to either side of the shop, a heaving and rage drunken Dane spat at the direction of Mattew, who's left eye was gently changing it's shade to a much sickening color of purple. He sputtered blood out of his quivering lips as the customers that’d helped him attempted to tend to him whilst Dane struggled in his captors hold.

“I hope I see you in hell you fucker” Dane retorted, a devilish smirk making its way across his lips as he watched Matthew grapple to regain his stability. “I’ll be sure to see you there you ducking prick” he cursed.

The repercussions of his assault, though heavy and saddening to even comprehend, brought a wider smile to Dane’s lips. For the first time, he’s been able to express his feelings towards a man who’d disregarded how he’d felt and pushed him over the edge.

It was certainly worth the pain that was looming at the end of the current squabble before them. For now though, He’d enjoy watching his ex, groan and writhe in pain.

THANKS FOR READING ❤️

Tags: @midnvght-lies @midnxghtsunwrites

[mikkomacko]

The Fighter 5

Harry tried with all his heart to get me to sleep. He requested warm milk, he hummed a random song, he buried his fingers in the roots of my hair and stroked through the strands in hopes that it would do anything to help. But I was still restless, falling asleep long enough to dream of Theo dying in some gruesome fight with Trina, before flinching awake to be met with Harry's worried, tired eyes.

"You don't have to worry," Harry murmured, dragging the pads of his fingers down my cheek and over my jawline. "you know I'll do everything to get you what you need." His lips touched between my eyebrows, soft as a feather. "You'll be safe."

I didn't tell him that I wasn't worried about myself or that I was dreaming of Theo. I didn't tell him that every time his fingers touched me I felt sick, constantly thinking that this is the first and only night I'd get him like this. I closed my eyes again, relaxing into the same cycle that took place until the sun broke the horizon.

~

Breakfast was quieter than usual. Arlia didn't attend, and I didn't ask where she was. I'd rather spend my last real breakfast with just Harry and Theo. Theo didn't eat much, not that I blamed him. My stomach felt like it was full of piles of rocks, so heavy that the platforms wouldn't even be able to lift me into arena. It was wishful thinking of course. Harry made Theo and I eat two slices of toast each, and drink at least one glass of water.

"No hot cocoa today," he had told me, pushing my glass towards me with a sorry smile. "need you hydrated."

Then he spoke. A lot. He talked about different weather conditions and environments. He told us if we could find water, we need to stay close to it. Most of the time, there's fish in there, and we know how to catch fish. He warned us about fires and their smoke and when to light them. Theo didn't look like he could really handle listening to Harry at that moment, so I listened for the both of us.

"We can do this Theo," I told him, when I noticed he was losing color in his face and his eyes were welling up. "we're going to get in the arena, and you're going to stay on your platform no matter what." I made sure he was looking at me before continuing. "I'll come get you. You only move if someone's coming towards you, okay?"

He nodded, his whole face wobbling as he held back tears. "What if something happens to you why you're trying to get to me? What do I do?"

"The only way I won't get to you is if I'm dead, and that's not going to happen." I swore firmly. There's absolutely no way I'm going to die knowing Theo's still in danger. "I promise, I'll get to you."

"B-but what if-"

"You're smart Theo," I reached over to wipe the water on his cheeks. "you'll know what to do. We've been surviving our whole lives."

He had nodded, despite the fear swimming around in his crystal eyes, and we fell into silence until Harry told us we had to go. We moved towards the elevator, Harry stopping me before I got too far. His thin fingers circled my wrists, and his tired eyes looked into mine with longing.

"I'll do what I can to take care of you two," Harry murmured, "whatever it takes." I nodded, lump in my throat. If there's one thing I've learned about Harry, it's that he can't lie. He'd rather move around the truth than actually lie, so I knew his word was good.

"I'm going to do this Harry," I swore, my words becoming muffled when he pulled me into his chest for a hug. "It'll either be Theo or me, I promise."

I don't know what made me say that it might be me coming home because I will make sure it's Theo. Maybe I felt like Harry needed to hear it, to know that I hear him.

"I know," Harry mumbled in my ear, pressing a kiss to my temple.

~

"Do they feel okay?"

Julius brushed his hands over my shoulders, straightening out the thick winter coat he'd just zipped up. I nodded, rolling my shoulders and shaking my legs to make sure nothing about my outfit feels wrong.

"It's going to be cold there." He told me, as if I couldn't already tell my the clothes he layered me in. I still nodded, unable to find anything to say. It's as if Harry kept my voice, stuffed in one of his pockets to make sure my words stay with him.

Julius was just finishing up braiding my hair when a buzz rang out, signaling that it's time for me to enter my platform. We don't say anything, I suppose he's realized I'm unable to, and I zip my coat up to my chin, stepping onto the platform. Julius stares at me, nodding firmly just once, and then the pedestal begins to rise. The tube grows dark, and the air cold. So cold it stings my face and ears, and my eyes begin to water. The first break of light doesn't hurt considering I'm already squinting from the winter breeze. Once I'm able to see clearly, I take in the arena.

A silver cornucopia sits in the center of the 24 tributes, large chunks of ice and swirls of frost hanging off of it. The area around us is nothing but snow and ice, a forest trapped in a winter wonderland. A screen above the cornucopia displays the countdown: 25 seconds. I quickly look around the weapons laid out, cursing when I realize the spears and larger weapons are further in, making it harder to get out. If I want Theo and I to survive, I have to get one. Backpacks are laid out in the grass, one sitting about three feet in front of me. I'll grab it on my way to the cornucopia.

12 seconds.

Looking around the tributes, I ignore their frightened gazes until I see a familiar pair of blue eyes staring right at me, frozen like a deer. Theo's trembling, cheeks already red in the cold. I give him a reassuring nod, readying myself to run as the final seconds tick down.

A gong ring outs, and I leap forward. My winter boots are heavy, but after years of swimming and ice fishing, I'm prepared to run on ice. Bodies blur by me, the arena empty of noise as I haul up the backpack and sprint to the cornucopia. Adrenaline or luck, I'm not sure, but I'm thankful when I realize no one's reached the weapons yet. I throw the backpack over my shoulders, diving forward to grip the sleek silver spear. I can hear rushed footsteps getting closer, and I steady myself on the side of the metal tube, turning just as the person gets within range. I don't even distinguish which tribute it is before I ram the butt of the spear into their head, knocking them unconscious.

It's Marlin, I realize, just as a screech rings out. I look up to see Trina slipping on ice as she hauls herself towards us. I have no doubt that she sees the blood dripping from her partners temple.

I jump back to action, stepping over him and grabbing the trident resting on the wall. Theo needs a weapon too. I duck around an incoming tribute, somehow managing to get by with only a tug on my sleeve. I notice all the careers are skidding around on the frosty ground. They must not have prepared for this kind of weather.

Theo is huddled down on his platform still, hugging his knees and looking around with wild eyes. His lock on me, and he launches forward too, meeting me halfway. I breathe out a sigh of relief when I realize he's okay and he somehow got a backpack too.

"Come on, we have to go!" I yell, flinching as the fighting screams of the Careers ring out behind us. They've armed themselves, and they're already killing. Theo takes the trident from me, following me into the line of forest trees. The further in we step the more the snow lessens, turning into the frozen ground. I thank whatever good karma's been waiting for me, thankful that I won't have to worry about tracks, and we run. The cold air burns my hands and face and I can feel my legs getting tired but I keep going. The fog from my breath gets too thick so I reach up and hold my hand over my face. I don't know how long we run for, but it's easier to move on this flooring rather than the ice so we go as far as possible.

"I can't-b-breathe." Theo stutters, my own throat and chest stinging painfully so I know it's time to stop. I slow down to a walk, tucking my chin into the collar of my jacket. We need to find water, or a safe place to hide so we can go through our bags and figure out what we need.

"We need a tree or something to hide out in for now." I mutter, teeth chattering. Theo nods, his own chin wobbling in the cold. It's hard to see anything through the thick trees, but the rocky edge of a mountainside peeks through. It's not too far away, and it'll provide some protection from the wind.

"Let's get closer to the mountain, yeah?" Theo follows my line of sight, nodding again. I adjust my grip on my spear, fingers aching and tight from being exposed. Theo and I continue walking, and I keep my eyes and ears perked for any sign of oncoming trouble. Maybe his fingers are cold too, or maybe he's frightened. Whatever it is, I don't question when Theo slips his empty hand into mine. Instead I welcome the warmth of having him with me, even if I wish he were a thousand miles from here, safe and sound.

~

Theo is the first to climb, my back to the tree trunk with our weapons while he pulls himself up the tree as high as he can. The sky is starting to darken, meaning the bloodbath at the cornucopia is dying down. I wonder how many died, which districts they were from. I wonder if somehow Marlin found his way to his feet and managed to slaughter with his fellow butchers. The thought makes me queasy so I push it away.

"I found a good spot!" Theo calls down, and I look up to see him peaking down from a rather large branch. It forks out at a comfortable angle, and luckily another branch for me is close by. I hand his trident up to him, still paying attention to the area around me. There's been no sign of anyone around us, but I refuse to let my guard down.

Theo takes his weapon, and mine, leaving me with free hands to climb the tree. I hurry, staying close to the trunk and ignoring the way the bark scratches my palms and makes them burn even more. I settle on the branch next to Theo, the small gap between them but being big enough for either of us to fall through, so we huddle close together to stay warm. Theo's tucked our weapons under his legs so they don't fall, bag on his lap. I do the same.

"I think my fingers are too frozen to open the zipper." He chuckles lightly, body shaking against mine.

"Tuck 'em into your sleeves." I say, fumbling with my zipper to pull it open. The first thing to bulge out is made of thick, heat reflecting fabric and I realize it's a sleeping bag. "Nice," I nod, carefully unrolling it and throwing it over Theo's legs. He wiggles closer to me, clutching the bag tighter against him.

"Thanks Athena."

I nod, continuing my search through the bag. Hopefully there's another one in the other back pack. The next is an empty water bottle with a small pack of water treatment in it. I huff, wishing it was already filled with water, but the Capitol is never that kind.

"Oh thank God." I grin, finding a pair of winter gloves. I clutch them tightly, rubbing my fingers of the waterproof exterior. "Put these on." I instruct, hanging them to Theo. He doesn't hesitate to slip them over his small hands.

The rest of the contents are dried beef and fruit, a long rope, and a pack of matches. Not bad for one backpack, and I can't help but be thankful that Theo managed to grab one too.

Once Theo's tucked in nice and warm, trident now safely in his bag next to him, I empty his bag. We've got the same stuff, so I settle in the same way he does. Sleeping bag up to my chest, spear next to me, gloves on. I'm settling the bag behind me as a backrest when Theo speaks up.

"There's never been an arena like this." His voice is quite and trembling, and I hope it's more from the cold rather than fear. He's safe with me, but I'd prefer he'd be able to hide his emotions. Never let anyone see your weaknesses.

"No there hasn't," I respond after thinking back on all the Games I've seen. Forest and mountains are typical, but frozen ones aren't. The last Games where the temperature was low lasted too long and got boring. Most of the tributes froze to death, and many Capitol residents were upset with the lack of blood shed and gore. "but that means everyone's at a disadvantage. Not just us."

"What do you mean?"

"No ones prepared for an arena like this. Did you see all the tributes that couldn't even move on the ice? We're all out of our element, meaning..."

Theo smiles, relieved. "We've got a level playing field."

I nod proudly, throwing an arm over him and pulling him to my chest. He happily cuddles up next to me, sighing pleasantly at the added warmth. "Exactly."

~

The temperature dropped with the sun, leaving Theo and I wrapped even tighter around each other. The only relief that came with nightfall was the absence of the wind. Theo's quietly eating a strip of beef, head against my shoulder when the Capitol anthem plays throughout the arena. He sits up straight at that, both of us looking to the sky.

The canons went off a couple hours ago, 14 of them, meaning 14 of the tributes have already been murdered. There's only 10 left, including Theo and I. I hate to think it, but I can't help but feel further at ease knowing I've only got 8 tributes to outlive to make sure Theo gets home.

Finally, the Capitol seal comes up in the clouds, displaying the fallen tributes. I can't help but chuckle lowly at that. I never realized how ironic it is that we're called the fallen. As if we were angels, torn from heaven to be murdered.

I don't any faces of the tributes displayed in the sky, nor there names. All the ones that are a threat, mainly the Careers, are still alive. The tiny bit of ease I just managed to muster up disappears. The real threats are still alive, and most likely hunting.

The sky returns to darkness, and Theo falls back into my chest. It doesn't take him long to fall asleep and I'm thankful. He needs rest, we both do, but for now I can keep watch. I don't think I'd be able to sleep anyway. In the frigid night, breath leaving my lips in clouds, I think of Harry sat on out balcony in pajamas, our blanket tucked around his shoulders. The thought warms my body, so I keep it fresh in my mind all night. Not that it's hard. I don't think I'd be able to stop thinking about him if I tried.

[mysmesomefluff]

Merry Christmas! I'm so excited for your choi-mas collab :D Would you mind writing Saeran with MC who doesn't feel happy during Christmas or doesn't like to celebrate it, maybe due to bad memories of them in the past? (Maybe this is asking too much, but please don't make the reason like she's always been alone on Christmas :')) afrfhikfegifvfvhtf I'm sorry if I'm too specific or too demanding;;;; feel free to ignore the details;;;

A long wisp of white mist escapes you as you heave a long sigh while walking aimlessly down the pavement of the quiet park. You’re grateful for the fact that there aren’t that many people around. With your hands stuffed in the pockets of your coat, you take slow steps down the path, listening to the sound of your boots crunching on snow when you stray closer to the edge of the pavement.

Your phone buzzes in your pocket, but you ignore it. It’s probably more funny pictures being sent to the messenger. There’s a Christmas party being held at Jumin’s villa for the RFA members at the moment, and from what MC has told you, the party games had been planned by Saeyoung, and the result of that has been quite disastrous for Zen in particular. Saeyoung took a lot of pictures of the handsome actor wearing cat ears and sneezing so hard he looks like his nose might fly off soon. The host wasn’t spared either – Jumin got a beard of whipped cream and was forced to wear a santa hat and costume, though he kept his necktie on. It made for a rather strange-looking santa get-up, but you suppose it does suit him somewhat.

There were a couple of pictures of Saeran sent to the messenger as well, mainly of him holding plate after plate stacked with a mountain of Christmas cookies and treats.

A tiny smile lifts your lips briefly at the pictures of your silly boyfriend that are still fresh in your mind. At least he’s having fun. You’re glad that he’s finally getting the chance to make up for all the years he lost and all the Christmases he had spent alone. The happy gleam in his eyes that you spotted in the photos surfaces in your mind, stirring a pleasant warmth in your chest.

A strong, cold gust of wind that hits you in the face then brings you back to reality.

The dull ache that has been there the past three days returns, settling like a heavy weight on your heart. The small smile on your face vanishes just like that, and you close your eyes, biting down on your lip as your feet shuffle to a stop.

Christmas – it’s the happiest time of the year, a time for laughter and joy, the most wonderful time of the year.

Not for you, it isn’t. Not since two years ago, at least.

Your hand comes up to touch the heart-shaped locket resting over your collarbone. Memories of silver hair fluttering in the warm summer breeze, of her wrinkly eyes shrinking as she smiled happily at you, and of the skin on her forehead creasing in worry whenever you looked tired and weary flood your mind like a gushing river. The ache inside you worsens to the point that it’s suffocating, and you have to swallow the painful lump forming in your throat before moisture starts building in your eyes again.

You continue down the lonely road, eyes downcast and trying to take your thoughts elsewhere, but that doesn’t work. This place is filled with so many sweet, warm memories of her. The children’s playground to your right that you just walked past? You used to play in that sandbox, and she used to chide you for rubbing sand on your face with your dirty hands. The swing just next to it? You would plead with her to keep pushing you while you were on the swing, and she would comply, too soft when it came to your cute round eyes. And this path. She would take your hand in hers as you walked home together, and she would remind you to be careful whenever you skipped and jumped about, and would squeeze your hand in hers more tightly to keep you from falling.

Maybe coming here wasn’t the best idea. You just didn’t want to stay cooped up in your apartment, but out here, it’s hard when you have to hold back your tears and when you’re too drained to dig through your bag for a pack of tissues you’re not sure you even brought.

You come to a stop, figuring you should probably just head home for the night. You just want to go back to your bed, to crawl under your comforter and cry yourself to sleep. Sleep means not thinking, and you want to stop thinking and remembering for a while.

You turn around to walk in the direction of your home, but the moment you do, you hear someone call your name. Someone all too familiar.

Your head snaps up towards the source of the voice, and you’re surprised to see him there, standing a distance away from you beneath the fairy lights strung around the trees by the side of the path, his unruly red hair and scarf flying in the winter breeze.

You feel your heart sink. He shouldn’t be here. He should be at the party, not here, and not now, when you’re in this sort of state, lips quivering and vision blurring with hot tears as each second drags on. You look away and start walking away from him, ignoring the concern in his voice when he calls your name again.

Your pace quickens when you hear his footsteps becoming faster. “What are you doing?” he demands, chasing after you. “Are you running away from me?”

“Leave me alone, Saeran. You shouldn’t even be here. You should be at the party,” you reply over your shoulder, loud enough that he won’t hear the shaking of your voice.

“I got tired and left early.” His footsteps are louder now, and before you can hasten your walking pace you feel his hand latch onto your wrist, stopping you and spinning you around to face him. Resolutely, you keep your face down. “You said you weren’t feeling well so I went to check up on you,” he explains, grip on your wrist tightening. “But you weren’t in your apartment so I panicked and started looking for you. What are you doing out here while you’re running a fever?”

“I’m not,” you reply in a vexed tone, wrenching your wrist from his hold. “I feel fine.”

There’s a beat of silence, before he places a hand on your forehead, and another on his own to check. You don’t even have the energy to protest. Once he’s done ascertaining that you’re physically well, you expect him to let it go and you’re about to ask him to go home and get some rest when he states, “You don’t have a fever, but you are definitely not okay.”

He doesn’t ask why, but the unspoken question lingers in the air and space between you two. Nevertheless, you’re grateful that he doesn’t ask. You can only manage a meek, slight nod at his statement, since there’s no point trying to argue otherwise. Saeran knows you, his eyes never missing a detail when it comes to you. At times like these, you find a small of yourself rather resenting that observant quality of his.

“I’ll walk you home.” He settles for that, taking your hand in his and walking by your side.

A comfortable silence hangs in the air, and you relish in the comforting squeeze that he offers your hand, the warmth of his body next to yours, and the sound of another pair of footsteps apart from yours. You wanted to be alone, but he’ll always be an exception to that. His presence alone is like a thick, warm blanket draped over your shoulders, and you find yourself absently sticking closer to him.

“Thanks,” you whisper, your free hand coming up to brush the tips of your fingers against your locket. Holding his hand and walking like this… It reminds you a lot of the walks you used to take with her, your beloved grandmother. You’ve missed that so much, but more than anything else, you miss her. You miss being able to throw your arms around her and cry into her shoulder when you’re having the worst day, you miss being able to hold her hand and walk down the long stretch of road while talking about anything and everything under the sun.

You miss being able to spend Christmas with her, picking out presents for her, eating her famous roast turkey with the rest of the family and sitting with her by the fireplace when she’s too tired to play games with the younger ones.

Christmas. It’ll never be the same without her.

You sense his questioning gaze on you when your shoulders start to shake, but he doesn’t utter a word. It’s only when you begin to sob that he comes to a stop so he can pull you into his arms and rest your head against his shoulder so you can cry freely into his coat without having to worry about others seeing your face.

He runs his fingers down your hair, gently stroking your head and holding you close to his chest. It only reminds you even more of how she would hold you and stroke your head when you cried.

“I miss her so much,” you sob, fingers digging into the material of his winter coat. “It hurts so bad, Saeran.”

His arms wrap tighter around you, squeezing you tightly. “I know. It was your grandmother’s death anniversary a week ago, right? I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you.”

You pause, still choking on sobs but you manage to pull away to look at his grim expression and ask, “H-How did you know?”

“You started being distant since last week, but I was afraid to ask so I went to check it up, and I just… found out.”

You’re not sure what to think about him digging into your personal information, but it’s not exactly the first time Saeran has done this and it wasn’t as if you were going out of your way to hide it from him – you didn’t want to ruin Christmas for him, that was all. Right now, you can’t find it in yourself to care about that, and you wrap your arms around him, nestling your head in the crook of his neck.

“Are you mad?” he asks hesitantly.

“Not really,” you reply, still sniffling but feeling a little better already. “You could have just asked though.”

“You didn’t seem like you would tell me even if I asked.” Fair enough.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he questions softly.

“I didn’t want to ruin Christmas for you. You deserve a happy Christmas, for the first time in your life since coming back to Saeyoung and MC.”

“It’s not a happy Christmas without you,” he mutters. “Especially not when you’re alone. I know how much it sucks to be alone during Christmas, especially when you’re hurting, and I never want you to feel that way.”

“Saeran…”

“We’ll go to your house, watch some shows if you’re feeling up to it and then we’ll sleep this off. I’ll make you hot chocolate too. Okay?”

That brings a genuine smile to your lips. You nod and hum. “Sounds good.”

“Good. Let’s go, then.” He carefully brushes your tears away when you pull away from him, and then takes your hand in his once more before heading down the path back home.

A/N: This ended up dragging on and on… T_T Hopefully this was okay. Merry Christmas to you anon :)