Qibli's POV:

I came into the sleeping cave, and the first thing I saw was a sobbing Winter in the middle of the floor.

The IceWing was covering himself with his wings, Bandit was doing everything he can to comfort Winter, but it wasn't doing much.

I crept closer, frowning at the IceWing in concern. "Winter ,"I started softly. "Are you okay?."

What am I saying, of course he isn't okay!

Winter sniffed. "I wish you hadn't seen that... ,"he said, not facing me.

I sighed, and then laid down beside him. "I'm here ,"I said comfortably. "I know it's hard, but you shouldn't let Icicle get to you like that--."

" Why? ,"he interrupted. "I deserved it."

I stared at him. "What? No, no, no, why would you think that? ."

Winter finally looked at me, dried tears on his face. "Remember when I told you I had a brother? ."

I nodded.

Winter bit his lip, then he sobbed out the whole story, of how Hailstorm died. I listened, shocked.

" It was my fault! ,"Winter cried. "If he haven't come with me, he would've...he...." His lip quivered.

I wrapped an arm around him, Winter was surprise but didn't pull away. I looked at him, then sighed. "You are many things, Winter ," I said. "But you are not a murderer. I'm not going to say what you did wasn't bad, but it was an accident, and it's wrong for Icicle to pin that against you."

Winter wiped his eyes. "I still miss him... ,"he said. "He was the only one who loved me, the only one to actually care enough for my existence... ."

I smiled gently. "What about me? I did save your life countless times, that should prove I care, right? ."

A ghost of a smile appeared on Winter's face. "I guess ."

" And what about our winglet? They must tolerate your existence and annoying puns to keep you around."

That got a small laugh. "OK, maybe I did always think of you guys as family ,"he said.

" Just remember that you're not alone ,"I told him. "We're here for you, Winter...I'm here for you."

Winter sighed, then suddenly leaned against me. Now I was surprise, and had a slight urge to push him away, but I didn't move an inch. "I'm sorry for my outburst ,"he whispered in my ear.

" Don't worry about it ,"I replied.

Winter nodded slowly, then suddenly his eyes drifted closed. I can't believe it, he'd fallen asleep, leaning against me, in the middle of the cold floor. I would've been mad, but I was too tired to care. I yawned before resting my head on the arch of Winter's neck, and eventually falling asleep.

Winter's POV:

I felt his heart beating.

It's calm rhyme serenaded in my ear, and his scales were warm, but surprisingly comfortable. After he fell asleep, I looked at him for a while, feeling my own heart paced.

Usually when I was sad, there would be no one to comfort me, except for Hailstorm of course, but when he wasn't around, everyone would just say I was weak and should suck it up.

Qibli was there for me, when no one was.

I still blamed myself for my brother's death, but for the time being, I was happy. The SandWing had helped me accomplish the impossible.

My heart paced faster. Oh, Qibli, what have you done?

I could deny my feelings forever, but there was no avoiding it: I may or may not be in love with Qibli.