Chandler wrapped the threadworn throw blanket tighter around himself. He was perched on the window seat of his and Don's home,watching as thick white flakes of snow slowly drifted to earth.

"It's funny," he said, half to himself.

Don looked up at the sound of his voice and approached. "What's that?"

"This felt so threatening last year. Now....it's almost soothing."

Chandler felt the mattress give slightly as Don settled on the seat beside him. They both knew time was short; the healers had already been by, and had confirmed what they both had already known on some level. Chandler was deteriorating. As had happened since he'd used his magic to raise the island, he would soon succumb to another winter-long sleep.
They both wanted to savor whatever time they had before that happened.

Don wrapped an arm around the brunette, prompting him to lean back with a contented sigh.

"Don't let Naru grow too much before this winter's over, okay?"

The big blond chuckled. "I'll do what I can, but no promises."

Chandler hummed softly in response, watching the snow fall. Even his breathing felt sluggish and heavy, now. "...I love you," he murmured.

"I love you, too," Don replied softly, tightening his embrace. "We'll be here when you wake up," he promised.

"You'd better."

Don could feel Chandler's weight settling more heavily against him, and leaned forward slightly to kiss the brunette's forehead. "It's okay," he reassured, his voice a gentle rumble. "You can sleep. We'll be right here."

Chandler's hand squeezed the arm wrapped around him. His eyelids were growing too heavy to hold open. He wanted to fight it; he didn't want to leave them. He always feared what could happen in those three months.

"Sleep," Don urged again, the sound of his voice lulling Chandler into a doze. "We'll be here, I promise. Just sleep."

Finally, he felt Chandler's grip on him loosen, his weight resting fully against him as the brunette gave in. Don's heart gave a pained throb, but he took solace in the fact that this would only be temporary.

Tenderly he lifted the other man and carried him to the inner bedroom to lay him down. It was a room he'd built with Chandler in mind; well insulated from the winter cold, dimly lit, and quiet. Here he would be safe and warm, and Don could easily check on him.

"Rest well," he whispered, leaning down to kiss Chandler's forehead one last time.

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This piece is from May, I just forgot about Weasyl again lol