Author's Note

Special Christmas chapter.

First Kiss

About two months went by after the expression of trust. It was the holiday season, and Harmonic and Atmospheric were going to spend Hearth's Warming together in town.

"How are you doing," Atmospheric asked.

"Better now that you're here."

"Awe. You're so sweet."

"I try."

"What should we look at first."

"Today's all about you. You pick."

"I was thinking about a cross necklace I saw a while back. Can we go check it out?"

"Of course. Maybe we can get two engraved with our names on them."

"I'd like that."

"Is there anything else you're looking into?"

"I want to see what kind of horror games are out. It's cold and dreary, so I figured it's the best time for stuff like that."

"It is."

"What about you?"

"Thought about checking up on some novels and looking for a couple new records."

"Well, we should get going."

"Right."

"Do you want to exchange them," Harmonic asked.

"You mean like mementos?"

"Yeah."

"Okay."

Harmonic and Atmospheric gave each other their new crosses.

"Whenever I'm down and out, I'll look at it and think of you. I'll have a reason to wake up again."

"And I'll look at mine to see your courage."

Another weak smile made its way onto Harmonic's face. It always made him feel like his life was worth something when he heard her belief in him.

"That's the way. Show me that smile."

"You really are a beautiful soul."

"Did you ever doubt that?"

"Not for one second."

"It's so cold."

"Here."

Harmonic removed his hoodie and placed it on Atmospheric's back.

"Aren't you freezing too?"

"No. My fur absorbs all sorts of light to warm me up."

"Thank you."

"Is that better?"

"I'm still a little cold."

"Come here."

Atmospheric wasn't sure why he suddenly said that, but complied anyway. Without warning, he hugged her.

"...How's that?"

"Much warmer."

"Let me know when you're ready to move again."

"I will."

"..."

The two held each other for what seemed like hours. The light of the sun actually began to further diminish behind the clouds after some time had passed.

"Atmospheric."

"Hm?"

"I'm ready. If it's okay, can I kiss you?"

"Absolutely."

Moving back so their faces met, Harmonic stared at the mare who had gotten him through so many hard times. He didn't see a worldly being. He saw a guardian angel sent down from heaven itself to free him from the bondage of sorrow that had swallowed him for so long. When their mouths made contact, there was no aggression or lust. It was something completely different. The world around them completely disappeared. This feeling had been referenced many times in stories, but to experience it was surreal to say the least.

"I would say I love you, but compared to how I feel, the word doesn't mean anything."

"Shh. Don't say anything. Just hold me and I'll hold you for as long as I can."

Harmonic nodded. The cold snow pervaded their bodies, but they didn't notice. All they cared about was being lost in each other's spirits. That one day on December 25th, all was right with the world.