Outside Work We... •[TNN One-shots]•

Evening In •|| WINTUMN ||•

Prompt: Winter helps Autumn with a puzzle.

Winter leaned back on the couch, the soft glow of the fireplace reflecting off his silver glasses. A book rested on his lap, though he wasn’t reading it. His eyes kept drifting to Autumn, who sat cross-legged on the floor, her red hair tumbling over one shoulder as she focused intently on a puzzle spread across the coffee table.

“You know, my love,” Winter began, his voice smooth and teasing, “you’re supposed to look at the puzzle pieces, not glare them into submission.”

Autumn’s lips twitched in a faint smile, though she didn’t look up. “If they’d cooperate, I wouldn’t have to.” She picked up a corner piece and slotted it into place with a victorious snap. “There.”

Winter chuckled, setting his book aside. “You’re remarkable, my sweet. Truly. But perhaps I could lend my genius to this endeavor?”

Autumn turned her head slightly, her green eyes narrowing in mock suspicion. “Your genius, huh? Last time you helped, you tried to fit a piece with a hammer.”

“That was an artistic interpretation,” Winter countered, sliding off the couch to sit beside her on the floor. “But fine, let’s see who finishes their section first.”

A competitive energy filled the room as they worked side by side. Winter’s occasional commentary—ranging from poetic musings about the puzzle to dramatic declarations of his “inevitable victory”—made Autumn laugh softly.

As the puzzle neared completion, Winter placed the final piece with a flourish. “And thus, the goddess and her consort triumph once again.”

Autumn rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth twitched upward. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And yet, you adore me,” Winter said, leaning in to press a kiss to her temple.

She turned her head slightly, their foreheads nearly touching. “You’re right. I do.”

Winter’s smile softened, and he reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “Let’s frame this one, my love. It’s beautiful. Like you.”

Autumn snorted softly but didn’t pull away. “Fine. But next time, we’re doing one of those impossible sky puzzles. Let’s see how your genius handles that.”

They spent the rest of the evening sprawled out on the living room floor, talking about everything and nothing. Outside, the snow began to fall, but inside, their world was warm and peaceful.