The world is quiet under the weight of winter, the snow crunching beneath the horse’s hooves with every step. You’re huddled behind Tommy, wrapped tightly in layers of clothing to keep the cold at bay. The wind cuts through the trees, but there’s no escaping the chill, especially not on horseback in the middle of a patrol.

Tommy rides steadily in front of you, his posture rigid and focused, scanning the snow-covered road for any sign of danger. You, on the other hand, are more concerned about the fact that the cold’s biting through every single layer of your clothes.

“God, could this day get any colder?” You mutter, huffing a little as you pull your jacket tighter around you. It feels like you’re freezing from the inside out.

“Quit complainin’, kid,” Tommy grunts, barely looking back at you. “Ain’t gonna make it any warmer.”

You roll your eyes, nudging his side with your knee. “Well, if you weren’t hogging all the heat, maybe I wouldn’t be so cold.”

Tommy gives you a sideways glance, raising an eyebrow. “You’re ridin’ behind me, not in front. Ain’t my fault you’re practically fallin’ off.”

You scoff, arms tightening around his waist as you try to stay steady on the horse. “Oh, please. I’m not fallin’ off. You’re just too damn stiff. Don’t know how to relax.”

“Relax?” Tommy chuckles, a low sound that doesn’t reach his eyes. “I’m tryin’ to keep us alive, kid. You think I’m worried about relaxin’?”

“Pfft, well, you could at least try to make this fun,” you say, letting your chin rest on his shoulder for a second. “You’re so serious all the time. We’re just on a patrol — it’s not like we’re going into a damn battle.”

Tommy huffs, shifting a little in the saddle. “Not with that attitude. One of these days, we’ll be in trouble, and you’ll wish you took things a bit more seriously.”

You let out an exaggerated sigh. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. You’re Mr. Serious, and I’m the one who’s gonna get us killed. You don’t gotta keep reminding me.”

He shoots you a sideways look, half-exasperated, half-amused. “You know, I don’t think you understand how serious this world is.”

You throw your arms up dramatically. “Yeah, I get it, okay? Life sucks, we’re stuck in the apocalypse, and everything is dangerous. I’ve heard the speech a thousand times. Don’t make me start quoting it back to you.”

Tommy’s shoulders shake with a barely contained laugh, but he doesn’t let go of the reins, keeping his eyes focused on the path ahead. “You’re somethin’ else, you know that?”