#i know you're a swiftie so i tried to pull from her discography (this is actually my favorite song by her lol)

[alrightbuckaroo]

sidewalk chalk, covered in snow

a short little story dedicated to @emsprovisions for gifting us with so much holiday joy this month

TK didn’t think it would be possible. Hell, if you asked him ten years ago, he would have told you it shouldn’t be possible. Though, somehow, it is.

He’s happy. He’s 30, he’s married to the love of his life, he’s raising a child who will always know the warmth of a hug, and he’s happy.

He’s staring out the window of his home, one hand curled around the handle of his red mug. Carlos and Jonah are currently on their driveway, creating snowflakes on the ashen ground with pale blue chalk. Monday ushered in a flurry of flakes, but they’ve been intermittent since.

Jonah was missing the snow, so Carlos thought he’d try to give him the next best thing. Carlos’ chestnut curls are concealed by an olive green beanie, russet tendrils spooling underneath. He looks like everything TK’s ever wished for.

Jonah’s cherubic face is looking up at Carlos with a gap toothed smile, staring through shaggy strands of brunette hair. He giggles at something Carlos says and it makes his eyes crinkle, reminding TK of his mother; their mother.

Carlos looks up at him, his nose red and lips flustered. He smiles and TK grins back, happy.

Eventually, TK joins them outside. He lets the brisk, winter chill cocoon him as he wraps his scarf around his neck, planting a chaste kiss on his husband’s lips before joining his little brother on the concrete.

He guides Jonah’s hand as he shows him how to draw the Star of David, his heart swelling at the way his hand eclipses Jonah’s tiny one. After, Jonah utters out, “Mom,” and TK can’t help but think of the Star of David charm Gwyn wore like a birthmark. It’s in all of her pictures.

He presses a kiss to the crown of Jonah’s head before agreeing, “Mom.”

Slowly, snow starts to fall and they decide to break for hot chocolate. Well, TK and Carlos decide to break for hot chocolate. Jonah’s fast asleep in Carlos’ arms as they walk back into the house.

As he waits for the water to boil, TK takes another glance outside. Flakes are still freely floating to the ground, and ultimately they’ll cover everything in sight, covering the chalk. Eventually, it’ll melt, and all that’ll be left will be an expanse of just grey; much like he was when he first moved to Austin.

Then, Carlos and Jonah will go back outside and add more color to it; and they’ll be happy.