The color in your life

The letter arrived on a particularly windy afternoon, the kind that sent biting cold drafts rattling through Night Raven College's stone halls. Jack Howl hadn’t been expecting anything unusual—just the same routine as always: classes, training, the occasional bout of chaos if Ace or Deuce decided to open their mouths at the wrong moment. But then it happened, a soft flutter of parchment that stood out among the usual stack of mundane notices and assignments. It wasn’t NRC stationary. The envelope was cream-colored, neatly folded, with his name scrawled across the front in handwriting that could only be described as… sweet. Almost obnoxiously so. The letters were cheerful and round, like they were smiling up at him.

He didn’t need to open it to know who it was from.

Jack's ears twitched, betraying the flicker of anticipation he felt as he sat down on the edge of his bed. He stared at the letter for a moment longer than necessary, debating whether to read it now or wait. It wasn’t that he wasn’t happy to hear from Neige—he was, more than he probably should be—but there was always this strange… warmth that came with reading Neige’s words. Like sitting too close to a fire on a cold day. It made Jack restless in a way he couldn’t quite explain.

With a quiet huff, he tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter. The first thing he noticed was the doodle in the corner—a little snowman waving enthusiastically, complete with a tiny scarf and hat. Classic Neige. The guy couldn’t send a letter without turning it into a whole production. Jack’s tail flicked behind him despite himself as his eyes skimmed the first few lines.

Dear Jack,

Hi! How have you been? Are you staying warm? It’s been getting SO cold here at Royal Sword Academy. The first snow fell last night—it was absolutely beautiful! The gardens looked like something out of a fairytale, all sparkling and quiet… I couldn’t help but think, “Jack would probably like this.”

Jack stopped reading, his brow furrowing as his ears twitched again. Why would he think that? He shook his head and kept going, though the tips of his ears felt uncomfortably warm.

Anyway, guess what? I’ve been planning something really exciting for winter break! My friends and I usually stick around the RSA campus during the holidays (it’s quieter here during break, and I LOVE it), and I thought it might be fun to invite you! I know it’s a little out of the blue, but I think you’d really enjoy it. We could have snowball fights, drink hot chocolate, and sit by the fireplace—super cozy, right? Plus, I’ve been wanting to show you the gardens in winter. They’re even prettier than in spring!

Please say yes! I’d really love to spend some time with you. It’s been so nice exchanging letters, but it’s not the same as seeing you in person. Think about it, okay? I promise it’ll be fun! And… it’d make me really happy. 😊

Your friend, Neige ♥

Jack exhaled slowly, folding the letter back up and staring down at it like it had insulted him in some subtle, baffling way. It was… so very Neige. Bright, unrelentingly earnest, and absolutely dripping with optimism. Jack could practically hear Neige’s voice in his head, bubbling over with excitement as he wrote about his "winter plans" and the snowball fights and the fireplace and—

it’d make me really happy.

Jack’s ears flattened against his head as that last line replayed itself uninvited. It wasn’t the first time Neige had said something like that—his letters were littered with little phrases like “You’re so amazing, Jack!” or “You’re one of the kindest people I know!”—but there was something about this one that stuck. Probably the way Neige had written it so plainly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

And it wasn’t like Jack didn’t… feel the same. Sort of. Neige’s letters were always a bright spot in his week, even when he didn’t realize he needed one. They had a way of dragging him out of his own head, reminding him to slow down and appreciate things he would’ve otherwise brushed past. But the idea of actually visiting RSA? Of seeing Neige in person? It felt… complicated.

Jack’s Thoughts:

What would I even say? It’s not like I fit in at RSA. Neige probably wouldn’t even— No. That’s stupid. He invited me. He wants me there.

By the time Jack realized his tail had been thudding gently against the mattress this whole time, he was already standing, the letter clenched in his hand. A strange, restless energy filled his chest, and he couldn’t tell if it was excitement or nerves—or some mix of both.

He hadn’t said yes yet, but deep down, he already knew. The idea of being in that snowy, sparkling place Neige had described, with him, was too tempting to ignore.

The train ride to Royal Sword Academy had been long and unusually quiet, though Jack couldn't tell if the stillness was an actual lack of noise or just his own nerves drowning everything out. When the gates finally came into view through the frost-covered windows, he caught himself gripping the strap of his bag a little too tightly. He wasn’t even sure why. It wasn’t like RSA was any more intimidating than NRC. If anything, it was… brighter. Cleaner. But that was part of the problem, wasn’t it? Jack felt like he’d be walking into the kind of world where he didn’t belong—too shiny, too polished, too… Neige.

Even from outside the gates, Jack could already see the snow-covered gardens Neige had written about in his letters. They were extravagant, with twisting hedges and perfectly spaced trees, their branches glittering with frost in the soft, pale light. The walkways were coated in a thin layer of snow that looked like it had been deliberately smoothed out. The whole scene looked like something out of one of those holiday cards Neige would probably buy in bulk. It was beautiful, sure. But it also made Jack feel like he should’ve polished his boots or something.

A gust of wind swept past him, and Jack adjusted the scarf around his neck, muttering under his breath as he approached the gates. Relax. It’s just Neige. You’ve been writing to him for months now—it’s not like he’s a stranger. But the moment the thought crossed his mind, his ears twitched, standing at attention as a familiar, bubbly voice rang out across the courtyard.

“Jack!”

Jack barely had time to process it before a small figure—wrapped in layers of white and cream and soft-looking knitted scarves—came bounding through the gates like a rabbit out of a burrow. Neige’s cheeks were already pink from the cold, his gloves dusted with snow as he waved both arms in the air, his grin stretching impossibly wide. Jack stopped in his tracks, staring like some kind of idiot as Neige sprinted toward him, his boots crunching in the snow with every step.

“You made it!” Neige practically skidded to a stop in front of Jack, his breath coming out in quick, foggy puffs as he craned his head up to look at him. “Oh my gosh, I was starting to think the train got delayed or something! You must be freezing—you don’t look like you’re wearing nearly enough layers.” His hands fluttered near Jack’s arms like he was considering patting him down for warmth.

“I’m fine,” Jack said quickly, the words coming out harsher than he intended. He cleared his throat, his tail flicking behind him as Neige blinked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. “I mean, uh… it’s not that cold. Wolf beastmen handle winter better than most.”

Neige tilted his head, his expression shifting into something Jack could only describe as delighted curiosity. “Oh, that’s so cool! You’ll have to tell me more about that later.” He grabbed Jack’s hand before Jack could protest, tugging him toward the entrance like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Come on! Let’s get you inside before the frost sticks to your fur or something.”

Jack stared down at their joined hands, his fingers stiff and unmoving in Neige’s smaller grip. His gloves weren’t enough to hide how soft Neige’s hands felt, even beneath his own. The tightness in his chest spread lower, twisting into something strange, something warm, and before he knew it, his ears were pressing flat against his head in a mix of embarrassment and… something else he didn’t want to name.

“This is bad,” Jack muttered under his breath, his voice low enough that Neige didn’t notice. He let himself be led forward, his eyes fixed on the back of Neige’s scarf, the corners of it fluttering with each bounce of excitement. “Why does seeing him so happy make me feel like this?”

Jack was no stranger to the cold. He thrived in it, honestly—his wolf beastman blood made sure of that. But standing in the middle of Royal Sword Academy’s perfectly manicured snow-dusted gardens, following Neige as he practically bounced ahead of him like an overexcited pup, Jack felt a different kind of warmth creeping up his neck.

“Over here!” Neige called, spinning around to face him. His boots crunched softly in the snow, and the light caught on the flakes in his hair, making him look like some kind of… Jack didn’t even want to say it. Fairytale prince? No. Absolutely not. Get a grip.

Neige didn’t wait for Jack to catch up before dropping down onto his knees in the snow, scooping up a handful and testing its weight. Jack raised a brow at the way Neige’s gloves immediately got coated in white, but the thought barely had time to form before—

Thunk.

A soft splatter of snow exploded against Jack’s chest. For a moment, he just stood there, blinking down at the damp patch on his jacket. His tail, which had been lazily swaying behind him, froze mid-swing. Slowly, his golden eyes flicked up to meet Neige’s, who was already covering his mouth with both hands, his eyes wide with fake innocence—and absolutely zero remorse.

“Oh no!” Neige gasped, his voice wavering with suppressed laughter. “That was an accident! A total accident!”

Jack’s ears twitched, and one brow lifted ever so slightly. “Really.”

Neige’s giggles spilled out, uncontainable now. “Okay, maybe it wasn’t an accident,” he admitted, already scooping up another handful of snow. “But in my defense, you looked like you needed a little… I don’t know. Winter spirit?”

Jack crossed his arms, glancing down at the growing pile of snow in Neige’s hands. He knew better than to engage—he really did. But there was something about the way Neige’s smile curled at the edges, all mischievous and bright, that made his instincts hum. Not the usual ones that told him to stay steady, stay calm, stay Jack. No, this was something sharper, tugging at the corner of his mouth, pulling him toward something reckless.

“Winter spirit, huh?” Jack murmured, his voice a low rumble that almost made Neige pause. Almost. His tail flicked once behind him, and in one smooth motion, Jack crouched down, scooped up his own handful of snow, and let it fly.

It missed Neige’s face by a fraction of an inch, exploding into white powder against his shoulder. Neige yelped in surprise, one hand flying up to brush the snow off as his jaw dropped. “You—!”

Jack smirked. “That was an accident.”

“Oh, it’s on,” Neige shot back, scrambling to his feet. He was laughing now, his earlier attempt at fake outrage replaced with something softer, more genuine. Before Jack could move, another snowball was already flying toward him.

They were off. Neige darted between the hedges and frosted statues like he was trying to survive a battlefield, his laughter carrying through the crisp air as Jack followed at a steady, measured pace. Jack let him have the illusion of the upper hand—throwing just enough snowballs to keep Neige squealing and ducking for cover, but never enough to actually corner him. It wasn’t until Neige tried to launch a sneak attack from behind one of the larger trees that Jack made his move.

“Gotcha,” Jack muttered, catching Neige mid-throw. His snowball struck Neige squarely in the side, making him stumble back with an exaggerated “Ow!”

“You play dirty,” Neige accused, though his voice was breathless from laughter. He tried to scoop up more snow, but Jack was already closing the gap, his strides long and deliberate.

“You started it,” Jack countered. And then—because he didn’t trust himself to stop smiling like an idiot for too long—he reached down and grabbed a handful of snow, raising it just high enough to make Neige freeze.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Neige breathed, his eyes flicking from the snow to Jack’s face.

Jack tilted his head slightly, letting the smallest smirk curl at his lips. “Try me.”

The effect was immediate. Neige, giggling like a maniac, turned on his heel and made a break for it. And that was how he ended up tripping over a buried root and landing in a heap of snow, half-squealing, half-laughing as he tried (and failed) to shield himself from the snowball Jack lobbed directly at him.

When it was clear Neige wasn’t getting up anytime soon—“Oh no! Fatal injury! I’ll never recover!”—Jack finally crouched down beside him, letting out a huff of air that almost sounded like a laugh. He reached out instinctively, brushing some of the snow from Neige’s hair. It didn’t even occur to him how close they were until he felt how soft Neige’s hair was under his fingertips.

Jack’s hand lingered. Just for a moment. Just long enough for the scent of Neige to hit him—something light and sweet, like snow mixed with vanilla or sugar or… Jack pulled back quickly, clearing his throat as his ears flattened against his head.

“You’re covered in snow,” he muttered, because it was the only thing he could think to say that wasn’t You smell good, or worse, Why are you looking at me like that?

Neige blinked up at him, his cheeks pink but not from the cold, and Jack had to look away before the tightness in his chest got any worse. “You okay?” Jack asked, his voice quieter than usual.

Neige beamed at him, still lying in the snow like it was the most comfortable place in the world. “I’m great. That was so much fun!”

Jack stood, offering a hand to help him up. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re too good at snowball fights!” Neige teased, grabbing Jack’s hand and letting himself be pulled upright. His smile softened as he glanced down at their joined hands. “Thanks, Jack. For, you know… playing along.”

Jack didn’t answer right away. His tail swayed once, slow and deliberate, before he stepped back and crossed his arms over his chest. “Yeah, well. Don’t get used to it.”

Neige just laughed, and Jack’s chest tightened all over again. This is bad.

The sun was starting to dip low on the horizon, its light spilling across the snow in soft, amber hues. The gardens felt quieter now, the earlier laughter from their impromptu snowball fight lingering in the air like an echo. Neige had slowed his bouncing steps, his usual boundless energy settling into something softer. Jack wasn’t sure if it was the cold or just the calm that came with the evening light, but Neige’s movements had grown smaller, more delicate, as they continued their walk through the pristine pathways.

Jack noticed it first in the way Neige rubbed his hands together, pulling his mittens tighter despite their snug fit. Then came the little shiver that rippled through his shoulders, almost imperceptible… almost. Jack’s ears twitched, his tail stilling behind him as he watched Neige glance up at the sky with a soft exhale, his breath curling into the air like mist.

“It’s getting colder,” Neige murmured, half to himself. He smiled faintly, like he didn’t mind, like the chill was just another part of the fairytale scene around them. But then he shivered again, just slightly, and that was all Jack needed.

“Here,” Jack said, already shrugging off his coat. His voice was gruff, blunt, the way it always was when he was trying to cover up something he couldn’t quite explain. He didn’t give Neige a chance to protest before draping the thick jacket over his smaller frame, the weight of it nearly swallowing him whole.

Neige blinked up at him, wide-eyed. “Jack, you don’t have to—”

“You’re cold,” Jack cut him off, his ears flicking back as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m fine. Beastmen don’t get cold as easily as humans.”

Neige opened his mouth to argue, but whatever he’d been about to say dissolved into something quieter as he wrapped the coat tighter around himself. It was comically oversized on him, the sleeves hanging past his fingers, and the collar was big enough to nearly cover the lower half of his face. Jack averted his eyes, pretending not to notice the way Neige buried his nose into the fabric, or the way his cheeks flushed a little darker as he glanced back up at Jack.

“You’re so kind, Jack,” Neige said softly, his voice muffled but warm. The edges of his smile curled up, faint but so genuine it made something in Jack’s chest twist uncomfortably.

“It’s no big deal,” Jack muttered, his gaze fixed firmly on the snow-dusted path ahead of them. His ears burned hot against the cold air, and he could feel the instinctual hum at the back of his mind growing louder now: Protect. Hold. Keep him close. His tail twitched once, betraying his agitation—or maybe it was nerves. He didn’t know anymore.

Neige’s steps slowed again, and Jack forced himself to look down at him, his golden eyes catching just the faintest hint of hesitancy in Neige’s movements. Before Jack could say anything, Neige shifted closer, just a fraction, his shoulder brushing against Jack’s arm. He didn’t look up this time, didn’t say a word, but the way he leaned ever so slightly into Jack’s side was answer enough.

Jack’s breath hitched, and his entire body stiffened before he quickly forced himself to relax. What is he doing? The thought came fast, followed by another, sharper one: Why don’t I hate it? His instincts hummed louder now, drowning out reason as he caught a faint whiff of Neige’s scent—snow and something sweet, vanilla maybe, soft and subtle and completely infuriating.

“Thanks for looking out for me,” Neige said after a while, his voice barely above a whisper. He still wasn’t looking at Jack, his gaze fixed somewhere far ahead, but the way his shoulder stayed pressed against Jack’s spoke volumes. “You always do.”

Jack exhaled slowly, his breath curling into the air as he muttered, “Someone has to.”

Neige finally glanced up at him again, his lips parting like he wanted to say something more. But instead, he smiled—that same gentle, disarming smile that had been chipping away at Jack’s defenses since the day they’d met. Jack’s heart thudded heavily in his chest, and his tail flicked once more before he forced himself to keep walking, ignoring the way his ears were practically on fire now.

Inside, the voice in his head whispered again: Protect. Hold. Keep close. But Jack pushed it down, burying it deep beneath his usual steady demeanor. For now.

Back in Neige’s dorm room, the chill of the outside world melted away almost instantly. The space was warm in every sense of the word—soft golden lamplight pooled over bookshelves, little trinkets and fairy lights decorated the walls, and the faint scent of something sugary lingered in the air. Jack had been expecting something cozy; he wasn’t expecting something that looked like it had come straight out of one of those overly idealized holiday postcards.

He stood awkwardly near the door, unsure where to sit without accidentally knocking something over with his tail. His gaze flicked to the fireplace, where flames flickered softly, casting a faint glow that made the room feel even smaller, even more intimate. It wasn’t bad, necessarily. Just… unfamiliar.

“Make yourself at home!” Neige said brightly, pulling his scarf from around his neck and hanging it on a little hook. “Oh! Sit by the fire—you’re probably freezing after all that snowball fighting.”

“I’m fine,” Jack muttered for what felt like the hundredth time today, though there was no bite to it. He glanced at the armchair nearest the fire and finally lowered himself into it, careful not to take up too much space. His body sank into the cushions, and he exhaled in spite of himself. Okay. Maybe it was a little warmer in here than he’d expected.

Neige was already bustling around near a tiny kitchenette, humming to himself as he rummaged through cabinets. Jack watched him from the corner of his eye, his ears twitching at the sound of a drawer sliding open, then the soft tap of ceramic against the counter.

“Hot chocolate or tea?” Neige asked over his shoulder.

Jack blinked. “Uh. Doesn’t matter.”

Neige turned to shoot him a mock-serious look, one hand on his hip as if Jack had just personally insulted him. “Jack. It absolutely does matter.”

Jack frowned, his tail flicking once. “Fine. Hot chocolate, I guess.”

“Good choice,” Neige said, grinning as he turned back to his task. Jack watched him pour what looked like milk into a small pot, his movements precise yet somehow still brimming with that same bubbly energy. It wasn’t long before the faintly sweet, chocolatey aroma filled the room, and Jack had to remind himself not to let his nose twitch too obviously.

When Neige finally returned, he had two mugs in his hands, one of which he handed to Jack with a look of pure, unfiltered excitement. “Careful, it’s hot.”

Jack took the mug, his rough fingers brushing over Neige’s for half a second before he pulled back, his ears flattening for reasons he didn’t want to think about. He glanced down, and—

There was a marshmallow smiley face floating in his hot chocolate.

His first instinct was to glare at it. But the longer he stared, the harder it was to hold back the faint, almost imperceptible tug at the corner of his mouth. That didn’t stop the heat from creeping up his neck, though. “What’s… this?” he muttered, already regretting asking.

Neige plopped down onto the couch beside the fire, cupping his own mug in both hands and grinning at Jack. “A smiley face! Do you like it?”

Jack hesitated, his tail flicking once against the armchair. “You… you made a face out of marshmallows.”

Neige’s grin softened, and if Jack weren’t already holding the mug, he might have crossed his arms just to give himself something to do. “I thought it’d make you smile,” Neige said quietly, his voice warm but a little more tentative now.

Jack huffed, lifting the mug to his lips. The hot chocolate was rich and sweet, the warmth spreading through his chest with every sip. He glanced back down at the little marshmallow face and muttered, “It’s… not bad.”

The silence between them was comfortable after that, broken only by the occasional crackle of the fire or the quiet clink of their mugs against the table. Jack couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this at ease just sitting in someone else’s space. When Neige finally spoke again, his voice was softer, quieter, like he didn’t want to break whatever spell had settled over the room.

“Jack,” Neige started, staring down into his nearly empty mug, “can I tell you something?”

Jack’s ears twitched, but he didn’t look away from the fire. “What?”

Neige shifted on the couch, pulling his knees up to his chest and hugging them. It was such an innocent gesture, but it made something in Jack’s chest tighten. “I really appreciate how patient you are with me,” Neige said, finally lifting his eyes to meet Jack’s. “You’re always so protective, even when you don’t have to be. It means a lot, you know?”

Jack stared at him for a long moment, the words replaying themselves in his head: protective, patient, it means a lot. His tail thumped once against the chair, unbidden, and he quickly shifted his weight to stop it. He felt cornered, somehow, even though Neige was sitting there all soft and open, his smile just a little shy but still so earnest.

Jack cleared his throat, setting his mug down with just a little too much force. “You… make me happy, Neige.”

The words came out rougher than he meant them to, like they’d been clawing their way out of his chest for too long. Jack flinched and looked away, his shoulders stiff. “I didn’t expect it, but you do.”

There was a beat of silence, and then—“Really?” Neige’s voice was so light, so hopeful, it made Jack feel like his chest might actually cave in. He glanced back, only to find Neige’s face lighting up, his eyes wide and bright in a way that made Jack want to look anywhere else. Before he could move, Neige had set his mug down and crossed the short space between them, his fingers brushing over Jack’s hand as he took it in both of his.

“You make me happy too, Jack,” Neige said, his voice full of so much warmth it nearly burned. “So much.”

Jack stared down at their joined hands, his golden eyes unblinking. Neige’s skin was soft, his grip light but steady, and Jack couldn’t ignore the way his instincts flared to life at the contact. Protect. Hold. Keep close. He swallowed hard, trying to force the thoughts down, but the tension between them had already shifted into something heavier, something Jack wasn’t sure he could ignore much longer.

The air between them stilled, warm and thick with something unspoken. Jack’s pulse was too loud in his ears, drowning out the faint crackle of the fire, the soft clink of Neige’s mug when it was abandoned on the table. Neige’s hands were still wrapped around his—smaller, softer, and far too steady compared to the storm raging under Jack’s skin. He didn’t pull away. He didn’t even think he could.

Neige tilted his head, his soft black hair brushing the collar of Jack’s jacket still draped over his shoulders. His eyes caught the firelight, wide and bright, and Jack could see every fleeting emotion flickering there—curiosity, hope, and just the faintest trace of nerves. It was enough to make Jack’s chest tighten, the wolf instincts in the back of his mind howling louder than ever: Closer. Keep him safe. Mine.

Neige opened his mouth, like he wanted to say something, but the words caught on his lips. Instead, his fingers squeezed gently around Jack’s hand, pulling him back from the spiraling mess of his thoughts. And that’s when Jack looked up—really looked—and it hit him like a gust of icy wind.

Neige wasn’t pulling away. He wasn’t laughing, or teasing, or even blinking in confusion. He was just… there, watching Jack like he wanted something and wasn’t sure how to ask for it. The tips of his ears were pink, either from the fire or from the way Jack’s thumb had started tracing slow circles over his knuckles without thinking. And his lips—Jack’s gaze dropped there for half a second too long—were parted just slightly, enough to make Jack’s tail flick against the chair.

Jack swallowed hard, his throat thick and dry. He told himself to let go, to pull back, to say something neutral and break the moment before it spiraled. But he didn’t. He couldn’t.

Instead, he leaned in.

It was slow. Tentative. Careful in a way that Jack wasn’t used to being—because if there was one thing he feared more than getting too close, it was the thought of scaring Neige away. Jack could feel the warmth of Neige’s breath between them, could see the flicker of surprise in his eyes, but still—still—Neige didn’t move. He stayed perfectly still, watching Jack close the distance until their foreheads almost touched. And then, just as Jack hesitated, giving him one last chance to pull away, Neige leaned forward.

The kiss was so soft at first, Jack wasn’t sure it had really happened. Neige’s lips brushed against his in the lightest, most tentative way imaginable, like he was testing the waters, unsure if he’d crossed a line. But Jack wasn’t unsure. Not anymore. Something in him cracked open, and all of the hesitation, the restraint, the careful control he’d been holding onto finally slipped through his fingers.

Jack reached up, his hand cupping Neige’s cheek as he leaned in again, his lips moving more firmly against Neige’s. Neige made a soft noise in the back of his throat—barely a sound, but enough to make Jack’s ears flick upward, his blood rushing hot under his skin. He tilted his head slightly, deepening the kiss with just enough pressure to draw out another one of those sounds, sweeter than any hot chocolate he could’ve tasted.

Neige’s hands slid up from Jack’s, one clutching the front of Jack’s shirt as if to steady himself while the other pressed lightly against Jack’s chest. His touch was so gentle, so careful, and Jack wanted nothing more than to pull him closer, to feel that warmth against him in every possible way. But at the same time, he didn’t want to rush it. Didn’t want to risk breaking whatever fragile thread had drawn them together in this moment.

Jack pulled back just enough to breathe, his golden eyes half-lidded as he searched Neige’s face. Neige’s cheeks were flushed, his lips slightly swollen, and his wide, dazed eyes made Jack’s chest ache in ways he wasn’t ready to admit.

“Neige…” Jack murmured, his voice rough, like he’d been holding something back for far too long.

Neige blinked at him, his expression softening into something that made Jack’s heart trip over itself. And then, quietly, almost shyly, Neige smiled. It wasn’t the bright, bubbly smile Jack was used to—it was smaller, gentler, but no less disarming.

“Jack,” Neige whispered, his voice barely audible over the fire’s crackle. “That… was perfect.”

And for once, Jack didn’t have anything gruff or dismissive to say in response. He just stared, his hand still resting against Neige’s cheek, and let himself feel that warmth. Just this once.

The kiss deepened, soft lips parting, a hesitant sigh escaping Neige’s throat as Jack’s hand slid from his cheek to the back of his neck, cradling him closer. The fire crackled merrily in the hearth, casting flickering shadows that danced across the walls, but Jack’s gaze was fixed on Neige—on the flush rising in his cheeks, the way his eyelashes fluttered against his skin as his eyes drifted closed, the soft curve of his lips as he sighed into the kiss. It was too much. All of it. The sweetness, the warmth, the way Neige was giving himself over so completely—it was like a spark igniting a wildfire in Jack’s chest.

His wolf instincts howled, a primal urge to protect, possess, cherish all tangled together in a way that made his head spin. He’d been so careful, so hesitant, but now… now, there was no going back. The floodgates had opened, and Jack wasn’t sure he even wanted to stop the rush.

His kisses grew hungrier, more insistent, pressing deeper into Neige’s mouth as his tongue traced the seam of his lips, coaxing him open. Neige gasped softly, his hands tightening on Jack’s shirt as he leaned into the kiss, his own eagerness matching Jack’s intensity. It was intoxicating—the way Neige’s innocent curiosity mixed with the heat of the moment, the way he was so clearly enjoying this, wanting more.

Jack’s hand slid down from Neige’s neck, tracing the curve of his spine beneath the soft fabric of his sweater. He could feel the way Neige’s breath hitched at the touch, his body arching into Jack’s as he deepened the kiss, his tongue tangling with Jack’s in a dance that made Jack’s blood rush south. His wolf instincts screamed, Mine. Keep him close. Never let go.

He pulled back just enough to breathe, his golden eyes half-lidded as he looked down at Neige. Neige’s cheeks were flushed, his lips swollen, and his eyes sparkled in the firelight like a thousand tiny stars. Jack’s heart pounded in his chest, and he leaned down, pressing soft kisses against Neige’s jawline, down his neck, his teeth grazing lightly over the sensitive skin there. Neige shivered, his hands gripping Jack’s shoulders as he tilted his head back, giving Jack more access.

“Jack…” Neige whispered, his voice breathless, and the sound sent a jolt of pure pleasure through Jack’s veins. He nipped gently at the soft skin beneath Neige’s ear, eliciting a soft moan that made his wolf instincts roar with satisfaction.

He pulled back again, just enough to see Neige’s reaction. Neige’s eyes were half-closed, his lips parted slightly, his chest rising and falling in short, quick breaths. Jack’s cock throbbed against his pants, the wolfish heat spreading through his lower body like wildfire. He wanted to touch him everywhere, to feel Neige’s soft skin under his hands, to taste him, to—

Jack took a deep breath, forcing himself to slow down. He didn’t want to rush this, didn’t want to overwhelm Neige with the intensity of his feelings. But he couldn’t deny the way his wolf instincts were pushing at him, the primal urge to claim what was his growing stronger with every passing moment.

He reached for Neige’s hands, gently intertwining their fingers. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice rough, his gaze searching Neige’s face.

Neige blinked at him, his eyes dazed but full of warmth. He nodded slowly, his lips curving into a soft smile. “More than okay,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “Just… a little overwhelmed.”

Jack’s heart ached at his words. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss against Neige’s forehead. “I won’t rush you,” he murmured, his voice full of the promise he fully intended to keep.

“I know,” Neige whispered back, his fingers tightening around Jack’s. “I trust you.”

And that, Jack realized, was the most dangerous thing Neige could’ve said. Because the moment those words left his lips, Jack knew—there was no turning back.

There was a moment—a brief, suspended moment—where the world seemed to hold its breath, where the crackling of the fire faded into the background and all Jack could feel was the warm weight of Neige’s trust settled between them. It made his heart race and his instincts hum, urging him to take, to savor, to cherish.

With a gentle but deliberate motion, Jack nudged Neige back onto the couch, guiding him to lie down against the soft cushions. His gaze traced over Neige’s flushed face, the way his dark hair fanned out against the fabric, and the soft rise and fall of his chest. Neige watched him with wide, trusting eyes, his lips parted, anticipation coloring the air between them.

Jack leaned down, pressing a series of soft, lingering kisses along Neige’s jaw, down his neck, savoring the little shivers that ran through Neige’s body at each touch. His hands slipped under the hem of Neige’s sweater, fingertips grazing over warm skin as he slowly, carefully, pushed the fabric up, revealing more of Neige’s pale, flawless skin.

Neige’s breath hitched, a soft noise escaping his lips as Jack kissed his way down Neige’s chest, nipping gently at the sensitive skin. Jack could feel the way Neige’s muscles tensed and relaxed beneath his touch, could hear the quiet gasp that slipped free when Jack’s tongue traced the edge of his ribcage.

Slowly, savoringly, Jack made his way lower, pressing kisses over Neige’s stomach, feeling the way Neige’s breath stuttered, how his hands fluttered in the air before settling on Jack’s shoulders, holding on as if he were the only solid thing in the world. Jack’s wolf instincts were howling, a low, insistent hum in the back of his mind, but he forced himself to remain patient, to draw out every sweet sound that fell from Neige’s lips.

“You’re… you’re really good at this,” Neige breathed, his voice soft and breathless, tinged with awe and just a hint of embarrassment.

Jack chuckled low in his throat, the sound rumbling through the space between them. “I’m just getting started,” he murmured, his breath ghosting over the sensitive skin of Neige’s abdomen. He glanced up, catching Neige’s gaze, seeing the flicker of excitement and nervousness mingling in those star-bright eyes.

And then, with deliberate care, Jack moved lower, his hands settling on Neige’s hips as he pressed a lingering kiss just above the waistband of Neige’s pants. Neige gasped softly, his fingers tightening against Jack’s shoulders, and Jack could feel the warm, steady pulse of anticipation thrumming beneath his skin.

He took his time, savoring the way Neige’s breath quickened, the soft, breathy moans that slipped free as Jack’s lips ghosted over him, exploring, teasing, leaving no inch of skin untouched. Neige’s body arched beneath him, his breath a series of soft, stuttered gasps, and every sound, every movement, fed the wildfire burning in Jack’s chest.

When Jack finally reached Neige’s waistband, he paused, glancing up to meet Neige’s gaze once more, silently asking, Is this okay? Can I keep going? And Neige, bless him, nodded eagerly, his lips curving into a soft, shy smile, his eyes bright with trust and anticipation.

Neige’s soft “please” was all Jack needed. With a careful, deliberate motion, Jack eased Neige’s pants down, watching as Neige’s breath hitched, as his cheeks flushed a deeper pink, and the faintest moan escaped his lips.

Jack's hands were steady but insistent as they slid down Neige's body, fingertips tracing over soft, sensitive skin. He could feel Neige shiver beneath his touch, could hear the hitch in his breath as Jack's lips followed the path of his hands, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses against Neige's stomach, his hips, the soft curve of his thigh.

Neige's hands fluttered in the air for a moment before settling in Jack's hair, fingers threading through the soft strands, tugging gently in a way that made Jack's wolf instincts hum with satisfaction. He glanced up, catching Neige's gaze—those star-bright eyes were half-lidded, his cheeks flushed a pretty pink, his lips parted around a soft, breathless moan.

"Jack," Neige whispered, his voice a plea, a prayer, and Jack's heart raced at the sound. He leaned down, nuzzling against the soft skin of Neige's inner thigh, breathing in the scent of him—sweet and warm and utterly intoxicating.

Slowly, teasingly, Jack let his tongue trace along the sensitive skin, savoring the way Neige gasped and shivered beneath him. He could feel the heat of Neige's arousal, could hear the way his breath quickened with every touch, every kiss. Jack's own desire was a steady throb in his veins, but he forced himself to take his time, to draw out every delicious moment.

He pressed a series of hot, open-mouthed kisses against Neige's thighs, nipping gently at the soft skin, soothing each bite with a slow, deliberate lick. Neige's hips bucked beneath him, a soft, desperate whine escaping his lips, and Jack's wolf instincts roared with satisfaction.

Slowly, teasingly, Jack let his tongue trace higher, ghosting over the base of Neige's cock, feeling the way Neige's entire body shuddered at the sensation. Jack's hands settled on Neige's hips, holding him steady as he leaned down, breath hot against Neige's sensitive skin.

"Tell me what you want," Jack murmured, his voice a low, rumbling growl that made Neige gasp and shiver. "Tell me, Neige."

Neige's fingers tightened in Jack's hair, tugging gently, urgently. "Please," he breathed, his voice soft and desperate. "Please, Jack. I want… I want your mouth on me."

Jack's heart raced at the words, at the sweet, aching need in Neige's voice. He leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against the tip of Neige's cock, savoring the way Neige's breath hitched, the way his hips bucked up, seeking more.

And then, with a low, rumbling growl, Jack took Neige into his mouth.

Neige cried out, his back arching off the couch, his hands scrabbling for purchase in Jack's hair. Jack's tongue swirled around him, savoring the taste of him, the heat and weight of him against his tongue. He took his time, bobbing his head slowly, letting Neige feel every inch of his mouth, every hot, slick slide of his tongue.

Neige was a symphony of movement beneath him, his hips rocking up to meet Jack's mouth, his breath coming in sharp, stuttering gasps. Jack could feel the tension building in Neige's body, could taste the salty-sweet evidence of his arousal on his tongue. He hummed low in his throat, the vibrations making Neige cry out, his fingers tugging almost painfully at Jack's hair.

"Jack," Neige gasped, his voice broken and desperate. "Jack, I'm… I'm close, I'm…"

Jack's wolf instincts surged, urging him to take Neige deeper, to push him over that edge. He hollowed his cheeks, sucking hard, his tongue pressing against the underside of Neige's cock, tracing over every sensitive ridge and vein. Neige's cries grew higher, more desperate, his hips bucking erratically into the heat of Jack's mouth.

And then, with a sharp, broken cry, Neige came undone. His body arched off the couch, his hands fisting in Jack's hair, holding him close as he spilled into the heat of Jack's mouth. Jack groaned at the taste of him, at the feeling of Neige pulsing against his tongue, and he swallowed every drop, savoring the sweet, musky flavor of Neige's release.

Slowly, gently, Jack worked Neige through the aftershocks, his tongue lapping at the sensitive skin, soothing him through the last shuddering waves of pleasure. Neige's body slowly relaxed back against the cushions, his breath coming in soft, sated pants, his fingers loosening their grip in Jack's hair.

Jack pulled back slowly, pressing a series of soft, gentle kisses against Neige's skin, nuzzling against his hip, his thigh, savoring the scent of him, the taste of him. Neige's eyes fluttered open, hazy and unfocused, a soft, blissful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Jack," he whispered, his voice hoarse and breathless. "That was… you were…"

Jack chuckled softly, pressing a gentle kiss against Neige's stomach. "Amazing?" he murmured, his voice a low, satisfied rumble.

Neige laughed breathlessly, his fingers carding through Jack's hair, gentle and affectionate. "More than amazing," he whispered, his eyes soft and warm and full of something that made Jack's heart race in his chest. "Perfect."

Jack's heart was pounding, his blood rushing hot and heavy through his veins as he looked down at Neige beneath him. Neige's skin was flushed, his hair mussed, his lips swollen and red from Jack's kisses. He looked utterly debauched, utterly perfect, and Jack's wolf instincts howled with the need to claim him, to make him his.

"Neige," Jack murmured, his voice a low, rough growl. "I want… I need…"

Neige blinked up at him, his eyes hazy with pleasure, but still so full of trust, of affection. "What do you need, Jack?" he whispered, his hands coming up to cup Jack's face, his touch gentle and sweet.

Jack swallowed hard, his heart racing at the simple, easy trust in Neige's voice. "I need you," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "All of you. I want to… to claim you. To knot you."

Neige's breath hitched, his eyes widening slightly, but there was no fear in his gaze—only curiosity, and a soft, aching tenderness that made Jack's heart clench in his chest. "You want to knot me?" Neige asked softly, his thumbs stroking over Jack's cheekbones.

Jack nodded, his wolf instincts screaming at him to take, to claim, to possess. But he held himself back, forcing himself to be gentle, to be patient. "Only if you want it," he murmured, nuzzling into Neige's palm. "I would never hurt you, Neige. Never."

Neige's lips curved into a soft, sweet smile, and he leaned up, brushing a gentle kiss against Jack's mouth. "I know," he whispered against Jack's lips. "I trust you, Jack. Completely."

Those simple words were all it took to break the last of Jack's resolve. With a low, rumbling growl, he surged forward, claiming Neige's mouth in a deep, hungry kiss. Neige melted beneath him, his arms winding around Jack's neck, his body arching up to press against Jack's.

Jack's hands roamed over Neige's body, mapping out every curve and plane, savoring the heat of his skin, the softness of his flesh. He could feel his own arousal throbbing between his legs, could feel the base of his cock starting to swell with the beginnings of his knot.

"Neige," Jack panted against Neige's lips, his voice rough and desperate. "I need to be inside you. Please."

Neige shivered beneath him, his eyes fluttering closed, his lips parting on a soft, needy moan. "Yes," he breathed, his fingers tangling in Jack's hair. "Yes, Jack, please…"

Jack groaned at the sweet, desperate plea in Neige's voice, and he reached down, fumbling with the fastenings of his own pants. He couldn't get them off fast enough, his fingers clumsy with need, with desperation. Finally, he managed to shove them down, his cock springing free, hard and aching and already slick with pre-come.

Neige's eyes widened at the sight of him, his breath catching in his throat. Jack was big, thick and long and curved slightly at the tip. And at the base of his cock, his knot was already starting to swell, a thick bulge of flesh that made Neige's heart race with a mix of nerves and anticipation.

"Jack," Neige whispered, his voice soft and awed. "You're so…"

Jack chuckled roughly, leaning down to nuzzle against Neige's neck. "Big?" he murmured, nipping gently at Neige's earlobe. "Don't worry, snowflake. I'll be gentle."

Neige shivered at the pet name, at the hot brush of Jack's breath against his skin. "I know you will," he whispered, tilting his head to give Jack better access to his throat. "I trust you, Jack. I want this. I want you."

Jack groaned at the sweet, honest words, and he reached down, fumbling in the pocket of his discarded jacket for the small bottle of lube he packed for just in case. He coated his fingers generously, warming the slick liquid between his palms before reaching down, trailing his fingers over Neige's entrance.

Neige gasped at the touch, his hips bucking up instinctively, seeking more. Jack chuckled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to Neige's shoulder as he slowly, carefully worked one finger inside him.

Neige's breath hitched, his body clenching around the intrusion, but Jack was patient, murmuring soft words of encouragement as he worked Neige open. "That's it, snowflake," he murmured, pressing soft kisses along Neige's collarbone. "Just relax. Let me take care of you."

Neige shivered at the words, at the sweet, gentle reassurance in Jack's voice. He forced himself to relax, to let Jack's fingers work him open, stretching him, preparing him for what was to come.

Finally, when Neige was panting and squirming beneath him, his body open and ready, Jack pulled his fingers free. He coated his cock liberally with lube, hissing at the cold sensation against his heated flesh. Then, with infinite care, he positioned himself at Neige's entrance, the tip of his cock nudging against that tight ring of muscle.

"Ready, snowflake?" Jack murmured, his voice rough with need, with barely-restrained desire.

Neige nodded, his eyes hazy with pleasure, his lips parted around soft, panting breaths. "Please, Jack," he whispered, his hands coming up to clutch at Jack's shoulders. "I need you. I'm ready."

With a low, rumbling growl, Jack pushed forward, the head of his cock breaching Neige's entrance, sliding into that tight, perfect heat. Neige cried out beneath him, his fingers digging into Jack's shoulders, his body clenching around the intrusion.

"Shh, easy," Jack murmured, peppering Neige's face with soft, gentle kisses. "I've got you. Just breathe, snowflake. Let me in."

Neige shuddered, forcing himself to relax, to let Jack sink deeper into his body. It was a stretch, a burn, but it was so good, the feeling of Jack filling him up, claiming him, owning him.

Inch by inch, Jack pressed forward, sinking deeper into Neige's welcoming heat. When he was fully seated, his hips flush against Neige's, he paused, giving Neige a moment to adjust to the feeling of being so full.

"Neige," Jack panted, his voice rough and strained with the effort of holding himself back. "You feel so good, snowflake. So perfect."

Neige whimpered, his body clenching around Jack's cock, savoring the feeling of being stretched, being claimed. "Jack," he gasped, his voice soft and breathy. "Please, I need… I need you to move."

Jack groaned, his hips twitching forward instinctively at the sweet, desperate plea in Neige's voice. Slowly, carefully, he began to move, rocking his hips in a gentle, steady rhythm.

Neige cried out beneath him, his body arching up to meet Jack's thrusts, his fingers scrabbling for purchase against Jack's shoulders. It was so much, so good, the feeling of Jack moving inside him, filling him up, claiming him in the most primal, intimate way possible.

As Jack's thrusts grew harder, faster, his knot began to swell, catching on Neige's rim with every thrust. Neige gasped at the sensation, his body clenching around the growing bulge, trying instinctively to draw it deeper.

"Jack," Neige panted, his voice high and breathy with need. "Your knot, it's… it's so big, I don't know if I can…"

"Shh, you can," Jack murmured, pressing a soft, reassuring kiss to Neige's lips. "You're doing so well, snowflake. Just a little more. I know you can take it."

Neige whimpered, but he nodded, trusting Jack completely, wanting this more than he'd ever wanted anything in his life. With a soft, desperate cry, he bore down, his body opening up to accept Jack's knot.

With a low, rumbling groan, Jack pushed forward, his knot finally breaching Neige's tight entrance and locking them together. Neige cried out at the sensation, his back arching off the bed as he was stretched impossibly wide around Jack's thick knot.

"Ahhh! Jack, it's so big! I feel so full…" Neige whimpered, his hands scrabbling at Jack's shoulders. His stomach bulged outward slightly from the sheer size of Jack's knot inside him.

Jack's golden eyes widened as he looked down and saw the visible outline of his cock pressing against Neige's abdomen. His brain short-circuited at the erotic sight. Neige was taking him so well, stretching to accommodate his massive size…

"Look at you, taking me so perfectly," Jack growled, his voice rough with lust and awe. He gently stroked Neige's stomach, feeling himself through Neige's skin. "You're incredible, snowflake. I can't believe you fit all of me inside you like this."

Neige giggled breathlessly and clenched around Jack's knot, making them both moan at the intense sensation. "Well, you are pretty big," he teased, his brown eyes sparkling with mischief even as his cheeks flushed bright pink. "I guess I was made to take you."

Jack huffed out a laugh, his ears flicking back in slight embarrassment even as a pleased rumble built in his chest. He leaned down to capture Neige's lips in a deep, passionate kiss, their tongues tangling together as he started to gently rock his hips, grinding his knot against Neige's prostate.

Neige gasped and mewled into the kiss, his cute noises spurring Jack on. He thrust harder, his heavy balls slapping against Neige's ass as he drove into him again and again, pushing his knot impossibly deeper.

"J-Jack! Ahh, yes, right there! Don't stop!" Neige babbled, throwing his head back in ecstasy. Tears of pleasure pricked at the corners of his eyes as Jack's relentless thrusts nailed his sweet spot dead-on.

"I won't, I promise. Gonna fill you up so good," Jack panted, his thrusts growing erratic as he chased his release. "Gonna pump you full of my seed, fill this cute little belly."

"Please, yes! I want it, Jack!" Neige begged shamelessly, the dirty talk combined with the constant pressure on his prostate sending him hurtling over the edge.

With a high, breathy keen, Neige came untouched, his cock pulsing as it painted his chest and the swell of his stomach with ropes of pearly white. His passage rhythmically squeezed Jack's knot, milking him for everything he had.

The vice-like grip of Neige's walls pushed Jack over the brink as well. Throwing his head back with a guttural roar, he slammed in as deep as he could go and exploded, his knot engorging to its fullest size as he pumped Neige full of his hot, virile seed.

Neige moaned weakly as he felt Jack's cock twitch and jerk inside him, the sensation of being filled sending pleasant aftershocks rolling through him. His stomach visibly swelled with the sheer volume of Jack's release, bulging out obscenely.

"So much… ahhh… I'm so full of you…" Neige slurred, his eyes fluttering shut in bliss. He cradled his round tummy reverently, basking in the feel of Jack's essence inside him.

Jack panted harshly as he came down from his high, his softening cock still spurting weakly, plugged in place by his knot. He gazed down at Neige in wonder, taking in his debauched appearance - the fucked-out, blissful expression on his face, the way his hole was stretched wide around Jack's knot, the pearly streams of cum painting his chest, the obscene swell of his belly…

"You're perfect," Jack whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "My perfect little snowflake. I love you so much."

Neige's eyes fluttered open and he smiled up at Jack, soft and sweet and utterly content. "I love you too, Jack. More than anything."

Jack's heart swelled with happiness and he leaned down to kiss Neige slow and deep, pouring all his love and devotion into the gentle press of their lips. They exchanged soft, sweet kisses as they basked in the afterglow, murmuring words of love and praise to each other.

Jack gently rolled them over so Neige was lying on his chest, taking care not to jostle his knot too much and hurt his precious snowflake. He wrapped his strong arms around Neige's waist, holding him close as Neige snuggled into him with a happy sigh.

They stayed like that for a long time, just holding each other and exchanging soft kisses and gentle caresses as Jack's knot slowly went down. Even when he finally slipped out of Neige's hole with a wet squelch, he didn't let go, content to keep his cute little snowflake safe and warm in his embrace forever.