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Snow had started swirling all around as Clive made his way through the quiet streets, the walk home from his part-time job taking longer than he would have liked but it was easier than having to ask his mother to pick him up… and he knew she would likely say no anyways. She hadn't wanted him to get the job at all, likely hadn't wanted him to have that tiny shred of freedom from her, but had relented when he had reasoned that it 'looked good' for someone his age to be working. She had only ever cared about how things looked from the outside, never once had she cared about HIM in actuality… but sometimes that made his life easier too, if she never paid attention to him then he could get away with things she would have otherwise never allowed. So even though it was cold out and he was walking alone, he just shoved his hands further down into his hoodie pocket and continued along… until a strange sound caught his attention, a sort of snuffling cry.
While he knew he really shouldn't deviate off his route, there was something about the sound that had him following it, faint as it was, down off the main street and into a dingy alley. His shoes knocked bottles to send them rattling down the cracked pavement, ears trained on the sound as it got louder the further into the alley he moved… until he found himself standing in front of a cardboard box with crumpled newspaper spilling out, looking down in horror at a tiny baby. With hands trembling from more than cold he reached down, lifting the squirming little thing, feeling how cold it's tiny limbs were from laying there protected by nothing but a thin onesie and some newspaper. There was nothing there to cover it up with nor would he risk searching through the trash strewn around the alley, so in a moment of pure worry he carefully moved to tuck the baby up under his hoodie, cuddling it against his chest under the fleecy warmth and hoping his own body heat was enough.
He stood there trying to figure out what to do… the baby was so tiny, he couldn't just leave it there… but he couldn't bring it home with him either, he knew exactly how his mother would react and it wasn't with 'care' or 'compassion'. Anabella Rosfield had never had a single ounce of either of those in her for anyone but Joshua, and certainly never for Clive… so she wouldn't hesitate to toss the tiny babe out as 'just another unfortunate'. Even at 16 Clive knew his mother was not a good person, and he knew he was this little one's only chance to get somewhere safe… a truly terrifying thought since he couldn't even keep HIMSELF somewhere safe most days. Keeping his arms securely around the baby cuddled against him, warming it's tiny feet against his ribs, he made his way back out of the alleyway. As the snow began to fall heavier he walked to the only place he could think of that would be safe to leave a newborn, the hospital was on the other side of the city and much to far for him to walk in the worsening weather, but the local fire station wasn't to far away.
Snow flecked his hair as he finally arrived at the door to the fire station, and now came the hard part… how to leave a baby there without having to give an explanation he really couldn't give… he didn't know where the little one had come from, and he knew if he got tangled up in some sort of investigation his mother would be livid. The very thought of his mother being angry at him had him feeling colder than the snow falling all around him, fear trying to dig into him at the reminder of what had happened last time she had been angry… something he desperately tried to never think of. Biting his lip he made one of the hardest decisions of his young life, carefully holding the baby with one arm he pulled the other arm out of the sleeve of his hoodie, switching the arm holding the baby and removing the other one to leave the slumbering little one wrapped up all cozy. Pressing a little kiss to the top of downy blonde hair he set the bundled baby down on the step in front of the door to the fire station, pressing the buzzer long enough and enough times to know someone would have heard it… then he ran. He didn't want to, but he couldn't help anyone if his mother beat him into next week for 'bringing scandal down on their family'. He just had to trust that someone from the fire station would make sure the baby got to the best place it could… somewhere loving and safe.
~~~~
Clive had been working his shift at the local eatery, clearing tables and making simple coffee orders, his mind as it ever was lately on the baby he had left out in the cold… fear that it hadn't been found constantly eating at him… when something caught his attention, a voice that floated in the background of the soft chatter that usually filled the establishment.
"Now to our newest reporter Cindy, since it's the season of hope, she has a special news report on a Wintersend miracle."
While doing his best to look like he was carefully stacking a table full of dirty plates and cups, his gaze drifted up towards the TV over the counter. A younger looking woman stood in front of the camera with a bright smile, behind her was the fire station, all lit up with a rainbow of different lights to celebrate the holidays.
"I am here at the Rosalith fire station, where earlier today joyful news was received. Days ago reports of a baby being left outside of the fire station caught the hearts of this little community, while there has been no report of who left the child, we received notification today that one of the fire fighters on duty that night has since been approved to adopt the infant. Though concerns were raised over how swift the decision was, there has been an outcry of support for the…"
As the reporter continued on with the story Clive just turned his attention away from it, smiling to himself as relief filtered through him. Carrying the stacks of dishes to the kitchen to be cleaned, he found himself feeling lighter than he had in… almost ever. Someone had found the baby… someone who wanted to keep it, someone who an entire community thought was a fit person… a Wintersend miracle indeed.
Throughout the rest of his shift he rode the high of that feeling… that he had done something good to protect the infant someone hadn't wanted. And yet as the night wore on he found himself needing more and more for someone to know that he hadn't wanted to leave the baby there, but that he hadn't wanted to bring trouble down on anyone… he'd just wanted to see that tiny miracle reach the arms of someone who would love it. Maybe it was selfish of him, to need someone to know, but he did… so at the end of his shift he bundled up as best he could against the cold, the coat he tugged around his 'thinner that he'd have liked' frame not doing much against the wind but it was better than nothing… which was usually what his mother left him to deal with.
Keeping his head down he made his way the short distance from the eatery towards a local gas station, the clerk giving him a tiny wave before sticking his nose back into his magazine. There weren't many options, but from the small selection he picked out a cute Wintersend card showing a snowman surrounded by forest animals. The clerk had been friendly enough, selling him the card and a stamp, then letting him use his pen. Clive had silently debated over what to say, but in the end he chose to keep it simple…
'I'm so glad the baby found a loving home. I didn't want to leave it there, but it would have been worse off with me. I found it in a box in an alley off Third and Talon, I hope maybe that helps if you ever need to find out where it came from. I'm sorry I didn't stay, but I didn't want to cause anyone any trouble, I just wanted to make sure the baby got somewhere safe.'
He hadn't signed his name… he doubted anyone would be able to connect him to the whole thing just by his name, but it still wasn't something he could risk. Tucking the card into the envelope he sealed it and wrote down the address for the fire station after a quick search for it on his phone. With that done he slipped out of the gas station, walking down the block until he reached a mail drop box, with a steadying breath he pushed the envelope into the slot… and walked away. There were never any Wintersend miracles for Clive, but his heart was still full… he'd given that baby a second chance, and that was better than anything that could have been for him.
~~~~
~ 8 years later ~
When he had been a child he hadn't known what he wanted to be when he grew up, there had never been a choice in it for him really as his mother had always made those decisions… even if he hadn't wanted her to. There had been few opportunities for him to even be able to explore his own interests, up until his father had died when Anabella Rosfield had still been trying to put on atleast the bare minimum of effort in to appear as though she gave a damn what her first born did. He had been put in all the 'proper' activities, placed in all the 'proper' classes, and had been in line to take on politics as a major in university from the tender age of 14.
And he had toted the line as any 'good' son did when faced with a woman who took 'no' as if someone had just sworn at her and cursed her entire bloodline. Clive had learned long ago that it was easier to simply agree with her, it ended up in fewer beatings and punishments… fewer scars both mentally and physically. So when saving that baby on that snowy Wintersend day had lit a fire within him to actually do something HE wanted to do? It had taken him longer than it should have to build up the courage to stand up for what he wanted… to tell her that he would NOT be going to University for politics, that he would be joining the police academy the day after his high school graduation. As predicted she had sneered at him, saying that no respectable Rosfield lowered himself to accept such a servile line of employment. Yet even while courting her fury he had somehow managed to stand his ground… even when she told him if he wanted to be a base, pathetic little failure then he could do it away from her house, he had still not backed down. Packing everything that was his in a single suitcase… a rather sad showing of the last 17 years of his life… he had left silently while she continued to scream at him.
Now Clive was finally doing what he had wanted to do… working in the field he was passionate about, HELPING people instead of simply sitting back and watching from on-high. He had managed to graduate top of his class from the academy, his instructors praising his dedication… even if they didn't know that the first six months of the 9 month course he had spent his nights more often than not taking up space in a local shelter. At the 6 month mark things had started to look up and someone had put him in touch with a man looking for a roommate, a friendly young guy from Dhalmekia who didn't mind that he couldn't pay much and just wanted someone around to break the silence (and help with the chores Clive had found, and while he didn't know a whole lot about 'menial' tasks he sure as hell learned quick). Going to courses during the day then working late into the night had been exhausting, but the pay off had been well worth it in the end.
Through all of the chaos and hardship of the past 8 years there had been one constant… every single Wintersend without fail Clive had sent a card to the fire station, just something to tell a little child he had only seen once that he wished them another year full of happiness, another year of wishes fulfilled and dreams ready to come true. He never signed his name, he never asked for anything in return… and he never expected that the cards would even be seen, he had long ago acknowledged that he sent the cards as much for himself as for the child… a foolish man wishing to keep that tiny thread of connection to someone else alive. He had friends in the police force… or atleast colleagues, he received a call from his uncle every year on his birthday, and he did his best to keep up with his once best friend Jill's active life through social media posts. It was frankly a lonely life, but it was peaceful all the same, it was enough for someone like Clive whose own family wanted nothing to do with him because of his deficiencies.
It was on one of those lonely nights a few months before Wintersend, when the last holiday season had finally faded and the next hadn't quite become close enough for celebratory decorations to be being strung, that he found himself sipping a mediocre coffee in his squad car alone. His partner had called in sick and since it was a relatively quiet area the captain had thought it fine for him to go out alone, and so far his night had gone exactly as expected… yet that wasn't to be the case for the rest of his shift it seemed. He had just finished off the last sip of his coffee when a call went out over the radio, a missing child with a last known location only a few blocks away from his current location. There hadn't been a single shred of hesitation in him as he radioed back that he was on route, pulling away from the curb and heading the few blocks with a careful eye on his surroundings.
Clive hadn't seen a single thing on his way to the street address, pulling over and parking, getting out of his car. The description of the child's clothing had come through, a bright pink coat with a snowflake design and a dark red 'Flaming Birds' team hat. He begun walking the road beyond where he had come from, there had been no sign of the child down the other way and he didn't want to risk missing something by searching in the car… and it was with good fortune that he had done so, as if he had been in the car he never would have been able to see the boards half hazardly pried loose on a fence that surrounded a derelict property on the edge of the 'nice' neighborhood… a place his mother would have surely stuck her nose up at and called a disgrace. Approaching the fence he peered through the gap, unable to see anything but quickly able to tell that the gap wasn't large enough for his rather broad shouldered frame to fit through.
A quick look around had ended with him finding a couple tires leaned against the fence, the boards in that section seeming sturdy enough, so he had said a quick little prayer up to Metia that the whole thing would hold and then he had used the tires to scale the fence. By some stroke of luck it had gone well, his boots thudding on the unkempt ground on the other side moments later, the only light the one coming from the small flashlight clipped to his uniform. The ground was littered with dead leaves, the first scattering of snow wind swept, but there were still signs that someone had come this way recently. With breaths filled with worry for the child he continued around until the tracks lead to a closed window, a broken stick laying on the ground as if someone had used it to prop the cracked glass open. Kneeling down Clive pulled his larger flashlight out, using it to try to peer into the window, seeing little but a dark basement at first until suddenly a blonde head had popped up. Wide eyes framed with messy blonde locks had looked at him imploringly as small hands and tried to push on the window to no effect.
"Move back, I'm going to try to open it." he hoped she could hear his words… and was relieved when she nodded and moved away quickly. While he didn't want to have to break the glass to get to her, he would if it came to it. Taking a breath he tried to jimmy the window open first, managing to wiggle a piece of metal from the frame that was jammed just enough to be able to use the butt of his flashlight to give it a couple good whacks, dislodging it. Once the piece of metal had moved Clive pulled on the bottom of the window, a little grunt escaping as the window finally swung up on rusted hinges.
Swift footsteps were heard before a scrambling sound as the child climbed up and crawled through the window, her coat smeared with dust and some dirt, but even with that her smile was so bright she outshone the flashlight. Still kneeling he did a quick once over of the girl, making sure she was okay, noting how cold she appeared and immediately radioing that he had found the missing child. Taking her icy hand in his he had lead her back, finding the latch on the fence to open a nearly rusted shut gate, quickly getting her back to his squad car so he could wrap her up in a blanket to get her warm again. Buckled up and bundled with the blanket tucked around her they made their way to the local police station where dispatch had advised her father would meet them… and meet them he did.
Clive had barely gotten the car in park when the doors to the station flew open and a tall man with ash blonde hair came rushing out followed by the station captain. Clive got out of his squad car, opening the back door and helping the little girl get unbuckled. Once she was unbuckled he watched her scoot across the seat and get out of the car, running over to who he assumed was her father. A little smile came to his lips as he watched the happy reunion, locking up his car before heading into the station to file his report, glad that the whole situation had turned out positively. He hadn't been expecting the captain to walk over and pat him on the shoulder, a gruff 'Good job lad.' uttered before he walked off. It felt strange to be honest, he hadn't done it for praise or anything like that… but it did make him feel a tiny kernel of warmth all the same.
~~~~
Scheduling had kept him out of the station for three days after his last shift, three whole days of nothing to do but sit in his little apartment and attempt to not go crazy… which had ended with Clive down at the local shelter he had once lived in working with the children to allow their parents some time to go to programs or whatnot, volunteering to be a safe person there to watch over those most vulnerable. The children there were always such a delight, they enjoyed it when he read them stories or worked on little projects… like the Wintersend ornaments they were painting for the children to give to their parents. He was covered in paint, wearing a pair of ripped jeans and frankly ratty t-shirt, and being climbed on by several kids when his phone rang. With a chuckle he answered his phone, surprised to hear the voice of his captain on the other end. After ending the call he reluctantly excused himself, leaving another volunteer to finish with the children while he made his way to the station.
When he arrived the captain was waiting, giving him a subtle once over with an arched brow. All he had done was bashfully rub the back of his neck and mutter "You said to come right away…"
The captain just shook his head with an amused chuckle, leading him from the staff area out to the public lobby. There had been a few people there but nothing of note, which just made him confused as to why the captain had asked him to come down to the station on one of his days off. Finally the captain stopped in front of someone who looked vaguely familiar, though he couldn't really see as the captain was between them. He hovered behind the captain a few moments before he finally turned to face Clive, revealing the man he had been talking to as the father of the missing child.
"Officer Rosfield, this is Cidolfus Telamon, he asked to be able to speak with you." that was the extent of the introduction that Clive received, the captain turning and walking away.
Everything was just so completely off kilter that Clive was left standing there completely silent and unsure of what he should be doing. He rubbed the back of his neck slightly in a nervous gesture… a habit that had irritated his mother to no ends, his tone having a bit of confusion to it along with embarrassment at having arrived for something like that dressed as he was. "Um… sorry, I didn't realize I was going to be meeting with anyone… I'd have changed…"
"Not a problem officer, I know it was quite sudden." Cid held a hand out to him with a friendly smile. "I just wanted the chance to be able to thank you for finding my Midadol."
The faintest of blushes crept across Clive's cheeks as he reached out and briefly shook Cid's hand, the sound of Cid's voice doing things do him that just were so not appropriate, along with the fact that he wasn't used to so much praise. "Oh… it was no problem, I was just doing my job…"
Cid opened his mouth as if to say something, but he was interrupted by a child's shout of "DA! I got to see the WHOLE station!!" The child, Midadol, ran over to her father with a bright smile. She began telling him all about her adventure, Cid standing there smiling and nodding, asking the occasional question as if there was nowhere he would rather be than right there listening to everything she had to say. Figuring that they were done speaking to him Clive turned to head back out, his movement drawing the notice of Mid, her eyes widening as she looked at him "You came!" He had not been expecting what she did next, almost knocked over onto his backside when the child barreled over and threw her arms around him in a hug. The whole moment was… awkward… for Clive as he wasn't sure what he was supposed to do, ending up just gently patting her shoulder.
Eventually Cid had moved over, carefully prying his daughter off the gobsmacked officer, giving him an apologetic grin "Sorry, she's been wanting to properly meet you, so she's a bit excited."
Pink tinged his cheeks even more as Clive shook his head "It's okay… I'm glad to see that she is doing good." Yup… so very eloquent Clive… he really should have taken that public speaking class, maybe then he wouldn't sound so damned embarrassingly awkward whenever he had to talk to someone. Thankfully Mid didn't seem to notice one little bit, smiling up at him while starting to ask him a million and one questions about what it was like being a police officer. He answered the ones he could, chuckling softly at her enthusiasm, and the whole interaction was just so heart warming. When Cid finally broke into the conversation, gently reminding Mid that they had a dinner to go to, she pouted a moment but then smiled up at Clive again.
Seeing that as his cue to excuse himself Clive crouched down and spoke softly "It's been wonderful meeting you Midadol, thank you for coming to see me."
Mid looked down a moment before taking a breath and smiling that same bright smile "I… was wondering… if you'd sign my book…" She looked so bashful as she asked the question, holding out the magazine she had been holding the entire time they spoke. He looked down at the magazine and couldn't help but smile at it, it was a copy of Heros of Valisthea, a cute children's comic that came out weekly with different episodes surrounding various characters from different professions. The one that Mid was holding was the episode about the police, the characters so very cute and the magazine itself obviously well loved from the worn edges.
Slowly reaching out Clive took the magazine from Mid, nodding and smiling as he went to stand up "I'd love to Midadol, just a moment while I go get a pen, okay?"
Once she had nodded he got up fully, quickly going over to the duty officer desk where he grabbed a sharpie. Using the counter he carefully signed the page Mid had asked him to sign 'Always stay the brave and bright you! - Officer Clive' It was likely he should have signed it 'Officer Rosfield' but that felt to impersonal and cold to him for a child. Once done he put the pen back and held it out to Mid with a gentle smile, charmed by how ecstatically happy she appeared.
"Thank you Officer Clive!" Holding the magazine in one hand she darted forwards and gave him a much gentler hug. Taking her hand Cid gave him a grateful smile before he lead her out of the station, Clive watching them a moment before he turned and left as well, off to go back to his day off. Thoughts of young Mid's happy smile left his heart a bit lighter even as he navigated the busy supermarket, even as he returned to his silent and lonely apartment.
~~~~
The outing to the police station had been the highlight of Mid's entire week, she had been talking about it every chance she got and the magazine she had gotten signed had immediately become one of her most precious possessions. Cid had carefully sealed it in a clear plastic bag to keep it protected on her insistence, smiling indulgently, just so happy that his daughter was her effervescent self. As a fire fighter he knew the cop had just been doing his job, but he got the impression that he wasn't one of those officers that gave a half hearted effort to his profession, there had been something so earnest about him. And of course then he had gotten thinking… something his best friend often told him was a source of trouble as when Cid got caught on an idea it was hard to pull him away from it.
Once Mid was dropped off to Otto's for the week, their standard arrangement for when Cid was on his rotation at the fire station, he drove down to the station and joined in on the revelry going on… one of the station's favorite sports teams was playing and everyone was gathered to watch it. As they all clumped on the worn sofas in front of the TV one of the other fire fighters tossed an order form down onto the coffee table before flopping into a chair, Cid glancing at the form then over to him "What's that?"
His coworker had just shrugged, sipping his soda "Looks like the cops got wrangled into doing the charity calendar this year, mayor is sending around order forms to everyone apparently."
Cid just chuckled and shook his head, remembering their own stint as the sacrificial lambs for the yearly charity calendar a couple years back. While the entire thing was tasteful there had definitely been a few pictures skirting the bounds of racy. At the conversation another one of the men looked over, laughing "From what I heard from my girlfriend they found some lookers for it this year, her entire office are ordering copies after seeing the preview images apparently."
And of course that caught Cid's curiosity, and he didn't have anything better to do… sports had never really been his cup of tea even if watching it was a good 'team bonding experience' according to their chief. Lounging on his corner of the sofa he pulled his phone out and navigated to the charity's homepage, patiently waiting for it to load… slow as ever of course since they refused to put anything into the website budget… then clicking on the preview link. And what loaded was… well it was little wonder so many were ordering the calendar. Where in the hells the mayor had found cops THAT good looking was a mystery considering he hadn't had occasion to see more than one or two that were passable… granted he had to admit the Rosfield lad had been quite the looker, he had been doing his best to not focus on that while standing there with his daughter.
Another of his coworkers leaned over and saw what he was scrolling through before grinning "Oooo look a couple pages further, I swear I'd go gay for that guy in a heartbeat! Just… wow…" and coming from THAT coworker Cid couldn't help but scroll down a bit faster because that guy was happily married with three kids (and was almost nauseatingly in love with his wife even after 20 years of marriage). And when he got to the page he was told to look at? Oh he completely got the sentiment… and he was immediately thankful he had NOT seen the calendar previews before going with Mid down to the police station because there was no way he would have been able to look the man in the eye (or keep his errant dick from misbehaving).
"Greagor's flat fuckin' arse… whoever they got to take those photos deserves an award…" his surprised words got more than one laugh from those around him.
The rest of the night had gone as any other had, and the rest of his week was held captive by the standard routine of being on shift at the fire house… but by the end of the week he had decided that he was going to be crazy… he was going to invite the absolutely smoking hot police officer out for coffee. Whether or not he would agree, well that would just have to be seen. At the end of his shift, 7 days of 24 hours on call, tired and eager to get home to his daughter once more he had quickly made a little side stop. Walking into the bustling lobby of the police station he asked the duty officer if Officer Rosfield was working that night, only to get told that unfortunately he was off already… but then the older woman had smiled a smile that Cid couldn't help but think was purely devious "However if you're wanting to catch up with the lad, he's likely down in the town square for the children's festival… volunteers there every year."
A quick 'thanks' had been said before Cid made his way out of the station, a plan already forming in his brain… an utterly terrible plan likely concocted by a brain in terrible need of a full night of blissfully deep sleep, but then again Cid had never been known for his plans being anything BUT hairbrained or so he had been told. Grabbing Mid from Otto's he went home and changed, grabbing her thicker coat, then the two of them went down to the town square. Mid hadn't been expecting to go to the festival with Cid, so she was skipping along with bright chatter. There were so many people at the festival that it was hard to catch sight of any one person, but Cid was having so much fun with Mid that he wasn't bothered. By the time the sky was going dark and the festival was wrapping up Mid was sleeping on his back, arms and legs wrapped around him and breath deep and even.
Smothering a yawn Cid made his way through the town square towards his car, feeling so very light hearted, and also so distracted that he almost walked right into the person he had originally gone there in search of. He had looked off to the side for just a moment, some random thing having caught his attention, and before he knew it he was crashing into what felt like a wall until hands grabbed his arms to steady him. "Sorry!" That one word said in a voice he instantly recognized.
Green eyes met blue and Cid grinned "No need to apologize lad, that was all on me, I got distracted."
All Clive could do was chuckle lightly, a faint tinge of pink coming to his cheeks "Um… well it was nice to see you…"
Cid quickly shifted how he was holding Mid to make sure she was secure, then he held a hand out "A moment… I was actually hoping to run into you…"
Confused blue eyes met his again, Clive clearly wondering why he would want that, Cid just smiling a reassuring smile "I was wondering if you'd like to get coffee sometime."
That had not been a question that Clive had been expecting at all, his eyes widening in surprise, but even though part of him told him this had to be some sort of prank he didn't see even a hint of anything in Cid's gaze that lead him to think that was the case. As the pink on his cheeks darkened slightly he looked to the side bashfully, he hadn't been asked out since high school… and that had been because the girl had wanted to get in good with his mother… but he definitely couldn't complain considering the man was more than attractive. Finally he managed to find his voice once more, nodding a bit "Sure… coffee sounds nice." Maybe it was a leap of faith but he was willing to take it. The bright smile Cid had given him at his response had the blush on his cheeks threatening to darken, and in quick order they had decided on a time and location the next day. Saying a brief goodnight they had both headed on their respective ways… both feeling a bit lighter.
~~~~
Meeting at 3pm at the cafe had turned out to be a good choice, the Hungry Moogle Coffee House was a popular spot for students and professionals alike but at that time there were only a few patrons taking up tables scattered throughout. Clive had arrived early, nerves making him antsy and worried about being late, standing in front of the counter looking at the board as if staring at it longer would help him choose something from the rather large list. The young woman behind the counter simply gave him an indulgent look… she knew him well enough by then to know no amount of suggesting a drink would help, he just had to work through the indecision on his own. He had been one of her favorite customers for years, a quiet and polite man who always tipped the staff decently and never left the female staff feeling uncomfortable as some of their customers had in the past.
Of course he had become everyone's favorite the night he had stepped up to stop a particularly aggressive customer that had been getting in the young staff member's face. He had still been a rookie cop at that time, atleast a half a head shorter than the mountain of a man, but he had stepped up all the same… and the other man had backed down. Since that day he had been considered a sort of pseudo-brother to all of the staff, they had done what they could to look out for the man… which had on occasion included trying to talk him into at least giving dating a try, but it never seemed to pan out as he was just simply to shy.
When he had been standing there dithering for over 10 minutes Maeve had finally sighed and leaned on the counter, giving him a look "Clive… what has you so twisted up in knots?" This wasn't like his usual choice paralysis, this was something else.
Clive had looked down in a bashful manner, his answer almost muttered "I'm meeting someone for coffee…"
His words had a surprised expression coming to her face that had quickly changed to one of happiness "Someone to discuss work, or a 'coffee' coffee meet-up?"
As pink flooded his cheeks she had gotten her answer, a bright smile tilting her lips "I see… well then in that case, go find a seat dear, I'll surprise you with something good… you've enough on your mind, let me take care of what to drink eh?"
Maeve had just watched as he nodded and quickly left the counter, both embarrassment and nerves playing across his face as he found a nice table with a view out the window to sit at. He hadn't been sitting there long when the bells above the cafe's door chimed, drawing his attention to the man who had stepped through. Looking a bit windswept Cid was quite a vision, a charming smile on his face as he made his way over to the counter, Maeve giving him an exasperated look as she walked over and greeted him by name… which was no surprise since the cafe was close to both the fire station and the police station. She had just shook her head as he ordered, likely because it was the same thing he always ordered or it was something crazily outlandish just to be cheeky. When she had shooed him away he looked around until his gaze caught on Clive, his smile brightening as he walked over to sit down with him.
"Sorry if I'm a couple minutes late, I had a bit of a time finding parking." Cid had shrugged out of his coat and hung it off the back of his chair as he smiled.
Clive had just smiled as he knew how hard it was to find parking in that area… which was why he had personally chosen to park a bit further down and just walk. "You're not late… I was just a little early."
The entire feeling was a little awkward, but thankfully the tension was broken as Maeve appeared with their orders… and Clive looked at the absolute monstrosity that she delivered for Cid, some sort of whipped cream thing that was almost sliding down the glass. With a sweet smile she set it down in front of Cid who was looking at it with complete horror, while the cup she set down in front of Clive was much more reasonable… a simple flat white with the foam done in the shape of a cutesy little smiley face. After another long moment of watching Cid stare down at his drink he finally broke "Now Maeve lass… you know I wasn't serious when I ordered… whatever this is…"
Grinning with a snicker Maeve just turned "And yet you ordered it all the same, and what sort of barista would I be if I didn't give my customer what he asked for?" With that cheeky response she plopped a straw down in front of him and sauntered off… leaving Clive to press a hand to his mouth to smother the laughter that was trying to slip free.
Cid's gaze rose to watch Clive, almost hunched over as he fought to not burst out laughing, his shoulders shaking until finally he just couldn't anymore and his laughter filled the air. The sound of that laughter was more than worth the concoction he was going to have to drink, especially since he had a feeling the lad didn't laugh like that often… if at all from the expression of triumph on Maeve's face behind the counter. Once Clive had finally managed to get his laughter under control he lifted his cup to take a sip, an almost carefree smile on his lips… and the ice well and truly broken. As Cid worked to drink the sweet drink they talked, the topics varying but the atmosphere was just so comfortable… and so very enjoyable. While they hadn't been able to stay there as long as Cid would have liked, he had managed to convince the younger man to meet him again… and that felt like a win in his books.
~~~~
Clive and Cid had been meeting for coffee for several weeks, between their respective work shifts, both beginning to feel more and more comfortable with every meeting. As Wintersend grew closer their schedules became more fraught as celebrations ramped up, more and more holiday parties being scheduled and more people flocking to the city. At one point Cid had arrived to one of their scheduled coffee 'dates', the cafe empty, only to find Clive sitting with his head pillowed on his arms on the table… completely fast asleep. Someone, likely Yvan who was behind the counter, had draped a throw blanket from somewhere over him in an attempt to keep the chilled wind that came through the doors when it opened from waking him. Cid had given a soft sigh and shook his head, walking over to order a coffee "He been here long?"
Yvan had shook his head "No, maybe 15 minutes give or take… poor man sat down and next thing I knew he was out like a light. My sister said the officers down at the station have been running doubles due to all the parties, not to mention all the politicians arriving for their annual gala." Sliding Cid's coffee across the counter to him he just shook his head, heading over to start packing up the baked goods into boxes for the evening.
Taking his drink Cid moved over to the table where Clive slept, watching him quietly as he sipped his drink, reluctant to wake him up when he looked so very tired. As he sat there he noticed a stack of papers sitting just under Clive's elbow, a list of some sort with notes scribbled on the sides. From the look of the list poor Clive had more things to do than he appeared to have time to do them, burning the candle on both ends. Cid looked up when the cafe door opened, the bells jangling loudly as a gust of wind blew through ruffling the papers and their hair, Clive shifting with a grimace at the chill before he slowly sat up with a yawn. Reaching up he rubbed his eyes then startled to see Cid sitting there, smothering another yawn "Founder I'm sorry… I must have dozed off, you haven't been here long have you??"
Reaching out Cid cupped his cheek lightly and shook his head "Not long lad… but you look like you could use some serious rest. Would you prefer to head home and get some extra sleep? I don't mind…"
Clive's gaze lowered as he carefully shuffled the papers in front of him back into a neat stack, his tone subdued "No… I'm good… home is just a bit to quiet lately." He'd never much liked the holidays, spending them alone while catching glimpses of his family's socials full of bright and cheerful holiday get-togethers that had never included him even before his mother had effectively disowned him.
All Cid had been able to do was give Clive a gentle smile of understanding, not asking the question that nagged at him… why Clive just seemed so very sad the closer Wintersend came. With Clive awake they once more sat to chat, sipping their drinks until their cups were long empty and the cafe had to get ready to close. As they walked out into the parking lot side by side Cid finally gathered up the courage to ask Clive what he had been wanting to ask all evening "Are you busy on Bahamusday?"
Blue eyes filled with curiosity looked to him as their footsteps stilled "During the day or in the evening?"
It was difficult to look into those eyes without spilling everything he wanted to say, but Cid managed, answering the question instead. "In the later afternoon and evening."
Nodding a bit Clive had quickly checked his phone calendar, looking back up to Cid as he shook his head "No, I don't have a shift that day, just a few things to do in the morning… why?"
All Cid had been able to do was smile a bit bashfully, swallowing down his doubt before replying "Mid and I were wondering if you'd like to come over for dinner… nothing big or fancy, we were just going to decorate the Wintersend tree and watch movies."
With a wide-eyed gaze Clive had looked at Cid in surprise… the very fact that he was being invited over to Cid's house for dinner… that not only Cid wanted him there but his daughter too, it was like he had somehow fallen asleep and slipped into a happy little fantasy. It took him a moment to push down the urge to cry, swallowing down the tears that tried to appear, before he nodded "I… would love to…"
His answer had Cid almost floating on air as they resumed walking back towards their cars, and maybe that was why as they stilled once more near Cid's car he reached out and cupped Clive's cheek… leaning in and pressing a light as air kiss to his cheek. "Rest well Clive, and I'll see you on Bahamusday."
Cheeks reddening from more than just the chilled wind Clive had nearly whispered back "See you then Cid…" And maybe it was foolish, but that night he didn't feel like he was drowning from the quiet in his apartment… after all he had something to look forward to now, and the reminder of that barely there kiss that made the his stomach flutter.
~~~~
Bahamusday couldn't come soon enough for Clive, of course he had talked with Cid over text throughout the week too… the man was an incorrigible flirt sometimes, as if he knew how badly it made Clive blush each time he did it. A few of Clive's coworkers had teased him about it the few times he had received messages while on shift, but it had all been good natured ribbing, and he couldn't bring himself to feel anything other than a sort of odd happiness. That happiness only increased as he made his way up the walkway that lead to a very nice looking two story home, Wintersend decorations stuck on the front window half hazardly, and reached out to knock. Footsteps had all but thundered from within, an excited squeal greeting his ears as Mid threw the door open and grinned up at him while shouting "DA HE'S HERE!!"
That infectious grin of Mid's had a smile creeping across Clive's face as she grabbed his hand and pulled him inside before closing the door. He had barely gotten his shoes off before she was dragging him through the entryway and further into the house, giving him the ten second tour of the living and dining rooms before he was lead into what she called 'her workshop'. Clearly from the clutter strewn about she spent most of her time in there, little gadgets and projects taking up every available space while drawings were tacked to the walls as if an engineers schematics. Mid had cleared off a space for him to sit, showing him every single thing she was working on while regaling him with what they were and how she was going to make them work. He didn't in all honesty understand most of what she was saying about them, but he did enjoy her enthusiasm and the simple act of sharing in it.
Their little show and tell was interrupted when Cid came into the room, smiling at the sight in front of him "Sorry to interrupt you two, but dinner is almost ready." Mid had let out a shout of happiness as she jumped up and ran off for the kitchen, obviously excited about whatever dish it was that made up dinner. Cid just chuckled and shrugged a bit "I don't get to make her favorite as often as she would like…"
Mid's favorite turned out to be a lasagna complete with homemade sauce, the entire dish so flavorful Clive had almost moaned at the first bite. It was little wonder that this was a favorite meal, Clive would have gladly ate the dish multiple times a week if he had the ability. Once they had all finished their meal Cid had pulled out dessert, little glasses filled with creamy vanilla pudding spiced with something Clive couldn't make and sprinkled with chocolate shavings. He hadn't had something so simple yet decadent in… well ever really, it left him wanting to do what Mid was doing and lick the cup clean.
Everything was just so perfect… the air felt warm and cozy, the scent of cinnamon filling the house, Mid's laughter so joyous as they helped her put ornaments on the tree. Wintersend wasn't for a few weeks yet, but there in that house with the two of them… Clive could almost envision what it could be like to spend the holiday surrounded by their happiness… a dream he wished so very ardently could be real. The end of the night came far faster than he wished it would, Mid having fallen asleep on the couch during one of the movies and being taken to bed, which just left Cid and Clive sitting there waiting to see if she would wake up once more. After a good half hour of waiting Cid had sighed and shaken his head with a chuckle, declaring that she was likely out for the night. Smiling a tiny smile Clive had nodded a bit "Should I head home then?" He didn't want to wear out his welcome after all.
Yet his question hadn't received a confirmation, instead Cid had just smiled a light smile at him "Only if you want to, I'd be quite happy if you stayed a bit longer…"
So Clive had done just that, sitting with Cid as they both sipped from bottles of beer unearthed from Cid's fridge and laughing over the preposterous movie they had chosen at random. Even as he drove home later that night, the streets almost empty, Clive had still felt the warmth of the evening clinging to him… sending him into sweet dreams when he finally curled up in bed.
Otto had called it insanity when Cid had finally admitted to his feelings for Clive… tried to tell him that it was insane that he feel so deeply for the man despite having not even known him for 6 months yet. But Cid just… couldn't help it, there was something about Clive that drew him in, and the more time they spent together the more time he wanted to spend with him. He wasn't to proud to admit that it made no sense, but he knew that even with as small of a time they had known each other that he was falling head over heels for the quiet, reserved, and sweet cop. What he didn't know was if Clive shared his deepening feelings… and it had been so long since he had had feelings for anyone romantically that the thought of his feelings not being shared scared him more than he ever thought it would. So he decided to keep his feelings to himself, just a bit longer, until he was sure…
~~~~
The closer it got to Wintersend the busier everything got, the police station had already been drowning in the pre-season chaos but now it had ramped up even higher with all the Wintersend celebrations happening throughout Rosalith. Clive was so very tired, everyone was running double shifts, getting brief snippets of sleep on the couches in the staff room in rotations to keep as fresh as was possible. He hadn't heard a thing from his family, but that had long become expected for him since his mother had cast him out… Joshua had sent him the occasional birthday and Wintersend card for the first few years but that had slowly petered off, likely as he got busier with his studies and his own life. When he was finally done his rotation at the station he sighed, making a quick phone call to Sandy from the shelter so she knew there were packages at the station for her to pickup. With that done he wearily started to trudge home, huddling into his coat against the biting wind that had settled over Rosaria bringing with it fluffy flakes of snow.
Walking home from the station with the wind whipping snow through the streets as he huddled in his jacket brought to mind that night so long ago… he could still feel the ghost of that tiny body bundled against his chest even to that day, and he once again wished that he had been able to do more for that tiny child. Sadness weighed him down as he stomped the snow off his boots in the entry hall of his shabby apartment building, head down and gaze focused ahead until he was finally through the door to his apartment. Stripping out of his coat and boots he went about his evening routine, trying to let going through the motions settle him while hoping it would be enough to let him sleep.
~*~
Despite the jokes that the firefighters and police were often at odds they usually found themselves working together quite well. With everyone flooded with work from the holiday season Cid could be found running any number of different errands for his station, so receiving a call from the police station asking for help with a 'small task' wasn't unheard of. He had arrived to the captain talking to a woman who looked even more harried than the people standing in line to speak with the duty officer. When Cid had walked over the captain had introduced her to him as Sandy, she ran a community shelter and had asked for help bringing several huge boxes sitting in the lobby of the station back to the shelter. "Thank you so much for coming Mr Telamon, I wasn't expecting anywhere near this much!"
At her almost exasperated comment the captain had sighed and shook his head with an amused expression "Well you DID accept Clive's offer to help… and this dear lady is what you get for that, that man could charm the last gil from a miser's pocket when he puts his mind to it."
"True enough…" Sandy had shaken her head with an amused expression, her fondness clear. "Anyways, if you'd be so kind Mr Telamon…" Nodding Cid had helped her load boxes into her car then loaded the rest up in the back of his truck, following her through the busy streets to a slightly less fancy part of town where they pulled up to a homey looking building. It wasn't state of the art, but there was clear care put into the building, strings of simple coloured lights around the windows and door, snowmen dotting the open spaces in front and to the side.
As he helped Sandy carry the boxes into the building and making sure they were all secure in her office he couldn't help but ask "You know Clive?"
Kind brown eyes looked over at him, the corners of Sandy's eyes crinkling as she smiled a soft smile "Yes, he's been volunteering here for some time, he really has a way with the children." Sitting at her desk she lifted up a simple card that had been sitting on the corner with some framed pictures, looking at it with such happiness it surprised him. "He… is far to kind for how this world has treated him…" When she set the card down Cid was able to see that in it was a picture of a group of brightly smiling children all surrounding a bashfully smiling Clive.
His voice was hushed when he spoke "I wonder why he never mentioned volunteering here…"
Strangely a sadness came to Sandy's face at that comment as she gently placed the card back where it had been. "He's a very… private… person I suppose." Reaching out she lifted a framed picture that looked older than many on her desk, looking down at it "And while I'd never say it where the children could hear, he's always been one of my favorites, even so many years later." A comment she never should have made that was certain, as it likely breached his privacy, but she hadn't been thinking of such things in that moment. As she looked down at the photo, her entire attention on it, Cid was surprised to find himself looking at what appeared to be a picture of a much younger Clive standing next to a younger Sandy. He was dressed in plain clothes, nothing that would stand out, holding what appeared to be a high school diploma. Shaking her head after a moment Sandy put the photo away and stood again "Anyways… thank you for your help Mr Telamon, I suppose I should get to sorting everything." She pulled a list out of the one box, setting it on her desk, on it was a meticulous list of every single item in the boxes, a single line written at the bottom that caught his gaze…
'Sandy, don't forget to take time for yourself too… you're their shining star, you can't light their world without refilling your own cup first. - Clive'
It wasn't the words necessarily that had Cid's eyes widening… it was the writing, the neat and carefully scrawled letters, every single one looking like it had been written with absolute care… writing that he had seen every single year for the last 8 years. Quickly excusing himself Cid had headed home, glad that Mid was still at school and didn't see as he barged around, grabbing one of the envelopes Mid kept safe in a decorated box on top of her dresser along with the magazine that had been perched in its plastic bag next to the box. Gently smoothing the magazine out he opened one of the envelopes, removing the card and setting it down next to the magazine… looking at the writing on both. His voice came out a whisper as he looked between the two of them… "Well I'll be damned…"
Cid… wasn't sure how he was feeling about what he had found, he did however know he needed actual answers. Resolved he carefully put Mid's treasures away, then searching through a stack of mail sitting on the kitchen counter until he found what he had been looking for… a simple white envelope addressed to the fire station that he had brought home the day previous. With it tucked in his jacket pocket he sent Clive a text asking if he could meet at the cafe, receiving a message back in short order. As a strange mix of emotions filled him Cid he made his way back out into the wind and snow…
~~~~
Evening had set in by the time Clive reached the cafe, the streets emptier than they had been, quieter. There were only a few people in the cafe when he arrived, his mood subdued as he ordered a simple coffee and sat at a table to wait for Cid to arrive. When his cup was sat down in front of him he held it between his hands, fidgeting with it more than anything as he worried over why Cid had asked him to meet so suddenly. Door chimes jangling drew his attention but he kept his gaze on his cup, his shoulders slightly hunched forwards, hearing the sound of footsteps growing closer until Cid pulled the chair out across from him and sat down. Forcing his gaze up from his coffee Clive looked at Cid "Hey…"
The expression on Cid's face was hard to read, it had that feeling of trepidation growing in Clive, and the longer Cid sat there without saying a single word the more it grew. Finally Clive couldn't take it any longer, his gaze sinking back down to his rapidly cooling drink "You… wanted to talk about something?"
In complete silence Cid reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope… one that Clive recognized and was more than a little surprised to be looking at, yet even then he didn't know what to say about it. Finally Cid spoke, his voice soft but tone firm "I need to know Clive… why?"
Without raising his gaze Clive sighed lightly "I'm not sure what you are asking Cid…"
"Why do you leave a card every year at the fire station?" Those serious green eyes hadn't left Clive even once.
Clive lifted the cup he had been holding, taking a sip of the lukewarm liquid "I don't know… maybe I'm just a sentimental fool… I know they are likely just thrown out but I wanted the child to know that someone was thinking about it."
"Her… and if you wanted her to know someone was thinking about her then why did you leave her?" Cid was trying very hard to be understanding, but he needed to know why all the same, because it just didn't make any sense to him.
Blue eyes looked down filled with pain "I…" his shoulders slumped and he looked just so… defeated. "I was on my way home from my part-time job, I heard something that I couldn't place… and found her in a box in an alley… but I knew I couldn't take her home with me, I was only 16 and my mother… well she wasn't an understanding person. She'd have been better off anywhere else but there… so I brought her to the only place I could think of where someone would make sure she stayed safe."
"And she has been, safe and loved for 8 years." there was a bit of a snap to his tone, even though he hadn't meant there to be.
Black hair shifted as Clive nodded a bit, his voice becoming hushed "I know… and… I'm sorry." He couldn't continue… sitting there in front of the person who had been raising the baby he had left, even if she hadn't been his and it had been for her own good, it was to much when placed alongside the loneliness and stress of the last so many weeks. Pushing his chair back Clive quickly left the cafe, leaving a surprised looking Cid as he exited out into the brewing storm. With his arms wrapped tight around his middle Clive walked, head down as snow gathered on him and swirled around his feet, unnoticed. The further he walked the more the storm set in, wind howling and making him shiver as tears froze on his lashes. At one point he could have sworn he heard his name being called, but it was likely just the wind.
Somehow he ended up on the edge of the town square, looking out at the snow covered Wintersend decorations, watching as groups of people swiftly made their way through the night while laughing together. Turning away he continued on walking, his footsteps slowing as the snow got deeper. As he stopped at an intersection he was startled as a car pulled up and he heard a voice yell out a window "Get in the car lad, before you freeze!"
He stared in surprise at the car, and Cid in it, a moment before he reached out… grasping the handle with a hand he hadn't even realized was shaking… and pulled the door open. The silence in the car was rather oppressive as he slid into the seat, buckling himself up with a downcast gaze. It appeared there were more surprises in store for him, as before he knew it Cid was pulling up into his garage and shutting the car off "Weather is going to shit, and you look half frozen… come on, let's get you inside, I'll take you home once the storm clears up."
All he could do was follow, removing his boots and coat before following Cid dutifully, only looking up when a towel was thrust into his arms "Take a warm shower, it'll help you thaw out… then we can talk, okay?" That voice that always made him feel some sort of way was gentle, if exasperated. With a nod Clive stepped into the bathroom and stripped, turning the water on to take the ordered shower… he hadn't realized exactly how cold he was until the hot water was running over him and his shaking finally stopped. Once he felt warm and calm once more he turned the shower off, drying before bashfully peeking out the bathroom door… only to find a neat little stack of clothing sitting on the floor in front of the door. The stack turned out to be a pair of loose sweats that thankfully stayed on his hips due to the drawstring, and a worn oversized tshirt that just managed to fit the breadth of his shoulders.
Warm and dressed in dry clothes Clive quietly made his way towards the kitchen, the light from that room spilling out into the hall. When he got to the doorway he spotted Cid in the kitchen pouring water from a kettle into two cups. It seemed Cid had heard him coming as he looked up and gave Clive a gentle smile "Let's have a seat… would you like tea or hot chocolate?"
Confusion filled Clive as he walked over and sat down at the kitchen island, Cid's entire manner was… much different than it had been… or maybe that was just Clive's perception of it. He looked up at Cid with a wide-eyed look, his voice soft "Um… tea, please…"
The quiet that filled the air this time held a sort of odd comfort, the tension of the previous silence missing. When their drinks were done Cid set them down on the kitchen island and sat, reaching out to place his hand over top of Clive's. He spoke in a voice so soft it was like a gentle caress "I'm sorry Clive, I should have thought of how what I said would come across… I hadn't meant it to come out as any sort of accusation. Even though I've only known you a short time I know for absolute certain that you would never leave a child anywhere without a reason."
"I just wanted her to be safe and happy… she wouldn't have been in my home." He hesitated a moment before continuing "My mother was more likely to throw her out than keep her or take her somewhere safe."
With a soft sigh Cid took hold of Clive's hand, twining their fingers together "You don't need to explain any further Clive… I understand, you did what you thought was safest and protected Mid the best you could for your age. And… when you said you had expected the cards to just be thrown out, well… I have something to show you." He gave Clive's hand a light squeeze before standing, gently pulling him along until they reached Mid's room where he picked up the box she kept all her precious things in. Lifting the lid he showed Clive the stack of letters, a soft smile on his face "She's kept every single one… when she was little I kept them safe until she was old enough to look through them, and since then she has made sure they are all safe… she calls them her treasures."
Hearing that Mid thought of his cards as treasures made Clive tear up, his heart feeling so very warm. Sniffling slightly he tried to discretely wipe his eyes with the back of his hand, but Cid still noticed, setting the box back down on the top of Mid's dresser before pulling Clive into a tight hug. As he held Clive, rubbing his back softly, he spoke by his ear "Every year since she was three she has wanted to meet 'her guardian angel'… it's been the one Wintersend wish I was never able to fullfil. But you can… you can give Mid the one wish she has always had."
Tears slowly trailed down Clive's cheeks, his arms going around Cid to cling to him. "Are you sure Cid? I… I don't want to mess anything up… what if she's dissapointed? What if I don't live up to who her 'guardian angel' should be?"
A hand moved from rubbing Clive's back to running through his hair "Lad… she adores you. Has ever since you helped pull her out of that basement, you were all she talked about for days until we were able to go to the station to see you. I can guarantee that she won't be the least bit dissapointed."
Taking a slow, deep breath Clive pulled away to look at Cid… teary blue eyes meeting caring green. As scared as he was of being rejected, he couldn't bring himself to refuse to make Mid's wish come true. In a voice trembling with anxiety he nodded "Okay… I'll do it…"
With the storm still sweeping through the city Cid made up the guest room for Clive, getting him settled for the night. Tomorrow was Wintersend Eve, Mid would be back and he had a feeling that it was going to end up being the best Wintersend she had ever had.
~~
Cid and Clive were sitting at the kitchen island the next morning when the front door opened with a shout of "DA! You should see it outside! Everything is so white!" as Mid stomped into the house.
Chuckling Cid got up met her in the hall, helping her hang up her coat and setting her backpack aside to clean out from her sleepover. "We have a guest over Midling, why don't you go say hello?"
A curious gaze met Cid's before Mid shrugged and walked with him to the kitchen, pouting a bit at having to 'be social' when she just wanted to tell her Da all about her sleepover and how pretty it looked outside. Her pout changed in an instant the moment she saw who was sitting waiting, her face lighting up with a smile as she let out a squeal of "CLIVE!" before running over to almost knock him off his chair, hugging him in a breath stealing hug. When she finally let him go and stepped back she looked a bit closer at him before giving him an odd look "Why are you wearing Da's clothes?"
Pink crept across Clive's cheeks at the question, his hand rubbing the back of his neck "Oh… I um was walking home in the storm and got a bit soaked…" He hadn't even realized he had left his coat in the cafe in his hurry to leave until Cid brought it in from the car that morning.
The exasperated look he received looked so very much like the one Cid had worn that it was almost comical "Well that was awfully silly! But since you're all dry and warm now, do you want to play a game with me!?" She didn't even wait for an answer before dragging him off to play, Cid shaking his head with amusement.
It was nearing dinner time when Clive finally managed to extract himself from the game Mid had pulled out, heading out into the kitchen to let Cid know he was going to head home soon since he didn't want to intrude on their Wintersend eve. Cid was just pulling a roast out of the oven when he walked in, the smell having his mouth watering in an instant. Green eyes looked over at him and rapidly filled with amusement "Smells good doesn't it?"
Clive had always wished he didn't blush as easily as he did, and he was wishing it right that moment too as his cheeks heated, leaving him able to just nod which made Cid chuckle "Well, I'm glad you think so, why don't you get plates down and I'll get the sides out too." There was no question about if he was staying, no looks that made him feel like he should just excuse himself, just a smile and an unspoken invitation that had a little smile curving his lips. He wasn't sure he had ever been made to feel actually welcome before… but as he got the plates down from the cupboard Cid pointed to he couldn't help but think that this must be what it felt like.
Dinner turned out to be quite the lively affair, Mid telling them all about her sleepover and what she wanted to do over the rest of her winter break with Cid chuckling as he made little comments on the activities. Clive watched them quietly with that little smile on his face, blinking a few times when Mid looked over and grinned at him asking if he would go sleding with them… the look on her face when he said he had never once been was just pure horror, right before she demanded he go with her. Once dinner was over and everything was tidied up they moved into the living room, the Wintersend tree glittering prettily in the soft light. Clive had taken most of the day to figure out how he wanted to tell Mid about their shared past… but in the end he had chosen to go with the simplest way. While they sat on the couch he had turned to look at the effervescent young girl who had changed his life so very much on the day of her birth, giving her a soft smile he held out the envelope to her, his voice quiet and filled with nerves "Happy Wintersend eve Mid…"
Mid had taken the card with a confused expression, pulling the flap of the envelope to open it as it wasn't sealed. Inside was a card with a picture showing an idillic winter scene, coincidentally rather like the scene outside after the storm, and inside was the original message he had written 'May your days be filled with the joy and happiness that you bring to others with your smile.'
But on the other side of the card was a new message…
'On the day you were born you changed my entire world, a little angel left to fend for herself that left a piece of her light in my heart even after your warmth left my arms. I wanted you safe and happy, and now I finally get to see that smile I always wished I could have seen before. You've said you always wanted to meet your guardian angel… well you Mid have always been mine, you changed me from afar and gave me dreams again. So thank you Mid, for being you, for being the brightest star in my sky even when I didn't know which one you were. - Clive'
He watched as Mid read through the message, as her bottom lip wobbled, as her eyes teared up… and he worried that she was upset… that she would hate him for having abandoned her. But he never should have worried… with a sniffle she had swiftly wrapped her arms around him, hugging him oh so tightly as she spoke in a hushed voice he had never once heard her use "I finally got to meet you…" Clive's arms wrapped around her, holding her gently, basking in the moment… the acceptance…
When Mid had finally pulled away, using the cuff of her pajamas to dry her eyes, she had smiled to both Cid and he "We should watch a movie! You're going to stay right Clive?"
Bashful blue eyes look over at Cid, waiting to see what he would say, enjoying the chuckle that rumbled from Cid "If Clive wants to spark…"
Mischief crossed her young features before she grinned at Clive "You'll stay, right Clive?"
"Sure Mid, I can do that." He didn't think he could deny that girl anything… so he was more than a little surprised by her next comment.
In the most serious expression either had ever heard she looked from Cid then to Clive and back "Great!! Now you two can start properly dating, Da's pining has been horrible!"
Blue and green eyes just stared at her, mouths open and expressions more than a little shocked… but Mid didn't seem to notice one bit as she sat back, pulling them with her to cuddle between them as the movie she had picked started. A perfect way to spend Wintersent eve… a wish fulfilled and hearts full of happiness.