Christmas is a stressful time for anyone, even multi-faceted personality assassins. Just coming off of a job, Obsidian decided to treat herself to some of the finer confectionary pleasures the city of Nautica had to offer. He job within the city was a rather bland and simple one: collect intelligence and pick up a parcel that Mira had been expecting. Though it sounded easy, going through the laundry list of restrictions upon the package itself was staggering; she had spent six hours arguing with the wolf that was working at the shipment office over where or not she could sign off on it. Then from there, the info collecting took a rather nasty turn; as it seemed, the gang violence in this city was a lot worse than originally broadcasted. With the probability of Mira chewing her out once again looming over her head, Obsidian slowly made her way through the narrow streets of the city, hands tucked into her pockets to shield them from the cold. Rounding the corner and spotting a small ice cream shop, the irritated spragon’s mood perked some. Sure it was cold, but anything sweet right now would be heaven.

Pushing the small door open, the small bell atop the door chiming with force as she entered, Obsidian’s small pink nose lifted as the scent of waffle cones infiltrated her senses. Stepping up the counter and ordering four scoops of forbidden chocolate on a sprinkle cone, those dark ruby eyes sparkled with glee as she watched the confectionary come into existence. Tossing a few bills in the dingo’s direction, she turned lightly upon her heel and stalked out the door; her pierced tongue lapping slowly at the melting cream. But once she was clear of the doorway, she ran smack dab into some random bunny that was wandering by. This, of course, sparked yet another argument that lasted about forty-five minutes before the spragon simply stormed off. At every corner it seemed that trouble had risen up to meet her. From nearly getting clipped by cars and having to dodge bitter old ladies… it was a marvel that Obsidian didn’t kill someone right there. Finally having enough of the packed city, the frustrated spragon squeezed through the raging crowds and headed off towards the forest way up in the city’s northern limits; if any place was going to be quiet, it would be there.

As she walked, several small text came her way; two from Mira asking for updates and one from a well known Sixxan. After delivering the most cheerful news to her employer, Obsidian sent back a small message explaining her day, as well as a warning not to go into the city. To the warning, the Sixxan merely laughed and told her that it wasn’t necessary; he had been having a rough time in the narrow streets as well. As it would seem, both planned on seeking refuge from the ill-mannered crowds by heading up the forest. Since they were both going that way, why not meet up and just pass the time? Really, what else was there to do on Christmas Eve in a bustling city?

The trek up to the top of the hillside was an adventure in itself. The snow that had fallen down upon the hilltop had partially melted, leaving a slick trail of ice all down its slope… the very slope that Obsidian had to climb to get away from it all. With agile grace those toned legs graced up the side of the hill, the occasional slip upon her bottom perfectly imminent as she went. But, after six attempts to clear the side of the hill, the spragon finally bested the natural slide; she even gave a small yelp and a shout of triumph. But her small victory, it seemed, was doomed to be short lived. For that little jump of exaltation caused her rubbery sole to slip once more, leading her body to free all backward onto the ice. Just as she was about to collide with the slick ice below, a black furred hand snagged her flailing right arm, hefting her back up onto her feet; the arms of the Sixxan that saved her holding her tightly in a warm embrace.

“So, you’re in the business of saving women now? What a career change.” Quipped the spragon teasingly, a small line of crimson creeping across her face lightly in subtle embarrassment.

The Sixxan’s lips curled back into a sneer at her bravado; that tough personality always a real charmer. “A simple ‘thank you’ would be great right now, brat.” Sev’s teasing tones rang out as he slowly stepped back, making sure she had ample room to stand. “But it’s good to see you again. How’s the body count coming? I, myself, am sitting proudly at sixty thousand.”

Rolling her eyes with a small air of arrogance, Obsidian shrugged. “Thank you… and the body count is quite fine. Eighty-six thousand, last I checked.” Snickering softly as he pulled away, the spragon made it damn clear that she wasn’t done hugging him yet. “You’re looking as bad as ever… the job giving you some trouble, old timer?”

With a small arch of his brow, Sev simply shook his head. This was the usual banter that passed between the two slightly competitive assassins. Harsh, cruel, and all around friendly where the best words to describe it; and though some of the barbs pricked a bit at each other’s pride, the deep bond of friendship was always there. The pair slowly started off along the wintry trail, jaws akimbo as they gabbed away about weapons, assassination methods, and all manner of dark things. The frosted over trees slipped away as the miles disappeared behind the spragon and her companion. This was exactly what she needed… just a small, leisurely walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the stressful double life she lived. This Sixxan, met on completely awkward circumstances, brought her comfort… relief. With him she could talk about nearly anything and he wouldn’t have much to object with, moreover… he would often agree with her.

As they passed idly along the banks of a frozen stream, the overcast skies slowly began to drip with frozen tears; light fluffy snowflakes that fell limply to the earth. Amongst the falling snow, Sev’s hand entwined with Obsidian’s and, before she could protest, she was swept off her feet into a slow twirl. Even in the dead silence of the snowfall, the two slowly danced; only the music of their friendship could be heard as they dipped, twirled, and spun with nearly frozen paws in the snow. As the already dark skies grew even darker and the soft, twinkling lights of the city cast their enchanting glow upon the dancing pair, the Sixxan slowly led her way to the cliff face that gave a amazing view of the city.

“You know, we’re going to have to head back in there sooner or later… Life always calls.” Sev said slowly he dipped the slender form of the spragon down toward the ground gently. “My target should be heading home right about now and I-“

Obsidian’s finger slowly slipped up to his lips to silence him abruptly. “Shut up and keep dancing, dork… I’m having fun and don’t want to discuss work right now.” The spragon’s pink, glossed lips curled back into a gentle smile as she followed the Sixxan step for step.

Shaking his head slowly with a low, pleased chuckle, Seven merely continued the soft waltz in the snow, every step bringing them closer and closer to the large rocks that sat upon the edge of the cliff. When at last they grew tired from the lengthy hours of dancing, they settled upon the lumpy surface of the boulders, legs stretching out as they eased their tired muscles into soft relaxation. With a gentle sigh, the spragon’s head leaned down upon Sev’s shoulder; eyes closing in gentle thought as she merely took in the heat of his presence.

“Thanks for the night, Sev… It was something that I totally needed.” Obsidian whispered softly as she reclined against the scaled form of the Sixxan. “Things… have been stressful as of late, but I know that with you, I can always just talk and unwind. It’s the greatest thing that I could ever ask for in a friend.”

Giving a low chuckle, Seven gently nuzzled the spragon softly. “Dork, you don’t have to thank me… The feeling is mutual. Just having someone around that I can relate to… talk to about just about anything… that in itself is the gift you’ve given me, Obsi. So, here’s to both of us being friends for as long as fate allows… And if fate tries to dick around with us, we’ll slit it’s throat.”

Casting a smirk accompanied glance up to the scaled canine, Obsidian tiredly raised her hand in silent agreement. Curling up once more upon her close companion’s shoulder once more, the spragon spent the night cuddled next to him; the stars in the sky twinkling down upon them as the warm glow of the city enveloped them with a soft, gentle glow.

Art is by

Sev belongs to skorch

Obsidian and story by me.