Snow Meme

[leitstern]

❄ it's quiet
and the snow's beautiful tonight

snowfall;

stage i; none, streets are already blanketed in white.
stage ii; very light and intermittent.
stage iii; light - moderate. lasts longer periods.
stage iv; continuous, heavy snowfall.
stage v; the hardest of cores - blizzards, snowstorms, you name it.

scenarios;

① fuck the police, this is the best time for a walk. hope you've got a nice thick coat on.
② stranded in the buttcrack of nowheresville? weren't you watching the time? now you've gone and missed that last bus out of there. or maybe you're lost, somehow. what do?
③ literally chilling, in this weather, is quite easy to do. sitting around relaxing in it is a wee more difficult, but sometimes much more enjoyable, especially if shelter can be found. the snow is beautiful to watch, after all.
④ the weather's not going to stop you. your snow fort's packed full of ammo and ready to go. those aren't snow angels over there; they mark where the poor souls you've downed have fallen. be careful with that snowman's head!!
⑤ you're about fifty miles from civilization but there's a roof over your head, so never mind the chilly draught, right? right. you mightn't be the only one lucky enough to stumble upon this little shelter, though. remember to share the blanket.
⑥ everyone stuck outside should be jelly. you've got a fireplace and hot cocoa and damn if it isn't awesome. a heater's not quite so romantic, but it'd do. there'd better be a backup generator in case the power trips.
⑦ mix and match, or make up your own.

Comments

Post Pinching

[leitstern]

[Sleeping with his intended comes and goes. Days blur into weeks, strung together by a decline in the weather. The bone-numbing chill freezing the air drives him in tight against Hendrik, burrowing beneath his arm to nestle against his chest. The warmth of his partner settles comfortably against his skin, sheltering him from the frigid cold.

Rattling windows. Howling wind. Black skies hide silvery clouds, the slightest snow becoming the greatest of storms. Everything is quiet. Too quiet.

He rustles in discomfort and looks for support.]

Hendrik?

[standvastig]

[One of the wonderful things about sleeping with his lover was being able to settle in for a deep sleep with ease. Jasper's presence made it easier to sleep through the night undisturbed, much like how he kept the nightmares at bay in his youth.

That is why it is surprising to be awoken before light touches the sky, and he tightens his hold around his newly betrothed long before he speaks. Wind whistles through weaknesses in the windows and stonework; if candles had not burned out in the night, they may have been extinguished by the cold wisps of air.]

Hn... It sounds like a bad storm.

[His voice is still thick with sleep.]

[leitstern]

[Jasper buries himself deep as he might; the curling arm pressing him closer against that person who brings him dear comfort. He mumbles as wind shakes the windows. His ears twitch upon feeling a chill. It was good of him to demand Hendrik spends the night. Brought on by this foul change in weather that drives him to spread across his partner.]

It was building up to be a dreadful night.

[His voice is equally a drawl. Chilled to the point even his mind feels sluggish.]

[standvastig]

[Hendrik groans in acknowledgment, lifting a hand to scratch the side of his chest before letting it stroke down the back of Jasper's head and along his untied hair. While he is still drowsy, Jasper pressing into him is just enough to keep his attention.]

There will probably be window repairs needed tomorrow.

[Well, in the morning. Something.]

[leitstern]

[Repairs. Considering the state of the castle, rattling windows are the least offensive reminder of his choices in life. But windows do not provoke him to grumble - he groans even as Hendrik comforts him with a hand.

It is the snow he despises. He stirs in dislike. There is no love for this climate in his heart at this time of year.]

Repairs? I imagine the snow should be six feet tall.

[Simply put, nobody shall be repairing anything.]

[standvastig]

Mm...

[He squints in the dark, as if that will allow him to see flurries of snow beyond the windows. But it would be an awkward arch to look out the window, especially without a hint of light to aid him.]

Truly? Do you think it will be that bad?

[He's having trouble recalling Heliodor being struck with such heavy snow.]

[leitstern]

It has been poor before.

[Jasper reaches around himself with a hand, seeking that stroking his hair. In honesty, a courageous man like himself is frightened to face the day, frigid as it surely will be. But it will be bearable alongside his partner. He finds the man a great comfort and longs to share at least some of his lighter thoughts.]

I should always think it will be this bad.

[Every year without fail. His memories fresh as when they were boys.]

[standvastig]

[He goes quiet at Jasper's words, allowing his hand to be guided away and held close. Without prompting, he gives his lover a reassuring squeeze and sidles under the blankets a bit to get more comfortable next to him.]

Not always.

[It is meant to be comforting, but he has a feeling his words won't pierce his current mood.]

Shall we try to sleep? Or do you want to talk?

[leitstern]

[Comfort is found in closeness to his partner. Security is felt in a reassuring arm. Jasper adjusts himself into a restful position; relaxing his face along and against that broad space between shoulder and chest.

Words fail to pass his lips. He struggles to put the reasons for his mood into words - but fingers encouragingly squeeze his hip and he helps himself to remember. He doesn't have to explain a word. Hendrik already knows why he dislikes these snow storms.]

What is there to speak of? I despise winter.

[standvastig]

I know you do.

[They have been together long enough for him to recognize that Jasper is still affected by the big incident around the time they became friends in the first place. This moodiness does not arise often, but ... perhaps the snow truly is to blame then.]

And yet I recall us going up to Sniflheim and spending weeks in a cabin.

[leitstern]

I felt warm in that cabin.

[His chastisement adds to the frozen temperature of his room; lessening the warmth of affection from his lover. The difference between winter spent at home or in a foreign land is simple. He adjusts once more, pulling up the covers with a hand. He cannot care for distant lands as much as he does for his home.]

Besides, I could hardly see anything at all, what with you looming over me.

[standvastig]

I am unsure if you consider that a positive or a negative, considering your dislike of the season.

[He gives Jasper a kiss on the brow before easing back against the pillows. When there is no talking going on, the wailing wind is all the more obvious.]

[leitstern]

Truly, Hendrik?

[Jasper closes his eyes and inhales deep - neither distracting from the howling wind rattling the window.]

You know perfectly well I enjoy spending time in your company. Should I not, I fling you outside my quarters.

Without your trousers.

[He complained more about the pain of bending backwards than bending beneath this man, honestly.]

[standvastig]

I daresay you would have enough mercy not to fling a man out of a cabin and onto a snowfield without his trousers. Regardless of time you would suffer in his company.

[Okay, maybe he's giving Jasper too much credit there.]

In any case, I know you enjoy my company. You would not have invited me here otherwise.

[leitstern]

Obviously.

[Spreading across his partner, Jasper indulges in a private second for one moment. Hands embrace and caress skin. Fingers spread across muscle. Palms glide across broad arms and find comfort in the strength beneath - yet they pull away as he finds himself unable to unwind and hang loose within this warm embrace.

He hangs on the edge. Pride tells him to pull away whilst his intellect reminds him of the pain they suffered hiding unspoken thoughts. Sixteen years of feeling alone and his judgement prompts him to remain close to his parter. He embraces him tightly and rests across his chest once more.

Winter at home. It is beautiful but also cold.]

[standvastig]

[There is a faint grunt of complaint from Hendrik when he feels Jasper start to pull away, but it isn't given a chance to grow before Jasper seems to rethink his choices and instead tighten his hold. He squeezes his betrothed in return, one arm around his waist and the other at his shoulders as he kisses his hair.]

If this is not enough, we can attempt a fire before returning to sleep.

[It wouldn't be the first time he crawled out of bed to start a fire in the cold.]

[leitstern]

[Jasper begins encumbering Hendrik, transforming from a pleasant weight into a solid mass of cold annoyance. His presence is an unwelcome struggle for any man. This intimacy is not all he has known in life - and he recalls working diligantly to the point of resentment. His life given to service to not a man but a monster. In the end, he knows Hendrik will endure his moods and make him feel like the warm and friendly man he was before and could be once more.

It takes a while to shake out those insecure thoughts. His fingers scratch his neck before reclaiming a broad muscle. He exerts pressure, pinning his lover down to make his point.]

No. I will surely feel the cold until your return.

[Hendrik knows how he detests feeling uncomfortable.]

You will stay right here.

[standvastig]

[Another grunt leaves Hendrik at that, somewhat surprised but mostly amused by that show of insistence. He does his best to relax, giving Jasper a pat between the shoulder-blades.]

Very well. You are very convincing.

[leitstern]

[Scowling from his secure spot, Jasper wriggles atop his partner. This time, his pride overcomes his mind and he rolls his upper body; swinging back his right arm to swat that condescending hand patting between his shoulders. He can barely reach past his head let alone find Hendrik's thick set of fingers.]

And you are hardly convincing.

[Perhaps it says something that their banter distracts him from his mood - if only for this moment.]

[standvastig]

[That attempt at a swat draws a chuckle from Hendrik, and he reaches for Jasper's hand as he eases both of their hands into a comfortable hold at their sides. Thick as his fingers are, it's easier to squeeze than stroke Jasper's hand.]

Are you complaining that your partner is not as persuasive and compelling as you?

[leitstern]

[Jasper pulls his hands - once, twice, thrice - before relenting to grimace and glare. He settles his fingers and frowns, his nose pressing up against Hendrik's chest. Hendrik doesn't require sight to imagine his stern expression.]

Hardly! I am complaining that he is neglecting his duty to keep me warm.

[standvastig]

[That scolding, somewhat indignant tone just makes Hendrik smile, and he spends a moment pushing a leg between Jasper's two, providing another way of distributing body heat.]

I can only do so much. Sweating too much would only serve to make matters worse, I believe.

[leitstern]

Bit late to worry about perspiring, surely?

[Hips adjust. Legs move. His body repositions itself and he presses down against that leg between his own. Indignant even in comfort.]

You have already rubbed your stench against me.

[standvastig]

I recall you rubbing your nose into my chest, Jasper.

[The bed creaks a little as Hendrik adjusts himself again, one of his hands, reaching to pull the blankets close in the midst of their repositioning.]

One could draw conclusions from that.

[leitstern]

[Jasper growls and grumbles underneath his breath. He rolls his shoulders and jolts his back - turning his face in an effort to make his point.]

Would that be after the conclusion you are deliberately provoking me?

[standvastig]

[He purses his lips at that, wondering for a moment if he is in fact agitating Jasper. He decides to pay attention to any further tension he shows.]

Provoking you? We are having a conversation, Jasper.

[leitstern]

[Tense silence fills the room - interrupted intermittantly by howling wind. Jasper buries himself beneath an armful of silk and soon a hissing sigh resounds from his cover.]

How are we having a conversation? You are riling me and I am lying here taking it.

[It is the softer tone that follows that might clue his partner in on his mood. Less agitation, more posturing for his pride.]

Much as I often take you.

[standvastig]

[Well, his current behavior seems to point at things not being particularly bad, so Hendrik does not worry as he reaches over to pat the silk piled on top of Jasper.]

We do not have to talk. I thought you would prefer it if you could not go back to sleep.

[leitstern]

[Jasper refuses to scratch in anger but he does seethe. His theatrical change in mood much resembling a cat whose fur is rubbed the wrong way. His head stirs, shakes and moves to lie upon its opposite side.]

Am I that obvious?

[That is to say Hendrik is - once again - right.]

[standvastig]

You have been in a bad mood since you woke me up. I would have to be blind not to notice.

[But if they are going to attempt to address this issue a little more directly, he should not beat around the bush.]

Is there anything you would like me to do? ...Besides warm you up.

[leitstern]

[The question elicits a stillness that crashes and vanishes only with the rattling of the nearest window. There is a chill freezing the air. It keeps him under the covers, unwilling or unable to feel comfortable and warm. The loneliness of winter. The loss and heartache. He has learned not to keep them alone after these last ten years.

But this time he at least refuses to cry.]

I want you to tell me we shall weather this storm.

[That it shall vanish and disappear along with his mood.]

[standvastig]

[Hendrik lies quietly next to Jasper at that, an eventual hum rising out of him. Without dragging the other man to him, Hendrik takes him in his arms and rubs his hip.]

Weathering the storm... I suppose that makes sense, given the weather has not been this bad in years.

[He doesn't want to sound like he is giving thought to Jasper's discomfort now that he's spelled it out.]

I will be with you, Jasper. I assure you, even should the storm worsen, I will be right beside you.

[leitstern]

Hendrik, I...

[What can be said? Words shall never be enough in gratitude. This man set everything aside to bring him back into the fold. Back? Perhaps he had never left. He holds his breath for a moment before sharing two incredibly complicated words.]

Thank you.

[standvastig]

[The quiet gratitude is something of a surprise, and Hendrik finds himself unable to think of a reply. He manages to hold back his normal downplaying and dismissal of thanks, knowing that it's difficult as it is for Jasper to say something so sincere.

So he smiles and holds Jasper close for a long moment before finally landing on something to say.]

I could do no less for the man with whom I intend to spend my life.

[leitstern]

[Peace. Security. Understanding without words. His earlier mood dissolves into nothing and his temper settles; his emotions docile while his arms stir. Fingers claw into the bed and he pushes with his upper strength, hauling himself up the mattress, resting against that warm and comfortable chest.

It hardly matters that the windows rattle and the winds howl. He murmurs in thought and keeps his silence for a good while before also finding his words.]

Sentimental fool.

[His voice is warm as anything within the bed.]