Work Text:
You pick a habited moon and it just happens to be the winter season. The snow is falling lightly outside with very little breeze but the air is chill. Above you in the heavens is the parent planet, right now only visible as a crescent in the clear azure sky.
The climate here is an excuse to dress up warm and you've faced the day bundled up in your winter gear.
You and Crosshair decide to peruse the titles in a book shop; one of those relaxed, family-owned ones which has a little café attached.
You're both relaxed and content in each other's company. The silence is companionable and restful.
He catches your eye and softly tells you that he's just going to check out some of the books in the next shelf. And you know his caf order so you decide to get the drinks, to go, while he's browsing.
With a bag in hand he catches up to you when you've got the caf. He's pleasantly surprised that you've got his order; after all he was going to buy the drinks. It's a small thing but he appreciates, so much actually, that you remembered and he's also surprised that you paid for him. He's old school but still flattered that you would spend your credits on him.
You're curious about the bag he has, though. He's bought books, most likely, but you're leaving the shop and the air outside takes your breath before you can ask.
The snow settles on both of you as you walk, breath misting. And it's after a few moments that you realise you took your gloves off in the shop and now they're at the bottom of your bag, under your purse from when you got the caf.
One handed, trying not to spill your drink, you rummage unsuccessfully for your gloves when you sense his closeness. He's taken off one of his gloves and he slips it onto your caf-free hand, which he then slips into his pocket, along with his own.
You're not getting that back until it warms up at the very least.
There's a winter market and you stroll together looking at the stalls. When one of you pauses for a closer look the other does too, using this moment as an opportunity to stand just a little closer, hands still in his pocket, elbows and arms touching.
The air smells like spiced wine, roasting nuts and grilled meat. If you weren't tempted by the promise of food before you are now and he gets you both a snack.
You walk to a quieter area and lo and behold there is a plaza with dramatic views of the lunar landscape: snow covered mountains, icy floes, trees frosted with glittering powder. It's all so beautiful. And you know he can see every detail of it, which he'll happily describe to you, if you ask.
When you've finished your caf and your other hand starts to get cold he gives you his other glove. No debate.
And you walk together like this until you get back to the lodge you've rented.
Stamping the snow off your boots he makes his way to light the fire and you get some food started.
Later, as you're resting on the sofa you happily rummage through the bag Crosshair brought from the shop. There's a book that's most definitely for him and then some things that he's picked out for you.
You're touched. There's a book mark with a picture of the town you're staying in, such a thoughtful little memento. There's a book, too, and though it's not something you'd perhaps have chosen it's something that you know you'll enjoy.
He joins you on the sofa and you're both content to just be, the silence broken only by the crackle of the log fire. The lights are dim, shadows dancing in the light from the hearth, and the air is warm. You're curled up on the sofa reading the blurb on the back cover of your new book.
He likes seeing you like this. He's not a needy man and he respects your space but in this moment he just wants to be closer to you. Of course he loves that you like his gifts but part of him wants your attention in this moment: he wants to be close and to feel that you're still present with him.
So he shifts and comes to rest by your side on the sofa, his own book in his hand.
He laces his fingers into yours.
And all is well.