Work Text:
Autumn had arrived in Cradle. Sweaters, scarves and long sleeves have become the norm for everybody. Colors shift from the brightness of summer to the calm and softness of reds and oranges surrounded everything. Anastacia made her way through the forest towards the tree house, amazed at the mixture of greens and yellows littered around the ground.
She saw Harr clearing up a path and ran over to him, a mountain of leaves behind him. “Harr!”
The taller man glanced up at the voice, smiling at the sight of her rushing towards him. He set the rake down in hopes to meet her halfway, but soon felt himself falling into the pile of leaves, a small pair of arms wrapped around his waist. The treehouse swept over his gaze as they both hit the ground with a soft thud.
“You have to be more careful, Alice.” Harr softly scolded her, watching as she snuggled in his chest.
She looked up at him. “I’m sorry Harr.” she pouted cutely. “But you just looked so cute and I missed you.”
His cheeks flushed a bright red, making her giggle. Leaning up, she kissed his cheek.
They helped each other get up, with Harr brushing off most of the leaves for her that were stuck in her hair and clothes. Inside the house, Harr proceeded to the kitchen to make some tea for the two of them. She settled down on a nearby chair; a short and sudden sneeze echoed in the room.
“S-Sorry..” she mumbled, wiping her nose. “It’s kind of chilly outside.”
He made the finishing touches to their drinks and watched her from the reflection of the pots. She’s wearing her usual outfit, but her posture’s changed, almost as if she wanted to curl into herself. Her hand was rubbing her arm, probably unconsciously, since she was surprised when he handed her a mug. Leading her to a makeshift fireplace--Loki had insisted on it, for some reason--he settles her down and lights up a crystal.
“Harr?”
He reached for a blanket and draped it over her shoulders. “I figured you were cold, so..” His cheeks suddenly flushed. Did he just assume that? What if she wasn’t actually cold and thought this was a tad strange? “Um..”
Anastacia’s soft giggles warmed his chest. “Thank you. I didn’t think it would be that cold outside, so I thought my normal clothes were fine.” She cupped her mug in her hands and took a gentle sip.
He smiled a little before walking towards the work table, but her voice stopped him from taking more than a couple of steps.
“..won’t you sit with me?”
Looking back, he took in the sight of her features against the soft amber glow from his magic. It stirred that affection he felt for her in him, and it was hard to resist when she asked in such a lovely voice. He didn’t think about it much as he decided, sitting down beside her. The cold during this season didn’t affect him anymore, or rather, he had adjusted to it well enough to not let it bother him.
She leaned on him, her head resting on his shoulder. Neither of them said a word as they continued to nurse their own drinks at their own pace. He finished his earlier than she did, but he didn’t want to leave her side to get a refill. Harr realized how much he enjoyed just being in her presence, even if they didn’t accomplish anything.
Dark would soon fall on Cradle. The woods were a dangerous place for anyone at this time, and he needed to make sure she was back home before then. The thought of her leaving again made his heart ache.
“It’s going to get dark soon.”
“Mhm.” She replied.
He paused. “You should get home.”
“I want to spend more time here.”
“They’ll be worried.”
She looks up at him, her blue eyes flashing with golden flecks from the crystal. It was mesmerizing. “So I can’t stay?”
The small worry in her tone won him over. He sighed shortly after realizing that he wasn’t going to win this one. She knew that as well, smiling a little as she sat up straight and scooted closer to him. This time, she reached out to hook her arm with his before leaning on his shoulder again. Harr allowed her to--he wanted to feel her closer too, but didn’t want to invade too much on her personal space. Planting a quick kiss on her hair, they let the night pass by outside the window.