Submission (#1797) Approved

It was a late night in the middle of winter. Moss’s house was decorated with lights that shimmered like the stars in the sky. The door was decorated with paper cut into little and big snowflakes. The two terras had the fireplace going.

While Moss sat concerningly close to the fireplace, Pip looked out the window. With the house nice and warm, the decorations were put up around the house, and the star was on the tippy top of the tree. Still, something was missing. While it felt so festive in and around the house, Mother Nature had left the trees and fields free of the snow he loved so much. No snow angels or snowmen to be had this year. Instead, all they got was mud. Again. His antenna drooped as he put his visor into his arms.

“Moss…” His sensors blipped. “Is it bad that I’m a little disappointed?”

Moss’s concentration on the fire was broken. “Hmm?” He looked over.

“It just doesn’t feel the same. I can’t even go outside without getting my paws all dirty.”

“…We have boots.” He said as he pointed over by the door.

“That’s not my point.” He huffed. “The holidays just don’t feel the same without snow.” He’d throw himself over the arm and onto the couch with his own arms crossed.

Moss thought for a moment before getting up. “I have an idea.” He’d leave the room for a few minutes. Shuffling could be heard up above as boxes were moved. Pip would listen in, wondering what the heck he was getting. It wasn’t long before Moss came back down with a small tower of boxes. Pip rushed over to him and immediately grabbed some of the boxes off the cardboard version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

“If you were gonna get so many boxes, you…could have…” Pip shook the boxes up and down. “Why are these so light?”

“I’m glad you asked.” Moss said. He placed the stack down on the floor. “You wanted snow, right?” He’d grab a small box from the top. “Well, why don’t we make our own?” He dumped out the white packing peanuts that were stored inside. “I know it’s not the same but-“

Pip dumped the rest of the peanuts onto the floor. “I LOVE THAT IDEA!” He’d run over to the rest of the boxes and expelled the rest off makeshift snow onto the ground. With all the smaller boxes down, there was one last big one. He’d pull back his leg. The dandelions curled back, almost to form a devilish smile. “Pip! Don’t! That’s-!” Pip would kick the last box over only to stub his toe. “Not just packing stuff…” Moss would go over to the box and open it. “You’re not even gonna check on me?” Pip said. “You’re fine.” Moss said calmly as he pulled out the old gramophone that now had a bit of a dent in it. “I got this from a relative a while ago. I thought it’d be cool to show you.” The shrooms in his visor practically deflated as he sensed the damage.

Pip hurried to his feet. “Moss. I’m so sorry. I thought it was all snow. Does it still work?”

“Probably. These things are pretty sturdy. But that’s not really what I’m worried about.” Moss hooked it up and took one of the vinyls out of the box. He’d hesitated, fearing that it may have broken off in the sleeve. He pulled it out slowly. Pip stepped back a bit. With much luck, there wasn’t even a scratch on it. Not from what just happened anyways.

“We played this thing a lot at our end of the year gatherings.” He’d place it into the gramophone and start it up. Some classic holiday tunes played from the old wooden box. “Grandma used to say it brings good luck.”

“Moss…” Pip hugged him. “I’m so, so sorry.”

“You already apologized. We can get the side fixed up. But if you really want to make it up to me…” Moss took his boyfriend’s hand. “Then why don’t we dance?”

His dandelions stood on their ends. “I-I would love to but I don’t know how!”

“Then it’s about time you learn.” Moss stood up. Pip soon followed. Moss swept his tail across the floor. The makeshift snow flew across the room, making a space for them to dance. “Just try to sense where my feet are, alright?”

“Ok.’ He said quietly.

“We’ll start with something easy.” His fingers intertwined with his partner’s. He led him into the space he made and wrapped his open arm around Pip. “A slow dance.” He continued. “It’s just like this.”

The two swayed back and forth in time to the music. Pip held him close. In time, he felt more relaxed. It started to feel less awkward and more natural.

“By the way, when I said we I meant you.” Moss said.

Pip nodded. “I know. Once the holidays are over, it’ll look good as new in no time.”

Their foreheads kissed as they danced the night away.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”