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it was near the end sersi and dane’s annual christmas party, and you were getting bundled up and ready to head back outside. it had begun to snow about halfway through the party, and by now, it was really coming down. it wasn’t ideal weather to travel in, but you had no choice.
“leaving already?”
you looked up and druig, the man you’d been talking to most of the night, was leaning in the doorframe, hands in his pockets and a small smile on his lips.
“oh yes,” you said. “i don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“pretty cold out there though, isn’t it?” he asked, making his way over.
“it is, but it’ll only get worse if i stay longer,” you said. he joined you by the front door, then leaned against the arm of the couch that was nearby. you could feel your cheeks warm slightly, but you chalked it up to being bundled up in the warm house.
“just being by the door made your hands all cold, like ice,” he said, reaching forward and taking one of your hands gently. and he was right, your hands were cold. nothing a glove couldn’t fix.
“well, uh, if i don’t get back soon, my roommate might start to worry,” you said, your voice soft.
“gorgeous, i really don’t see a reason to hurry,” he said, giving your hand a squeeze. you could feel your heart pound in your chest, and he was much closer now than you realized.
“well, you haven’t met her,” you said, laughing a bit.
“i’m sure she wouldn’t mind you staying a bit longer. it’s not exactly good traveling weather, is it?” he asked, looking down at you. the way his blue eyes sparkled with a playful mischief was enticing. maybe you did want to stay a little longer. there was no harm in that, right?
“i’m just worried she might start to overthink and panic…” you said.
“you could always give her a call. i mean, look at all the snow. you shouldn’t be out in that,” he said, and you glanced behind you. it did seem to be blowing up a bit more, and staying inside felt like it would be much better…
“i suppose i could stay a bit longer. what’s one more drink?” you asked, and he smiled a bit.
“come on, take off your coat. it’s not a problem if you stay a bit longer, honest,” he said, and you nodded. carefully, you removed your hat and coat, and he took them both from you gently.
“i think i’ll take your advice and give her a call, so she doesn’t worry,” you said.
“good idea. i’ll go get you another drink. will hot chocolate work fine? it’ll warm up your hands,” he said.
“that would be great. thank you.” you smiled as he went into the kitchen. you took your phone from your pocket and dialed your roommate’s number, and she was quick to answer.
“oh my god, where are you?” she asked.
“i’m still at sersi’s. thought i’d stay a bit longer,” you said, peeking into the kitchen. Druig gave you a little wave, and you returned it with a smile.
“i dunno, i think you should head back. it’s only gonna get worse out there the more the night goes on.”
“yeah … but it’s cold outside. and it’s nice and warm inside.”
“mhm, sure. i still think you should come back.”
“and wouldn’t you feel bad if i got pneumonia and died out there?”
“don’t be so dramatic!”
druig returned moments later with your drink, and you accepted it with one hand and a smile. the warm mug was like heaven against your hand, and his eyes were so kind.
“don’t worry about me, i’ll be just fine,” you said, and before she could argue, you hung up and slid your phone into your pocket.
“glad i decided to stay,” you said softly.
“well, i did warn you. baby, it’s cold outside.”