Chapter 416: The Kiss in the Snowfall
"Lettie," Ruediger called once he saw Lariette opening the door, helplessness imbued his tone, "You’ll catch a chill."
"It’s fine~"
Lariette had already stepped outside, not minding the icy air biting her skin. Once her bare feet landed on the balcony floor, her toes slightly curled, but the sight of the falling snow made her forget the cold.
"It’s so pretty!"
Tilting her head back, her eyes bright with wonder. She raised her hands, spinning once as the drifting flakes clung to her hair and lashes. The hem of her nightgown fluttered as she did a little dance.
What began as a light snowfall intensified in the next moment. Lariette couldn’t help but stretch her arms out, hoping to catch the snow despite knowing it was futile.
Exhaling a resigned sigh, Ruediger picked the bunny slippers Lariette abandoned in the living room. Once he reached her, he knelt on one knee, helping her to wear the slippers.
"Your feet will be cold, sweetheart."
"Hehe, thank you~"
Lariette giggled. She held Ruediger’s shoulders to balance herself as he put the slippers on her feet. Once he was done, he stood up and met her sparkling eyes.
"Not afraid of turning into an ice statue, huh?" Ruediger shook his head while bringing the joyful Lariette in his embrace.
"Then you can thaw me," she teased, relishing in his warmth as he shielded her from the cold. She grinned at him before staring at the scenery from the balcony.
The bright neon lights of the city swallowed the beauty of the soft snow, but Lariette was already content. She didn’t expect to witness the first snowfall tonight because the weather forecast its arrival next week.
Truly a miracle!
Holding Lariette tightly, Ruediger rested his chin atop her head, also enjoying the view of the snowfall with her. After a moment of pondering, he asked, "Wanna go downstairs? To the park?"
Lariette tilted her chin up, looking at Ruediger with another wave of excitement across her face, "Now?"
"Yes, now," he nodded, voice indulgent, "But you have to bundle up first."
She beamed, "Yayy! Let’s go!"
Pulling Ruediger back into the apartment, Lariette dragged him to their bedroom. Within minutes, they were wrapped in thick, long pants, scarves, hats and gloves. Their boots were waiting at the entryway.
Ruediger made sure Lariette buttoned her jacket all the way, tugged her hat to cover her ears and nagged her when she tried to loosen her scarf.
"You act like Grandpa," she complained, muffled under wool.
Wearing the boots, he retorted, "Believe me. He’d settle scores with me if he knew you caught a cold because I brought you to play with snow near midnight."
Lariette laughed, "Well, I can’t deny that."
The pair left the elevator hand in hand, stepping into the quiet lobby. They only saw the receptionist and the guards on duty. A warm, orange glow was reflected on the polished floor.
The air was crisp, and every breath turned into a puff of white mist. As they walked, their footsteps crunched softly on the thin layer of snow and ice.
At this hour, the world seemed hushed as no one else was in the park. Above, a few windows glowed from the residential building.
"Yay~"
In the next moment, Lariette broke free from Ruediger’s hand and began skipping ahead, her boots leaving a trail of prints. She spun on her toes, reaching up to catch the falling flakes.
"Lettie," Ruediger called, watching her spin with a trace of helplessness in his eyes, "The ground’s slippery. You look like a child set loose, you know?"
Twirling, Lariette grinned while stretching her arms toward Ruediger, "Don’t sound jealous. Come! You should try it!"
"I’ll pass," he shrugged.
"You’re no fun!"
Ruediger walked over, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets, "I’m here to make sure a certain someone won’t injure her bum and tailbone."
"Boo!" she exclaimed, pouting, "You’re ruining the magic."
"The magic is you not catching pneumonia, sweetheart," he replied with a languid smile. Her pout just now only made him want to kiss her.
"Okay, okay~ I know my honey cares for me the most."
Lariette laughed, hopping onto the sidewalk curb dusted with snow. Lifting her face, she closed her eyes, letting the white flakes fall onto her lashes.
Then, Lariette jumped down before pulling Ruediger along. They strolled together along the snowy path. The exquisite lampposts lit the park in soft pools of light as the snowflakes drifted through the glow like tiny stars.
As excited as a child, Lariette kept pointing things out; the way snow clung to the branches, how the ground sparkled and how the benches looked frosted.
Ruediger listened quietly, responding now and then as he was content just to watch her excitement. He inwardly praised himself for suggesting going out despite the hour closely approaching midnight.
After a while, Lariette turned to Ruediger, her cheeks flushed and eyes glimmered, "Thank you for taking me out, Eddy. I’ve always loved the first snow."
Ruediger lifted a hand, brushing a stray snowflake from her exposed locks under the hat, "I know. You’ve been waiting for it. I’m glad we got to see it tonight.
Lariette chuckled, understanding what Ruediger meant. She kept saying how they shouldn’t miss the first snowfall of the year.
Knowing that he cared, the cold vanished as her heart fluttered, replaced by a comforting warmth.
After walking further down the pathway, they stopped near the fountain. Now, it was silent and capped with snow. The world seemed so still, as if holding its breath.
"Honey," she whispered, her voice barely above the hush of snowfall.
"Yes?" he smiled ever so ardently.
She grinned, "I’m glad I’m here with you."
Ever since she left the north, the first snowfall hadn’t been as enjoyable as before. Never did she expect the long-lost joy to suddenly return this year, all because of his presence.
Her little heart hoped she could experience the first snowfall with him even in the coming years.
Instead of replying to Lariette, Ruediger silently studied her face, taking in the rosiness in her cheeks, the gleam in her eyes and the small smile on her lips. Slowly, he cupped her face in his gloved hands.
And then he kissed her.
It was gentle at first, a brush of lips warm against the cold. She leaned into him, her hands gripping his coat as the kiss deepened.
Snowflakes fell between them, landing on their lashes and their coats. The cold nipped at their skin, but none of them cared.
When Ruediger released her lips, Lariette laughed breathlessly, her breath misting the air.
Mischief flickered in her eyes as she teased him, "Honey, you taste like snow."
"Oh? You taste like trouble," he murmured back before kissing her again.
Her laughter echoed softly in the quiet park, blending with the whisper of falling snow.
The snow kept falling, blanketing the world around them. And though it was winter, they had never felt warmer.