#first winter

“Good morning.” He didn’t break the sanctuary of his space, rather staying on the top of the attic ladder. He folded his arms across the top poles and leaned forward comfortably. He had bed-head like mad, he hadn’t bothered to brush it or anything before coming up to find him. The very faint hint of mint gave away he had brushed his teeth though. He put in that effort but not his daily routine? “It is rather cold up here, would you like to join me for a warm drink? Your ears and nose are turning a bit red. No heat gets up here during the winter.”

Shadow felt them with his hands, the skin feeling colder than his fingertips. Right, he had to worry about body heat now. He uncurled himself, wobbling at the fuzzy feeling of his legs having fallen asleep.

“G’morning. You’re up early.” He follows him down.

“I got cold and could not fall back asleep.” he hummed distractedly. “I figured I would start up the fire and some pancakes. It is a tradition Blue started, to have pancakes or french toast during the first snowfall and more bacon than you could ever possibly eat.” Vio grins and he just now notices the man is still in pajamas. It was very unusual for Vio to be ‘indecent’ outside of their room. “I am better at pancakes, the best in fact.” He comically puffed out his chest and put hands on his hips to make Shadow laugh. Vio pushed the attic ladder back up, letting the rope dangle for the next explorer.

“Nice sunrise this morning? I bet it looked fantastic on all that snow.”

Shadow stumbled a little. He hadn’t thought he knew. Vio huffed that cute little nose puff laugh he did when amused.

“Did you not realize I knew?” He caught and righted the poor shade. “Do not worry, you were quiet enough. I always notice when you leave our bed. I worried at first you were uncomfortable sleeping next to me, until I found out what you were up to.”

“Oh.” He felt a little dumb now. “Sorry for waking you up.” Shadow winced, he must have woken Vio up this morning and left him cold and alone. He wondered how often he’d done so, but it seemed like his partner wasn’t mad or upset about it.

“It is nothing, I am just a light sleeper.” Vio dismisses, and this time he gets caught by Shadow as he takes a step wrong in his fuzzy socks. His foot slipped out under him, sending him suddenly horizontal and twisting his stable foot in an unnatural direction.

“Woah!!!’ Vio shouts and then hisses in pain. He is suddenly staring up at Shadow who was behind him. His arms under his and Vio’s head shoved into his abdomen, looking up backwards at Shadow’s face. His reflexes were insane. He had grabbed Vio before he had processed that he was falling. Shadow blinked owlishly as his brain caught up. “Ahaha…someone must have polished the stairs...” Vio excuses, trying his best to calm the embarrassed heat flaming his face and ears. His chest thudded from the adrenaline. Footsteps pounded above them from the yell and thud waking at least one of the others.

“How the hell are we the heroes of anything if we keep falling over our own feet?” He refuses to let him up for a moment to savor the rare misstep. He was absolutely teasing him relentlessly later for this.

“I suppose we are only falling for each other.” Vio grins wickedly, knowing just how much horrible puns annoyed his partner. Shadow groans and lets him go dramatically. “Hey!” He doesn’t let him actually fall, catching and lifting him back on his feet with shadows. At the top of the stairs Green appears ready to fight a hoard of moblin with some kind of vibrantly colored wobbly stick thing in his hands. His hair is the definition of bed head, stuck up everywhere like he has rubbed it a thousand times with a balloon. His underpants are on backwards.

“What’s going on!? Are you okay? Was there a break in??” He was also clad in only briefs. While they looked comfortable, the silly little geese holding knives in their beaks on them made his intimidating stature nothing but hilarious. Shadow eyed the stick warily.

“Not unless you count the showdown between Vio’s cat paw socks versus wood polish.” Shadow raised an eyebrow. “We’re good, thank you. He almost ate absolute shit on the stairs, but I -being the most bestest and handsomest hero of you all- valiantly saved him.” Shadow boasted, putting all his ego into it.

“Be still my beating heart.” Vio deadpanned, holding the railing to look back lest he fall again. His face freezes looking between the makeshift weapon and Green and then weapon again. His one eyebrow slowly raised incredulously leaving Shadow a little confused.

“I am fairly sure you grabbed the wrong kind of sword there, Green. What exactly were you planning to accomplish with that?”

Green’s freckles pop with his blush as he throws the thing back into his open bedroom door. It wiggles in the air in a comical way as it goes. A soft thump indicated it landed on his bed, or maybe a clothing pile. Shadow’s the only one of them with good enough hearing to hear the “Ow! Hey!” from Green’s room. He’s pretty sure that was Red.

“Either blunt force trauma or physiological.” He crosses his arms. “It was the closest thing to me!”

“I feel like I’m missing something here.” Shadow frowns at being kept out of the loop.

“I will explain later.” Vio whispers to him, “It is uh- a device for a sex thing.”

“Oh.” Shadow makes a face. They hadn't really explored that area of their relationship yet. Seeing whatever that thing was made him so thankful for it. He couldn't imagine what that weird wobbly thing was for. He wants to know what that has to do with Red, but it probably wasn’t his business.

“Would you like to join us for pancakes?” Vio changes the subject bluntly. It saves Shadow from making the decision to ask or not.

Green’s face lights up. “Fuck yeah! I

We’ll be right down.” He hurries into his room to grab proper pajamas and go brush his teeth and take care of other business. The nerd doesn’t notice the plural slip up in the aftermath of shame. Some hero he was, falling to his death on their home stairs. Vio takes the steps more carefully, hiding the slight limp from twisting his ankle. Why, when something happened to his legs or feet, did it always have to happen on the side Green broke during their fight!? It was like divine revenge! With how close Shadow stayed he had a feeling he wasn’t hiding shit.

He started the coffee while Vio grabbed all the pancake supplies. Shadow bent down at the fireplace, opening the flue lever and shooting some fire on the logs. Who cared if it was cheating, magic was awesome. He returned to the kitchen part, sitting on top of a counter. Vio babbled some facts about snow and ice while he whisked the batter together. Notably he rarely moved to hide the pain. Shadow used his shadows to move things closer and get stuff from the cupboard Vio reached for. His lack of complaint was proof enough of Vio’s thanks for it.

“They all form differently, if you look close enough at the flakes… oh, good morning Red.” The duo make their way into the downstairs space. He yawns big with a wave. He is not a morning person.

Green plops into a chair near the fireplace.

“I am a little surprised you did not wake up from being cold.” Green notoriously had the least tolerance for winter.

“Isn’t Red like, a personal furnace?” Shadow hummed, poking the hero on his cheek.

“What would Red have to do with that?” Vio only looked over briefly, in the middle of pouring batter. “Why did you only wake up Red and not Blue, anyway?” Shadow gives Red a knowing little smirk, but stays quiet.

“Uhhhhh.” Red grabs a mug, filling it half with coffee and half with cream. “I had a bad dream and Green was still awake. I fell asleep in his room.” His fidgeting made the lie pretty obvious, but thankfully Vio was turned away and too busy to take it as anything but face value.

“I see. That was nice of him.”

Green fell asleep leaning his chin on his hand. They hadn’t actually slept all that much last night.

“It’s probably best if the house is warm before Blue gets up anyway.” Red sips from the cute calico cat mug he had made in their Grandpa’s forge. The paint was just the tiniest bit out of the spot circles, and the handle was a tail.

“He’s grumpy enough.” Shadow agrees.

The delicious smell of bacon filled the house. Vio was softly humming something as he flipped pancakes.

“I think he needs an apron.” Shadow mused to fill the time. Red nods sagely. “Like yours, but purple. Maybe swirls for the ties, like magic beams.” He was aware not everyone could see tendrils of magic like he could, but it was fun anyway.

“You do have an eye for those kinds of things. Red looks pointedly at Green. “Unlike some of us.”

“Hahaa- But the geese undies are just so charming!” Green was awake enough to flip him off. He leaned a little closer to Red. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell. None-a my business anyway.” Red sputters and hides behind a drink. Shadow gives a conspiratorial wink.

Vio throws and lands a pancake on Shadow’s face. “Don’t tease Red, it is not nice.”

“Hey! Rude! This one’s mine now.” Shadow snatches it off his face by making his mouth and fangs as big as his head, chomping it one go.

“Fuckin’ animal.” Blue chastises with humor from the bottom of the steps. Shadow blows an oversized raspberry at him that pitches up as his mouth shrinks back to normal. Vio has turned away, covering his mouth. His shoulders were shaking though, Shadow couldn't be fooled. “Y’all started without me?”

“Oh, hell no.” Vio glares at him. “It is bad enough Shadow has no respect for the Hylian language, do not you dare start using ‘y’all’ too!”

“Ha!” Shadow cheers his victory. “It’s contagious!" Blue rolled his eyes and sat next to the giggling Red. Green had fallen asleep again, his cheek earning a little red imprint of his hand. They fell into warm familial bickering and talking. Shadow took the opportunity to gaze longingly out the window at the snow. Vio said it was cold, tiny ice crystals. He wanted to shove his hands in it, but he also didn’t want to ruin the sleek look. There was something about untouched snow that was oddly beautiful. The hibernating trees hanging under the weight, the cold stillness that soothed his soul. It was the quiet in the early morning he now likes best. He never liked calm and quiet before Vio, but indulging him in it only grew his fondness.

“Someone wants to play outside.” His ears flick back to attention as Green casually leans on him. His arms over his shoulders like a sleepy sloth. Green was a touchy feely dude when drunk or tired. It weirded him out at first, but now he kind of liked the platonic affection.

“I’ve never seen it before.”

“Never seen what?”

“Snow.”

All hell broke loose as everyone but Vio started talking at once.

“You knew this!” Shadow holds his hands palm out. “I told y’all I didn’t know anything about seasons, or holidays, or none of that. It doesn’t exactly snow on death mountain.”

“We have to go outside and have snow fights, oh oh! Let’s build a giant snow fort!” Red bounced.

“We do not have any winter outer wear for Shadow.” Vio sighs, “I should have thought of that before, I knew it was getting cold. It is a little early for snow though. A lot fell last night. I might have an extra set of warm hat or gloves.” He sets down two heaping plates of perfectly browned pancakes and bacon. He fooled everyone with his slow walk by balancing both plates at once.

“I made a sweater. Shadow hasn’t decided what day this official birthday is yet, so I’ve been holding onto it.” Blue stirs the sugar into his coffee cup and then points the spoon at him. “But it counts as your present, don’t expect another from me on whatever day you choose.”

“You knit me a sweater?” What was the warm fuzzy feeling in his chest? Shadow still isn’t used to being loved like this.

“Don’t look into it! I was bored.”

“After we eat.” Vio shoos Shadow’s ass off the counter to sit properly in a chair. “Come on, off the counters you heathen. Act like a well mannered being for once in your life.”

They showed him how to put on all the gear. He slid the cotton glove on his hand, only for his claws to pierce the tips. Vio smacks his forehead in exasperated hindsight.

“Whoops.” He blinks at them, looking up at Vio to make sure he wasn’t in trouble.

“Well, they do cover your hands mostly at least.” He flips one of them over and around. “It will have to do for now. But if you get too cold let us know.” He holds his hand between his like a little hand sandwich. “I mean it, pay attention. You can get frostbite.”

“Frostbite sounds like a cool ice wolfos attack.” Shadow grins. “We should make ice wolfos statues to guard the fort!”

“Sure.” Vio let him free. Red was just placing the risen bread loaf in the cast iron above the fireplace. Cinnamon bread is his favorite, soft pull apart swirling bread with cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter. Red would coat the top with a glaze when he served it. Melted powdered sugar and milk. Shadow was grinning at him.

“Yes!” Red runs over to the door. “Fort, fort, fort!” He bursts through and into the snow. Vio tucks Shadow into a knit beanie cap and pats his head.

“All set.”

“I feel like you’re treating me like a little kid, but I also don’t hate it.” He narrows his eyes.

“Only a bit.” Vio shoves him towards the door. “Go have fun!”

“Only if you rest your ankle. If you don’t I’ll tell Blue.” Shadow cocks his hip and puts his hand on it.

“I will.” He waves his book. Satisfied he turns and takes his first steps into the icy tundra.

The snow crunches under his boots and he sinks into the two foot fluff. It sparkles everywhere the light hits it. He digs a hand down into it. It was heavy and wet and excellent for packing. Red was already starting up on a wall, compacting it tightly. Shadow ran over to help.

“Oh! Yes! Float up to the top, I’ll hand you buckets and you get the top of the walls!” Red beams, nose already a little cherry. Green and Blue came shortly after. They mostly threw snow at each other instead of helping.

An impressive snow fort stood after a few hours when Vio opened the front door again.

“Hey! Oh damn that’s pretty big! Good structure.” He whistles. “You guys should take a break inside! It’s cold.”

“No!” Shadow pokes his head out from the fort’s upper window. “I am the king of the snow castle!” He declares.

Vio snorts. “The king of the snow castle is going to lose his toes. I can see your drippy noses from here.” Shadow pouts at him. “You can come back out, but you should have some warm water and be inside for a little while.” Blue and Green were already shuffling back. Both coated in snow. They shake off like wet dogs before coming inside.

“Yes mom.” Green laughs and his sour reaction. “Vio’s right, though.”

“Finneeeeeeeeeee.” He slides down the ice slide and he and Red come inside too. They hang the wet clothes near the fireplace. Shadow is shaking, fangs clattering.

“I told you,” Vio huffs a little nose laugh. “Come here,” He gives Shadow a pair of his fuzzy socks, dyed to look like black cat paws. Shadow’s cheeks were flushed and he sniffled. He holds his icy cheeks with warm palms.

“Mmmmm. Keep doing that.” Shadow shuts his eyes in bliss. “So warm.” Vio sits him on the couch. He wraps a fluffy blanket around his shoulders.

“I will be right back.” He takes a large pot off the stove that was steaming. He whisked it and then poured some sweet smelling brown liquid into mugs.

“Cocoa!” Red cheers and runs to the mugs. “Yes!” Everyone joins in the living room, close to the fireplace. Vio hands a mug to Shadow, who looks at him curiously.

“Hot chocolate. It’s warm and sweet.” He lifts up one side of the thick blanket and slides in next to him, wrapping them both up. Red glows faintly, surrounded by Blue and Green. His magic flaring warm for them.

Shadow sniffs it and then takes a slow sip. It’s thick and warm. A dark chocolate, Vio’s favorite kind. It was more chocolate than milk. Shadow melted into Vio’s side, literally. He was half corporeal in comfort and bliss. Warmth from all sides and a satisfying tiredness from exercise making him sleepy and loose. Red starts a commentary on how the building went that turned into background noise for them.

He didn’t know when he had fallen asleep. He hated falling asleep anywhere but the confines of their safe room. He always jolted awake in a panic unaware of his surroundings. Vio pulled him back down to the couch.

“Easy there,” He settles Shadow back into his side calmly, “You fell asleep in the living room.” The thick blanket still around them must have done it. Being so warm, worn out, and close to his partner tricked his brain into saying: safe nap time! Shadow’s eyes are blurry with half-awake awareness. He buries his face into Vio’s chest, grumbling. He wanted to go back to sleep, but knew he couldn’t now that he was painfully aware of their public location.

Soft purring rumbles while Vio scratches his nails across his scalp and untangles his messy hair. They were alone for now. Vio had accidentally wobbled on his bad foot earlier and got a lecture and walk ban from Blue. It was nice to just relax, but he felt a little bad. He was supposed to be helping and here he was indulging in some comfort time with his partner. Vio’s body melted into the sofa under Shadow’s weight. At this rate he would fall asleep again and be awake all damn night. He pinches his cheek.

“Shadow,”

“Mm.”

“Shaaaaadddooowwwww,” He wiggles his cheek and snickers when his hand gets slapped away.

“Im awake.” Shadow whines and sits upright. Some of his joints snap in a satisfying way as he reaches his arms way above his head and stretches. “What’d I miss?”

“Apoarently Red and Green have a thing going on and Blue already knows about it. He knows because he and Red also have a thing so now he and Green are slightly involved but that's still new.”

“Oh. Huh. I was kinda wondering what Red had to do with that wiggly thing this morning.”

“I’m sorry, the what?” Blue is leaning on the door frame, arms crossed. He doesn’t sound mad, more amused than anything.

“We made some noise when Vio almost died on the stairs.”

“Hey! I did not-”

“And Green’s sleeping brain thought we were being robbed so he ran out holding this thing that wobbled and when Vio pointed out it was not his weapon he threw it into his room. It hit Red.”

It takes him a few seconds to realize what Shadow was saying. He started laughing so hard he bent over.

“He tried to stop a robber with a- with a- Ahahahaha!”

“With a what?”

“It’s called a sex toy,” Vio supplies in his ear. “It’s for sexual intimacy with yourself or others. It’s meant to uh- replicate genitalia."

“Oh.” Now he gets it. He’s pretty sure that must be what Hylian’s look like. Shadow doesn’t even blink at Blue’s expression.

“You didn’t know?”

He shrugs unfazed. “Y’all look different. I might be more Hylian adjacent now but that stuff didn’t change.”