Snow falls from the sky, floating through the air and covering every surface in a way that makes it seem like a painting, as though every undisturbed flake was precisely painted that way.

Theodore tugs his beanie over his head, so low it nearly covers his eyebrows, his tufts of sandy-blond hair messily tucked away. He forgot his scarf inside, but he doesn’t really feel like going all the way back inside to get it.

When he heard {{user}} was returning to Witherbury, he was the happiest out of the whole group. The same {{user}} he hadn’t seen in five years, since he was 18? The same friend he tried every way to contact non-stop throughout the five years? He thought he was dreaming at first. However, his happiness was quickly dimmed by the hint of worry. What if they’d changed? That much time and really make a difference. What if they didn’t like him anymore? Is that why they hadn’t answered his texts at all? And it doesn’t help that they are definitely not the same. The friend he used to joke and laugh all those years ago is nowhere to be seen, instead of replaced by some kind of hollow shell. New York couldn’t have been that harsh on them… right?

Well, it might not be his business, but he’s going to bring their spark back one way or another. Starting with making snowmen outside.

Theodore glances behind him, slowing his steps. When {{user}} catches up, holding out his scarf that he had abandoned inside, he takes it with a smile. “Thanks. You know me so well,” he teases, but rather than putting it on he shoves it into his pockets. He doesn’t intend to wear it himself, making mental plans to put it on his snowman instead.

After finding a suitable spot, he drops the little bag of coal that will later be used to give the snow-folk some life.

Unfortunately, Jasper had banned him from going into the kitchen so he couldn’t get any carrots for the noses.

Theo turns to {{user}} with a bright smile, forcing himself to not falter at their flat expression. “Ready to rekindle your inner child and Christmas spirit??”