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The storm brewed quite intensely, to the point the train had to halt for the afternoon. It wasn’t even past four o’clock yet the station was veiled in darkness. All passengers were asked to wait outside for an undesignated amount of hours before their journey could be resumed.
Thankfully the station wasn’t completely bare before the merciless winter. The canopy protected against snowfall and there were plenty of places to sit on, walls on the side sheltered against harsh winds, but Leo noticed none of this helped his poor, freezing partner. Elliot was visibly shivering where he sat, his pale complexion took on a rosy tint around his ears and nose in a way it made him seem cute in Leo’s eyes like a tiny mouse yearning to be warmed up. Leo knew Elliot for quite the long time but he wasn’t aware his partner was so sensitive to harsher weather. Well it did storm but still this provided Leo with perfect opportunity to tease him a little.
“Elliot, why don’t you sit closer?”
Elliot to Leo’s beckoning shot him a displeased look.
“No need.”
Leo stifled his chuckles looking at his rosy face.
“Oh? Are you sure?”
- “Yes of course I’m sure this is nothing.”
Elliot thundered with his prideful ferocity and then a sneeze ruined his attempt at a stoic image.
“Achoo.”
Leo could barely hold down his laugh.
“Oh Elliot you know it’d be much warmer if we are huddled together? No need to be ashamed about it. Think of it as a strategic way not to catch a cold.”
Elliot even more red now from embarrassment continued to protest.
“Your attempts to get a rise out of me won’t work.”
- “Oh really? Why do you think I want to get a rise out of you? I noticed you shivering like an abandoned dog and offered help. Think of how warm it will be to share body heat and or perhaps even share a scarf or a coat, snuggled cutely together.“
Leo smirked arrogantly knowing he was pushing all of Elliot’s buttons right now. Elliot trying to remain somewhat cool stared clearly his way.
“Your attempts are quite clear here.”
- “You’re acting like I’m playing some great game on you. We literally share a bed-“
Before Leo could even finish in haste Elliot put a hand over his mouth.
“WILL YOU KEEP IT DOWN YOU IDIOT WE ARE ON A TRAIN STATION!”
Leo shoved his hand away and pouted.
“KEEP IT DOWN? YOU JUST STARTED SCREAMING!”
- “YES CAUSE YOU ARE PISSING ME OFF!”
“Oh please why is it so beneath you to snuggle your partner. Your great big ego can’t handle being weak to something?”
- “Ugh taking everything so personally as usual you’re so annoying.”
Elliot grumbled sniffling through his words.
“Not at all. I just can’t believe you’re so thick headed.”
Leo stood from the cold wooden bench same pouty expression still on his face.
“Where you’re going?”
Elliot’s eyes betrayed the worry he held whilst watching Leo depart in a sour mood.
He didn’t want to reject him; he just didn’t want something trivial like the cold getting to him.
“To get something to drink. You want anything?”
- “No.”
Elliot took solace in the fact Leo wasn’t too mad at him, probably only slightly annoyed. He came back with a steaming beverage nestled in his gloved hands, the aroma made it obvious it was hot chocolate. Leo resumed his seat sighing deeply.
“What is it?”
- “I’m looking at all of these couples snuggling and lamenting where I went wrong to end up with such a blockhead like you.”
Despite the bitter words Leo smiled teasingly through them.
“I’m not that cold!”
- “Oh I’m sure, you’re shivering and your face is red.”
“Listen you!”
- “What?”
Leo’s eyes glistened with desire making Elliot blushed, Leo’s eyes couldn’t possibly be rejected their radiant beauty captivated any and all. However, Elliot wasn’t so weak willed and knew Leo far too well to know he was taking advantage of his asset.
“Don’t look at me like that!”
- “Like what?”
Leo took a sip of his drink a cat like expression of mischief still painted on his face.
“What? The great Elliot Nightray is actually weak to cold? He likes to be cuddled in warm blankets and sleep next to the fire. He can’t withstand a little wind? Is that what you’re afraid I’ll say?”
Elliot’s face brimmed with frustration, he tried to grab Leo but he with cat like reflexes departed the bench, beverage still steadily in hand. Elliot flew forward failing to catch him.
“Idiot I could have burnt myself on my drink. Such a short fuse.”
- “Short fuse? You’re the one stepping on my nerves here!”
“Hmm I think your desire to be toasty warm is kinda cute. Like how your affinity for cats gives you quite the endearing streak.”
“Leo when I get my hands on you!”
Leo’s smirked persisted.
“You’ll what? Don’t say it out loud if it’s too dirty, we are in public as you said.”
- “LEO!”
Their bickering was interrupted by the conductor inviting them back into the train for their journey to resume. The warm train felt like heaven after an hour or two in the merciless cold. The coupe the Nightray family could afford was quite luxurious, two spacy sofas opposing each other in between them a large window which arched all the way to the celling. Soft blankets were provided along with warm meals and teas all on the tab of the train line as an apology for the delay. Playful tension still flickered between the two lovers as Elliot softened like a kitten upon entering the blissfully warm train. As they ate their pie occasionally and on purpose Leo would bump his leg and Elliot would grumpily shake his head away.
Eventually the rocking on the train lulled Leo to sleep despite him trying to read a bit during their travel. His words stung Elliot more than he was willing to admit, perhaps he should be more comfortable with affection? Slowly he crawled out his sofa and under Leo’s blankets nestling himself on top of his lover, within second he was out like the lights. Leo, despite being half asleep noticed he became Elliot’s resting place. The opportunity to tease Elliot practically offered itself on a silver platter for Leo, but he didn’t want to take it and interrupt such a tender moment. So Leo just let Elliot sleep finally getting the embrace he oh so desired.