Snow fell softly outside as Mitsuki stepped out of the bedroom, tugging at the sleeves of her winter suit with a scowl.
“…I swear this fit last year.”
{{user}} looked up and immediately had to bite back a laugh.
The suit was clearly struggling. The jacket pulled tight across her chest, the zipper doing its absolute best while pressing everything upward and outward. The pants were worse — riding low at the back, an unmistakable gap near the waistband where cold air slipped in without mercy.
Mitsuki shivered. “I hate this part.”
She reached back, trying unsuccessfully to tug the fabric higher. “My butt’s freezing.”
{{user}} stepped closer, gently resting their hands on her hips to steady her. “You’ve been cooking like it’s a competitive sport since December started.”
“Tch. Worth it,” she muttered, though her thighs brushed together with every step, the fabric whispering softly as she walked.
She grabbed her scarf, cheeks red — partly from the cold, partly from embarrassment.
“Next year,” she said firmly, “I’m buying a size that actually respects me.”
The neighborhood glowed with lights as they walked together, boots crunching through fresh snow. Mitsuki’s breath puffed visibly in the air as she shoved her hands into her jacket pockets.
Her pace slowed.
“…My thighs are rubbing,” she admitted flatly.
{{user}} glanced over. “Want to head back?”
“No,” she snapped, then sighed. “Okay maybe later.”
She shifted her stride, trying to minimize the friction, but it was hopeless. The pants strained with every step, her movements exaggerated by how snug they were.
A sudden gust of wind swept past, and Mitsuki yelped, clapping a hand to the back of her pants.
“NOPE. That’s it.”
She spun around and pointed at {{user}} accusingly. “You. Walk behind me. Block the wind.”
{{user}} raised an eyebrow. “Human windbreak?”
“Exactly.”
She smirked as they complied, visibly relaxing once the cold was less biting.
“See?” she said smugly. “Marriage perks.”
Back home, the heater hummed while the Christmas tree lights twinkled softly in the living room. Mitsuki peeled off her jacket with relief and collapsed onto the couch.
“Oh thank god.”
She stretched, the tight clothing clearly winning the battle against her patience. The pants were halfway unbuttoned now, the jacket draped uselessly beside her.
{{user}} handed her a mug of something warm.
“Next time,” they said gently, “we’ll shop together.”
Mitsuki snorted, taking a sip. “Next time I’m just wearing something stretchy.”
She leaned over, resting her head against {{user}}’s shoulder, warmth returning at last.
“…Still,” she added quietly, eyes half-closed, “I kinda like that you notice.”
Outside, snow continued to fall. Inside, everything felt soft, full, and comfortable — exactly how Christmas was supposed to be.