#weird ending

Snow wasn’t common in Inkopolis. There were the usual flurries every year, but occasionally it would skip a year or two. Despite the aesthetically pleasing view it gave, Whinter always hated the cold (ironic, isn’t it?). Vadelma would casually throw in a joke about him of all people hating the cold, while his name was literally named after the cool season, whenever they hung out. But he wasn’t alone in this. Almost every inkling wore shorts, so whenever the temperature went below “warm”, almost no one went outside (save for the few show-offs and daredevils). But the one thing Whinter hated the most about the snow was how lazy it made him feel. For the past 3 hours, he’s done nothing but sit in his room and stare at the outside. He would sometimes go out to grab a snack, check on his mom, or see if Clementine was available to talk. Martin and Jaycob were outside doing whatever they do (thank cod, there would be no more teasing from them) and Cloud was out to school. 4 more hours and he would probably have to go out to pick her up. Whinter picked up his phone next to him. There were a handful of people online. Those being Marian, Logan, Taloupe, Sorrel and Clementine. The blue inkling immediately sent a greeting to his girlfriend, hoping she would respond. At least now he had something to do. Within a minute, he felt his phone vibrate.

‘I went outside and I’m putting this on the list of worst ideas I’ve ever had.’

‘I’m freezing’

Whinter snorted at her response to his simple “hey”. Whinter glanced outside and noticed the snowfall increasing. Keeping his gaze towards the outside, he slowly responded.

   ‘Where are you right now?’

    ‘The cirnrr o f herl;l.’ She responded immediately. ‘corner* hell* dammit’

Whinter stared at her response. He could imagine how much her fingers were shivering. Before he could say anything, another response came from her.

    ‘I’m actually not far from your place.’ She said. ‘Thios asadnt pla  n ne d, I sqw e ra’ A few seconds passed. ‘This wasn’t planned, I swear*. Wow sorry my hands are freezing.’

Whinter placed his phone down on his bed and quickly left his room. He quickly made his way towards his mother’s room to check what she was doing. As he expected, she was sleeping. He quietly closed her door and jogged back over to his room. He grabbed his phone and quickly texted her back.

‘You should come over to warm up.’ He invited her. A few seconds later he got a response.

‘Sweet, I’ll be thetr e.’  A pause ‘Tjhe er*’ Another one ‘Thw e re* Oh svc re w  i t’ She typed back .Whinter chuckled to himself next to him. He laid back on his bed, waiting for her to arrive.

~~~~

By the time Clementine arrived, Whinter was already near the front door. He opened the door as soon as he heard the first few knocks. When he saw her, Whinter had to refrain himself from laughing out loud, but instead let out a playful smirk. Clementine was completely covered in snow. Her head had a small pile of the white stuff, as well as the flakes being stuck on her scarf and jacket. Her scarf covered half of her face, but despite that he could still see her cheeks puffed up and red from being cold. She didn’t even bother to wear pants either, and instead had her normal shorts.

“You look lovely.” Whinter simply said. Clementine groaned and pushed her way through.

“Yeah, yeah.” She said. “I know you’re joking.” Whinter watched in amusement as Clementine wiggled her whole body in order to completely rid herself of snow. She sighed once it was off, and continued to remove her hat and scarf. She glanced over once he heard him snickering. “What?”

“That was adorable.” He said, still trying (and failing) to refrain himself from turning into a laughing mess. Clementine could only groan back in response. As soon as she removed her jacket, she bent down to pick up the snow on the floor (that was once on her) and threw it at him. He hissed out as soon as it made contact with his cheek and rubbed the now cold spot. Clementine stuck out her tongue and walked deeper into his house. “I’m starting to regret inviting you.” Whinter called out.

“You always say that.” Clementine called out from the back. Whinter quickly went after her, and saw she was already in his room. She turned to face him. “So...How do you plan on,” she paused, “warming me up?” Whinter rolled his eyes.

“Not the way you’re thinking.” He said sternly.

“Aw.”

“I don’t actually know. Maybe warm up so hot cocoa?” He suggested. Clementine sat on his bed and shrugged.

“Nah, I don’t need that.”

“Then what?”

She shrugged again and brought her knees against her chest. Whitner sat next to her and the two silently watched the snow continuously fall.

“Why were you outside in the first place?” Whinter asked, trying to start a conversation. Clementine hesitated before answering.

“I got into a fight with my dad...again.” She said. Whinter glanced over to face her. “But this time I had to leave. I was just so upset.” She kept a straight face while looking forward.

“It wasn’t about me, was it?” He nervously asked. If the argument was about him and got Clementine this angry, then he probably couldn’t see her dad for the next few months (maybe a year if he wanted to be extra safe). This time, she let out a soft snort.

“Actually, no. It was something else.” She said. The blue inkling raised an eyebrow.

“Wanna talk about it?” He asked.

“No.”

More silence.

“He wants me to go to this really advance turf war camp across the country.” She finally said. Whinter blinked and fully faced her.

“Why won’t you? It seems good.” He said. Clementine shook her head and tighten her grip on her knees.

“It would be for the whole year, starting in a few months.” She said. “I wouldn’t be able to see anyone, and I would have to abandon my team.” Whinter reached over, lightly caressing the back of her head. Clementine sighed softly to the gesture. “I know he wants me to get better. He did it, and he met mom there too.” She continued. “Apparently it’s what made them champions.” She faced the boy next to him. “But I really don’t want to leave anyone. You wouldn’t go either, would you?” She asked. Whinter sighed, and shook his head.

“I wouldn’t, mainly because I’m no where as skilled as you.” He said. Clementine tried to glare at him, but her smile betrayed her. She lightly punched him to make up for the failed glare. She then leaned closer towards him and laid against him. Whinter wrapped an arm around her and she nuzzled her head closer against his chest.

“I can see why your dad wants you to go there.” He finally said. Clementine sighed.

“I still don’t want to go.”

“Neither do I. I’d miss hunting you down on turf war matches.” He said.

“You never do that. I’d find you first.” She poked at him. Whitner chuckled and looked down at the orange inkling laying on him.

“As I was saying,” Whinter continued from before, ignoring Clementine’s groans, “I don’t think you need the skill to get better than you already are, but your dad did meet your mom there, aka the love of his life.” He shrugged. Clementine stayed silent. She then released her grip on him and sat up. Whinter stared at her and she locked eyes with him. After a few seconds, she looked down, a light blush grazing across her cheeks.

“Then why would I go if I already have found you?” She mumbled, almost too low that he couldn’t hear. But he did, and he blushed furiously in response. There was absolutely no way he could respond to that. There was another awkward silence between the two, and Clementine to face him again. Whinter hesitated.

“Yeah…”He said, attempting to not sound extremely cheesy. “So have I…” Clementine warmly smiled to that, and leaned forward. She bumped her forehead against his and just stayed there in silence, watching him. Whitner did the same, unsure what else to do. Whinter’s hands, which were supporting him up on his bed linked with Clementines hands, and the two peacefully gazed upon each other. He had to admit, moments like these were rare. He could barely invite her into his house without his older brothers or Cloud coming in to embarrass the both of them. Clementine couldn’t invite Whinter to her house because her dad would probably kill him (she’s surprised he hasn’t already). And for the rest of the times they’re together, they’re either with their friends or playing jokes on each other. Staying quiet like this was...nice.

“Warm now?” He asked softly. Clementine just let out a “mmm” in response, and closed her eyes. Whinter watched her relax. He could only imagine the stress she’s been through. He always had seen her running out, giving out orders and taking control of all situations. She was a strong person, much more stronger than he could ever be. But seeing her like this, it made her look smaller, just like a normal inkling. She had so much on her shoulders, and she would never admit it out loud. But Whinter was glad he could at least help her relax. He closed his eyes as well, enjoying the silent moment between the two. This lasted for a few seconds, before he heard a small sniff. He opened his eyes, and saw Clementine’s face scrunched up.

“You better not get sick.” He teased. Clementine moved her head a bit back away from his head.

“N-No.. I waaah…” She paused, sniffing again. Whinter raised an eyebrow, genuinely concerned. “Aaah.” She reeled her head back even more. Whinter leaned a little closer to her.

“Are you oka-”

Aaaa...ACHOO-” Clementine violently sneezed. The force of her strong sneeze brought her head forward, which bumped into Whinter’s forehead. The two hissed in pain rubbing their heads. The two faced each other, and Whinter groaned.

“Cod dammit, Clem.” He said.