Closed Traitors in the Tundra PV Atlas Reid

As expected, Atlas had been quick to remind him of the very true reality. He knew he was putting too much emphasis and thought on it. It wasn’t as if he didn’t have options available. As long as he avoided the drudgery of an office or government job, he would likely find some degree of happiness. But it was still challenging to get his mind to relax to Atlas’ logical counter. He had told himself the same thing dozens of times to little avail.

“I know I know. I am trying. You know I just sometimes get stuck in there,” Ethen said, allowing a warm smiled to return as he kissed Atlas. “Its just hard to fully get it out of my head… but maybe it is a sign that I am just hungry,” Ethen added, deciding he would deflect away from his continued stress. There was little reason to dwell on in an even having Atlas close allowed him to start settling him mind. Giving a sudden shiver, Ethen glanced up at the faint snowfall.

“Maybe we should head back before we run into any wild yetis out here. I’m not sure if the groundskeeper really knows how to keep those away,” Ethen quipped as he collected Atlas’ hand. There was truth to the reality that he was, in fact, hungry. He was always hungry but that was irrelevant. Generally having a few sweets was a quick way to get his anxious mind to begin settling.

Listening to her boyfriend, Atlas could still hear the confliction in his voice. Pushing a few strands of hair out of her face, she let out a soft giggle as he kissed her and her smile rapidly returned. Atlas immediately laughed as he attributed is current mood to the possibility that he was hungry. She knew that wasn’t the case but her boyfriend could get slightly down when he was hungry. Normally she would carry a few snacks with her when they were off on their little adventures.

“This would be wild yeti season by the look of it,” Atlas quipped, narrowing her eyes and holding Ethen tighter. “With you smelling like a tebo, they would be sure to track us down in no time,” she added, turning a wide smile up to the boy. Giving Ethen’s hand a tight squeeze, she rest her head on his shoulder as they started to walk their way to the castle. Her first step crunched into the fresh snow. Atlas adored the sound of snow beneath her feet. It instantly evoked the holiday season in her mind. From the adorable decorations to the themed treats and cozy fireplace cuddles, Atlas loved everything about it.

She knew the stress had been eating away at Ethen over the past few months but she strongly believed it would wane as more time went on. Like her, he loved the colder months and she would make sure to find as much time as she could in between their classes to spend time with him.

Another genuine laugh filled Ethen as Atlas continued her playful teasing. Despite any mental turbulence or stress that he might feel, it was increasingly difficult to feel anything but warmth when beside her. He knew that he would be completely lost without Atlas always around to reel him back in. He adored that he had her to rely on since he was young and his love for her had only grown over the years. It didn’t matter what they were doing, being together always helped to quiet any anxieties he had.

Although, with it clearly being wild yeti season, she was making a strong argument to flee back to the castle before things got too dangerous. The last thing he needed was to be attacked by a yeti on the castle grounds, it would be a shameful way to go for someone of his imaginary rank. He knew he couldn’t trust the very odd but wise groundskeeper to patrol every possible yeti attack or ambush point… sure there weren’t any yeti in Scotland…allegedly… but he wouldn’t take the risk.

“I have no idea what you are talking about. I smell amazing and you love it,” Ethen huffed as he shot a disapproving glare that was undercut but his clear impulse to laugh. “But to keep you from turning into a popsicle, I am very lovingly escorting you back to the castle. You should be happy that I would be so honorable,” he playfully boasted as he gave her a loving kiss and laugh.