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It seemed with each year, time quickened its pace, leaving little time to savor the present. But amidst the whirlwind of days, holidays like Christmas offered a rare and cherished reprieve—a time to pause and bask in the warmth of loved ones. The gentle twinkle of lights strung across houses, offering color to a world of cold and complete snow, the way the large tree in the town square shone brightly, it could be seen miles from the ocean, and who could forget a nice cup of hot cocoa to dispel the day’s chills.
Truly, Christmas is a wonderful holiday for those lucky to have people to celebrate with.
Espresso had gone out earlier that afternoon to retrieve a specially tailored suite for the next day’s grand celebration. Madeleine had offered, enthusiastically, to accompany him, but Espresso, with his usual practicality, gently declined.
“You’ve yet to finish setting up the decorations,” he reminded him with a knowing glance and a soft smile.
Madeleine, ever the romantic, had protested. “But what’s a frosty outing without a gallant knight to carry your parcels?”
Espresso had only sighed, placing a reassuring kiss on Madeleine’s cheek. “I’m sure I’ll manage. Besides, your family will arrive tomorrow. They’ll notice if the garlands aren’t perfectly in place.”
He had a point, as much as Madeleine loathed to admit it. The mansion demanded nothing less than perfection for the occasion, and Madeleine wasn’t one to leave things half-done.
This would be their first Christmas shared with Madeleine’s family since their marriage—an event years in the making, hindered by hectic schedules and distant obligations. Everything had to be just right.
And so, while Espresso ventured into the wintry streets, Madeleine turned his focus to the towering estate. The maids were already hard at work, scrubbing every corner until the gleaming floors and ornate banisters could rival the brilliance of freshly fallen snow. Not a single speck of dust should linger, lest they face the scrutiny of Madeleine’s meticulous aunties.
Though his own duties loomed, Madeleine paused for a moment to admire the scene. The halls were already draped in greenery, twinkling lights casting a soft, golden glow over the grand rooms. Soon, the mansion would echo with laughter and the joyous chaos of family, but for now, it was quiet—a canvas awaiting its finishing touches.
–
Madeleine stepped back to admire his work so far, tilting his head as he assessed the placement of the ornaments. The tall evergreen, stood proudly in the center of the parlor, shimmered with the golden glow of twinkling lights. He reached for a silvery blue bauble, running his fingers over its smooth surface before hanging it near the top.
As he adjusted a ribbon, his eyes fell on an ornament near the center of the tree. A delicate glass sphere, etched with their wedding date, caught the light, its inscription gleaming warmly. He reached out to touch it, a rush of memories washing over him—the ceremony, the vows, the love shared that day.
Nearby hung a ceramic charm shaped like a flourishing tree, its branches heavy with golden fruit. It had been a gift from a friend, symbolizing prosperity and growth. Madeleine placed it carefully on a higher branch, murmuring a quiet wish for their continued fortune.
Finally, his gaze landed on a pair of tiny, hand-carved figurines—a set Espresso had bought, shyly presenting them last Christmas. They depicted two little birds, nestled together in an empty nest, a symbol of their hopes for the future. Madeleine’s chest tightened as he hung them gently, his thoughts turning to the unspoken longing they both carried…
They had dreamed of growing their family, yet the journey had proven difficult, especially for Espresso. Madeleine paused, his hand resting on the branch, and closed his eyes. “Perhaps next year,” he whispered, the words soft and fragile as a snowflake.
With a determined breath, he stepped back and surveyed the tree once more. It was perfect, or as perfect as possible. Madeleine couldn’t help but smile, it reminded him of Christmases when he was a child, when the world seemed so simple…
Next came the dining room.
He strode in with purpose, his arms carrying a box full of decorations and ideas buzzing throughout his mind. The long table gleamed, freshly polished, waiting to be dressed in festive finery.
Carefully, he arranged an elegant centerpiece of evergreen branches, pinecones, and glistening red berries, their subtle fragrance filling the room. He added tall white candles in silver holders, adjusting them until they stood perfectly straight. Each decoration felt like a promise of warmth and joy he hoped tomorrow would bring.
The box emptied, revealing a sprig of mistletoe, and Madeleine couldn’t help but smirk. The idea of sneaking it above a doorway was too tempting. However, Espresso had long since caught on to this habit and now made a point of navigating doorways with calculated precision, much to Madeleine’s disappointment. With a sigh, he set the mistletoe aside for now—there would be other ways to spread holiday love.
His attention shifted to the doors lining the hallway. They seemed rather plain, and Madeleine had the perfect solution: wreaths. Armed with ribbon-decked evergreen wreaths, he adorned each door with festive flair. Every detail was carefully adjusted until the ribbons hung just so, the branches straightened to perfection.
The first floor transformed into a parade of holiday spirit, but as Madeleine climbed to the second floor, his enthusiasm wavered. Standing before one door in particular, he hesitated, wreath in hand. It was the room across from their bedroom—the one they always referred to as that room. He swallowed hard, his usual cheer dimmed by a bittersweet pang. The room remained untouched, waiting for a future they could not realize.
For a moment, he stood in silence. Finally, with a soft sigh, he lowered the wreathe, stepping back. The door would remain as it was—for now. He turned away, his shoulders squared as he moved to the next door, determined to keep his spirits high. There would be time to revisit that room someday…
The ornate grandfather clock chimed in the hallway as Madeleine finished decorating. Espresso would be home soon, and he couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when he saw all the decorations.
He glanced toward the grand staircase, a fleeting thought crossing his mind. He should check on the maids, see if they’d finished their tasks for the day. They also had families of their own waiting for them at home, eager to share in the season of joy.
It was easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of preparations, but Madeleine had always prided himself on being considerate of those around him. If the maids were still bustling about, a kind word and a suggestion to take the rest of the evening off might be just what they needed. Even a few hours of uninterrupted time with their loved ones could mean the world.
He straightened his sweater and began toward the stairs, making a mental note to thank each of them personally. After all, their hard work ensured the mansion sparkled with holiday cheer—a feat deserving of appreciation.
–
Madeleine offered the maids a sincere farewell, wishing them a safe journey home. It wasn’t lost on him how much they’d sacrificed to ensure the mansion was ready for the holidays. He watched as they gathered their belongings, smiling as they exchanged a few quiet words with one another before disappearing out the door.
With a contented sigh, he turned and made his way toward the kitchen. The aroma of simmering spices greeted him as he entered, and he was met by the head cook, a cheerful woman with flour-streaked hands.
“I trust the dinner plans for tonight and tomorrow are well in hand?” Madeleine asked, his tone gentle but efficient.
She nodded enthusiastically, wiping her hands on a towel. “Everything’s nearly ready for tonight, my lord! As for tomorrow, we’ve got the feast sorted. We are only waiting for the remaining supplies to be delivered.”
“Excellent,” Madeleine said with a smile, though his thoughts lingered on the evening ahead. Tonight would be quiet—just him and Espresso, the two of them in their home, away from the bustle and expectations of the day. It was a rare opportunity in recent times, a space to breathe and talk without distraction.
There was no rush to discuss anything—plans for the coming days, hopes for the future, or simply to enjoy each other’s company. They had grown accustomed to the comfort of their silences, yet he knew tonight would hold a different warmth.
He moved towards the cabinets, his fingers tracing along the polished wood as he searched for the bottle of wine. It wasn’t just any wine, but one they’d both come to cherish over the years—its deep red hue a reminder of simpler times, of quiet evenings spent together, with no distractions save for each other.
After dinner, the clink of glasses would fill the space between them, offering a moment of respite from the world outside. A rare chance to let loose without the pressure of plans or obligations looming over them.
His gaze drifted toward the flickering fire. A quiet chuckle escaped him as he thought of how the hustle of the season had already begun draining them both. But tonight—tonight would be different. They could unwind, talk, or simply enjoy the comforting presence of the other.
He pulled the bottle from the back of the shelf, holding it up toward the light. Its label was slightly faded, but its promise was timeless. With a small, contented sigh, he set it down on the counter, anticipating the evening ahead.
–
Night settled over the Crème Republic, the sky darkening as the snow fell in earnest. Flurries swirled through the air, thickening with each passing minute until the world outside seemed to blur into a blanket of white. The landscape, once familiar, now appeared like a hazy dream, the snow muffling all sounds except the occasional creak of the wind.
Madeleine stood by the entryway, his gaze fixed on the swirling snow outside. His thoughts drifted restlessly. Espresso had been gone longer than he’d expected, and a twinge of worry crept into his chest. The storm had picked up, and though he knew Espresso could perfectly handle himself, the thought of him out there in the growing storm gnawed at him.
Should he go look for him? He considered it for a moment, but just as that thought solidified, a soft knock echoed from the door.
Madeleine’s heart skipped a beat.
With a quick, purposeful movement, he opened the door, his eyes instantly finding Espresso standing on the threshold. He looked much the same as when he had left—his coat buttoned up tight against the cold—but specks of snow clung to his hair, decorating the dark strands. His breath formed small clouds in the cold air, and his expression, while slightly weary, softened upon seeing Madeleine.
Madeleine couldn’t help but smile, a mix of affection and relief flooding his chest. "There you are," he said, his voice warm, though tinged with the faintest hint of concern. "I started wondering if something happened to you."
Espresso’s lips quirked into a small, knowing smile. "Not to worry. I’ve grown used to such weather." As he stepped inside, the warmth of the house enveloped him, and Madeleine quickly closed the door behind him, his eyes never leaving Espresso’s face.
He stepped forward to help Espresso out of his coat, his hands brushing against the fabric as he eased it off. Once the coat was hung up, he ran his fingers through Espresso’s hair, smoothing the damp strands with a touch that was almost tender, despite the impatience that bubbled beneath the surface. The soft snowflakes had left their mark on Espresso, and Madeleine’s heart fluttered at the sight of him, looking so effortlessly beautiful, even as the cold clung to him.
Espresso wore a simple black sweater—soft and fitted against his frame—paired with warm pants and sturdy boots. Despite the practicality of the outfit, it highlighted the quiet elegance that was so naturally his. But what caught Madeleine’s eye was the bundle of fabric cradled carefully in his arms, wrapped tightly in clear plastic to protect the delicate garment inside.
His curiosity was piqued. “May I see your outfit, dear?” he asked, his voice soft but eager. His arms slid around Espresso’s waist, drawing him closer.
Espresso shifted slightly, his expression almost bashful. “It’s nothing special,” he replied, shaking his head with a modest smile. “Besides, you’ll see it tomorrow.”
Madeleine chuckled softly, his arms tightening around Espresso’s waist, holding him in a gentle embrace. “Nonsense! Anything you wear is absolutely beautiful,” he said with such sincerity, it left no room for argument. He couldn’t resist pressing a soft kiss to the side of Espresso’s head. “But if you insist on making me wait, I suppose I’ll have to practice some patience.”
Espresso looked up at him, a quiet smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I promise you, it will be worth the wait.”
Madeleine laughed again, unable to contain the warmth that spread through him. His hand gently reached for the bundled outfit, his fingers brushing over the plastic wrap as he tried to maneuver it subtly out of Espresso’s arms. “Why don’t you sit by the fire and dry off while I take this to our room?” he suggested, his voice low and coaxing. The warmth of the fire flickered in the next room, casting soft shadows across the furniture.
Espresso, however, wasn’t easily swayed. He smirked, raising an eyebrow. “Nice try, Madeleine,” he replied, his tone teasing. “But I’ll be putting this away.”
Madeleine’s lips curved into a grin, a hint of annoyance and affection in equal measure. “Oh, come on! You must be freezing,” he implored, glancing at the way Espresso’s shoulders were still tense from the cold. “You’ve been out in that storm for ages. Just let me take care of it. It’ll only take a moment.”
Espresso took a step forward, holding the outfit a little more firmly against his chest. “I don’t mind doing it myself.”
Madeleine huffed playfully, stepping closer. “Espresso...” he whined, his voice turning almost melodramatic. “Let me do this for you just this once. You can rest and I’ll do the work.”
Espresso held the outfit closer to his chest, but his smirk deepened. “I’ll be back in a moment,” he teased, ignoring the offer. Madeleine watched him head toward the stairs with a resigned, but affectionate sigh. “Fine, but don’t think this is the end!” he called after him with a playful grin.
Espresso glanced over his shoulder, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it.”
–
Upon leaving their room, Espresso made his way toward the staircase, only to pause when something caught his eye. Every door in the hallway was adorned with a wreath, each one meticulously placed, ribbons bright and cheerful against the evergreen. He chuckled softly despite himself, the corners of his lips lifting in reluctant admiration.
Leave it to Madeleine to turn their home into a living holiday card.
But his amusement faltered as his gaze fell upon one door—the only one left bare. Its unadorned surface stood in difference to the festive display around it, an absence that spoke volumes. Espresso exhaled slowly, his steps growing quieter as he approached. He stopped in front of the door, his hand hovering over the handle.
For a moment, he hesitated. This room had been easy enough to ignore over the past few weeks, buried under the busyness of their lives. But now, in the stillness, it loomed large, a reminder of what was missing. The air around it felt heavy, suffocating.
Finally, he pushed the door open, the soft creak breaking the silence. His breath hitched as he stepped inside, eyes scanning the room. It was a nursery—or rather, what was supposed to be one. The only piece of furniture was a single crib, its wooden surface covered by a thin film of dust. Boxes crowded the rest of the space, stacked haphazardly against the walls, as if they too were waiting for the day this room would fulfill its purpose.
Espresso approached the crib, his fingers brushing lightly against the edge. They’d assembled it with so much hope, only for everything to come crashing down when the news arrived. A bitter taste filled his mouth as memories of doctor visits surfaced. He could still hear the endless instructions— take this pill, try this vitamin, change this habit, adjust this routine. Each change, each appointment, each faint glimmer of hope had taken its toll.
He exhaled, shoulders slumping. For a moment, he closed his eyes. It wasn’t supposed to be this difficult. And yet, here it was—a room half-prepared, dreams suspended in limbo, and a faint dusting of time settled over a future that couldn’t come to fruition.
It was almost absurd to think about. Just a few years ago, the idea of having children had never even crossed Espresso's mind. His life had been consumed by responsibilities, his confidence in his identity was unsteady, his finances precarious, and his belief in his ability to be a parent virtually nonexistent.
Thankfully, Madeleine had been his unwavering support through it all. He often wondered where he’d be now if he hadn’t taken the leap and given Madeleine a chance…
–
Dinner passed without incident, the soft clinking of cutlery and murmurs of conversation the only sounds filling the room, save for the occasional crackle from the fire. The storm raged outside, but inside, the warmth from the hearth and the flickering candlelight created a peaceful ambiance. The low howl of the wind was little more than a comforting backdrop to their evening.
Madeleine leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he glanced at the table. “I’m glad you’re enjoying dinner,” he said, content. “It’s perfect, isn’t it?”
Espresso, who had been absentmindedly sipping water, sighed, rolling his eyes with a smile. “I’m glad you didn’t go overboard on the decorations,” he muttered, his voice laced with mild amusement. “We already have enough useless clutter around the house.”
Madeleine raised an eyebrow, “Useless clutter, you say?” He leaned forward, his expression playful but with an air of mock indignation. “I thought you were one to appreciate great detail.”
Espresso chuckled, shaking his head. “You know what I mean. There’s something to be said for simplicity. Some of it’s lovely, but at some point, the ornaments and ribbons just become an eyesore.”
Madeleine shrugged, unfazed. “But of course!” he replied with a wink, his tone lighthearted. “You said it yourself—just enough to make the place feel festive and inviting.”
Espresso softened into a smile as he leaned back, resting his glass on the table. “I suppose that’s true,” he said, his gaze softening as he looked around. “It feels... warm. And that’s what matters, I suppose.”
Madeleine nodded, his gaze meeting Espresso’s with a tenderness that only grew over the years. “Exactly. A home isn’t about how much you fill it with, but the warmth inside it.” The wind howled outside, but it was nothing more than a distant, fading murmur in the face of the quiet serenity between them.
"Let’s retire to our room," Madeleine said with a soft smile, his voice carrying a hint of warmth as he gently stood, gently grasping Espresso’s hand.
–
They sat together on the bed, the soft glow of the fire casting a warm, flickering light over the room. Wine glasses were in hand, and the quiet hum of the storm outside was the only sound that mingled with the occasional crackle from the hearth. They settled into a peaceful rhythm, the kind that came with familiarity and time, the space between them comfortable and unhurried.
Espresso leaned back against the headboard, taking a long sip of his wine. He glanced over at Madeleine, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "You know," he said, his voice carrying a light amusement, "I almost forgot how nice it is to just be here, without all the commotion. We don’t get enough of this."
Madeleine chuckled, his fingers curling around his glass. “I know exactly what you mean,” he replied, a relaxed smile on his face. “We’ve had so much going on lately, haven’t we? But right now, this... this is all we need.” He glanced over at the fire, then back at Espresso. “It’s nice to have some peace.”
Espresso nodded, his gaze following the flames. “Sometimes, I think we forget what that feels like, when everything’s moving so fast.” His eyes flickered toward Madeleine, a hint of something else in them. "It’s easy to lose track of the small things. The things that matter.”
Madeleine looked at him, sensing a shift in his tone, but didn’t press. He merely smiled and shrugged lightly, content. “Maybe that’s the whole point of tonight,” he mumbled. “To slow down and remember what really matters. Even if it’s just for a little while.”
Espresso took another sip of wine, a thoughtful look on his face as the silence stretched out between them. Then, almost as if a thought had been nagging at him for longer than he realized, he turned to Madeleine, his expression more serious now.
“Madeleine…” His voice was slow, as if weighing each word carefully, though there was a slur to it, the wine beginning to loosen his inhibitions. “Do you love me?”
Madeleine blinked, surprised by the question. He felt a slight shift in the atmosphere, his stomach tightening, but he smiled, trying to ease the moment. “Of course,” he said with a soft chuckle, his thumb brushing the edge of his glass.
Espresso’s eyes flickered down, his fingers absently tracing the rim of his glass, but his expression was distant, as though he was still uncertain. “I know, but…” he hesitated, his voice quieter now, more fragile. “Do you love me?”
Madeleine’s brow furrowed in confusion, his gaze softening as he reached for Espresso’s hand. “Espresso… of course, I love you. You’re everything to me. That’s why I married you.”
Espresso sighed deeply, his eyes fixed on the glass in his hand. He accepted Madeleine’s words, but the weight of his own guilt still tangled in his chest. “I know,” he murmured, voice tight. “I suppose I’ve been a little selfish this past year.” A dry, humorless laugh escaped him, though it was more out of frustration than amusement. “I haven’t spent time with you as I should have... and I completely understand if you resent me for it...”
Madeleine’s expression softened instantly. “What? No, of course I don’t. I will always love you… no matter what.” His words were an immediate reassurance, but it was more than that—he spoke them with a conviction that seemed to lift the weight off Espresso’s shoulders. As he spoke, Espresso's eyes widened, loosening his grip on his glass, tipping it slightly, spilling wine over the floor—but neither of them noticed.
He reached for Espresso’s hand, his fingers wrapping around it gently, his eyes searching Espresso’s with a tenderness that came straight from his heart. “No matter what comes our way, I will always love the man I married. I know these past months have been… difficult, but I made a promise that I will always be by your side and… I intend to keep that promise.”
The words hung in the air, filling the space between them with a quiet, unspoken promise. Espresso didn’t immediately respond. Instead, he stared at Madeleine, his expression unreadable, as if processing the weight of the declaration. The silence stretched on for a moment, both of them wrapped in the gravity of those promises.
Finally, Espresso cleared his throat, his voice shaky, almost unsure. “M-Madeleine, I…” He paused, his lips parting as if he were searching for the right words. “I… feel the same way.”
Madeleine’s heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, he slid his hands around Espresso’s waist, pulling him closer. Their gazes locked, and then, as if drawn by an invisible force, their lips met. The kiss started slow, tentative, but the warmth from the wine made it grow more urgent, more passionate. The room seemed to blur around them as they lost themselves in each other.
Espresso’s arms instinctively found their way around Madeleine’s neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss. The world outside seemed distant, muffled by the snow falling gently against the windows as the night unfolded around them. Madeleine leaned forward, easing Espresso back onto the bed.
Quiet, breathless sounds of passion filled the room as they gave in to each other, the connection between them growing more intense with each passing second. The storm outside raged on, but inside, it was just them—their love, the warmth of the fire, and the delicate swirl of wine on the floor beneath them. Time seemed to stand still as the night carried on, each touch, each kiss, a quiet promise of the bond they would never let go.
–
As the first light of morning filtered through the curtains, Madeleine sat on the edge of the bed, the warmth of the room in stark difference to the cold of outside. He dressed slowly, taking his time to arrange his clothes carefully. His movements were quiet, deliberate, as he tidied up the remnants of the night before—residues of moments so intimate, so full of meaning, he couldn't help but feel a sense of affection.
Espresso lay soundly asleep beside him, still as carefree as the night they had shared, his body shamelessly nude beneath a thick blanket. The sight of him so peaceful, content, with his cheeks still flushed—made Madeleine's heart swell. He couldn't help but glance over, a small smile tugging at his lips.
His gaze lingered on Espresso's sleeping form, and before he could stop himself, Madeleine leaned down to place a gentle kiss on his darling’s cheek. The soft kiss was enough to stir Espresso slightly, his body shifting under the covers, a soft whine escaping his lips as he squirmed, still caught in the embrace of slumber.
Unable to resist, Madeleine leaned in again, planting a series of tender, lingering kisses along his neck, each one longer than the last. He watched as Espresso’s skin flushed even deeper, his lips parting slightly in the early morning haze. Despite being fast asleep, a quiet sigh escaped him, the tiniest of smiles gracing his features.
Madeleine couldn’t help but laugh softly, his lips hovering near Espresso’s ear. It was a small, quiet moment, but one that held so much warmth, so much love.
As he sat back and looked at the peaceful sight before him, Madeleine’s thoughts drifted to the future—what they still longed for. He silently prayed to the Divines, his heart heavy with hope. Maybe next year, they would finally be blessed with what they both so desperately wished for: a child.
But even as that quiet prayer left his heart, he knew no matter what came, he would face it all with Espresso by his side.
–
Madeleine had just finished clearing the snow from the entrance, his arms slightly sore from the effort, but satisfied with the simple path he’d made for when his mother and aunties arrived. The cold air stung his cheeks, and he was eager to get inside and warm up. Just as he was about to step back inside, he heard the soft patter of footsteps behind him.
“Good morning, sir!” Two small voices rang out cheerfully.
Madeleine turned, a smile spreading across his face as he straightened up. Two children stood in front of him, their eyes bright despite the biting chill of the morning. He knelt down, so he was eye level with them, his heart immediately softening as he recognized them from the orphanage.
“Good morning, young ones!” he greeted with a warm chuckle. “What are you doing outside in this cold?”
The girl, with her bright blue eyes and pale green hair that fluttered slightly in the breeze, spoke first, her voice soft but hopeful. “We were hoping you’d watch over us while we sled in the park.” Her brother, with his jaded green eyes and white hair, bounced eagerly on his heels, practically vibrating with excitement. “Please, sir! We need an adult to go sledding with us!”
Madeleine’s heart tugged at the sight of them, their innocence and hopeful expressions melting away any lingering trace of irritation from the cold. Children had become a soft spot of his, an unexpected weakness that grew with each passing year. He couldn’t resist.
His smile widened, and he stood up fully, brushing the snow off his gloves. “Of course,” he agreed warmly, his voice full of affection. “Let me change into warmer clothes and we’ll be out.”
The children cheered with excitement, their eyes sparkling as they ran off to wait for him, their laughter ringing in the air like a sweet melody. Madeleine shook his head with a fond smile, a soft chuckle escaping him. Despite the frost on the ground and the briskness of the morning, moments like these warmed his heart more than any fire could.
He quickly emerged, taking one last glance at the house, hoping to be back before Espresso awoke. They quickly made it to the park, where Madeleine found many other adults supervising their children's sledding. Hopefully, one day, he and Espresso might be here too.
–
Madeleine sat with the other adults, enjoying the warmth of hot chocolate as they chatted about today’s Christmas celebrations and general news about the republic. The crackling fire from the nearby makeshift fire kept the chill of winter at bay, and for a moment, it almost felt like the world had slowed down—just long enough for them to savor the peace before the hustle of the day began.
Laughter and light conversation filled the surrounding space, but Madeleine’s attention drifted for a moment as he looked out toward the park, where the children were sledding and playing in the snow. The sight of their carefree joy brought a smile to his face, but his moment of quiet contentment was abruptly shattered by a loud shout.
His eyes snapped toward the sound, and there, barreling down the slope with terrifying speed, was one child—a little boy, his arms flailing as he rushed toward a deep, snow-covered ditch. Madeleine’s heart raced. The child had no clue what was ahead, and it looked as though he was headed straight for it.
Without a second thought, Madeleine jumped to his feet, his heart pounding in his chest. He sprinted toward the child, his boots slipping slightly in the snow as he desperately tried to reach him. As he reached the child just in time, he threw himself forward, grabbing the little boy by the shoulders and yanking him to safety with a sharp pull.
For a moment, everything seemed to stop, the child wide-eyed in shock as he landed safely in Madeleine’s arms but his relief was short-lived.
The force of his sudden movement and the slickness of the snow beneath him caused his feet to slip from under him. He lost his balance, and before he could react, he tumbled sideways into the deep ditch. The icy snow engulfed him in an instant, sending a jolt of shock through his body.
From where he lay in the ditch, Madeleine could hear the children’s voices calling his name in alarm, but his head was spinning for a moment, disoriented from the fall. He groaned as he pushed himself up, his muscles stiff and his clothes damp from the snow, but a small grin tugged at his lips despite the situation.
He struggled to climb up from the ditch, his body sore from the cold shock of the fall. As he planted one foot into the snow and reached out to grab the edge of the bank, he felt a hand wrap around his own, steady and firm.
"Thank you, kind citizen," Madeleine spoke without looking up, his voice light with the same warmth he always carried. "I appreciate the help—"
He faltered mid-sentence as he looked up, his words caught in his throat. Standing in front of him, looking as though he had just stepped out of an elegantly put-together morning routine, was Espresso. His brow was furrowed, and though the cold hadn’t yet gotten to him, the annoyed look on his face was unmistakable.
Madeleine blinked in surprise, his words coming out in a flustered rush. "Oh! G-Good morning to you, Espresso!" he stuttered, momentarily disoriented.
Espresso sighed, his expression unchanged. “Good morning,” he replied, his tone steady but tinged with a quiet disappointment. “I came looking for you since you weren’t at home.”
Madeleine straightened up, brushing snow from his coat with a sheepish smile. "My apologies, love," he said, his voice sincere, but slightly embarrassed. "It’s just that some children insisted I supervise them in the park while they were sledding." He glanced back toward the hill, where the children were now laughing and playing, oblivious to his fall.
Espresso’s gaze followed Madeleine’s, his frown deepening as he took in the sight of the children playing and Madeleine standing there, still a bit dazed from his tumble. His lips quivered into a small, resigned smile, though the annoyance remained in his eyes.
“Well…,” Espresso said, his voice softer now but still carrying that edge of exasperation, “I suppose someone had to rescue you.” Madeleine’s grin widened at the playful tone in Espresso’s voice. "I didn’t need rescuing," he protested, brushing snow off his sleeves and glancing back at Espresso with a wink. "I was doing fine, thank you very much."
Without warning, he wrapped his arms around Espresso in a near bone-crushing hug, pulling him close with such suddenness that Espresso let out a startled gasp.
"Nghh–! Madeleine!"
Madeleine smiled all too knowingly, arms tightening for just a moment before he loosened his hold. “Isn’t it wonderful, love?” he said, his voice warm with emotion. “All these children, playing with each other, without a care in the world.” His eyes lingered on the children, their laughter filling the air, before he pulled back to look at Espresso.
Espresso chuckled softly, his expression both amused and touched by Madeleine’s enthusiasm. “Yes, it’s… comforting,” he replied, though his words were laced with a bittersweet undertone. His hand drifted to rest gently on his lower belly, almost as though he were comforting something invisible.
Madeleine noticed this, the subtle sadness that crept into his eyes. His smile softened with understanding as he reached up, cupping Espresso’s face in his hands with a tenderness that spoke volumes. “Don’t worry,” Madeleine murmured, his voice low and reassuring. “I’m sure next year we’ll have one of our own.”
Espresso’s gaze softened at the warmth in Madeleine’s voice, and before he could reply, Madeleine pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, lingering for a moment longer than usual, as if to seal the promise in that small gesture.
“Next year,” Madeleine repeated quietly, more to himself than anything, as he drew Espresso a little closer.
For a long moment, they stood there, lost in the quiet, the soft snowfall surrounding them like a protective blanket. The future seemed uncertain, but in that moment, there was a quiet hope that, together, they would weather whatever came their way.
“Espresso~” Madeleine’s voice suddenly broke through the silence, a sing-song lilt in his tone.
Espresso froze, instantly wary. “Yes?” he replied, hesitant. He knew that tone all too well.
Madeleine held up a brooch with a grin that was equal parts mischievous and triumphant. “Does this brooch remind you of something in particular~?”
Espresso’s gaze fell on it—a delicate piece shaped unmistakably like mistletoe. His stomach dropped. Taking an instinctive step back, he tried to reason with him. “That doesn’t count!”
“Nonsense, love! Mistletoe is mistletoe, regardless of its form! Now, come here!”
Before Espresso could protest further, Madeleine advanced with that same determined sparkle in his eye. Without a word, Espresso bolted toward the mansion, his boots crunching through the snow as he prayed that Madeleine’s mother and aunties had arrived to distract him.
“Espresso, you can’t run forever!” Madeleine called after him, laughter ringing through the chilly winter air.
Espresso groaned under his breath, cheeks flushed. Madeleine was always insufferably clingy after a night like last, and he had no plans to indulge him in broad daylight—at least, not without reinforcements.