Seasons: Howl

-First 'Date'-

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~~~

Summer watched as Winter slept peacefully in his bed in his hospital ward. He had a bandage around his neck, where a gash had somehow appeared, as well as bruises in the faint shape of fingers. His chest rose and fell slowly, in a gentle, relaxed rhythm, a hand resting on his stomach.

Glade stood beside her, watching his brother. "I wonder what happened back there." he mused, more to himself. A soft breeze blew through the open window of the ward, ruffling Winter's hair. Summer went to brush his stray bangs away from his eyes.

At her touch, Winter's eyelids fluttered. Stunned, Summer pulled her hand back quickly as the blue-haired boy groaned softly, blearily blinking his eyes open. He sat up slowly, a grimace flashing across his face as he gingerly touched his collarbone. He glanced at her, recognition in his eyes. "Summer...?" He whispered, looking mildly surprised.

Summer propped up his pillow and helped him to lean against it. "Are you alright?" She asked worriedly, touching his forehead with the back of her hand. A blush appeared on his cheeks, and he suddenly shuddered.

"Fine I guess..." he muttered, clutching his head. Winter kept silent for a moment, then scowled, as if he was annoyed by something. "Would you please shut-" he stopped abruptly, giving Summer a glance. He smiled awkwardly.

Summer raised an eyebrow at him. "Talking to yourself again?" She said, amused. Winter blushed, looking away.

"I... guess so," he murmured, pressing his lips together. Summer found it hilarious that Winter seemed so dazed, unlike his usual calm self, and found it cute, for some reason. She giggled, and he looked at her, astonished. "What's so funny?"

"It's nothing." she smiled at him, feeling a flutter in her chest when he smiled back, a little tiredly.

"Hey, you know I'm still here?" Glade piped up from the back. Summer turned to him, giggling once again. She wondered why she was giggling so much.

"Ah, sorry Brother. I didn't see you there." Winter apologised, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. Glade snorted.

"That's because you were too caught up in your lovey-dovey act with Summer." he muttered under his breath, but Winter heard it. He flushed rose red, glancing at Summer as she blushed as well.

"It isn't like that..." the two of them said simultaneously, then looked at each other in surprise, before breaking into a fit of laughter.

Glade rolled his eyes, scoffing, before a small smirk slipped onto his face.

~~~

Sometime later in the afternoon, Winter was discharged. Doctor Bree had checked him over again, found there was nothing else wrong, and gave him clearance.

Summer found herself in between the brothers as they walked down the streets, deciding to hang out for a while. Winter was on her right, dressed back in his usual Frostanium armour, looking genuinely pleased that he was finally out of the hospital.

Glade stood on her left, munching on some chips he had bought earlier.

"So," the silver-haired boy said, crumbs flying out of his mouth as he spoke, digging into his bag of chips. "Whatcha gonna do now?" He picked out a handful of the fried potato strips and shoved them into his mouth.