Sleepy Bois Inc. Angst Oneshots

Cold

TW: cold, vomiting, blood, pain, confusion, mentions of derealization, exhaustion
AN: bit of a longer one for you lovelies; btw, Techno is human... in the beginning >:)
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Techno rode through the frigid arctic, tugging his cloak tighter around his shoulders. He looked out at the barren, white landscape that stretched out around him and regretted leaving home in the first place.

It had only been a small mining expedition, a quick trip to satisfy his sudden longing for more gold, but the cold around him seemed to have seeped into his bones and sapped away all his warmth. He shuddered once more.

He usually had no issue with the cold that always surrounded him; he wore more than enough layers and always had a canteen of something warm to drink.

But for some reason, none of these little tricks seemed to keep the biting cold away today.

He took a swig of the hot chocolate Phil had made him earlier that day. He relished in the temporary warmth and the rich, chocolatey taste that coated his mouth. Phil's hot chocolate was heavenly.

All too soon, the warmth that had spread through his body faded, leaving him colder than before. He shrunk closer to Carl; the horse's body heat was welcome company. And even though it did nothing, he pulled his cloak even closer. He shivered as the arctic wind bit at his face, cutting at his nose, his cheeks, and his ears. He rode on.

Finally, a small house began to appear on the horizon. He could see the chimney puffing out smoke in the distance, and he sighed in relief. It wouldn't be long until he'd step through that door and into warmth. Never before had the comfort of home been so alluring.

He urged Carl to go faster, to close the gap between him and home sooner. The horse complied obediently, and Techno patted his neck in gratitude. He reminded himself to give the horse a treat once they returned.

They finally arrived. Techno let Carl lead him to the stable on a path they both knew by heart, and he slid off the horse.

It took him a moment to regain feeling in his legs. He leaned against Carl, holding onto the saddle ball until he could walk, albeit a bit stiffly. He stumbled back to the entrance of the barn to close the large doors and shelter them from the cold.

For a moment, he had to steady himself against the wall until he could pull the stable doors shut, sighing at the newfound relief from the arctic wind. His breath still puffed out little clouds, but it was enough for him to be able to stay outside for a few minutes longer to take care of Carl.

He struggled to take his saddle off. His frozen fingers seemed to fumble with the belts and straps that kept the saddle from slipping off as they rode. He groaned in frustration and yanked until they came off. Carl snorted at him indignantly, and he muttered a quiet apology, petting the horse on the nose.

He haphazardly threw the saddle back onto its place on the shelf and grabbed an apple from the bucket. Carl nuzzled up to him, happily chomping on the apple.

Techno smiled at him. He let his fingers comb through the horse's mane gently. He whispered a quiet promise to come back later and brush through his mane better.

Techno shuffled towards the barn doors once more, ready for the warmth of home. He paused at the entrance as he realized he still had quite a bit of walking to do through the cold. He took one final look at Carl, who had happily started drinking water from his trough. The horse whinnied at him, and he waved slightly before sliding the barn door open.

The cold hit him immediately, almost knocking him off his feet. He shuddered and took a shaky step forward.

A breeze blew his cloak out of his grip and tested the metal that was clamping it down. Techno let out a huff, and he grabbed his cloak, ripping it out of the wind and tugging it around his shivering body.