❝ Winter Wonderland ❞

[medievalism]

{ i wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? }

That's it, that's the post. It's here for all your cozy, hygge, wintry RP dreams. Here are some ideas:

• snow: first snow of the season/ever, making snowpeople, forts, or snow angels, snowball fights, snowed in
• warm: hot drinks, warm blankets, crackling fires, busting out the winter coats and socks, baking in a cozy kitchen
• holidays: decorating, picking out a tree, preparing the big holiday meal, exchanging gifts
• activities: shopping, cooking, sledding, ice skating, cuddling with someone special
• new year: par-tay!, toast, countdown, midnight kiss

Comments

[gaietes]

"Let's get a second to decompress," Lark chuckles, reaching over to pat Dal's arm. He knows being thrust into family gatherings can be a lot for anyone. "We can bring our bags to my bedroom upstairs," he offers, peeking behind a couch to grab his satchel bag and Dal's duffel. "You can freshen up if you want. Or even take a shower!"

Lark has some awareness regarding Dal's situation and he tries to be respectful about it, not wanting to come across as if he is treating a friend like a charity case. He genuinely enjoys spending time with him and offers his help only when he can. Sometimes, he'll come home from a good quest and even treat them both to dinner.

Once the door to the bedroom is open, they can see how his mother has set up a guest cot next to Lark's twin bed, already made up with two pillows and a fluffy comforter. The room is otherwise preserved as teenage Lark had left it, with various posters and shelves stuffed to the brim with books.

[bagelbites]

Dal's not particularly ashamed of his lot in life. He's also not particularly proud of it. But, it's his life and that's really all he ever wanted. Even if it's a struggle. Even if it often leaves him cold and hungry. The choices are his and his alone. That's something he can be proud of. Even if it looks completely different to others.

The fact that Lark's never treated him like he needs to be saved is something that Dal enjoys about their friendship. He's met a few people in the past who felt like they had to lift him up and play savior. Needless to say, those friendships didn't last long since they were predicated on the other person's need to rescue Dal. Lark's friendship and affection never felt like that. It never felt like Lark was waiting for some payout.

Ah, but Dal's so relieved when they slip away. He takes his bag from Lark and follows the other boy to his room. He's not sure what he expected (a sleeping bag on the floor maybe?), but what's actually there earns a delighted little gasp. A cot! A big, cozy blanket! And a veritable time capsule of a teenage Lark!

So cute!

Dal moves toward the cot and sets his bag beside it, pushing it so it's as inconspicuous as possible, then turns in a slow circle as he drinks in the room. It's so full of Lark's personality. Very unlike the room Dal grew up in. That room was plain, devoid of anything personal at all for fear of his parents scorn.

Mention of a shower pulls Dal's attention and he turns back around to face Lark, something hopeful written on his face. "I'd like a shower," he answered. He texted Lark after work and since the other boy was already packing for this visit, there wasn't time for any of that before leaving. A nap will do him wonders, too. But that's probably not going to happen. At least he can, hopefully, go to sleep early.

"I'll be quick," he added.

Nearly everything Dal owns is in his duffel bag and he's mastered the art of being fast in the bathroom. Shower, hair, makeup, thirty minutes tops. But really, he just didn't want Lark's relations to realize he wreaks of sweat... most of it not his.

[gaietes]

It's adorable, watching Dal take in his room, though a part of him wants to shrink away in embarrassment because he so rarely brings friends back home with him. Mostly, he's just happy to provide a warm and safe environment for him where there are people who are very comfortable speaking Korean and are more than willing to help out one of Lark's friends in need, especially during the holidays.

He notes how small Dal seems to make himself, how inconspicuous he tries to be, and Lark cannot help but reach out to touch his arm reassuringly.

"You can take all the time you want," he urges. "No one needs this bathroom right now. If you wanted to borrow something of mine, I think I have a holiday sweater to wear to dinner." He wrinkles his nose, chuckling.

"Or I can throw clothes in the wash for you. Whatever you want! We have two hours until dinnertime."

[bagelbites]

Borrowing something is probably a good idea. Dal's only 'nice' clothes are buried in the duffel and probably wrinkled from it. But he does own a pair of khaki pants and a white button-up. Sometimes, he needs to look presentable. Maybe a sweater over that would be okay.

"You don't mind?" Even as he asks, he hefts his bag onto the cot to start digging through it for clean clothes, the small bag with his toiletries, and another still with all his makeup. "I think my shirt might be wrinkled..."

[gaietes]

"I wouldn't mind at all. I have a steamer in here if you wanted to straight out any clothes, though!" Lark chrips. His family wasn't exactly dressed to the nines downstairs, the theme being festive and comfortable ( especially with all the food waiting for them ).

Lark perches himself on his bed with his bag at his feet, unzipping and pulling out a few holiday clothes ( also festive but mostly in pastels ) to display as he waits for Dal to sort through his things.

"I brought extras because I couldn't decide," he admits sheepishly.

[bagelbites]

Dal's nicest clothes weren't very nice, in all honesty. They all fit poorly due in part to him being so slight and him getting all his things from thrift stores or donations to a local shelter near his place. Even he shopped at regular stores, he'd still have to have most of them tailored to fit him just right.

What he ends up laying out are a pair of tan trousers and a nondescript white button-up. Only mildly wrinkled from being stuffed in his bag. He spreads them out on the cot. The pants definitely need the steamer (Lark will show him how to use it, right?) but the shirt can be covered with a cute festive sweater!

"Which is your second favorite?"