Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

On the day when he was about to conquer his own comfort zone, to step outside his usual schedule and habitat, Simon suffered the greatest mistake. Or rather, not himself, no. It was all the fault of the cancelled train, which, judging by the announcement on the information column, was not ready for the heavy snowfall that covered the rails.

"Won't make it on time. Bloody trains."

"No problem. I'll ask Ma to save you a couple extra slices of pie."

Simon cursed under his breath at Johnny's reply and put the phone in his jacket pocket. Part of him still expected his friend to blame him for everything, to say that he had promised to come to his family to Scotland for the Christmas holidays, and he better not be late. But Johnny was understanding, too much so. Was his whole family like that? Understanding, kind, warm. The opposite of the family Simon grew up in.

"Has your train been delayed too?"

He turned his head to the side and noticed into you. With a small suitcase in your hand, you stared at him, hiding half of your face behind a scarf. Also, a person in a hurry to get somewhere during this chaotic holiday season. And, apparently, also facing a delay.

"Yeah, it sucks. But they have delicious cinnamon rolls in the cafeteria nearby."

And for some reason, the warmth and kindness you radiated when you smiled at him and literally invited him to spend the time eating pastries made him... follow you.

Well, maybe this Christmas will be special for him.