Ben took a deep breath, feeling the magic of the season envelop him. The village was alive with laughter and the gentle hum of Christmas carols. Jeremy walked beside him, their fingers intertwined, warm against the cool evening air. "This place is amazing," he said, his eyes reflecting the twinkle of the lights.
Jeremy smiled as he led Ben toward a stall selling roasted chestnuts. "Want to try some?" he asked, his voice warm and inviting. Ben nodded eagerly, taking in the comforting aroma. They shared a bag, the warmth of the nuts a welcome contrast to the chill in the air.
Ben and Jeremy found themselves drawn to the giant gingerbread house, its candy cane pillars and icing-covered roof a whimsical sight. "I used to dream of living in a gingerbread house," Ben mused, his breath visible in the cold air. Jeremy chuckled softly. "Maybe we could build one together someday," he suggested, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Jeremy bent down, gathering a handful of snow, and before Ben could react, a snowball flew past him, narrowly missing his shoulder. Ben laughed, his eyes bright with surprise. "Oh, it's on!" he declared, scooping up snow to retaliate. Their laughter echoed across the village as they engaged in a spirited snowball fight, their cheeks flushed from the cold and excitement.
Ben and Jeremy paused, breathless and smiling, as the snowball fight ended. Jeremy brushed a stray flake from Ben's hair, his touch gentle. "I haven't had this much fun in ages," he admitted softly. Ben met his gaze, feeling a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the snow. "Me neither," he replied, their eyes locking in a moment of shared understanding.
Jeremy and Ben walked hand in hand, the snow crunching beneath their feet, reluctant to leave the magic of the village behind. "We should do this again sometime," Ben suggested, hope lacing his words. Jeremy squeezed his hand gently. "Definitely," he agreed, the promise of more enchanting evenings to come shining in his smile.
