The storm

Body warmth.

"So what the fuck do you suggest we do then, huh? Leave'em out there?" Ian ran a hand over his face. "Look. If he doesn't make it back in 20 minutes, we'll call 119" Max growled, running a hand through his hair. "That can't be all. He can't fuckin drive so he's out there on fuckin foot in that shit"

"I know! I know. Jesus. What do you want me to do? There's no fucking way we can drive in this kind of weather and I fucking doubt we could make it around the block on foot!"

Joji was beginning to slow even more. His feet starting to drag through the snow sluggishly and his head bowed low as he was close to unconsciousness.

"Fuuuuuuuuck" he groaned. He looked up. "Wait... That tree. I know that tree" Joji sped up a bit. Approaching the tree to get a better look. Covered in snow and icicles now, it was hard to identify it as the tree not too far away from his apartment. Joji felt himself smile. He was making progress in these seemingly impossible conditions.

"A-Almost there"

Ian and Max had gotten into a full blown argument on what exactly they should do. They had tried to call 119 but the first responder didn't knew English. "I swear to fucking God if you suggest we take the car one more time I'm gunna shove my fist down your throat!" Ian yelled from one side of the room.

"Well I don't see you coming up with any new ideas! It's starting to sound like you don't give a fuck what happens to George out there! He could be dead for all we know!" Max yelled back from the other side of the room. Ian clenched his fists. "Fuck it! I'm going out there then. Screw you!" Max's eyes widened as Ian stormed out of the room and started getting dressed.

"Wait what wait! Stop" Ian ignored him. Putting on a long sleeve over his shirt and looking for his jeans. Max let out a breath.

"Look. Calm down. We'll get him back safe and sound. But you gotta stop acting so crazy. At this pace I'm gunna lose both of yas out there"

Ian stopped, surprised by Max's sudden maturity. He willed himself to calm down.

"Okay... I'm sorry. It's just."

Max nodded. "Ye. I'm worried sick too. Here. Let's try calling him again and check to see when exactly they think the storm is gunna die down." Ian nodded and they both headed back into the tv room.

"Fuck fuck fuck fuck. It's so cold. I can't feel my fingers or toes.." Joji looked down at the forgotten grocery back dangling from his arm. "Food. I was gunna make food. A zucchini stir fry to be specific... It's Ian's favorite."

Joji felt his cheeks heat up. The only warmth in his body at this point. He giggled to himself. "How pathetic. Thinking about Ian at a time like this." He crinkled his nose, it felt dry and numb. Like the rest of his face... Other than his cheeks that is. "Just a little further now I think."

"Okay, the storm is dying down. Maybe we should go looking?" Max nodded. "Yah, maybe. I'll get my boots on. You start up the car." Ian nodded and opened the door, the the wind slapping him in the face. He walked down the staircase and onto the patio.

"J-Jesus it's hard to see in this s-shit" he rubbed his hands together, creating as much friction as he could as he walked down the sidewalk to where they were parked.

"MAX!"

Max scrambled out the door and into the storm. Sprinting to where Ian had yelled from. When he came to the car he was Ian crouched down with another figure in the snow. "Help me get Joji inside!" He nodded and together they got Joji inside and on the couch.