( The aftermath of the holidays leaves most scrambling around for New Year's, but she's chosen to scale a particularly tall wall and meditate atop it. )
( While he's more than a little remiss about his inability to feel the warmth of Cole's hands against his cheeks, blanketing the other's hands with his own matched with the heartfelt words the other sang did wonders to ease the heartache. )
. . . You. . . ha. You are too kind.
Quite the jump. Weren't you under the impression I was disparaging you a moment ago? Or was that another cowboy I know?
( Genji fails to conquer the laughter that bubbles up from his throat, it trickling out between the soft words she speaks. )
. . . But, not untrue. I will give it to you. In the spirit of Christmas.
( Heartstrings pulled taut by shared proximity thrum with delight as the space between them disappears, and he nuzzles the bridge of his nose against her's with a fond hum. )
He is my brother, and it pains me to see the condition he is in. Would you have me condemn him to grieve one who is alive forever?
( His voice is uncharacteristically stern, and his brow burrows deep into his eyes. )
You and I are all he has left.