Work Text:
Teruko stepped into the apartment after a long night. She stomped on the welcome mat, trying to shake off as much snow as she could before tracking it into the apartment.
She pulls off her gloves and bends down to untie her boots, hands shaking. She clenched her teeth, trying to suppress her shivering.
Just as she was about to give up, warm hands enveloped hers. Teruko glances up at Mai, who’s smiling with concern. “Why are your hands so cold, dear?”
Dear. That made her feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. “…I had to walk here.”
“In the snow?” Mai’s hands shift down a little bit, moving to heat up the base of hers. “All by yourself? Why didn’t you call me?”
Teruko licks her lips. They’re chapped from the cold. “I… didn’t want to burden you.”
“Oh, Teruko, it’s alright. You’re not burdening me. I don’t mind driving in the snow for you. Come on, let me help you out of these boots and get you warmed up.”
Honestly, Teruko felt a little embarrassed that Mai had to untie her boots for her. She was able to pull them off herself, but needed help again when she got to the zipper of her coat. Teruko’s hands were too stiff and shaky.
She changed into a new set of clothes, and now her head lay in Mai’s warm lap as she combed her fingers through her hair. There were still some lingering effects of the cold; Teruko held her hands underneath her armpits. She hoped she wouldn’t get a cold, but she doesn’t think she’ll ever be so lucky.
For now, she was healthy, warm, and loved.