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One, two, three, four, five, six steps then turn the corner. There's a new scuff on the linoleum over there. Ah, there's the tile with the speckles that look a bit like a hopping rabbit. Time to push through the glass doors. Shinkai has walked this same path so frequently he's memorized the path by staring at the floor. There's no longer much of a need to look up as he goes. The heavy glass doors shut behind him in a familiar click. He takes twenty medium sized steps across the carpeted floor before it's time to look up. The room is filled with the irrelevant sounds of muttering voices, turning pages, clacking keyboards, and scratching pencils. As usual, on the whole it's rather quiet. His eyes scan the room, scouring for a decent seat. It doesn't particularly matter where he ends up, so long as he can arrange his possessions in a suitable manner. He's been coming to the library so often, he's wound up in nearly every seat and has found they are all essentially merely seats and their locations are frivolous. Eventually he decides on an entirely empty table and begins the tedious set up of today's assignments before he settles in for a very boring afternoon.
English lessons are hard. Shinkai taps his pencil on the mostly blank worksheet, baffled and uninterested in how to identify the predicate of a sentence. He struggles enough to read this stuff, much less translate and deconstruct it. The library is warm, heaters cranked to fight the chill of the December air. The pleasant temperature and the diligent quiet of studious peers proves to be more distracting than accommodating. He twirls the pencil between his digits for a bit before pouting his full lips and propping the utensil to balance atop them, below his nose. He pretends he will skip this question and try concentrating on the next one. Instead, his stomach grumbles and his mind wanders. It's a shame no food is allowed in the library because he could really do with some protein. He absently licks his lips and the pencil falls from its perch with a clatter to the table. It's too distracting to focus on busy work on an empty stomach. He sighs distantly.
It was a mistake sitting next to the big glass pane that separated him from the Great Outdoors with mere inches between them. Wandering eyes gazed into the open grass of the outdoor quad just beyond the window. A gentle wind was tickling the blades of grass along the cement walkway, a dusting of frost glistening on their tips as they dance. Another longing sigh. It could be so easy to take a few steps to the door, trot down that path, and make an escape to the bike racks where freedom along the open road awaits. But it's very cold out and the end of the term is approaching and Shinkai has very little time left to complete every last assignment. He fidgets with the pencil again, far more absorbed in the idea of his homework than the actual act of completing it.
Through the glass in the gray stillness above, the glimmer of sparkling crystals begin to flutter and float through the sky. Beauty in shimmering opalescent flakes of fat glitter sparkle, lighting up the otherwise bleak atmosphere. Frozen elegance dances, spiraling its way downwards to kiss the grass while tucking it in to a thin veil of purest white. The first snow of the season. With an innocently romantic display of nature at hand, Shinkai can't help but resign himself to the distraction. He has an easy smile on his face, enjoying the view. His only lamentation is that he's stuck alone in a quiet library amongst strangers rather than the ones he cares about most.
The ones he cares about most...
His eyes bulge in the grip of sudden realization and in a clatter of chair legs he bolts upright, nearly sending a text book flying.
"Usakichi!"
He cries out her name and ignores the shushing from less boisterous students in his vicinity. He clamors frantically to shove his possessions into his bag, sparing no time for proper organization. It's natural to fret over her and suddenly the detriments of failing to complete his assignments in a timely fashion pale in comparison to ensuring her safety. Rabbits can fend for themselves quite well in winter weather, given the means. But Usakichi is domestic and lives in a hutch, rendering her virtually helpless against the harsher elements. Shinkai chides himself for failing to foresee this and makes a hurried dash towards the exit.
Three jumps and ignore the speckled tile. Skid around the corner. There's about nine flying leaps before another heavy set of doors that separate the academic wing from the living quarters. He disregards the scolding of others warning him not to run in the hallways, but calls back his apologies in the most sincere tone he can muster. The clock is ticking, and his rabbit is likely cold and terrified. Four antsy steps until he reaches his door, fumbles with his keys, and steps inside. Removing his shoes was an extra bother to only turn around and put them back on, so Shinkai hastily chucks his school bag onto his bed, grabs his coat from the hook on the door, and flees the scene.
The December wind bites at his face relentlessly within moments of pushing past the threshold, though he does his best to persevere. His teeth clack together as though fighting the elements and he clutches his arms to his chest to contain as much warmth as possible. He's nearing the relatively deserted knoll in which she lives and his heart sinks with worry. If this is making his body ache with icy tremors, he can only imagine she's faring no better. Shinkai tries to slow his gasping breath and reminds himself he's here for her now, so she will be fine. It's still quite the task to keep his hopes up as he finally rounds the bend and reaches her quiet little home.
She's in the corner, looking healthy with alert eyes and a twitching nose. But she's shaking, and she's struggling to keep her warmth. The hutch has absolutely no wind break and this entire time, she's been exposed. On the one hand, he feels negligent and horrible. Yet on the other, as recently as yesterday the weather had been fairly mild and this shift was sudden. She notices him, shining orbs turning to his silhouette and she takes a tentative hop towards him. Trying to lift her immediately, but loathe to frighten her further, Shinkai slowly lowers his hand out to her. To his great relief, she doesn't shy from him and welcomes his touch. Her fur is matted with snow, a few flakes clinging to the tips of her perky ears. It's both heart wrenching and endearing. Gently, he lifts her small, chilled body and tucks her into his coat to begin heating her through. The pitter patter of her tiny heart palpitating thrums against his on chest, but she doesn't buck or make to escape. A small smile tugs at his lips. He's grateful she trusts him so much. Shinkai lets out a ragged breath of relief and shakes his head. For the first time since stepping out, he notices his own hair is matted and covered in snowflakes, too.
Shortly after, she was growing impatient as rabbits are wont to do. Shinkai knows reasonably it is a gross impracticality to believe he could hold her forever. There is little option left, so he gingerly returns her to the hutch. The snow is falling more steadily. He has few resources and fewer plans of action. He always thinks better on a full stomach, so he foolishly thinks Usakichi might, too. He fills her dish and she gratefully nibbles from it, so he at least finds comfort in this gesture of kindness. Still, he frets over what there is to be done. Perhaps if he had a tarp the hutch's heat could be retained, but he doesn't have a tarp. He has a growing headache from worry. For now he has the bright idea to strip himself of his coat and drape it over the hutch. Immediately the wind cuts through to his bones and he bites his lip, feeling a blend of determination and regret. He rues failing to dress in layers. Reminding himself this is only temporary to keep his rabbit warm, Shinkai still manages to stress because this plan has no clear end game. He can't leave this spot for fear of someone stealing his jacket, he can't stay either because he has no insulation for the hutch, and he can't take his coat back for fear of her health. Shinkai runs a hand through his damp tresses, feeling very stupid. He thinks the saying goes that he is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
"Hey, idiot!"
A gruff familiar voice calls to him from behind. He really does feel like an idiot, standing out in the cold and shivering with no adequate outer wear. Shinkai turns to face his new companion fast approaching and is simultaneously relieved and embarrassed to find it is none other than Arakita. He looks nice in a black pea coat and a red fleece scarf wrapped snugly around his neck. His raven hair looks reminiscent of black and white sesame seeds, from the smattering of heavy white snowflakes littering his hair. Shinkai hopes Arakita doesn't notice the audible growl of his stomach.
"Where's your coat?" Arakita stops a few feet away and asks pointedly.
Shinkai lets his teeth click violently against themselves as he shoots a guilty look to the rabbit hutch, certain the raven will berate him. Arakita casts a curious look between the sprinter and Usakichi, unsure what to make of the situation. He merely squints skeptically at Shinkai, though the redhead can see concern etched in his angular face. Shinkai makes purchase of this opportunity of hesitation from Arakita and interjects any impending lecture on irresponsibility and his health with a question of his own.
"What are you doing all the way out here?" Shinkai's question is simple, but he stutters over the words with his shaking body.
Arakita is clearly taken aback, as he turns away and shuffles his feet to make strangely patterned imprints in the soft snow. His cheeks are apple red, but Shinkai can't ascertain if he's chilly or flustered.
"What I'm doing is none of your business!" Arakita barks, though through simple sleuthing and a glance to the plastic bag in his clutches, Shinkai easily determines he is returning from a manga shop. "Besides, shouldn't that be my line?!"
"Ah," Shinkai supposes this is true. "I had to help Usakichi..."
He's doing a poor job of helping her and he feels ridiculous admitting this.
"Looks like you're doing a crap job," Arakita scolds him. "Are you stupid?"
Shinkai prefers his own phrasing. It stings a little less. Still, Arakita's expression softens and he strides towards the sprinter. Shinkai watches in confusion as Arakita unbuttons his wool coat and slips it down his narrow shoulders. In one confident motion he drapes the garment along the redhead's shoulders, urging him to wear it. He keeps the scarf wrapped around his own neck though, snug in a tight cowl. Already he's putting on a false bravado of feeling fine, despite the fact that he's clearly feeling the grip of the winter chill. The coat is tight along Shinkai's significantly broader chest, but he's grateful for it. It smells nice, like pine and musk and something sweet as well. He inhales the aroma deeply and it warms him from the inside, wrapping all around him too. He's a mix of thankful and guilty as he watches Arakita shiver.
"So," Arakita averts his gaze as he fumbles to button the coat on Shinkai, making conversation as both a practicality and a distraction. "What do you need for her?"
Shinkai feels bashful from the contact but allows it. His cheeks feel strangely warmer than the rest of him, and his chest soon surpasses even that heat. He clears his throat thoughtfully.
"I need... Maybe a tarp? Or at least something to insulate her," he explains cautiously. "I'm not sure. It's too cold for her."
Arakita takes a step back and regards the hutch, seemingly also in thought. He snaps his fingers together and smirks.
"I know what we can use," the raven looks proud of himself for concocting a solution so rapidly.
"Mm?" Shinkai quirks his head to the side hopefully.
"Here, hold this," Arakita thrusts the flimsy plastic bag into Shinkai's hands, and their icy finger tips linger against one another for a fleeting moment. Shinkai savors the tingling heat radiating between them and for a moment considers lacing his hand amongst the raven's bony digits. Instead he wraps his hand into the loops of the bag.
"What is it?" Shinkai questions a bit thickly, even though he's already noticed it's clearly a stack of manga.
"It's for my sister!" Arakita disclaims a bit too quickly and reels back. "Just hold onto it and don't go through it."
"You can count on me, Yasutomo," the sprinter winks coyly and shoots the other a finger gun, as if he's the one doing a favor although it's obviously the other way around.
Without another word, Arakita jogs off into the distance. Shinkai watches his slender form retreat until no trace of him remains save for his slushy foot prints in the otherwise pristine snow. The redhead looks to the hutch again, watching the ever growing mound of snow piling high on his coat. It looks flimsy and useless and small in its place atop his rabbit's home, but he supposes it's better than nothing until the all rounder returns. He nearly immediately betrays his word to Arakita and sneaks a surreptitious glance into the crinkling plastic bag. It looks to be about five or six issues of a popular shoujo manga. Shinkai snorts and wonders if this is actually for Arakita's sister or if that had been a white lie to save face.
In the distance, he can see the raven on his return so he quickly adjusts to pretend as though he hadn't been snooping. Arakita is carrying a thick, industrial looking blanket, the kind used for covering machinery and equipment. He also is lugging along two heavy looking bricks. Shinkai isn't sure where these items had been procured from, but he has a hunch they've been stolen from somewhere and would rather not know their likely ill begotten source. Still, this seems like a feasible solution and he's grateful.
"Give me my coat back," Arakita greets him harshly as he approaches, face flushed from a combination of the cold and exerting himself with the weight of his cargo.
Shinkai obeys readily and clumsily peels the snug coat off his square shoulders that are far too large for the dimensions of the garment. He hands it to the other and quickly turns to wrap himself up in his own coat once again. He's in the middle of shaking the snow off it when he is assaulted with delicious cherry colored fleece abruptly encompassing his neck. He balks, startled. Arakita dawdles, slowly wrapping the scarf around Shinkai's nape with care. A shiver runs down his spine and he's entirely uncertain if it's result of the chilly air or the hot breath on his neck. He inadvertently slips his fingers into the folds, enjoying the warmth and scent. Arakita gives the redhead's shoulder a gentle squeeze before pulling away.
"Won't you be cold?"
"This is enough," Arakita confidently dismisses the concern with a sniff. "I can handle this much. Now let's take care of this."
Shinkai's worry is placated and he nods in agreement. They each take a corner of the heavily insulated fabric and drape it over the hutch, successfully trapping in adequate heat for Usakichi. With a brick on either side to anchor it in place, their job is done. Shinkai is entirely satisfied with their work, but now that he is relieved the cold settles through him again and he shivers. He lifts the warm fleece over his nose and lets his breath bring heat back to his skin. He turns to Arakita and grabs his wrist to catch his attention.
"Thank you, Yasutomo," he whispers breathily, unsure how to show his abject gratitude for this favor. "Want to go back to the dorms?"
For the umpteenth time since his arrival, Arakita turns away bashfully. Shinkai notes that he makes no move to break contact. He fidgets before speaking, though.
"Actually," he begins but hesitates as if parsing his words carefully. "There's somewhere I was going to go first. It's not far. Come with me. I guess."
He tenses, waiting for possible rejection. It doesn't come and Shinkai in fact readily agrees, more than willing to keep the raven company for awhile longer. Arakita suppresses an awkward smile and the pair begin their walk away from the rabbit's little home. Shinkai gives her one final parting glance, then they're off. It's still snowing. Had he some gloves, Shinkai entertains the giddy idea of hurling a snowball at Arakita. He withholds from snickering to instead watch the bountiful flurry of glistening splendor twinkling around them. The crystals catch the light and shine like tiny precious gems before they collect on the earth in their dense white drifts. It's almost too bright to look at, Shinkai thinks, so he occasionally steals glances to the raven.
His warm breath fogs the air in little dissipating clouds as they trudge along through the growing banks. He watches the ground in front of him to ensure his solid footing. His eyebrows are knit and his nose is a bright strawberry hue against the rest of his creamy pale complexion. Shinkai considers he likely is quite cold despite his front, and recalls how well the red scarf suits his dark hair and light skin. If he wasn't so greedy for its warmth, Shinkai thinks he might return it to him. He will, but not now. It's wrapped around him snugly and pleasantly and for the time being he'd like to hold onto as much of Arakita's generosity as possible.
It's not much longer before Arakita stops them in their tracks and announces they've arrived. Shinkai glances up towards the green and gold awning. Wrought iron fencing surrounds abandoned Victorian style tables and chairs, piled high with little mounds of snow. The tantalizing aroma of roasting coffee beans fills the air.
"A cafe?" Shinkai wonders aloud, looking up in a failed attempt to read the English words on the awning. He considers for a moment he should have studied better.
"Get inside," Arakita instructs, pushing Shinkai towards the double doors.
Inside the little shop, it's deliciously warm. It smells of coffee and sugar and cranberry candles burning atop every little round table. Shinkai feels nearly blind sided by how quaint the place is, and it's very endearing to think that Arakita might frequent such a place. The redhead smiles, knowing he must have at least come here a handful of times in the past. He doesn't dare ask, knowing full well Arakita feels exposed as it is. It was sweet to be invited. Arakita informs him the coffee here is swill and Shinkai chuckles, wondering if they came exclusively for the ambience. The all rounder strikes his arm half heartedly and insists that is not the sole reason, although the atmosphere and service here are nothing short of lovely. Their hot cocoa is made from real double boiled milk chocolate and fresh whipped cream folded in. It's said to be the best in the area and Shinkai is already salivating. Arakita places the order for three, claiming one is for his sister and that's the true reason he was intending to come here. He moves to pay, but Shinkai cuts him off, pleased he has remembered his wallet for once. They bicker back and forth for awhile, veritably frightening the barista behind the counter. Eventually Shinkai wins the argument with a proclamation that he will pay as a thank you for the unnecessary kindness Arakita showed him and Usakichi today. Arakita splutters. He doesn't care for his good deeds going rewarded and is quite flustered that Shinkai has announced it in front of a crowd of strangers. Using this falter to his advantage, Shinkai casually slips the nervous barista a variety of bills and coins. Arakita grumbles his gratitude and they take their place in the pick up queue.
It's only a few minutes later until they receive their molten chocolate beverages. It's all Shinkai can do to contain himself from scalding himself with a hefty gulp of it before they retire to warm up near the cozy indoor fireplace. The round table they sit at is very...personal. Shinkai notices that the only manner in which two people could place their hands on the table would be if they were clasped together. He wonders if that's a form of clever marketing and sips his drink as Arakita does the same. This table probably isn't meant for two fully grown athletic men. Their knees brush together, but it isn't at all unpleasant. In fact, Shinkai feels a bit cheeky. He slips his knee between the raven's and nudges slightly, hoping for a reaction. He isn't disappointed. Arakita jolts upright at the sensation. Shinkai hides his smirk by taking another delicious sip. Now, he dares to slide his toes along the back of Arakita's ankle in a slow and deliberate motion. Arakita tenses quite visibly and makes darting glances around the crowded cafe.
"Something wrong, Yasutomo?"
Shinkai isn't through yet, and despite his innocent tone he wraps his leg further around Arakita's and very intentionally presses their calves together, gently rubbing up and down. The all rounder's expression is worth the risk of being this flirty in public. He scrunches up his face and grips his cup with an unnecessary vice. Even though the mutual efforts of the fireplace and the piping hot beverage have done their duties and taken the chill off of Arakita, his face is stained in the colors of a fresh tomato in summertime. Shinkai is no genius, but it doesn't take a genius to tell the affection is getting to Arakita. If he's to be honest with himself, this only encourages him to agitate the situation further. He's not cruel, though, and that could very well go on all day if he isn't careful. Instead he decides to suggest they start heading back. He still has all that homework, and Arakita's sister is expecting him soon, after all.
"Well, I'm going the other way..." Arakita tries to seem like he wants to let off Shinkai here, but the sprinter knows his patterns well enough to detect this ruse. "I suppose I can walk back with you first. Tch."
He knows that Arakita acts like it's a chore in order to maintain his useless facade, and so Shinkai smiles and plays along.
"I appreciate that, Yasutomo," he winks.
The wind immediately nips their cheeks and the onslaught of snow is not quite of blizzard proportions, but it's certainly relentless. They trod along their previous steps, though now they mingle with those of other pedestrians and the snow has covered them, leaving only the outlines of their once distinct demarcations. The wind is against them, and sensibly Shinkai knows it's colder than before, but a warmth has settled inside him comfortably and he can't help but feel soothed from the inside out.
"Keep up," Arakita instructs him, progressively pulling ahead.
Shinkai bounds forward and catches stride, trying to even their pace. Despite chiding him only a moment prior, Arakita is bold enough to link their arms and pulls Shinkai flush to his side. Their shoulders brush with each step, and somehow Shinkai feels warmer. They reach the gates of the school in what seems like remarkably short time. Arakita brings them to a halt.
"Here we are," the raven announces frivolously.
He unlinks their arms, but doesn't shy away. Rather he turns to face Shinkai, who responds in kind by moving slightly closer.
"I can't thank you enough for your help today," the sprinter musters all of his sincerity into his voice.
By now, the street lights have flickered on in a brilliant glow of luminescence. The buzzing orbs shine brightly in contrast with the dreary winter sky. Spinning strands of silver dance elegantly as the wind pushes the swirling snow horizontally through the air. Arakita tugs the cherry red scarf down to his chin, his hot breath puffing in steamy clouds in the crispness of December. He briefly toys with the fabric, then drops his hand to gingerly cup Shinkai's jawline. His frosty finger tips delicately ghost the sprinter's flesh and trace the smooth skin along the bone before settling on a decent place to rest. The sensation sends chills down Shinkai's spine in a jittery albeit welcome surge. Their noses brush, hot and cold all at once, and Shinkai sighs into it as his eyes flutter shut. Arakita tenderly presses his lips into the plump, half puckered form of the redhead's mouth and for a moment they are still. Shinkai melts against him, savoring the fresh taste of rich chocolate still fragrant and sweet on the raven. Before long, both their mouths are open and flushed together, gracing each other with a sweetness the cocoa would never match. Swept up in the touch, the feel, and the taste, Shinkai forgets how cold it is. As soon as it began, the moment is over and they break apart.
They regard each other as if seeing the other for the first time, their eyes full of stars and shimmering snow in their hair. The wind whispers softly against one of Shinkai's ears, and Arakita whispers softly against the other.
"You're worth it."
He makes this remark simply, with true sincerity. It is, however, his parting remark to the redhead and he turns with ease back the way he came. Shinkai watches his slender form grow smaller with each stride into the harshness of winter and smiles fondly. Arakita has nearly vanished into the distance by the time Shinkai regains his composure and unfurls the loose fists he'd hardly realized he had been keeping by his sides. He jams his hands into his pockets and enters the school gates. The walk towards the dormitories is in actuality something more of an amble. He's definitely eager to get inside to take the chill off his bones, but with this giddy bubbling warmth churning in his belly, he thinks that it might not hurt to cherish these first showers of pure, clean snow for a little while longer.