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“May ! You’ve been in there for an hour ! What’s taking you so long ?”
May carried on with brushing her hair out as Fiona banged on the bathroom door, she hadn’t been able to get her baby hairs to lay flat for an hour using every method imaginable.
Hair gel, hair spray, hair pins, nothing was working !
It was as if the Gods themselves were conspiring against her hair.
“I’m having the worst case of a bad hair day, can’t you go to the other bathroom ?”
She could hear Fiona stomping her foot.
“Robyn is in the other bathroom showering. I’ll style your hair after breakfast if you get out and let me in !”
That was better than May could’ve hoped for so she quickly put away the mess of hair products and unlocked the door for Fiona to dash inside while she walked over to the kitchen.
It was May’s favourite place in their apartment, maybe in all of Mantle.
It had cream walls with red tiles, a dresser for dishware and open shelves that were mostly used for Joanna’s plants, Robyn’s collection of old cookbooks gifted by her moms and May’s cookie cutters. There was an old fashioned wood burning stove and a fridge covered in colorful magnets and sticky notes.
Joanna was stirring chopped bacon and onions around the skillet, filling the room with a delicious smell.
“Morning Jo, that looks really good. Need help with anything ?”
Joanna turned her head around, giving May a smile.
“Sure, can you grate the potatoes while I brown this ? Making some hashbrowns and taking egg orders. Boiled, scrambled or fried ?”
May sat at the table, pulled the bowls and cheese grater closer to herself and got to work. Mornings like this were always pleasant, with the sun streaming through the window while they cooked and then ate breakfast together. Even more pleasant when she had been looking forward to today for weeks, she started to hum.
Robyn walked in, a towel wrapped around her hair and still wearing the shark slippers May and Fiona had gotten her a couple of days ago.
“Morning girls, it smells amazing in here, anything left for me to do ? And sunny side up for me, thanks.”
She yawned and ducked behind Joanna to get herself a glass of buttermilk from the fridge.
“Not really, I’m almost done browning, May’s grating the potatoes and then getting ready for her date~”
Even after years of being teased about everything by her team, May still blushed.
“Yes, my date with Winter. Anyway, these are finished and I’ll take my eggs soft boiled.”
She handed over the bowl of grated potatoes and placed the cheese grater and empty bowl in the sink. Robyn sat down again, sipping from her buttermilk and opening up her scroll while giving May a mischievous look while Joanna was bustling by the stove pretending she wasn’t listening in.
“So, are you two lovebirds doing anything special ? You and Snowdrop have been talking about this for weeks, it’s so adorable.”
Since a certain general was so stingy with days off, Winter and May planned their dates months in advance. Sure, the Academy had plenty of places to hide for a quick make out session but a proper date just couldn’t be matched by a few stolen minutes in an empty supply closet or the laundry room.
“We have to stick around Atlas in case of a potential emergency because as a specialist, Miss Schnee has a duty to the Kingdom,” she stuck her tongue out, “Sorry, lemme get the boot out of my mouth. What I mean is, we’re stuck in Atlas because Tin Can likes to have an absurd level of control over his soldiers. The plan is to book a hotel on the outskirts of the city and find new and exciting ways to max out that card I swiped from Henry that I’ve been saving for a special occasion.”
She had a few ideas, there was a quiet rooftop garden, an excellent spa and an hour away from Elysium Suites was Augeas Stables. Robyn listened and gave her a thumbs up.
“Sounds like a great date, just make sure to get back before midnight, young lady.”
May rolled her eyes.
“Ok, mom .”
Joanna put two plates of hashbrowns, bacon and eggs on the table, along with toast and a cup of the licorice tea Joanna swore by when it came to warding off colds.
“Alright, stop teasing May and tuck in. We all have a really busy day ahead of us. The Prometheus fundraiser is this weekend, and we promised Cassie we’ll help decorate.”
The fundraiser was Robyn’s favourite event, every year she tried to top her efforts from the previous. Last year there was a raffle for gift baskets, the year before a bake sale and this year it would be a snow carnival. Robyn dragged her plate closer.
“We’ll get there on time, don’t worry. Fiona talked to her uncle about setting up the arts and crafts station, and Eira’s letting us use the ice skating rink. It's gonna be great.”
Speaking of, Fiona had just walked in, dressed for the day with her hair and ears still damp from showering. Joanna handed her a plate of bacon, hashbrowns and scrambled eggs and nudged her to sit down before taking her own chair.
“Talking about the fundraiser ? Uncle called. He said everything is ready, we just need to come by and pick up the boxes.”
May listened to her teammates make plans for the carnival while she ate. Everything was just the way she liked it, with the bacon being crunchy, the hashbrowns crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, a perfect runny yolk and a perfectly golden slice of buttered toast with sweet tea.
Joanna never disappointed when it came to breakfast.
She sat and watched a fly buzz around as everyone quieted down and turned their attention to making quick work of the meal.
Robyn stood up and took everyone’s empty plates to the sink while Fiona nudged May.
“If you want to catch your shuttle, we should probably start working on your hair. I already have a style in mind.”
She got up to give May room to stand and leave the table. Within a few minutes, May was sitting down in an armchair with a mirror in front of her and Fiona gently brushing out her hair until it was smooth as silk. Fiona turned the stubborn hairs into ringlets that framed her face, while the rest was put in a classic Atlasian braid decorated with golden pins.
“There, you’re ready !”
Fiona took out a smaller mirror so May could glance at the front and back of her head. It looked just like the kind of style a ‘proper lady’ would wear when going out, and she loved it.
“Wow, thank you Fi. You saved my life.”
The braid, the ringlets, the blue eyeliner applied with a light hand, she was more than ready to go out.
“You’re welcome, now go ! If you want to get a cab to the shuttles you have to get going. Enjoy yourself !”
May nodded, got up and took her coat, rushing to the door. Robyn leaned out of the kitchen.
“Have fun, kids !”
May turned around just enough to stick her tongue out before closing the door and running downstairs.
※ ·❆· ※
The airport was crowded and noisy as May made her way to the gates, where she saw Winter sitting on a bench and texting someone on her scroll. Since sneaking up on a Schnee was impossible, Winter looked up as soon as May was a few steps away from the bench, smiling.
Her hair was done half up, half down with a flower shaped pin keeping the braided crown in place. A touch of blush, light lipstick and dark eye shadow made her look beautiful even in her usual military uniform.
“You’re early, for once.”
May sat down beside her.
“Wouldn’t want to miss a moment I could’ve spent with you.”
Winter seemed surprised, searching May’s face for irony before she settled for a small eye roll and put her scroll away, her blush suddenly looking a couple shades redder.
“Anyway, what was your plan for today ?”
Each one of them had planned half the day. May chose the clothing store and what they’d be doing for the afternoon, Winter had picked the hotel and evening’s activity.
“First things first, we are going to Rhapso Boutique to pick up our orders and then, it’s a surprise. We can take the long way round since I’m early .”
She stood and held her hand out to Winter, who took it without saying a word and let May lead her over to the store where they’d each ordered an outfit without letting the other see. It had been May’s idea, it seemed fun until she realized driving Winter crazy by dropping hints wasn’t nearly as fun when she could also be on the receiving end.
The store was mostly empty, save for the clerk who told them the owner was out and gave them each a closed box.
May turned to Winter.
“Well, time for the grand reveal. Let’s go to the changing rooms.”
Winter nodded and the two of them each got in a cabin to change. May pulled the box closer and got dressed, smoothing out the skirt of the dress before she took a look at herself in the mirror.
She’d ordered a dark yellow evening gown with sleeves coming around halfway to her elbows embroidered with leaves, stalks and flowers, wildflowers, not marigolds. On top of the dress she wore a blue bolero with her bird pin attached. She had gray deerskin gloves, stockings and a pair of polished fur lined boots.
May posed in front of the mirror, admiring herself and remembering to take a few photos to send to the girls before stepping out to see Winter, who didn’t let herself be outdone.
Winter was standing outside of the changing room wearing a dark blue jacket with gold buttons and cufflinks with a yellow handkerchief peeking out of the breast pocket. She wore trousers darker than the jacket with gold embroidery, a pair of gray velvet mittens and her uniform boots.
What brought the entire ensemble together in May’s eyes was the red cape lined with white fur held up by a gold cord that looked so much like the one Nicholas wore in paintings. The only thing missing was the suit of armor.
“You’re beautiful .”
Winter was the first to break the silence, it was May’s turn to blush red.
“You’re rather easy on the eyes yourself, my lady.”
She gave a courtesy while Winter rolled her eyes, failing to hide an endeared smile.
“So, are you going to tell me where we’re going ? Or at least if I need to change back before we go there ?”
May smirked.
“You’ll see when we get there, but yes we do need to change back. Don’t want to get these dirty.”
With that, they both stepped back in the changing cabinets to get back into their street clothes, and have the suit and dress delivered to their hotel room.
The sound made by Henry’s card was especially satisfying.
※ ·❆· ※
May could hardly keep in her excitement as she and Winter approached the stables. The barn they had ridden at as children was a lot pricier than Augeas, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was that they’d have three hours of hacking out, lunch at the hotel buffet and whatever Winter had planned for her.
For now, she watched as Winter finally realized what May had planned and all but broke into a run to get to the stable sooner.
“An afternoon trail riding, away from people, just like when we were younger.”
Often during parties, May and Winter used to go to the stables, take a couple of horses and go ride in the open gardens without all those people pressing on them.
“Exactly, except now we’re adults and no one can banish us to the nursery.”
They reached the barn where there were two horses waiting for them, a pair of dark bay mares. By the plaques on the stable May’s was named Pom and Winter’s was named Cookie. They saddled up, mounted and set off on the trail.
It was a beautiful path, going through snowy woods filled with small rodents and birds.
Winter looked at May.
“Speaking of being banished to the nursery, you reminded me of one time it happened. Something involving a dumbwaiter, I believe.”
May groaned, of course Winter still remembered that.
When they were kids and their families were having another one of those long, dull company parties May and Winter were often dragged along and made to sit by and watch.
One time, they wandered away and found the dumbwaiter and May of course had the bright idea to ride it down to the kitchen to get an extra helping of dessert. It got stuck. Winter’s grandpa had needed to come and get her out.
“What I remember is that the first thing you did was throw me under the bus, then when I got out we were both grounded.”
Winter laughed.
“Speak for yourself, I got away with it. The nursery wasn’t that bad anyway.”
From what May remembered, it was a quiet room full of toys and away from their parents. Very few downsides.
“Yeah, you’re right. And of course you got away with it ! Your grandpa thought you were a perfect baby angel who could do no wrong. I remember that after he got me out of the dumbwaiter he came to sit with us in the nursery and make sure we didn’t get in more trouble. Brought in a tea service and taught us how to make toast in the fireplace.”
It was some of the best toast they ever had. Winter had slowed her horse down, and was very quiet. May slowed down too.
“Hey, Winter, is something wrong ?”
Winter sighed and wiped her eyes.
“I really miss him.”
May leaned over to put a hand on her shoulder.
“I miss him too, he was the only good part of coming to visit Schnee Manor. Besides you.”
Winter smiled a little.
“And I bet that if he were here, he’d tell me to cheer you up with a race. Hyah !”
She kicked Pom’s sides and broke off into a canter. Winter snapped up and kicked Cookie after her.
“Hey, no fair !”
They raced through the woods, soon laughing like a pair of schoolgirls just like they did when they were younger.
If May let Winter win the race, she wasn’t going to say anything about it.
※ ·❆· ※
By the time they reached Elysium Suites, it was starting to get dark, with both of them sweaty, red cheeked from cold and with sore sides from laughing while reminiscing about their childhood mischief and Academy days.
“And then I cloaked the pile of chip bags, honestly I was sure Clover was going to catch us this time. Robyn looked so pleased when her semblance showed that Fiona really didn’t have any contraband.”
Winter snorted. She was glad her days of being a stuck up teacher’s helper were behind her. Unfortunately Clover hadn’t grown out of that attitude.
“I’ll concede, that was clever. Anyway, we’re here. We can go to our room, shower and change in time for dinner and what I planned.”
May pouted. Finally she was seeing what it was like to be on the other side of her teasing.
“Let’s go then, I’m starving. What room did you book for us ?”
They were almost to the reception desk so Winter simply strode over. She’d had to pull a few strings, but it would be worth it for the look in May’s face.
“We have a reservation, the Councilman Suite.”
The receptionist took the card, typed something on her computer then gave them the keys.
The room was beautiful, with a polished hardwood floor and soft fur carpets. The bed was a four poster with curtains and sheets with a thread count higher than most Huntsmen salaries. There was a desk, a fireplace with chairs upholstered with velvet and a TV.
Besides the bedroom they had a walk-in closet with their outfits neatly hung up, a lounge, a dining room and a voucher for 24 hour room service.
“Damn, this place is nice. Why don’t we take advantage of the room service and eat here ?”
Just as Winter thought, it was worth the hassle.
The dining room downstairs was crowded with people enjoying the entertainment provided or eating in between the events hosted in the hotel. One of those events being a book signing by Ciane Livi, May’s favorite author.
“We could, but didn’t you say something about wanting to go to a random event one night and steal the show ?”
It had been a long time ago, back in their Academy days, but things related to May tended to stick with her.
“You still remember that,” for once, there wasn’t a trace of irony or joking in May’s voice, “then let’s go.”
This time they helped each other get dressed, with Winter zipping up May’s dress and May helping Winter fix the cape and stick a yellow rose from the dining table centerpiece in her buttonhole.
“It’s perfect. Now, shall we, my lady ?”
She theatrically bowed and held out her hand, May gave a courtesy and took it. They walked out of the room and down the stairs in style, like a couple of debutantes about to attend a ball. Like this night was all about them. In Winter’s eyes, it might as well be.
She glanced at the clock, it was eight thirty.
“Before we go, it’s time for my surprise.”
May looked at her, then looked around.
“Let’s see what you got then.”
Winter smiled and led May down the busy hallways to a quiet event hall with a sign out front that read ‘Caine Livi Book Signing’. May stood there for a few moments.
“You did not.”
It was almost a squeal, the way she said it. Winter didn’t say it out loud, but it was the most adorable thing she had seen in a while.
“Yes, I did. I know you don’t have your copy of ‘Ninjas of Love: Li Nan’s Choice’ but we can get you one here. So you’ll have one to read and one to display.”
May all but ran over to the stand to buy herself a copy then stood in line next to Winter.
“This is amazing, she’s my hero ! These are the first books I read that I actually enjoyed and weren’t just stuffy old classics. Oh, and get two copies. I’m getting Joanna one too.”
May continued to ramble as they moved forward in line while Winter listened. It wasn’t her favourite book series, but May liked it enough for Winter to keep up with the books and author. The latest one was particularly good.
Their turn finally came, with May excitedly chatting with Ciane about how much she’d enjoyed the plot twist that Li Na’s brother had been alive the entire time as the book was signed.
May opened it and showed the signature to Winter.
“Look ! She wrote ‘I admire the work you and your team do for Mantle, just like Akio’. Joanna’s gonna love this. She hasn't gotten around to reading this one yet, too much going on, so it’ll be great for her first copy to be signed.”
Winter chuckled. May always cared so much about everyone around her, she couldn’t ask for a better girlfriend.
“Let’s send these up to our room and go take the dance floor. I owe you a waltz.”
May closed the book and looked at her.
“Alright, and then we eat on the rooftop garden. Have a picnic, it’ll be like one of those sappy romantic novels you read all the time.”
There went the moment. May found a seemingly unoccupied maid and asked her to take the books up to their room, with a large tip.
“That’s a great idea. For now, may I have this dance ?”
May took her hand.
“Yes.”
A new song was starting by the time they’d entered the hotel’s ballroom. It was slow, deep and rich, featuring flutes and violins. People paired off, it was a dance for couples.
Winter took one of May’s hands, and placed her other around her waist as they stepped on the dance floor.
It was a simple rhythm, they could both dance to it without even thinking. Which left them plenty of time to look at each other.
When she told May she was beautiful, she’d meant it.
The ringlets framing her face, the elegant braid falling down her back, the eyeliner that brought her eyes, the graceful way she moved, letting Winter lead her. The smell of wood smoke and hay from their outing at the stables, everything about her was intoxicating.
During a slower part of the dance, she brought her in close for a kiss. If they only had this one night, they should make the most of it.
May seemed to have had the same idea, because she closed the gap and a pair of trembling lips met hers in a sweet kiss. They embraced each other before breaking away as the song ended. It was the first time since the dance started that Winter really noticed their surroundings.
People were looking at them, with jealousy and admiration.
“We really did steal the show.”
She told May, who grinned.
“And now we should give it back, because I’m starving.”
※ ·❆· ※
Maybe it was because she was on the outskirts looking out on green fields, maybe it was the amazing day she’d had, or maybe the company but Winter thought Atlas looked beautiful from the rooftop garden.
There was a dome over them that kept the air balmy enough for the soft grass they laid their blanket on and the flower bushes around them to grow. The rest of the evening passed all too quickly.
They ordered and ate dinner. A rich, savory soup, then sandwiches and toast with cheese and muffins finished off with glasses of sweet wine. After they both ate their fill and put away the dishes, Winter laid her head in May’s lap, as she ripped flowers off the bushes and wove them in her hair.
They talked about what was new in Atlas and Mantle, the start of the new Academy year and Robyn’s plans for her campaign to join the Council.
After answering a couple questions about their strategy, May’s hands in her head stilled. Winter looked up at her, trying to see what was behind those amber eyes.
“May, what’s wrong ?”
She started to twirl a piece of her hair around a flower stem. “I wish I could freeze this moment, right here, right now, and live in it forever.”
Winter wanted that too.
The Winter Maiden, the Academy, the Fall of Beacon, her family, it was all so far away. She was there, with her head resting in May’s lap on a rare day off and somehow her burdens felt lighter.
Duty will call them both tomorrow, but it didn’t need to be tomorrow yet.
“Okay.”
It was all she could say, anything more and everything from the past few months would bubble up to the surface.
“Then you’ll allow it ?”
May asked, and started working on Winter’s hair again, ripping flowers out of the bush and weaving them into the snow white locks.
“I’ll allow it.”