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The chilly air nipped at the back of Neku’s neck, even after he wrapped his plaid purple scarf around it. He could still see his breath despite his room’s heater on at full blast. And it was about to get a lot colder, too.
Neku opened up the door, heading out into the inn’s lavish hallway. It didn’t take long for the chill to seep through his black gloves. If this was normal for a winter in Hokkaido, one thing was certain: he sure as hell was glad he didn’t live here.
But a vacation would still be fun. He did like the snow, so he could brave the cold for a little bit, especially since all his friends were here. Shiki and Eri had set it up, deciding that the whole so-called HachiTwister group needed some fun in the snow. From what Shiki told him, Eri had come up with the idea to get to know the new members of the squad. Though every time Neku was in the room when the two had been making plans, she always quickly derailed it to talk about the ‘winter fluff’ the cozy couple could have. Her words, not his.
Though, some of that winter fluff didn’t sound so bad… At the very least, Neku wouldn’t mind taking a spot in the resort’s lounge, cuddling up next to Shiki on the huge, cushy couch like…
“There’s an Ice Flan nearby. You got one of those yet?”
Wait, was that Rindo’s voice?
“Ooh, really? Never seen that type back in Tokyo…”
And… Shoka’s. Were they actually taking the next step in their relationship and cuddling on the couch?
“I don’t have one, either. Looks like it’s outside, though.”
Nope. They were bundled up under the same blanket, but they’d taken care to leave space between them. Shoka hugged a pillow in her lap, phone in her hands and her favorite game up on the screen.
“Seriously? Ugh, not worth it, then.”
Neku couldn’t help but chuckle as he leaned in the doorway.
“You might be able to find other rare creatures if you go out for a bit,” he said, turning both their heads. Their wide eyes blinked in unison, almost like he’d prophesied the end of the world.
“You want us to go out there? In the cold?” Shoka hissed in the most deadpan tone she could muster. “Nuh-uh. Not happening.”
“Yeah, it’s a bit much for me, too,” Rindo agreed, despite his hoodie-jacket combo being layered over an extra shirt or two.
“Suit yourselves. Just hope Beat doesn’t catch you hiding in here.” Neku started walking past them, a subtle grin on his face. “Oh yeah, hasn’t Fret started FanGO recently, too? Think he said something this morning about seeing an Ice Dragon on his radar… Wonder how rare that is.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Neku saw Rindo perk up. Seemed like that was enough to plant a seed of curiosity in them. If they didn’t head out on their own, he’d have to up his game later.
For now, he exited into the bright outdoors. Trails of footprints, fresh and filled, littered the snow as the lodge’s guests ambled by, some with ski gear, some taking a walk to other nearby locations. The mountain towering over them echoed with the laughter and fun yells from people enjoying its slopes—and Neku was willing to bet that’s where Beat would be, too.
No way everyone would be up there, though. Neku made his way around the base, towards areas less occupied by people. It wasn’t completely untouched—he soon spotted Fret rolling up the second part of a snowman, calling for Nagi to help him shift it up onto the bottom. But more importantly…
His eyes found Shiki’s eager smile as she turned, alerted to the crunch of snow beneath Neku’s boots. She waved, bouncing in her heavy coat and plaid green scarf. A matching ribbon in her short, brunette hair kept her bangs out of her beautiful brown eyes, glistening in the snowy weather.
“Neku!” she cheered, flinging up a black gloved hand to wave him over.
“Hey.” Neku scoped the area as he approached. It looked like Nagi and Fret were the only ones still with her, which meant Eri and the Bito sibs were still nowhere to be seen.
That didn’t bode well… Either Eri was plotting something, or they were on the mountain. Or both.
“You look pretty cozy there, Neku,” Fret noted as he started dressing up his snowman, decking it out with way too many buttons and other accessories. “I dig it!”
Okay, but was ‘cozy’ also ‘stylish’? If not, Neku’s girlfriend would have a few choice words for him.
“Indeed… I doubt I’ll be able to stay out too much longer in my frost-resistant gear before needing to retreat inside for some warmth,” Nagi admitted, rubbing her hands together. She’d dressed in a warm enough coat, but guess she wasn’t quite used to this weather, either. And she of course couldn’t resist putting some of her spare Tomonami pins on it.
“How long have you been out here?”
“Long enough to know this level of intense frigid air is ill fit for certain dispositions.”
Yup. Not used to it.
“Just don’t push yourself too much. If you need a break, take one. We still have plenty of time to have fun in the snow.”
“Thank you, Lord Neku. But Lady Rhyme and I have decided to, shall we say, keep an eye on the more excitable members of our entourage. As such, for the time being, this one’s in my charge,” she said, jerking a thumb at Fret.
“I guess Rhyme has Beat and Eri, then.” Neku glanced around, but no sign of the trio around here. “She’s got her hands full with those two. Where are they, anyway?”
Nagi nodded up the slope. “They decided to get their early morning adrenaline rush in.”
“Not your thing, I take it?”
“Indeed. I’d much prefer to stay down here.”
Good thing Rhyme was up for the more sporty things with her brother. Still, did they have to do it first thing in the morning?
“Yeah, I feel like it’s still a little early for skiing. I’ll try it later, but for now…”
For now, he wanted to enjoy a quiet moment with just Shiki here. Some of his ideas for this morning came from the ‘winter fluff’ talk—how they’d find a nice place where he could draw, and they could cuddle up on a bench…
His gaze slid over to Shiki as Fret got Nagi’s attention for more help on his snowy masterpiece.
“How are you doing? Not too cold yet?”
Shiki looped her hands behind her back, shaking her head. “Nope! All good here.”
A soft smile formed on Neku’s lips. “Good. ‘Cause I was thinking we might—”
A flash of white hit Neku square in the face. As bits of powder crumbled down his cheeks, he saw a playful smirk on Shiki’s face. She was already patting another white lump in her hands.
“Have a snowball fight?” She puffed her chest up proudly, as if she was finishing his sentence. But for the first time since their reunion, they were way out of sync on this one.
Shiki flourished her second snowball. “Better think fast, Neku—this one has your name on it!” She hurled with scary-accurate precision, and Neku stepped out of the way. If that’s how she wanted to play, it was on. Neku didn’t survive three years of Shinjuku just to lose a snowball fight.
He wadded up some snow in his hands, molding it into a sphere as he circled around his girlfriend. Thankfully she was out of ammo, too. Now was the perfect time to strike.
Shiki jumped as the snow from his attack dug into her hair. She chucked another fluffy power shot at him, and Neku held up his arm to block it. He laughed, tossing another snowball at her jacket.
“Sorry—which one has my name on it?” Neku teased. “Looks to me like you’re the one getting painted in snow.”
Her glasses gleamed. Crap, that wasn’t a good sign. She was about to make a comeback.
Shiki struck again, and Neku dodged—only to get hit in the cheek by a second. She knelt down, balling up another round faster than Neku could and threw it hard and fast. But apparently not hard enough, ‘cause Shiki’s throw hit the ground well before it reached its target.
Wow. That reign lasted all of two minutes.
Neku hurled his snowball at her, which drew out a surprised little yelp as she fell backwards into the snow.
“Well, look at that. I think I just found a snow angel,” Neku commented, though not without giving himself a mental kick for how cheesy it came out. Could he take that back? Sire, she definitely looked like an angel lying there, snow glittering off her lashes, but he didn’t have to go and vocalize it like some corny romance manga hero—
With his mind too caught up in his own embarrassing thoughts, he totally didn’t see her throw a much larger snowball. It hit him dead-on in the chest, and he tripped and fell back on his back with a laugh.
Shiki wasted no time pushing herself up, another snowball in hand. She marched right over to Neku, arm up and ready to throw as she said, “Give up yet?”
Wasn’t she the one who started this whole thing? And from the playful look in her eyes, she wasn’t actually ready to be done. But her nose, slightly runny and starting to tint red from the cold and her shivering fingers said otherwise. Cute as their little war was, she was starting to push it.
“Alright, I surrender,” Neku said, holding up his hands for proof. “You win.”
Shiki beamed in approval, smashing the ball in her hands. She then tossed it up into the air, letting it crumble and rain over them like freshly fallen snow. In the momentary flurry, Neku stretched out, snatching Shiki’s hand. He pulled her down into him, wrapping his arms around her chilled body to hold her close.
“Knew it. You’re freezing,” he whispered. “I think it’s time for you to go in and warm up a bit…”
Shiki leaned into him, resting her ice-cold palms against his chest to warm them. “I’m still good. Besides, you only just got out here. I wanna have fun with you.”
“Shiki, you’re literally using me as a furnace right now.”
“I-I’m not!” She jumped away, as if trying to prove it.
“It’s fine, you know.” Neku stood, helping her up before dusting the snow off her clothes. He then fixed up her hair, taking care to pull out even the smallest snowflakes. “We can have fun out here later. We still have the rest of the week, too.”
“You sure…? What if you’re too cold then, or…” Shiki stared up at him, her eyes begging him to let her stay with him.
“I’ll be fine. Just find a nice spot by the fireplace and—”
“Shiki! Neku! Watch out!”
“I-I can’t slow down!”
Oh, there was Eri—and Rhyme. Coming in fast. Neku looked up to see Eri skiing straight for them, far too fast for even him to react. Crap, he had to—
“I’ve gotchu, yo!”
Beat swung around from the side, yanking one of Eri’s sticks to pull her off course. As he circled around in front of him, his board carved into the snow, kicking it up in a small avalanche that crashed down on Neku and Shiki.
…Dammit. After he’d just gotten Shiki snow-free, too.
Fret whistled next to them, tapping his cheek. He then took a button off his snowman and placed it on Neku instead. “Looks like we’ve got ourselves a Legendary Snowman!”
Neku was kinda glad they couldn’t see his face clearly. He must’ve fallen back into one of his old habits for a split second with his annoyed grimace, but luckily, Fret didn’t seem to notice.
“Er—sorry, yo,” Beat said, rubbing the back of his head as Rhyme tended to Eri. “Didn’t mean to bury you both. You good?”
“Fine,” Neku muttered, pinching his nose. “We’re gonna go clean up.”
“Ehh, might as well just embrace it at this point!” Eri said, covered in snow herself from her crash. “It’s really not that—”
And… she sneezed. Defeating her point before she even finished it.
“Maybe you should go in, too,” Rhyme suggested with a chuckle. “We can ski more later.”
Eri. Going in with them. To spy, no doubt.
“But I wanna play more,” she whined. She didn’t seem to realize this was the perfect opportunity for her meddling, and Neku wasn’t about to complain.
“Maybe do one more run first. Beat and Rhyme can make sure you don’t push it.” Neku wiped the snow off Shiki again as she also sneezed. Well, this would have to be good enough for now—the fireplace would take care of the rest. Taking Shiki’s hand, Neku pulled her along. “We’ll join you all later.”
“Sure, yo! We’ll meet you at the top whenever you’re ready to go a round!”
Wasn’t quite what Neku meant, but sure, could be fun to ski or snowboard later… maybe. Not sure how his reflexes would be with something like that.
But caring for Shiki came first. As they entered the lodge, Neku glanced over at the couch by the lobby fireplace. Well, Shoka and Rindo weren’t bundled up on it anymore—maybe they finally decided to enjoy the resort. Or catch stuff on FanGO. Either way, their spot and thick blanket were free for the taking. Neku claimed one of the guest towels, draping it over Shiki’s head before rubbing it. She let out a small whine in surprise, her wide eyes meeting his.
“Too hard?” Neku asked, hardly noticing the guests that peered over curiously.
“N-no, it’s fine.” Shiki gave him a sheepish smile, her hand resting over his. “Thanks, Neku… for coming with me.”
“Of course. Thanks to Beat, I’m just as much of a mess,” Neku replied. He removed the towel from her head, only to see he’d effectively ruined her perfect hair style. He bit back a snicker, straightening it out as he let her finish drying herself of snow. “Well, maybe not just as much—you’re still messier than me.”
“At least I’m not a ‘Legendary Snowman,’” Shiki quipped, plucking the stray button from off his jacket. “Maybe we should’ve let Fret dress you up more. He might’ve made you more fashionable!”
“Didn’t hear you complaining when I packed. I’d say I passed the fashion test.”
He took the towel from her, using it to dry himself next. “Go on and take a seat by the fire—I’ll join you in a minute.”
He watched as she complied, taking her gloves off to fully enjoy the heat from the ever-burning fire. A small smile rested on his lips as he watched her, barely paying attention to getting the snow out of his own hair.
It’d been months since he’d returned, and he was still here—enjoying this time with her. Enjoying the rest of their lives together on adventures that… hopefully didn’t involve the UG.
Finishing, Neku discarded the towel into a laundry bin, then joined Shiki on the couch. The cushion pressed down next to her as he made himself comfy, and she moved the blanket over the two of them.
“How’s this?” she asked. “Warm enough for you?”
Neku held out a thoughtful hum, then wrapped an arm around her. He pulled her close, cuddling up to her.
“Now it is.”
Shiki giggled, nuzzling his shoulder. Neither really cared at this point that others could see them—as long as they were happy. And with a warm fire, a comfy blanket, and each other, it almost felt like bliss in a frozen hellscape.
“So did you want to ski later?” Shiki asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Yeah, it might be fun. I’m sure Beat and Rhyme will join me for that when I’m ready.” Glancing down at her, Neku asked, “What about you? You gonna ski, too?”
“I think so. Can’t just let my partner go alone.”
Neku grinned, playing with her hair. “I dunno… I was thinking about partnering up with Beat for that one.”
“He has Rhyme—so you can partner with me on that one.”
“Eri needs a partner, too, though. Haven’t partnered with her yet.”
“Neku!”
Neku laughed. He gave her a squeeze and relented, “Fine, fine. We can be ski partners… as long as you can keep up.”
“That’s my line.”
Raising an eyebrow, Neku asked, “You ski before or something?”
“Well, no, but it can’t be that hard, can it? You’re just going down a mountain. Gravity can do the rest.”
“Think like that, and you’ll be crashing like Eri.”
“What about you? You ever ski?”
“Nope. My parents never took me on anything like this growing up—and a broken Shinjuku sure as hell didn’t have snow.”
“We might need a crash course from Beat and Rhyme later,” Shiki said.
“Pretty sure they’re only running on pure sports intuition. But guess between Beat’s skateboarding and Rhyme’s rollerblading, they managed to figure something out.”
“Yep! Taught Eri enough, too!”
“Enough to almost run into us, you mean.”
“She still made it down, though,” Shiki pointed out. “So that’s something!”
“You gotta wonder how much of that was falling face-first into the snow.” Rubbing Shiki’s shoulder with his thumb, Neku added, “Still… We can try. If we fail, at least we’ll fail together.”
“Heheh… I can live with that.”
“Mm, good," Neku murmured. "Think I prefer being with you instead of against you…”
“But you still had fun with the snowball fight,” Shiki countered. “…and I still won.”
Neku chuckled. “Yeah, yeah, I know you did.”
They both quieted, thinking about the snowy adventures still yet to come. It was their first trip together since Kyoto, only this one had all their friends. And while Neku wouldn’t change that for the world, he was still glad he could finally enjoy his ‘winter fluff’ with Shiki—even if it didn’t happen quite like he’d imagined.
Neku closed his eyes, resting his head on hers. “Well… Skiing can come later… I’m fine here right now.”
Shiki held his free hand. “You sure you’re not gonna fall asleep on me?”
He couldn’t make any promises. He hadn’t even been up that long, yet the sweet allure of sleep already tugged at the back of his mind. Even after months of being back, three years fighting for his life had left him more exhausted than he wanted to admit.
At least, to anyone except Shiki.
“If I do, just wake me up when you’re ready to go.”
“Sure thing.” Shiki pulled his hand up to kiss his fingers. She already knew how he felt. “Rest well, Neku… We’ll have more fun in the snow when you wake up.”