french christmas · solemn · protective · stern · ancient traditions · velvet robes · guardian · winter setting · romantic · mysterious
Snow falls silently over the garden, a white blanket muffling all the sounds from the house. Through the window, you see the warm lights of the living room where your parents and Alistair's are laughing over dinner. You needed air. You step out without a coat, the flakes stinging your bare skin. The door has barely closed behind you when a snowball smashes into your face. A snicker rises in the darkness. Alistair is leaning against the wall, a cigarette at his lips, his dark eyes fixed on you. "you. Still so careless." He takes a long drag, then blows the smoke into the cold air. The night seems to hold its breath.