Deaf!Wook AU once again! ^^

Snow was soft and gentle, so unlike the pouring rain of summer storms or the heavy winds in early fall. It was cold, too, but Ryeowook liked the way the tiny snowflakes would drop onto his skin and mix with his body heat, quickly turning to liquid.

He stood outside, his hands outstretched, watching as snow fell all around him, coating the already-white earth with another powdery layer. Everything looked so beautiful and peaceful in the winter, just like Jongwoon.

Ryeowook shivered a little in his oversized gray sweater, pulling the fabric close around his skin. Jongwoon wasn’t home yet; he had been working longer hours than Ryeowook had for years, but he normally wasn’t this late. The younger man slowly let out his held breath, watching the way the air in front of him fogged up with a content smile. At least he’d have this moment by himself in the snow.

All of a sudden, he felt something hit his back and he whirled around, startled, only to find Jongwoon standing on their porch, pointing at the mug in his hand and grinning foolishly. Ryeowook scowled playfully at his boyfriend, but ran for the back door anyway; his favorite part of winter was actually the time he got to spend inside.

Inside is where the fire jumped to life and filled the entirety of the first floor with warmth that seemed to curl around him and hold him tight. Inside was where he could smell the Christmas tree and gingerbread baking and the peppermint candy they kept in a bowl on the table in the foyer. Inside was where he would curl up on the couch next to Jongwoon after a long day and sip hot chocolate slowly, watching the way the flames bounced around the fireplace.

By the time Ryeowook entered the living room, Jongwoon was already sitting on the couch, just waiting for the one he loved most. The younger man immediately plopped down next to him, snuggling into his side and grabbing the cup of hot chocolate from his hand, taking a sip. Jongwoon just smiled, wrapping an arm around Ryeowook’s waist and sliding his hand up under the fabric of his oversized sweater, beginning to draw nonsensical shapes on his soft, pale skin.

Ryeowook held the mug up to him several minutes later and watched as Jongwoon took it from his hand, placing it on the end table closest to him. The older man then bent down, gently pressing his lips against his boyfriend’s; he vaguely tasted the hot chocolate Ryeowook had just been drinking and smiled to himself.

The younger, however, suddenly pulled back, a flash of excitement lighting up his eyes as he quickly signed ‘apple pie!’ to Jongwoon.

Jongwoon felt a grin overtake his face as he nodded. Ryeowook’s sense of taste was definitely more acute than his own; his dongsaeng had been able to taste the pie he’d brought home and sampled before making hot chocolate. He stood and lazily made his way to the kitchen, cutting them each a slice and carrying them carefully back to the living room. Ryeowook happily took a bite of his, his eyes widening slightly in surprise; it was one of the best apple pies he’d ever tasted.

He smiled, leaning over to kiss Jongwoon’s cheek gently before returning to his place nestled into his hyung’s side, perfectly content to spend the rest of that evening curled up with the man he adored, warm apple pie, and a dash of hot chocolate.