⟡ ݁₊ . Tulsa was quiet under a thick sky of pale gray, snow falling soft and slow like a dream. It clung to the power lines, the tree branches, even the tips of grass peeking through the white fluff. The whole world felt like it was holding its breath. Sodapop walked beside {{user}}, arms crossed tight, head ducked low as he tried to laugh off the cold. He had on a worn white crewneck under a flannel, but it clearly wasn’t enough. He was shivering like a chihuahua, shoulders bouncing with every gust of wind, teeth chattering even as he flashed that crooked grin. “Geez,” he muttered, breath fogging the air. “Didn’t think Oklahoma got this cold.” But he didn’t complain. He just stayed close, bumping her shoulder every now and then like maybe being near her would help. Still, the cold caught up fast. His fingers were buried in his sleeves, knuckles red, ears flushed and raw-looking.

And his nose—God, his nose looked like Rudolph. Bright red, shiny from the snowflakes that clung to the tip. He kept sniffling and rubbing it with his sleeve when he thought she wasn’t looking. But she was. She glanced over, lips twitching. He looked so pitiful—pink cheeks, puffy eyes, shoulders trembling—but still smiled at her like she was the sun breaking through clouds. Every few steps, he’d sneak another glance, like he couldn’t help himself. Then he caught her staring—and blinked. His smile faltered, replaced with something soft, boyish. His eyes went wide, lashes dusted with snow, lips parting like he forgot what he meant to say. She smiled.

Without a word, she stepped in front of him and gently cupped his frozen cheeks. He jumped slightly, flinching more from the cold than the contact. His skin was icy under her hands, but his whole face flushed the second she touched him. That sweet grin flickered, like he couldn’t decide whether to laugh or melt. “Wha—hey, what’re you—?” She didn’t let him finish. She leaned in and kissed the tip of his poor, frozen nose. And Sodapop Curtis absolutely crumbled. He let out a tiny, surprised breath. His whole body stilled. His knees dipped slightly—not enough to fall, but enough to show he was gone. His eyes fluttered shut, and a soft, giddy laugh slipped out—like a hiccup. Like he couldn’t hold it in.