Private for Celestial. x Tiger

Xander nodded slowly and took one of his hands out of his pockets, offering it to Clarisse. "Well, I'd like to help take your mind off of it, if I may."

He smiled softly, looking into her eyes. "Would you like to go on a walk with me while we wait for Violet to get back?"

Cheeks growing warmer, Clarisse stood up. "Um. Sure," She said, grabbing her jacket from the coatrack before grasping Xander's hand. Briefly she met his gaze before she slid her eyes to the front door.

Xander smiled and squeezed Clarisse's hand lightly. He led them to the door, opening it for the two of them and closing it after they both got out.

He took a deep breath, looking up at the relatively cloudless sky. He wouldn't mind a light drizzle either, to be honest.

He started walking in the opposite direction that they had gone earlier, deciding to try and discover as much land around the cabin as he could.

Following Xander through the pine trees, she glanced around at the birds perched in the trees, and took a deep breath of the chilly forest air. "It's beautiful here," Clarisse breathed.

Xander quickly nodded in agreement. He saw a few squirrels and chipmunks and even saw a hare or two either watching them walk by or run off.

"Very." He whispered, gazing up at the canopy. He could hear plenty of birdsong in the trees, and he closed his eyes briefly, relishing the moment.

Glancing at Xander, she smiled. "A beautiful forest," She murmured. "So pretty." She sighed happily, but pulled the jacket tighter around her, the wind chilling her to the bone.

Xander opened his eyes and looked down at Clarisse, his small smile faltering faintly. Some little flames appeared on his horns, the faint heat reaching her. He'd be able to increase it if he had to.

He squeezed her hand a little as well, as if he were telling her he had her back.

Taking in the heat from Xander's horns, she immediately felt much better. Nodding gratefully, Clarisse squeezed his hand in return. "After we take that walk, a mug of hot chocolate sounds nice," She mumbled, walking faster into the woods.

Xander matched her pace and chuckled softly, as not to interrupt the wildlife around them.

"Well, I don't believe I remember how that tastes, but anything with chocolate in the name makes me smile." He grinned, swinging their hands back and forth slowly.

Clarisse nodded, shutting her eyes briefly. She looked at Xander and smiled before looking up at the sky. "It's snowing."

The white flakes were beginning to fall, dotting the frosty grass with snowflakes.

((Lol let's pretend it's Feburary or January lol))