#SNOFT SNFOT I LOV THEM

[ingolds]

@ebonyforged.  —  21. the warmth of a fireplace on a cold, quiet night.

     the chill had arrived without warning, climbing into theo’s bones and rooting there, a barren tree foretelling winter’s coming. usually, the chill tightened their muscles, ached in their joints, but not this time; the sky had burst open suddenly, spilling ice and wind and bitter cold. the storm had howled, loud as the ghosts that ran through theo’s dreams, chasing them and ebony to refuge, to a small hunter’s cabin they’d spied through gaps in birch trees. once they’d settled, the blizzard had begun to settle, no longer raging but instead tempering, as if losing sight of intended victims had taken its energy.

     theo knows better than to think it’s over, and they begin to craft a fire from logs resting beside the stone opening and kindling left to dry in the corner. ebony’s eyes follow them, the clacking of her teeth nearly audible. he’s quick to strike a match, light briefly reflecting white in their pupils. they open the chimney carefully, coughing soot out of their lungs and taking a step back when the flame takes.

     “ there, that should do it. ” they poke at the fire one more time before standing, brushing their palms on their trousers. they cross the room and settle beside ebony on the couch, kicking their feet up and resting an arm on the back of the couch. the fire crackles, spits, casting an orange glow down theo’s nose, on the cusp of ebony’s cheekbone where she watches fat flakes drift by frosted glass. the chaise is small enough that they’re pitched towards each other; it’s cozy and warm, perfect for the weather. the hearth chases just a little bit of the chill away, enough for it to count, and theo nudges at ebony’s shoulder until her head touches his shoulder, warm through thick fabric. “ that’s better. ”

winter aesthetic starters / accepting