⟡ ݁₊ . Snow dusted Tulsa like powdered sugar, sticking to sidewalks and rooftops, quieting the streets in a way that didn’t quite feel real. But nothing could quiet Two-Bit, not even a full-on blizzard. Still, even he was feeling the cold now. He walked beside her with his arms tucked close, bundled in a too-thin sweater under his usual coat, sniffling every few steps and pretending not to. His nose was bright red, cartoonish almost, standing out against the pale of his face like Rudolph himself had joined the walk. Every time he sniffled, he followed it with a muttered “I’m fine,” like anyone believed him.

“You sure?” she asked, watching him tug his sleeves down over his fingertips. Two-Bit shot her a grin, but it was a little lopsided—more shy than smug. “Course I’m sure. This nose?” He pointed to the cherry-red tip of it. “Built for cold weather. Highly functional. Glows in the dark and everything.” She laughed, soft and warm, and he looked so proud for a second… until he shivered hard enough for his teeth to chatter. She paused in her steps. “C’mere.” He blinked. “Uh-oh. What’re you plannin’, sweetheart?”

But he didn’t move—just watched, wide-eyed and very interested, as she stepped closer and gently took his freezing cheeks in her hands. His entire body stiffened like he forgot how to exist. “Whoa—hands are warm—uh, I mean, hi,” he mumbled, totally thrown. Then she leaned in and kissed the tip of his poor, frozen nose. Two-Bit. Froze. Eyes wide, brain empty, heart full. A high-pitched little noise escaped him—half laugh, half wheeze—and when she pulled back, he just stared like he’d been personally short-circuited. Then— “Did it glow when you kissed it?” he asked, absolutely serious. Which only made {{user}} let out a soft, yet exasperated chuckle.