Winters on Gran Pulse were always harsh, cold and full of snow. This year was no exception.

It's been five years since the Fall of Cocoon and the repopulation of the deserted land. Smaller and bigger towns grew here and there, one particular at a beach. New Bodhum was now the hometown of the former l'cie.

New Bodhum was a busy town, but quiet when the temperature went low. The beach wasn't very appealing when it's covered in snow and the sea frozen. But the inhabitants were quite happy at this season, having time for themselves and settling back from the noisy tourists.

It started snowing again as Fang and Lightning wandered through the white covered beach, clothed in warm coats and heavy boots. It wasn't that far from their shared home, maybe a fifteen-minute walk. Their faces grew red, either from the cold breeze which swirled around them or their hands brushing together once in a while. They had not been long together. Only two month ago, the first day Gran Pulse was covered in snow this winter, they finally confessed their hidden feelings for each other … while sitting by the fireside under a heavy blanket. Nobody knows about their relationship, well, except maybe Vanille, since she lives in the same house.

Fang swept some snow off a nearby bench, patting on it, symbolizing that Lightning should sit with her here. She nodded and took a seat right next to Fang while the latter extended her arm to keep her pink-haired girlfriend close. Lightning immediately snuggled closer, laying her head on the brunettes shoulder. Somehow, it wasn't that cold at all. Sitting so close to each other, snuggling even closer, holding hands provided enough warmth for both of them.

Fang looked around the area. "You know, in six month, everything here is just covered in … people."

Lightning chuckled in response, knowing that this was probably true. A smirk formed on Fang's face. Making Lightning chuckle, or even laughing was her favorite thing in the past month. It was a wonderful sound, only a few selected people were allowed to hear that.

Releasing Fang's arm from her shoulder, Lightning shifted even closer, placing herself on Fang's lap. Their cold noses barely touched as they felt the hot air from their breathes on themselves. Fang tucked a pink strand behind Lightning's ear as the latter ran a single gloved finger along the brunettes cheek. Their eyes met, burning with love. A little smile came across Lightning's face as Fang leaned in and gave her a small kiss on the lips.

"I love you", she whispered as she looked straight into blue eyes.

"I love you, too.", Lightning responded still smiling while laying her head on Fang's shoulder.