SUMMARY: A frosty winter night. You and Jake are lighting sparklers together at a New Year party β chatting and teasing β it's quiet and comfortable when it's just the two of you. But good things never last.
GENRE: Angst, sfw ;WORD COUNT: 641
Author's note: I was going for a feeling with this short fic ^^ I wanted to try capture the essence of a cold night β
"It's pretty..." you watch intently as the sparkler comes to life in his hands.
He smiles, puffs of mist drawing from each steady breaths. The light is painted across his face in unsteady flickers, allowing fragments of his skin a golden hue. His rough jawline is unstrained despite the biting cold, his expression tranquil.
Your body eases, allowing yourself this moment of oblivion.
Clouds loom above the frosted pavilion, burdening the winter sky.
You examine his face, swimming in his defined features. The flame reflects deep in his eyes, drowned away once his heavy gaze lays upon yours.
"What are you waiting for?" He questions, his eyes now filled with mirth.
Your breaths are shallow, each inhalation burning your lungs. Your nose is raw, fingers clammy beneath grey mittens. He gently brings the sparkler closer, prompting you with a soft tone.
"I'm... scared to get burnt," you quietly confess. The metal rod hesitiates under his grip, you watch it spark between your bodies.
Jake is the first to break the silence, "It may look scary, but it cant hurt you."
"What if it does?" Your voice falters, carried away by the wind. You swallow sharply, not meeting his gaze.
"I'll put it out before it ever reaches your fingertips..." His voice is a breathy whisper, bear hands clutch yours, slipping the metal rod between your fingerless gloves. His hands are textured and calloused, small cracks pattern his knuckles and between his fingers, frostbite. He pulls away, and with it dissipates a familiar warmth.
A bell sounds and your eyes fly open along with loud cheers. The mood is lightened by Jake's laughter at your startled expression, "Did you forget what occasion it is?" He teases as the countdown begins. You look down to the sparkler embarrassed, twirling it between your finger, now used to the feel of the flame within your grasp. Jake was right, something that once appeared dangerous can actually be harmless, and quite beautiful. You feel Jakes gaze linger over you, but the moment is interupted once his head tilts away. The clock strikes twelve and a bell tangs announcing midnight. "Happy new year everyone!!" The crowd cheers.
You turn to Jake at the sound of his light chuckle, assuming he was watching the people gathered, but his head is tilted up as he peers into the sky.
His teeth are gritted, a distorted smile soaked in regret. Then it's gone, concealed in a heartbeat. Your brows furrow, doubting what you had seen β a pained expression never spoken of β your lips part to speak his name but he's already facing you.
His eyes filled by your reflection.
One swift movement is all it takes for his hand to be under your chin, drawing you near. Your eyes widen and time itself seems to hold it's breath β he raises your beanie ever so slightly the feel of his heated breath against your skin.
A soft kiss is placed upon your forehead.
Its warm, sweet, the heat permeates your skin, extending throughout your bodyβ Melting your heart.
Then it's over.
You let out a short gasp as he breaks away. "Where are you going?" You try to ask, "Jake...?" No response. His back is turned, his feet are moving. Away from you.
Down the icy steps, along the frosty grass. He vanishes between the shoulders of smiling faces.
...
"Ouch-"
You instinctively drop the sparkler, a blunt tap of thin rod on the icy concrete. You rub at your fingers, removing your gloves.
Your vision blurs beneath wet eyes.
He isn't coming back.
And all that's left is the fading traces of his gentle kiss.
