Work Text:
You know it’s not the biggest leap of faith. You know that there are far scarier things.
Maybe it tops the first time you tried to ride a bike. Maybe it tops the first time you tried to eat something that didn’t look so pretty. But you can imagine being in a magic fight with the fiercest of enemies. Where every move is calculated. Where every move just might be your last. You can imagine soaring through the sky. Not because you wanted to enjoy the view. But because you’re being chased by someone who just wouldn’t let up. By someone who just wouldn’t let go.
You can imagine things like getting married. Like the first time you said, “I love you.” All the times you had to speak in front of a crowd. All the times you couldn’t afford to blend in with a crowd. All the times you had to do this. All the times you had to do that. So many different things come to mind. So you know that there are far scarier things. You know that this is not the biggest leap of faith. You know it by a long shot.
Yet you still find yourself tensing up, and squeezing your eyes close as you let yourself fall and fall and fall and fall and-
“Woohoo!”
Sink into the snow only a couple of feet below.
The cheer comes from Markl, and his joy is so infectious that you feel a smile break out across your face in an instant. He’s not too far away from you. Probably just a yard or two if you really wanted to reach out and find him. But you know he’s stuck in his own little Markl-shaped hole in the perfectly good wall of snow since you decided to fall in together. And you have your own little hole to worry about.
The snow was soft enough to cushion your fall. Though it was solid enough to surround you with densely packed walls of fresh snow, outlining your figure and keeping you from getting up (or viewing the outside world) so easily. You ended up without a scratch or bump or bruise to walk away with, despite your momentary fears not too long ago. But at the same time, you’re laying in the snow . It’s impossible to keep in the harsh breath and to still your chattering teeth as the snow starts to seep in from the little cracks and corners of your clothes. Even though you thought that you were so, so sure that you have covered every single nook and cranny, the cold, wet feeling of snow pressed against your warm skin told you otherwise.
But you wouldn’t dare let that stop you.
Not when you came so far. You couldn’t stop now. You couldn’t even spare a thought towards it! Not when you finally let Markl convince you to put down your books and your blankets in exchange for a winter coat and boots. Not when he asked you so nicely if you could play with him during your walk out in the snow. And certainly not when he asked if the two of you could compare snow angels.
And so, here you are. A cold, cold soul- spreading your arms out and extending your legs just to open them up wide and close them back to your side. And again. And again. And again. And again.
Admittedly, it’s tough work. Tougher than you expected, at least. In your lifetime, you know you’ve done tougher things but there’s something about being out in below-freezing temperatures that really puts a moment like this high up on your list. You can feel yourself growing tired front the amount of effort you’re putting forth. The heaviness of your jacket doesn’t help. But with every sweep of your arms and legs, you succeed in growing your shape. And causing more snow to fall on your already shivering figure. Still, you press onwards. Draw your arms and your legs out. Just to pull them back in. So you could draw them out once more. And pull them back in. And draw them out once more. And pull them back in. And draw them out once more. And pull them bac-
“I think that’s enough you two.”
A velvety voice breaks you out of your concentration.
You’re not sure how long you’ve been at it. It couldn’t have been too long. You’re sure you would know. Although your ability to see your frozen breath while having difficulty bending your poor, stiff, mitten-covered fingers has you starting to think otherwise. But your focus is soon fully captured. Not by the sound of a young boy groaning, hoping for another minute because he wasn’t quite ready to go back inside yet. Not by the feeling of a sudden gust of wind blowing through the trees- just strong enough for you to see and feel a cloud of loose snowflakes and particles wash over you.
But by beautiful blue eyes and a kind smile looking down at you from up above. All while a hand reaches out with an outstretched palm. Beckoning you towards him. Beckoning you to come forward. Beckoning you to him.
It’s with no hesitation that you reach out your own hand and stretch and stretch and stretch. Within seconds, your hand is closing around another one. Fingers curl and stretch across your palm, adjusting the grip and holding you tight. A locked, hand in hand, you press your heels into the ground and you will yourself- and him the momentum you need to pull your body from its snowy prison.
And when it comes to moments like this, you know it’s not the biggest leap of faith. You know that there are far scarier things. Still, Howl manages to disappear from view as he pulls you out of the snow and into his awaiting arms. And yes, maybe it’s because you couldn’t help but tense up at the feeling of suddenly being lifted much higher than you were before. And yes, maybe it was because you couldn’t help but close your eyes at the first sign of trouble or danger or even change . But at least…
“ Come on, my dear. ” Howl hums, a serene feeling lacing his every word. “ Let's get you inside where it's warm. ”
…you’re here now.
You’re in his arms and you’re pressing your face into his much warmer jacket. You’re relishing the feeling of his arms circling your waist and tugging you even closer to him than before. And you’re enjoying the soft, gentle way he takes the time to brush the snow off of your jacket and your hair before leaning down to place the sweetest kiss upon the crown of your forehead.
You’re here because you know that there are far scarier things.
That there are the biggest leaps of faith.