The Way You Make Me Feel

Alexis Ness doesn’t belong. He never did— not in his house, his family, or at school. Alexis was belittled all his life by his family for believing something as stupid as the impossible. Alexis meets a boy whom he shared a slice of cake with on Christmas. It was the last time Alexis had seen him. Now, standing tall was the same boy Alexis had met when they were younger. He stood in that football field, reaching out for Alexis. The boy was Michael Kaiser. Alexis’s feelings for Michael grew since the day they reunited; so did the flowers. The way Michael simply understood Alexis's idea of soccer, Michael was the human embodiment of the 'magic' Alexis had vowed to look for. The longing desire to finally belong had finally been fulfilled. Michael is the symbol of impossibility. Michael, is the magic Alexis had believed in. The magic he was belittled for trusting in, for worshiping even. Michael was a deity— a God, a savior. Alexis's burning passion to find magic in everyday life had finally led him to the one and only, Michael Kaiser. But the magic had also led Alexis to flower petals— specifically roses; all painted in blue. Just for Michael, bloodied by Alexis's very own blood that had vowed to serve Michael, no matter what.

Notes:

Hello~! This is my very first fanfiction I've ever written, so don't judge my writing too much! I spent three days writing this chapter, and I hope you guys enjoy. Also, this first chapter is about Alexis's childhood and his love for magic. This chapter also had a bit of young Alexis's school life sprinkled into it, and not to mention the encounter of a special someone~! The chapter also focuses a bit on how Alexis's family strongly disapproves of fiction and anything that can't be explained in a scientific manner. I am also new to tagging, so if I don't tag anything that should be mentioned, please let me know! Some tags that are mentioned may or may not have shown up yet, but I'm trying my best to get to it, okay? Bye bye now!

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Chapter 1: Sachertorte

Chapter Text

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Asked the sweet voice. It came above Alexis, breathy against his neck. Alexis quickly covered his desk with his arms, blocking the view for the lovely voice. The desk was full of scrapped papers, with little drawings of wizards. The wizards welded their tiny wands, in a circular motion that indicates they are casting spells. Across the wizards, were witches that were brewing potions from their cauldrons. Filling the rest of the paper were little magicians with their cute hats. They had doves coming from underneath. Some had rabbits, and some were other species of birds. Some of the magicians had nothing underneath their hats at all! Alexis hastily took his drawings, and shoved them in his black folder, decorated with fireworks and sticker gems. He then took out his math worksheet Alexis originally was supposed to do and—

“Ahem.” The voice called out again. Alexis looked around the class he was in. “It’s quite rude to ignore someone who’s talking to you.” He thought to himself. Alexis brought his hands up to his face, and his lips parted slightly to—

‘Ahem!’ Alexis looked up quickly. Only to find that the voice was actually speaking to him! His face heated up gradually, as Alexis frantically tried finding words to excuse his behavior. Sorry was the only word that Alexis could mutter out. His eyes averted from whoever was speaking to him. Realizing there was no place to set his eyes on, Alexis’s eyes then shifted back to them. It was Ms. Herring. “What do you want to be when you grow up, Alexis?” The sweet voice repeated again. This time, a bit louder than before. Alexis paused, and thought for a second. He repeated the question to himself at least ten times before he could conclude his answer. Alexis looked up at Ms. Herring, smiling gleefully.

“I want to be a magician!”

“A magician, you say?” Ms. Herring repeated. Her hands were on her hips, posing dramatically with a smile that most definitely reaches her eyes. It was probably the biggest smile little Alexis has ever seen! Alexis nodded his head profusely, with his mouth so wide it stretched across his face. Alexis’s face was round, paired with chubby cheeks; he could be mistaken as a rubberman! His smile drops, as Alexis remembers his siblings’ insults.

“Stop smiling like that Lex, you look like a squirrel.” Alexis’s older sister bluntly stated.

“But, squirrels are cute! You’re saying I look cute!”

“Well, squirrels look stupid.” She spat back. Alexis’s eyes grew wide, with tears that threatened to spill.

“Rachel’s right, squirrels are also stupid! Just like you, Lex!” The other sibling added, as he poked out his tongue.

“T-that’s not true! My smile isn’t—”

"Shut up, Lex! You’re such a crybaby.” Rachel yelled.

“Right, Matt?”

Alexis’s lips began to wobble as he spoke, “I’m not a cry—”

“Yeah! You also believe in magic. That’s for stupid people!” Matt said as he grabbed the toy wand Alexis was holding. He gasped, scrambling to get up to retrieve his toy back. Almost falling in the moment. Alexis caught his balance and swatted his hands against Matt. Rachel took out her hands, and held Alexis before he could retrieve his wand.

“No! Give it back, Matt! I’m going to tell mama!” Alexis huffed. Hot tears were already spilling, that was Alexis’s last straw.

“Let go of me!”

Rachel only tightened her grip on Alexis’s arms, leaving bruises that will soon turn purple right after.

“No, I don’t have to.”

“I’m going to tell mama on you too!”

“Mom doesn’t care about you, you’re a good for nothing freak who likes magic,” Matt retorted as he began to run away.

“Yeah, he’s right Lex, mom doesn’t care about you.” Rachel smirked.

“Y-yes she does, mama does care—”

“Haven’t I told you to shut up? How many times do I have to tell you, for you to finally listen?” Rachel interrupted.

“Why do you keep calling mom, ‘mama?’ You sound like a baby.” She added

“But—”

“I said shut up!” Racheal roared.

Alexis only stood there, and sobbed. The tears quickly made contact with the ground. Alexis whipped his hands away from her grasp to rub his tears away. He could already tell his snot was coming out by the disgusted look Alexis received from his sister. Rachel picked up the pillow that was already sitting nicely on the couch and held it in her hands.

In a blink of an eye, Alexis was on the ground. He began to wail out loud, calling out for their mom— or anyone who’d give a damn about him. Rachel’s voice raised, louder than Alexis could cry out.

“You’re the stupidest, the most annoying, and the most whinest person I’ve ever known.”

“Rach—”

“All you do is cry all day! When you’re not crying, all you do is play around with your stupid make believe stuff.”

“That’s not—”

“You know Santa isn’t real, right? So is your idiotic belief in magic!”

“Santa is real! Magic is re—”

“No they aren’t, so wipe that stupid—”

“Hello? Alexis? Are you listening?” Alexis jumped at the voice. “Are you okay, Alexis? Do you need to see the nurse?” Ms. Herring asked. “See the nurse? Won’t the nurse send me home? I don’t want to be there.” Alexis thought, then he sighed. “No, I’m okay. I don’t need to see the nurse, I was only thinking.” Alexis replied with his hands on his neck. Alexis took his gaze off of Ms. Herring, and gave his attention to the eraser sitting on the desk.

“You have a cute smile, Alexis.” She pointed out.

Alexis’s gaze returned to Ms. Herring once again. “You really think so?” His head tilted sideways, questioning if what his teacher had said was true. Ms. Herring only hummed in agreement.

“Thank you!”

Ms. Herring nodded in acknowledgment.

“Why do you want to be a magician, Alexis?” She asked. His eyes lit up, practically sparkling even. “I want to be a magician because I think magic is cool!” Alexis exclaimed. He then began to take out his art from the folder he shoved away in his desk. Alexis pointed to the magician drawings, the ones with the doves and rabbits. “Ms. Herring, look! Magicians can do magic, that means magic is real!”

“Really, you think magic is real?” Ms. Herring questioned. Alexis paused, and stayed quiet for a bit. “Her tone isn’t judgy, like Rachel and Matt. It doesn’t sound like Ms. Herring would lecture me and chastise me for thinking magic is real like mama and papa.” He thought. Then finally, Alexis spoke.

“Yes, Ms. Herring, magic is real! I see it everywhere!”

“That’s awesome, can you tell me where you’ve seen magic happening?” Ms. Herring asked. “Woah! Someone else is interested in magic too! Maybe Ms. Herring believes in magic like me! I’m not alone anymore!” Alexis smiles with all his teeth out, and replies, “I see magic happen on the football field!” Ms. Herring hummed joyfully as Alexis began to blabber on. “I see how they dribble the ball and pass it to each other! They make goals, and are real life magicians!” Alexis’s eyes were set on Ms. Herring’s pair, and luckily, she was listening attentively! Unlike his siblings and parents of course, Alexis’s grin grew even wider after realizing this. He continued to ramble about football and how they relate to magic. About the plays the footballers make, and the goals they score.

“Ms. Herring hasn’t interrupted me once! I didn’t know she was a good listener.” Alexis thinks to himself, then smiling, leaving a pause in the rant.

“Do you think you can play football professionally when you grow up?” Ms. Herring asked, smiling. Alexis dramatically placed his hands on his chin, pretending to scratch it. He imagined a thinking cap, rested on his round, fluffy hair, and continued to think. “Yes!” Alexis shouted excitedly, “Now, now, let’s use our indoor voice, okay?” Ms. Herring said, eyeing the principal that just walked in. “Oops, sorry…” Alexis whispered, eyes averting down. His hands were clasped together, sitting nicely on his lap as Alexis pretended to review his math worksheet. Realizing the work Alexis had on the paper was wrong, he got corrected by Ms. Herring as the principal walked by. Alexis’s palm began to sweat, remembering the last time he got in trouble. Alexis recalls that he had gotten in trouble by doodling on his literature project. Alexis had gotten an earful from his parents after that, and an insane amount of teasing and jabbing from his siblings. Alexis shudders at the thought.

Click! “Oh, the principal must’ve walked out.” He thought. Alexis then turned to Ms. Herrings, who was still by his side.

“Have you ever played football, Alexis?” She asked.

The sudden question brought joy to Alexis’s face. He was already flushed enough from remembering the last time he got in trouble.

“Yes! I started playing football when I was eight years old!” He held up eight fingers to represent the big age. “I can hold up two of my hands now!”

“Yes you can!” Ms. Herring beamed.

“I’m pretty sure it was… when I was in second grade I started playing!”

“Second grade? That’s amazing, Alexis!”

He smiled at the compliment.

Ms. Herring smiled back with her pearly whites.

“Do you believe in magic?” Alexis asked, curiously. Ms. Herring turned her attention to Alexis, “Of course I do. It’s just as you said, magic is everywhere.” She smiled warmly.

It was the first time someone had agreed with Alexis. Someone really did believe in magic, just like he did! The thought of someone accepting the existence of magic excites Alexis. He gets giddy at the thought of it! Alexis opened his mouth and spoke, “You really believe in magic? Just like—”

RINGG!! Oh. It seems like time ran out. Before Alexis could say another word, his classmates had already bolted out the door! Both Ms. Herring and Alexis turned their attention to the door that opened quickly, and before it slammed shut, Ms. Herring yelled. “No running in the halls! You wouldn’t want to serve detention the day before winter break!” Right, winter break was just around the corner. Ms. Herring turned to Alexis, and spoke, “It’s time for you to pack up now, Alexis.”

“O-okay!” Alexis replied, and hurriedly stuffed his backpack that was sitting on the ground. Let’s see… Math folder? Check. Literature folder? Double check. Pencil bag? Triple Check… and the list goes on.

A quick total of ten minutes had passed. Alexis was finally done packing, and was heading out the classroom door. His eyes wandered around his math class, and found his teacher, Ms. Herring. Alexis patiently waits for her to notice that he was going out the door. But, it appears that Ms. Herring is busy grading papers. Alexis knows what being busy looks like.

After all, his parents were always. And always too busy for Alexis. But never too busy to praise his siblings for their exceptional grades. They’re never too busy to praise them for their stupid awards… and test grades.

Wait. Grading papers? Test grades? Alexis is surely in a pickle now. All he could do is to hope and pray that his small interaction with Ms. Herring would magically give him a slightly better grade. Alexis tries to think back to how he did on that pesky test. Oh, right! The day before, Alexis had performed a spell for him to pass his math test! Yes, that surely will work!

“I’m a genius!” Alexis thought to himself and started humming. Realizing he was still standing at the door, staring at Ms. Herring, she’ll surely think Alexis is weird now! But, Ms. Herring was still too busy to notice Alexis.

“Oh, that’s right! I’m supposed to be leaving now. Mama will be mad at me again for being the last to leave!” A quick frown formed on Alexis’s face. But then he remembered, it’s winter break! Surely, that means that he’d get gifts from Santa, right? The thought of Christmas was warming Alexis’s heart. So, as quickly as he packed to leave, Alexis shall leave just as quick. But, of course, Alexis needs to say bye to Ms. Herring! Because after all, she was quite nice today! And so, Alexis did.

“Bye Ms. Herring, have a good weekend!” Alexis called out, as he opened the door. Without looking up from her papers, Ms. Herring replied, “Goodbye, Alexis. Thank you, and have a great holiday.” Warmth bloomed on Alexis’s face, knowing now that he wasn’t being ignored.

“Thank you, you too!”

Alexis’s family didn’t celebrate Christmas. Or, any other holidays in fact. Maybe Thanksgiving? Alexis couldn’t recall the last time they had celebrated anything. Knowing his parents, they would definitely not celebrate Christmas this year.

Or the next year.

Or, any other years that go by.

The only thing Alexis could do was hope.

Hope that maybe this year, he and his family would feel the jolly spirit.

This year, this time, they would care for Christmas. Or anything else that Alexis likes.

Or, they could care about Alexis too.

He’d like that.

❦

Winter is Alexis’s favorite season. Alexis loved winter, because of the way the sky looked. It was a beautiful blue, the most gorgeous shade he’d ever seen. It makes him want to fly, to be a bird even. Soaring peacefully, while feeling the cool winter breeze. That certainly is relaxing. Being free, like a bird. Or, maybe cute, like a squirrel.

A clear blue winter sky practically enhances the magic in Alexis, making him more whimsical than ever.

Alexis’s neighborhood was decorated in bright lights. They came in red, yellow, blue, some even purple! It was wonderful. Some of his neighbors even had decorations out.

How lucky!

Alexis wishes he could do the same. Though, his parents wouldn’t let him.

“Spending money on a holiday that celebrates an old, fat man is illogical.”

“He’s fake, make believe, and isn’t real. There’s no room in this house for him.”

“Think logically, for once Alexis.”

Those are things Alexis' parents had told him. Things that had hurt Alexis.

But, Alexis was stubborn. Too stubborn in fact, he took his own savings from his piggy bank and planned to buy Christmas decorations for his own home. Almost all the stores were closed for the holidays.

Alexis didn’t know that.

Before heading out of his house, Alexis counted how much he had saved.

“16 euros should be good enough!” Alexis hummed.

Alexis had on his coat. It was brown, and fluffy around the hood. Enough to keep little Alexis warm. Underneath, he wore his adorable little pajamas. It was a plain pajama top with stripes on the end. Accompanied by the red and black plaid pants he wore. Alexis also had a cape wrapped around him. It was a cutesy wizard cape he had bought for his previous birthday. A very nice deep blue, very wizard like. On the cape, were little stars on the end. It wrapped around the bottom of the cape like a ring. Alexis wore his loafers, with more fur that circled his ankles, keeping him nice and warm during the brutality of winter. He couldn’t forget his socks, of course! How could you go out in winter without socks? The socks Alexis wore were plain black socks.

“You don’t need useless designs on your clothing, Alexis. They don’t do anything but cost more.”

Those were the words Mama had said to him when they were shopping for winter clothes. But, Alexis didn’t care. He liked clothing with different patterns. They looked cool to him, magically even. So, that’s how Alexis ended up with plaid pants. Not to mention, his little wizard cape too. Alexis had even managed to convince Mama to buy him a matching wizard hat and wand too!

And that’s what Alexis had brought out with him. His matching wizard hat and staff. It was the cutest thing anyone could see!

Right before leaving, Alexis grabbed his red scarf with yellow stripes and wrapped it around his neck. He peered into the mirror near the front door, and carefully examined his appearance.

Alexis was quite short indeed, but he’s sure he’ll grow taller. Taller than his mama and papa in the future too! Maybe even taller than Rachel and Matt.

Alexis took off his wizard hat, and scruffed up his magenta locks. Mama would always scold him for having his hair unkept. But, Alexis’ hair was fluffy, a bit curly too. He found it a bit hard to maintain. Rachel and Matt would always laugh at Alexis’s misfortune whenever he had his brush stuck in his hair.

“Maybe you should chop it off.” Rachel sneered.

“Yeah, or you should go totally bald!” Matt teased.

“No! I don’t want to! I like my hair.” Alexis pouted.

Rachel and Matt are always so mean to Alexis. They would always poke at him for not following in Mama’s and Papa’s footsteps.

Alexis’s big, beady magenta eyes locked eyes with Mama from the mirror. “Wasn’t she asleep?” Alexis thought before turning his body towards Mama.

“What are you doing, Alexis?”

Alexis looked away, hands behind his back while pushing his lips out. By doing so, it was easier for Alexis to come up with an excuse.

“Nothing.” The white lie escaped from his teeth.

“Alexis, I know you’re lying.” Mama scoffed.

Alexis’s eyes went back on Mama this time, and he cleared his throat.

“I wanted to play outside in the snow!” Alexis pointed out the window. Another lie, but his Mama wouldn’t know. Right?

Mama stood there, analyzing Alexis’ body language to recognize any pattern that reveals he was lying. She stared intently, with her cold gaze. Her eyes squinted, peering for anything that could reveal the truth Alexis had under his tongue.

“Have you eaten breakfast yet?”

“Yes Mama, I have.”

“What did you eat?”

Shoot! Alexis hadn’t eaten anything at all this morning. He was too focused on getting ready to sneak out, he had totally forgotten!

His eyes shifted from Mama to the pantry nearby, trying to recall what’s inside of it. In a beat, a lightbulb practically appeared above Alexis’s head, and he spoke.

“I ate the cereal I asked you to buy me at the store, remember?”

His eyes darted back to her. Alexis was slightly chewing the inside of his cheek, hoping Mama wouldn’t pick up. Mama’s eyes retreated back to her normal size, back to her stoic face.

“Very well then.”

A good thirty seconds passed by, before Alexis could muster up the courage to ask for permission. Mama only nodded, and resumed her daily routine every morning. Alexis knew it very well, it was quite similar to Papa’s routine.

Eat, sleep, work, cook, repeat.

Though, Mama works at home, in the lab she created in the basement. Mama still gets paid, but Papa works outside. Alexis doesn’t know why Papa worked outside of home instead of inside, like Mama. But, Alexis didn’t complain. It was one less person to chastise him for believing in magic. Or, anything that is ‘illogical.’

Alexis rushed out the door, to be introduced by Germany’s cold climate during the winter.

Alexis loves it. It was morning, on the day of Christmas. The winter breeze was nice, it wasn’t harsh like the words that flew out of Mama’s mouth. It wasn’t cruel like insults Rachel and Matt would throw at him. It also was a welcoming cold, not like the kind of coldness Papa would have for Alexis when he talks to him about magic. Or Santa, or even football.

The winter air was the warmest thing he’d ever felt.

Warmer than any affection Mama and Papa could offer.

Warmer than Rachel and Matt when they’re being ‘nice.’

Alexis shed a small tear, and sniffled in the cold. Maybe today was the day he can hunt for magic. It was Christmas after all, the most magical time of the year.

Alexis trudges in the snow, down the block from his home. There, he sees a cafe.

It was beautiful.

The outside of the cafe was painted green, its undertone was warm. The shudders that framed the windows were painted black, with LED lights that flickered red and green. On the window sill, there was a snowglobe. Inside of it, there was a big, round man. He appeared old, dressed in red with a little hat. His eyes were squinted, with a molecule on the right side of his face. The figure inside the snowglobe also appeared to be bald.

Alexis chuckled at the sight of it.

The figure’s face was draped with a white beard that made his smile stand out. It was so wide, so jolly, so Christmas-like. The man carried a big red sack that matched his outfit. He was dressed in all red, with white fur framing his sleeve and the bottom of his shirt. The fur also came up on the shirt, circling around the collar. Paired with red pants that also had white fur cuffed around him. With the addition of a black belt that clearly didn’t do the man justice. It wasn’t even on his pants! The man wore his belt on his shirt instead, probably to conceal his jolly stomach.

Staring at the snowglobe, Alexis finally recognizes that it was Santa! Santa was in the snowglobe in the cafe’s window! That’s amazing!

Without any hesitation, Alexis went into the cafe.

As Alexis entered the building, the bell went off. Announcing his arrival. There, at the counter was a lovely granny. Her gray curls were held back a hairnet, and her wrinkles were quite obvious. It was the first thing Alexis noticed about the granny. Alexis went up to the counter, curiously peering at what the cafe had in store.

There were so many pastries available, Alexis didn’t know which one to ask for!

On display, there were cakes, pies, tarts, waffle-cones, cookies, brownies, crepes, and so many more Alexis couldn’t name them all! Alexis placed his hands on his chin, scratching his chin like he was a wise old man.

Apparently, Alexis had been standing in front of the counter for too long. Someone had tapped him on his shoulder.

Alexis immediately turned around to see who was tapping him.

It was the old granny behind the counter!

“What are you looking for, young lad?”

The granny smiled, and more wrinkles appeared! They came out of nowhere, maybe she welds magic!

“I don’t know what I’m looking for, there’s too many options!”

Alexis shyly pointed in the direction of pastries on display. The woman’s gaze followed his finger, and chuckled.

“Well, you are right. There are plenty!”

Alexis sighed.

“I don’t know what to pick!”

His eyes looked up to the woman, with indecisiveness in his eyes.

“Let’s see…”

The woman had her hand on her chin, scratching it just like how Alexis was doing earlier! It was quite hilarious to look at honestly.

“Are you buying for a friend?”

Alexis was caught off guard by the question. He must’ve been staring too intently at the lady to be so unfocused. Alexis shook his head.

“For a nice girl perhaps?”

His face blew up in a brilliant shade of red.

“For a lady?” The words echoed in his head. Alexis shook his head profusely, heavily emphasizing he was not in fact buying for a girl.

The woman chuckled and let out a sigh, “I’m just joshing around, don’t worry!”

Without another beat, the lady followed up, “Or, are you actually buying for one?”

“No way!” Alexis flinched, “I’m buying a treat for myself!” Alexis crossed his arms and looked away, pouting. The granny smiled, and kneeled to equalize their height.

“Don’t be mad, little one. Would you like me to recommend you a treat?”

Still, Alexis’s face was facing away from the woman. Still pouting, he opens one eye to peer at the lady. She was smiling, her eyes closed with her pearly whites out. She seemed to have all her teeth, surprisingly. Alexis stayed silent for a couple of seconds and spoke,

“Yes, I would like you to recommend a treat.”

The lady tilted her head sideways, and asked, “What’s the magic word, you can’t get anything without it!”

“Magic word? Right, the magic word! What was it… was it abracadabra? Oh, wait… maybe it was… happy shower with both of my hands together, shaped like a heart and it’ll blast a pink beam! If not that… then what is the magic word?” Alexis wondered.

The lady smiled again, and said, “The magic word is please.”

“Please? That was the magic word? How come I didn’t remember that? I thought I knew all the magic! Maybe… This old lady does magic like me too! Or, maybe she believes in magic just like me!” Alexis’s face shifted from curiosity, to joyfulness.

“Yes, I would like you to recommend a treat please!”

“Aighta boy!”

Alexis beamed at the praise. It was quite rare for little Alexis to receive praise from other people. Especially his parents. But when he does receive them, Alexis devours them up so quickly you can see it in his puppy-pleasing eyes that he clearly wants more. Praise was something that made Alexis’s heart jump with joy!

“Have you ever had sachertorte?” The lady asked, appearing again in front of him.

Alexis hadn’t even noticed that she left from his sight! Appearing now so suddenly nearly scared the socks off of him. Alexis shook his head with a questioning look. She smiled, and started explaining what a sachertorte was.

“And how much would that cost?” Alexis asked while looking for the euros he placed in his plaid pockets before leaving home.

“Well, we usually sell a slice of sachertorte for eight euros. But just for you, I can sell it to you for five.”

“Wow! This lady is so nice, she’s giving me food for three euros off! I should come back here more often.” Alexis thinks, then hands her the five euros. In return, the lady hands Alexis his slice of sachertorte. Alexis thanked her, before walking out the door.

But, he paused and turned around to look at the woman who was watching him leave. Without a second to think, Alexis blurts out, “What’s your name?”

The woman smiled, her wrinkles reappearing again, deeper this time.

“You can call me Kat, the magic baker.”

Alexis raised a questioning brow, “the magic baker?”

Kat nods in agreement. “Yes, the magic baker.”

Alexis beams at her, and tells Kat all about what he knows about magic. Alexis even told her about his wish for Santa!

“That’s wonderful…” Kat paused, “What’s your name?”

Alexis took his left hand, raising it high and saluting Kat while holding the slice of sachertote with his right hand, close to his torso.

“My name is Alexis Ness! I live over there, up the block!” He said, pointing to the direction he previously came from. Kat mimicked the pose Alexis had displayed, and bidded him farewell.

“Have a nice holiday, Alexis!”

“Thanks! I hope you have a great holiday too, Kat!” Alexis called out as he walked out the cafe, completely forgetting his original idea of going out of the house.

As he was walking back up the block, searching for his home, Alexis hummed a song. As Alexis was back tracking where he came from, he noticed a boy. He was lean— no, he was too skinny for that. He looked like he was starving. The black hood and sweats were clinging to him, it seemed like his clothes weren’t providing any warmth at all! His hood wasn’t up, so Alexis saw his blonde hair. It was so light, you could almost mistake it as white! It was long, messy and shaggy. Like a lion’s mane. Except, a lion was fierce, and scary. The boy didn’t. He looked scared, cold, and— oh, so lonely. Alexis and the boy made eye contact. His face was beautiful. So elegant, and white like the snow. But, there’s another thing Alexis noticed. His blue eyes— they were as clear as the winter sky Alexis knows and loves. He feels like flying right now! But the boy’s gaze was so cold. It was colder than the icicles that formed on a rainy day during the winter. It wasn’t the cold gaze Alexis knew from his parents. His eyes weren’t like theirs. The blonde’s gaze felt more… protective, with walls higher than the buildings that surrounded him and Alexis. His ethereal eyes were accompanied by what looks like scars… scratches? Bruises? Alexis can’t tell. Alexis’s soft, round magenta eyes were locked onto the blonde’s cold, sharp ones. Then— he bolted.

Caught by the sudden movement, Alexis jumped and whimpered. He shook his head, side to side before following the blonde. Alexis ran and ran, until he finally cornered the boy in a nearby alley way. Alexis found him sitting down on the cold ground. Huddled in a corner like he tried to disappear. Alexis knew that feeling all too well. The blonde’s knees were smushed together, underneath his arms that guarded his knees. Alexis approached him, but stopped in his tracks to catch his breath. The blonde looked up, and stared at Alexis who stared back.

“What do you want?” He spoke. His voice was quiet, he sounded tired. Even so, it was like music to Alexis’s ears, so wonderful to listen to. By the tone of the blonde’s voice, he was… in pain? Scared? Or maybe just tired. Well, Alexis understood why he’d be scared, since Alexis did chase him down. But was he in pain? Alexis couldn’t tell. Alexis stepped closer, peering curiously.

“I… I don’t have any money. Or anything for you to take, so beat it.”

“I don’t want your money, and I don’t want anything from you.” Alexis said, walking closer to the blonde.

“Then what do you want from me?”

“Nothing, I already told you!” Alexis huffed, and scrunched up his nose, making a face.

The blonde, still staring at his face, chuckled at Alexis’s reaction. He then stopped to analyze Alexis, trying to figure out if he was a threat or not. But, that’s just what Alexis assumed. So, Alexis sat down beside the boy and opened the box of sachertote. He reveals the chocolate cake slice to the blonde. Alexis noticed how he was staring intent at the cake, he was practically drooling at the mouth.

“Do… Do you want some? I can share it with you!” Alexis beamed, already taking the plastic fork that game with it, slicing the cake in half. Before the blonde could answer, Alexis had already handed him the slice half! Alexis gave him the box that came with the slice, and Alexis held onto his own half of the slice with the plastic wrapper.

“Let’s try it together, I just bought this from over there!” Alexis pointed to the direction the cafe was in. He turned and faced the blonde, smiling wide and welcoming him.

The blonde gave Alexis a small smile in return, and before eating the sachertorte, he was staring at it. Alexis stared at the cake too, and admired the dense, layers of rich chocolate sponge. The cake was filled with a sweet apricot jam, completely covered in a shiny dark chocolate glaze. Kat had sprayed whipped cream on top of it, completing the look.

“You can eat it, you know.” Alexis stated, “Your cake won’t be running off.”

The blonde shifted his gaze to Alexis, and scoffed.

“I know that,” and he started devouring the cake like he’d never eaten a day in his life!

Alexis admired the blonde who was eating in silence. Just admiring the way he ate the slice so quickly, he was almost done and it seemed like he was already begging for more! The silence wasn’t awkward, it was comfortable. It provided the peace Alexis had needed from the previous school days. The boy must’ve noticed Alexis staring at him, and eyed him curiously. Caught red-handed, Alexis quickly looked away, flushed. He then scarfed up his half of the chocolate cake. The first bite Alexis took was oh—the sachertorte was amazing! The apricot jam was so good. The jam added a fruity-tart flavor that perfectly balanced the rich, dark chocolate that covered the cake. The whipped cream slices through the heavy sweetness of the glaze, like a chocolate candy combined with fruit! It was so tasty~!

Alexis melted at the taste, and blushed. Little Alexis was practically oozing and giggling at how good the cake tasted. “Maybe Kat is a magic baker all along!” Alexis smiled. He was taking his time eating his cake, humming sweetly to match the taste. While eating, Alexis felt a pair of eyes on him, watching him while he was savouring the sachertorte. Alexis paused, and looked back at the blonde. He was the one staring at Alexis! Alexis tilted his head to the side, questioning him.

“What?” The boy and Alexis blurted out at the same time. As an effect, Alexis was smiling even wider now. Not at the taste of the cake slice, but at the blonde. The blonde was smiling back at him too! Alexis can get used to this.

“Why are you staring at me?”

“No reason.” He responded, looking away.

Alexis can see the pink tint rising on the tip of his ears, but he didn’t say anything. Alexis hummed and went back to munching on his cake, slowly. He started grinning as he felt the blonde’s eyes on him again. Alexis turned to him and offered the boy the rest of the slice, nudging it over.

The blonde boy stared at it, hesitantly before gobbling on Alexis’s remaining cake. Alexis chuckled at the sight of it, and the blonde paused for a moment and stared at Alexis with curious intent. He then resumed eating.

“The cake’s called sachertorte.” Alexis spoke as the boy ate. “I think it’s got to be my favorite food.”

The other nodded, acknowledged and listened to Alexis as he rambled about school. From the test he took, to how mean his siblings were, to how and where he got the sachertorte. Alexis enjoyed being around the blonde. He seemed to be the same age as him, and he listened very well. The boy didn’t interrupt him, or dismiss him, or even ignore him entirely. The blonde sat there, shoulder to shoulder with Alexis and listened attentively, but—

Oh no! Alexis was too busy rambling about his life to the stranger, Alexis had forgotten that he needed to get back home! Alexis immediately jolted up, startling the blonde.

“Sorry for scaring you, I have to get going now! My Mama and Papa are going to be mad at me!”

Alexis flashed a small smile, paired with his puppy-pleasing eyes, hoping the boy would understand. The blonde and Alexis exchanged waves, before bolting off.

Luckily, Alexis was near his home. Judging by the position of the sun, it was almost the afternoon! Once Alexis was far from the alleyway where the blonde and he had eaten together, Alexis realized he had completely forgotten to ask for his name! He couldn’t turn back now, he was already close to home. Alexis didn’t need Mama and Papa to scold him for missing lunch, he didn’t need his Christmas spirit to be ruined all ready! After all, Alexis was in a jolly mood. Finally, Alexis arrived home, and turned the knob.

“Oh? It’s locked?” Alexis thought.

Alexis began twisting the door knob again, double checking to make sure.

“It really is locked…”

Alexis rang the door bell.

Once.

Twice.

Three times now.

“Why wasn’t anyone coming to open the door?” Alexis wondered, “Did Mama and Papa forget about me?”

Alexis peered into the driveway, noticing that the car was gone. “Huh… Where’d Mama’s car go?” Alexis sat there, on the driveway thinking. Thinking where Mama could’ve gone.

“Maybe Mama went to the store with Rachel and Matt.” Alexis muttered to himself. So, he got up from the driveway, and made his way into their backyard. The gate was left unlocked. Alexis took the chance to go inside. Alexis stands there, in front of the clear sliding door at the back of his house.

“It’s locked too?” Alexis sighed. This wasn’t the first time Alexis was locked out of the house. The very first time he was is when Rachel and Matt decided to play a mean prank on him. They led Alexis outside, telling him that Papa wanted to see him in the yard. Alexis went, gullible as ever, not knowing Papa was at work still. Once Alexis was outside, the siblings quickly locked him out. They laughed and sneered about how stupid Alexis was. Rachel and Matt had locked him out during the blazing heat wave of summer. Alexis shudders at the memory. The way Alexis was so desperate to be let back into the cool home. He had banged on the glass door so hard, Alexis could've broken it. The summer heat was killing him, and now it was winter’s turn with its harsh, cold winds picking up. The wind was practically whipping Alexis, slapping his face over and over again. Alexis didn’t know what to do.

Or what he did to the wind. The wind was getting angry, growing harsher and harsher every minute. The gentle cool breeze turned into savage gusts of winds, so angry and loud. Screaming, and bashing itself into Alexis. Over and over again. The abuse of the weather was too cruel for Alexis. A gust of wind blew so hard, it knocked Alexis down, forcing him on his bum. The ground was absent of any warmth and affection. The only thing that supported Alexis’s landing was the pure white snow on the grass, dirtied by the dirt beneath Alexis’s loafers. Alexis was shivering now, he swears his snot will likely turn into icicles by the time he gets inside his home. The tears piled up in the corner of Alexis’s eyes. Little by little, gravity pulled them down. Releasing the waterworks gently as Alexis sniffles, wiping his tears away.

Alexis stood up.

He walked over to a vacant area in his backyard, and used his wand to inscribe a circle into the ground. Another circle on the inside, and another. Alexis continues for at least five minutes. Then, in the middle he draws a triangle. He rotated around the circle, to draw another triangle in the triangle. Alexis backed up from the circle to admire his markings in the ground. Then again, he approaches the circle, and scribbles words around the inside of it.

Finally, he walked over to the snow pile that was building up in his yard, and scooped as much snow he could handle. He brought it over to the inscription he created.

He started moulding the snow spherically. Stacking the spheres on top of each other, one by one. Alexis now has three snowballs stacked together! Alexis took his time, and gradually built… A snowman!

Though… Alexis was missing eyes. Not just eyes, but a nose, a mouth, and some arms.

Luckily, Mama went out of her way to store carrots in the shed. Alexis could use those as a nose! He trotted to the shed, and opened it. Inside, there were carrots, tools, and other forgotten vegetables that were forgotten there.

Just like Alexis.

Alexis retrieved the carrot-nose he needed, and stuffed it in the snowman’s face. Alexis continues to scavenge around his yard to find some proper arms for the snowman, and a pair of eyes too. Oh– don’t forget, a smile as well!

After a good thirty minutes digging in the snow, while the wind was still beating against Alexis’s body, he finally found two sticks. In addition to Alexis’s findings, he found rocks— more like pebbles, but Alexis can work with what he has. So, Alexis strutted his way to his unfinished snowman, and gave him eyes and arms!

But, the snowman still seems vacant.

“What am I missing?” Alexis wonders. “Oh— Right! A mouth!”

Once again, little Alexis went back to find scraps that could finish his build.

Time flies by, about a good twenty minutes or so. Alexis found… Another stick!

“This stick is special.” Alexis thinks, “It’s curved, like a smile!”

He walked over to the snowman after his discovery. Finally, the snowman is finished!

Alexis steps back to admire his creation. He smiles and holds up his wand to his head, thinking, “Now all I have to do is ask the snowman to lend me its power! Then I can finally get inside my home.”

The wooden staff is in the air. The wind picks up around Alexis as he waves it around in a circular motion. The gust grows heavier and heavier as snow starts to fall. The ground seemed to tremble as Alexis continued the motion.

“Snowman, oh snowman. Lend me your strength Mr. Snowman!”

“Teach me your ways of snow!” Alexis demands.

“Give me your power!”

Alexis continues chanting those lines loudly, over and over again.

The wind grew domestic. It softened its blow against Alexis’s tiny body, becoming gentler by every hit.

“The chant is working, my magic is working!” Alexis exclaimed loudly. His eyes grew at least double its original size. Blush took over his face, paired with a large smile with chubby cheeks. Alexis continues chanting even louder now.

“Give me your power!”