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The Clover Kingdom was experiencing it's first snows of the season. Finally, the winter holidays are starting. Which meant a few days away from duty for King Julius's loyal advisor, Marx.
Julius is hard to keep track of, he thought to himself, as he reminisced the hectic adventures of his king. He sure had to look after him whenever he was trying to sneak out of his headquarters, transformed into an old lady to scout interesting magic... He smiled to himself to that thought.
That day he woke up half an hour later than his usual schedule. He had earned it with all his hard work. He reminded to himself that he will have to visit family and friends these days and sighed, already a bit tired about the extra fuss. But it's his loved ones so he wouldn't mind.
But since he has just a bit of time all for himself, he decided to spend it with quality. The weather was perfect for a cup of hot cocoa next to the fireplace.
He got up and jumped in the kitchen to warm up some milk. He poured in some cocoa and two sugar cubes. He would never admit that he likes some sweetness into his drink in front of others, especially Julius. He thinks it's a bit childish, but he enjoys it either way.
Once his cocoa was ready, he poured it in a cup and topped it with some marshmallows. It looked delicious.
Outside a mild snowstorm was happening. The windows were fogged but you could still see the shadows of the trees bending slightly to the wind. That weather was relaxing if you were inside...
He sighed with content and seated himself on some cushions near the fireplace. The fire needed some stirring to brighten up. The wood crackled as he poked it with tongs. What a quiet and cozy morning this was...
Until he heard a knock on his window, which startled him. He was about to have a sip of his cocoa when he heard it. His heard raced. Who could be outside with such weather going on?
He left his cup on the floor and rushed to the window. He opened and before he could realise it, a bunch of snow and a tiny human had bumped into his living room. He had flinched because of the cold air that entered his room, and as he opened his eyes again, he saw them. They were a small human snowball, and as he tried to shake off the snow, he noticed that this was...
"Chronovala? Oh for heck's sake, sir, what were you doing outside with such weather?!"
Then, Julius transformed back to himself and laughed awkwardly. "Ahaha, you know, the usual... I just really wanted to see if I could spot cool magic out there in the snow!" He grinned and rubbed his neck. He seemed to be trembling.
"The snowstorm! And you're totally freezing! Let me get you something to put on!" Marx's cheeks were flustered with anger again. He stormed in his closet to bring a blanket for Julius.
He wrapped it around him in a motherly way, with that usual annoyed grimace on his face. "Sigh, go near the fireplace... Your clothes should get dry or you're going to catch a cold..."
"Alright, got it, chief!" The Wizard King chuckled merrily and did as Marx said, with a sigh of relief.
"You idiot... You could have gotten totally frostbitten out there..." Marx crossed his arms and sat besides him.
"Yeah, yeah... That's why I, uh, decided to visit! I figured I couldn't stay out in the cold for too much and I thought, you know, Marx could maybe take a bit care of me... Oops..."
"Sigh, you're totally never going to learn... Do you want some cocoa? I could heat some up."
"I would love a cup..."
"Alright, I'll be back."
Marx visited his kitchen to reheat leftover cocoa and put it in a mug for Julius with extra marshmallows. He was sure he was going to appreciated it.
As he returned to the fireplace, he noticed a very warm expression on his friend's face. Looks like he was alone for the holidays and he sneaked in his house for company. He couldn't help but smile. This massive goofball...
"Here you are, your majesty..."
"Wow, thanks... This looks so good!" His eyes were sparkly as he looked at the hot and inviting drink. He didn't even wait for it to cool down a bit. Marx looked at him as his eyes widened when he burnt his tongue. He rolled his eyes.
"Merry Christmas, Julius..."
"Whew... Merry Christmas, Marx..."
The two of them sat in silence for a little while, looking at the fire burning. This maybe was better than sitting all alone then.
"Ah, holidays are far better enjoyed when you have someone by your side..." Julius murmured with a small smile on his lips.
"Yeah, I guess..."
"You have any plans for new year's eve?"
"Yeah, but... You could be invited if you want?"
"If there's some space for me then... I might come, after the party arranged for the Magic Knights..."
"It's set then. I think my family would like to join us for dinner. Just don't be weird..."
"Eheh, I'll try my best..."
Marx elbowed him with a mischievous smile on his lips. Julius chuckled. He took a sip from his drink now that it was cooled down. It was delicious. Outside the storm was raging now. Looks like he escaped that just fine. Even though he could use his Time Magic to escape if things got bad but... Another time.