#exactsamedude

But if the past haunts, there is nowhere to run anyway.

Thankfully, the first thing that hits you when you land in the snow isn't your stupid emotions, its the cold. Even in summer LOFAF stayed quiet and eerie; The place was silent, save for the distance croak of frogs huddled in thermal vents and the wind skidding across the lake ice. The feeling started the slither up your spine as much as you tried to shove it down with each forceful step into the fresh snow. You knew Axel could feel it too from your side, considering he pulled you closer to his hip like you'd sink so far into despair you fall through the planet's core.

He was warm. You focused on that, on the way his hand was almost hot in yours as his long fingers curled around yours like he was holding the world. On the way he took in the scene around him with bright curiosity, untainted by living it like you had even if he had seen this place through your own eyes. It was something new, something to explore. Despite yourself, a smile creeped up till he caught you're gaze and you looked away embarrassed, flushed. It didn't matter how long time had passed since the first kiss, every look from him sent you up in butterflies. In the back of your mind a small voice was disgusted you'd think that here, but it wasn't hard to shove back down at the sound of Axel's excited noises at the icy expanse of water.

The lake here was the exact copy of yours back on the island, except frozen still in thick ice, trapping frogs underneath its tow. The free running water under the ice you could see under the frosty blue held giant koi, glimmering in green and blues. It was just as beckoning as it was frightening. So many thoughts were had on these waters. You faintly remember once you and David thawing the entire thing for a swim. His presence was everywhere in this universe, and it sat on your chest like a rock as you sat down to put on your skates. Axel did the same, sitting on your lap to not get wet. After some wiggling (and kisses), you were ready to teach this doofus to walk a second time.

He watched you intently as you glided out with ease, like you had never left. You were sure he could feel your pulse jump as you turned back to him with a snaggled grin. His own face was furrowed with concentration as he tried to follow you out slowly, his legs wobbling. You could tell he had researched it like he said; You could practically see the maneuvers whizzed in his head as he tried to make limbs replicate the effects. The giggling that bubbled out was rewarded with metallic grumbles, followed by a small shriek as he caught himself on his fingertips. Goober.

You skated back to meet him, and he clung almost instantly to your cold figure. You kissed his hands in gentle congrats for trying before pulling him out to the middle, one hand on his waist as you showed him how to angle his feet. He listened diligently, questioning just as much as you said, but eventually got the hang of it. However him getting his footing just meant a means of being a little shit in this metaphorical household, judging by his evil grin. By the time you two had spent yourselves ragged in your horseplay (You still say it was cheating for him to shove you into the snow mound.), and were headed to the quiet remains of your winter home, you didn't need the arm around your waist to stay warm anymore. Even though the heart behind it was the source, after all.

Yo.

I have a chassis. I choose not to use it.