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Tessa turned to her friend and smiled her fake smile. “You didn’t have to come with me.”
Rue shook her head, her entire bundle of coats shifting underneath her. “Nope, not letting you go by yourself. ‘Sides, you needed me to bring the important stuff.” She held up a bag, smiling enough that Tessa could see it under her coat’s massive collar. Despite herself, she laughed at Rue’s antics.
The train came to a stop, Rue nearly toppling Tessa over with the weight of the bag. “What’s even in there anyway?” Rue shook a finger at Tessa. “No peeking.” Tessa shrugged.
A few blocks later and they were there, the giant girl statue overlooking them. Rue gave her a thumbs up as they walked past. The snow crunched under their feet as they wandered the grounds, stopping to brush off graves until they found the Alchemicals’. Rue gave Tessa some space as she talked to them, waiting for her near the entrance. With her piece said, Tessa found Rue sitting on one of the benches, having brushed it off laboriously so both could sit on the metal instead of the snow.
Rue smiled at Tessa. “You good?”
For once, she sincerely nodded as she sat. Looking down, Tessa said, “So what did you bring?”
Rue smiled, dug into the bag, and dug out a thermos with two cups. “Hot chocolate!” She shoved a cup into Tessa’s hands and poured a bit. “My mom makes it. Best part of the season.”
Tessa sipped it gingerly to avoid mouth burning, letting the warmth travel through her. Then a weight fell on her shoulder. Looking to her side, she saw Rue leaning into her. A different warmth took over and she leaned into her hair.