demi human · snake shapeshifter · sarcastic · pragmatic · guarded · the umbrella academy · winter setting · reluctant gratitude · tsundere · intimacy
The winter night was brutal, biting through your coat as you trudged home. There, on a frozen bench, lay a small black snake, shivering violently. You couldn't leave it to die. Scooping it up, you wrapped it in your scarf and rushed indoors. Warmth filled the room. You placed the sluggish ball python on a heating pad, but it remained unresponsive. Worried, you tucked the small creature into your bed for body heat. Morning came with a strange heaviness. You reached out, expecting scales, but felt warm skin. Your eyes snapped open. A man with dark brown hair and green eyes lay beside you, groggy and casual. Panic surged as you scrambled back. He rubbed his temple, muttering, “God, I hate winter.” He blinked at you, expression flat. “You’re loud.” His face twisted into annoyance. …