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“Go! Go! Go!” Came the roar from an overly excited Octavio. He had successfully rallied the legends away from the cosy rental lodge they were inhabiting for the weekend and had even managed to prompt grumpy old Caus from his quarters - No-one was quite sure how he’d pulled that off. He whipped around them, hurrying the fixing of hats and gloves, chasing their tails down a winding garden path and into a snow blanketed winter wonderland.
The small quaint cottage was adorned with soft golden lights that twinkled in sequence, one row blending into the next. Icicles dangled from the cabin roof as it laid under a thick sheet of snow. Some of the older legends found themselves huddled underneath the porchway, sharing in thick fur blankets and bathing in the warmth that the fire pit was providing. The holiday home was surrounded by towering trees, coated in a batch of heavy, fresh snow. The lake nearby had long frozen over, tempting some of the more adventurous legends to skate upon the ice. Their laughter echoed across the way whilst the likes of Walter and Bloodhound ventured hand-in-hand into the near-by forest to collect supplies for the dwindling log fire.
Renee found herself wandering alone, wading through the white dusting on the ground as she took in the scene before her. A small smile tugged at her lips, it seemed that everyone was getting along for once - perhaps it was something to do with ‘getting into the holiday spirit ’ even if she didn’t feel particularly spirited herself. She trod carefully through the snow, her hands tucked inside the pockets of her leather jacket. Her breath was visible before her as she walked, condensing between parted lips. A shudder ran through her spine as the harsh winds whipped her face, with a small huff she buried her face into her scarf and continued her walk.
“ Let’s build a snowman!”
Renee glanced upwards as she heard the comforting sound of Natalie’s voice from across the way. She watched as the bubbly blonde led the way towards a section of untouched snow. Her eyes lit up in a way whenever she saw the blonde, and even more so at hearing the sweet sound of laughter rolling from her lips. She couldn’t help but find herself walking towards them with a shy smile painted across her lips.
“Are you coming to join us?!” Elliott called out towards her with a mischievous smile across his lips. “We could use this!” He startled her as he raced over, grabbing hold of her scarf. He swooped it free from around her. Renee grimaced as a fresh wave of icy air engulfed her neck, prompting an eye roll towards Elliott, “Witt…” she growled beneath her breath as he waved her scarf in the air with proud laughter.
Her attention was quickly stolen by Natalie, “Renee!” she grinned proudly, “Would you like to help me?!” she gestured towards the growing ball of snow in front of her.
Renee wasn’t exactly sure that she wanted to take part, especially because icy temperatures weren't exactly her thing. But she agreed, because, well… Anything for Natalie. “Sure, Nat” she eventually said with a timid smile.
Renee wandered towards the blonde and reached her finger tips out towards the mass of snow. She hissed under her breath as it stung to the touch, the ice bitterly nipping at her fingers. She put it to the back of her mind, remembering she was there for one reason. The giggle that came from the blonde as they collectively watched the lower half of the snowman grow with every roll was electrifying to Renee and she felt her heart grow a little warmer each time she heard it.
Soon, the sculpture was erected. Three mounds of snow had created the large snowman before them. Elliott proudly decorated their masterpiece with the stolen scarf, “Couldn’t have done it without you!” he jested as he nudged Renee with his elbow, “No offence, but the scarf does look better on this dude” Octavio propped her in jest, prompting yet another eye roll from Renee. Octavio and Ramya had taken it upon themselves to steal some of the smaller branches from Walter’s earlier findings and used the collection of sticks to create limbs. A few stones and a stolen carrot later the snowman was complete.
It looked… Cute. Renee guessed. The bright smile painted across Natalie’s lips though? That was more than worth the cold fingers. The pair stood alone in a comforting silence as they admired their handy work. Natalie edged in closer to her friend, attempting to share her warmth.
“You don’t like the snow, no?” Natalie chuckled as her gloved fingers reached to brush off the recent fall which had begun to melt across Renee’s leather jacket.
“I don’t mind it” Renee shrugged, “But some people can be a bit much” she scoffed, The tone of her voice seemed to pointedly gesture toward Octavio as she successfully dodged another snow ball that was hurtling towards the pair, followed by the sounds of his laughter.
They turned to watch a chaotic snowball fight unfold. Ramya had erected cover as the likes of Octavio and Elliott worked tirelessly to target her.
“Boys will be boys” Natalie chuckled, prompting an eye roll from Renee, followed by a short smile. She glanced at her friend, admiring the way her skin had flushed pink from the frost’s bite… The way her nose wriggled as she spoke. Natalie was adorable.
“Oh, your hands must be so cold!” Natalie frowned as she reached towards Renee’s fingers. Her fingertips were a bright shade of red as the freezing temperature caused the blood to surge and pool there. They felt as stiff as the leather of her jacket.
“I have just the thing! Come with me” Natalie grinned. She took hold of Renee’s hands, encasing them in her own. She rubbed her palms back and forth, attempting to warm her friend.
The timeless cabin was nothing but welcoming, a home from home, or perhaps the home everyone wished they had in the winter. The heat from the proud fireplace engulfed them in a new layer of comfort, accompanied by palpable scents emitting from the kitchen. Inside the oven, pounds of meat sizzled away, bubbling in Walter’s special-recipe jus. Twinkling lights adorned almost every surface, including the large pine tree that sat proudly in the centre of the room. Every branch was decorated with fine decor that sparkled whenever the light caught it. It was a scene from a festive postcard. The only sounds were the gentle crackling of kindle from the fireplace and the gentle hum of kitchen appliances that were attending to their meal. It was peaceful. The room felt like a sanctuary, compared to the chaos which was likely unfolding outside.
“Better?” The engineer asked with a friendly smile.
“Much better!” Renee agreed.
“I know what will warm us both up!” Natalie grinned as she hopped her way towards the kitchen and began to retrieve ingredients.
Renee perched herself upon one of the stools on the opposite side of the kitchen counter. She watched curiously as Natalie began to warm some milk on the stove along with several generous helpings of cocoa powder. Soon, the sweet liquid began to thicken and bubble away, filling the air with the sweetest of scents from warming silverware. Renee began to feel warmer already.
“Hot chocolate reminds me of winters with my papa…” Natalie confessed casually as she stirred the Cocoa. “Whenever he worked late, held up in his workshop, I’d make him a cuppa’ cocoa! It was his favourite '' she hummed happily as she reminisced over memories of her late father, “I know it’s just a drink, but it brings up a lot of happy memories, you know…” she trailed off. Snapping back into her surroundings, she exclaimed “now I get to share it with you!”
Renee was lost for words, suddenly the gesture of a warm drink felt like a whole lot more. Before even taking a sip, Renee found her heart feeling a whole warmer. “That’s a really special thing, Nat” she smiled softly.
Natalie fetched two glass mugs, and poured the sweet elixir inside, topping the warming treat with lashings of whipped cream, a large helping of marshmallows, and a dusting of powder. “ Ssh! Don’t tell the others I used the last of the cream!” she giggled. Her infectious smile beamed as she brought Renee her glass, “To warm you up!” Natalie gushed with a beaming smile.
“Thank you” Renee smiled back at her gratefully. She admired the mug before her, and a smile tugged at her lips. She cupped the warm vessel, allowing the heat from the sweet concoction to warm her hands as the sugary liquid wafted into her nostrils.
It was just a hot chocolate, but a hot chocolate coming from a person like Natalie. It was a connection. It was love. With the tip of her finger she swiped some of the cream and placed it inside her mouth. She hummed happily as the soft, sweet cream melted upon her tongue.
“Happy to help!” Natalie smiled as she sat alongside the other legend. Natalie’s excitement oozed from her as she eagerly awaited Renee to take her first sip.
Renee savoured the sweet coating on her tongue. She felt it inch down into her belly, warming her all the way to her core. It was obvious that inside the mug was more than just a beverage; it was a hand extended, a knowing glance, sweet smiles shared between unlikely friends.
“It’s the best hot chocolate I've ever had!” Renee complimented her friend, “I can see why your papa enjoyed them”
“Oh! you are too kind!” Overcome with happiness, Natalie wrapped her arms around Renee and gave her a gentle squeeze, “Merry Christmas, Renee” she whispered before planting a gentle kiss across her warming cheek.