Gentle Winter

2.1

                      "Okay, we're coming to a step; make sure you pick your feet up, honey." You instructed Levi with a kind voice, guiding his arm upwards with the step, and you watched him successfully lift his little feet up. Your eyes locked onto your shoes that he was borrowing, and you frowned at the sight. The gray house shoes he had on we're definitely not made for the snow because they had been darkened with the moisture from the froze ground. You knew that his feet had to be so cold in those wet shoes.

Definitely taking him shopping one of these days. You thought to yourself, and you started making a mental shopping list for the boy holding onto your arm.

"You doing alright? We're almost inside. I know it's cold out here." You spoke to him with sympathy and spared a glance over to him. The small cuts on his cheeks looked awfully red and painful, and you could see where exposure to the cold had dried out his skin. You would be sure to bug Mike for that "super special" lotion he kept in his office for the winter. Mike would fight you over it, but Levi needed it.

"I-it is cold," Levi spoke, squeezing your arm just a little bit, "B-but I'm okay. Th-thank you for- for helping me." He lowered his head like it was shameful to need help, so you squeezed his hand with your unoccupied hand to provide some comfort.

"Anytime, Levi." You responded simply.

The two of you carried on in a comfortable silence, the only spoken words between you being your instructions to Levi on where to step, and soon, you approached the elevator where Mike wanted to meet.

And that's when Levi started getting noticeably scared. He stepped closer to you, to the point where his shoulder and hip were pressed against yours. He had ducked his head against his chest and seemed to slump his shoulders to make himself as small as possible. Which, of course, made your heart clench at the sight.

"Levi, baby, are you alright?" You asked him in a hushed voice, turning your bodies so you were facing the public. You felt like he might need the separation from the outside. "We're okay, hm? It's gonna be okay."

"I- I'm sorry, ___" He whispered, squeezing your arm with his, "It's just- it's loud... And ... I'm jus- just scared. I'm sorry. I- I don't know what to do with myself-" He cut himself off by biting his chapped lips, tensing up his limbs as much as he could in his injured state. "I'm scared the doctor will hurt me... I-I know you said he only wants to he-help but- I'm- I'm scared- I'm sorry."

"Levi... It's okay to be scared. I understand. Doctor's visits can be scary sometimes. Is there anything I can do to help?" You asked him softly, hoping to get a response. You really did want to help him in any way you could, but you weren't sure how in this particular situation.

Levi didn't look up, he only scooted closer to you, still clutching your arm, and in the softest voice he spoke, "Please- please don't let go." Your heart instantly clenched at the words. This poor, poor boy. My heart is going to split into two. You thought to yourself, looking up at the ceiling, blinking rapidly to get rid of the wetness in your eyes.

"Of course. I won't let go Levi." You promised him, "Can I hug you, honey?" You bit your lip at the question, knowing you might have been pushing him a little too far. You watched as Levi thought it over, and you swore you could almost see the gears turning in his head. You didn't have high hopes because the small boy seemed to be frightened by touches, and you felt like a hug would be way past his comfort zone.

When he nodded, just a tad, you couldn't help the happiness that spread through your chest. "C'm're, sweetie pie." You told him softly, fully embracing him in a hug. You had your arms wrapped gently around his torso, and he shakily put his arms around your shoulders, fisting your jacket in a soft, shaky grip. You breathed in the clean, fresh smell of the hat Levi was borrowing from you, and you could feel his small chest rising and falling against yours.