Do You Wanna Build a Snowman? (Open!)

[River Tseung]

"Do you wanna build a snowman?
Come on lets go and play,
I never see you anymore,
Come out the door,
It's like you've gone away~"

Ahh, River loved the snow. Well, he loved any sort of weather really - sun or rain, hail or heat, he always found a way to appreciate it for what it was and make the most of it. Today was an extra special treat, though - last night, the sky had dumped a good four or five inches on the ground, plenty to build with and make snowballs and just generally have a great time out in the cold. And it was the weekend, so there wasn't class to worry about!

He continued to hum and sing to himself, bundled up in layers of warm, fluffy clothing as he went about... Well, making a snowman. He'd seen Frozen recently, so he had it on the brain, and with the weather now, it was just... Perfect! He finished rolling the ball for the bottom part, panting and wiping his brow as he set it in place. River took a break to glance around, seeing other students building and romping around and laughing. It kept a constant smile on the boy's face.

Now... If only someone else wanted to help with his snowman! He began the second part, not realizing he'd accidentally attracted a couple squirrels nearby with his singing. They sat on a tree branch together, wiggling their noses at him, apparently entranced.

[Carleigh Davidson]

Carleigh trudged through the snow, shivering. In her hand was a small cup of free hot chocolate that various clubs across campus handed out during the winter. Of course, she receved a flyer about joining the swim team but she'd rather not look like a drowning cat. Her hands wrapped around the cup, trying to steal the warmth to heat up her chilled body. Already, Carleigh was bundled up in warm winter clothing, doing her best to get from point A to point B without freezing to death.

Teeth chattering, Carleigh passed by a cheerful student, singing under his breath and building a snowman. How was he not cold or turned off by the snow? Her face fell, as she watched him merrily go along his way. Well, she needed some of his perkiness. Carleigh walked up, recognizing the guy from around campus. His name started with an R... but that's all she could remember.

"Well,someone is awfully happy to be out here." Carleigh commented with a light laugh. It was to cold to be out here and Carleigh couldn't wait for summer to hit Vermont.

[River Tseung]

River was about halfway done with the second ball of snow when a girl's voice caught his attention. He paused in his work, peeking up, and gave a broad smile at the slightly familiar but nameless face he was met with. "Hey!" he greeted, wiping his gloved hands on his pants. Her comment made him laugh and peer back at his work so far. "Yeah... It's not every day you get the perfect type of snow to build stuff with," he replied, patting the large ball of snow happily.

"I'm afraid we haven't met before," the Canadian went on, squinting at his new companion. He'd seen her around, but didn't know much, which was a shame! It was one of his goals to know at least most of the names of the population at Hammel before he graduated. "I'm River," he added, offering a hand. "I don't suppose you'd want to help me finish my snowman, would you?" He gave another bright smile, then suddenly shuffled around in one of his pockets until he produced a roll of Starbursts. "I can bribe you with candy!" he announced, offering her a piece.

It was habit for River to offer sweets to new friends. He was such a sugar fiend himself, he figured it was one of the best ways to get people to like him.

[Carleigh Davidson]

Taking a cautious sip of her hot chocolate, Carleigh sighed as the creamy liquid warmed her throat. Ahh. The only good thing about winter was all the free warm beverages given out. Otherwise, the California born girl hated the winter. It was far too cold, and the snow was not her favourite thing. She shivered, as if for emphasis, and smiled at the boy. "I suppose but it is so cold." Carleigh didn't even know how to tell good snow from bad. "Dumb question... but how do you tell the difference between snow?" It all looked like fluffy white hell.

She freed her one hand from the cup and met River's hand, taking it in her own with another wide smile. "Yeah, I've seen you around... maybe in a class or two." Not enough to be on a first name basis. "I'm Carleigh, it's nice to meet you River."

About to politely decline, Carleigh hesitated. "Well... I do love me some Starbursts." she said with a giggle. Taking a piece from her new friend, Carleigh popped the orange candy in her mouth. "You're lucky you had candy there in your pocket, otherwise I might have said no." Carleigh joked, setting down her empty cup. "So, how can I help?" she asked.

[River Tseung]

River, being from Canada, was used to cold winters, so the weather wasn't bothering him at all. That, along with his sunny personality, just made everything warm! Well, at least in his mind. "That's why you wear... Gloves and wool socks!" he grinned. "And drink plenty of hot chocolate, which you already seem to have down," he added, chuckling and pointing at her cup. At the question, he dipped down and scooped up a handful of the white stuff, easily squishing it into the perfect snowball. "Sometimes it's too dry and icy, and doesn't stick together well," he explained, smile never wavering. "But this stuff is great." He made a tossing motion towards Carleigh, but of course, he would never throw a snowball at a girl without provocation, and let it drop back into the snow.

River nodded in agreement, wishing he could remember where exactly he'd seen her. Oh well! They were meeting now, that was good enough. "A pleasure to finally meet you as well, sweetheart," he beamed, shaking her hand lightly with his gloved one. A pretty name for a pretty young woman.

He grinned as she accepted his request, stuffing the candy back into his pocket, ready to be offered again later if he needed to. "Me too!" he giggled, popping his own piece into his mouth. "Oh, I guess I am lucky, then," he agreed, almost solemnly. "I promise we can get some more hot chocolate inside afterwards, too." That sounded like a good plan to him. River turned his attention back to the second ball of snow he was working on, pondering. "Well, how about I finish this middle section, and you can do the head?" he suggested. "You can make it about... This big," he added, holding his hands about a foot apart. "Sound alright?" He offered another dimpled smile and began rolling his snowball in the snow. "You just start off with a small ball and roll it around like this until it gets big enough," he explained.

[Carleigh Davidson]

Even after all her time in Vermont, Carleigh's wardrobe still wasn't winter friendly. Sure, she had a couple of coats and whatnot, but she missed wearing her flowing dresses and pretty skirts. "I suppose, but I still like summer better." she said with a laugh. Mmm hot chocolate. That and coffee were the only reasons why she survived the long, cold winters here. "My hot chocolate consumption skyrockets during this time of year. I don't know what I would do without it." she admitted.

Hm. She bent down to look at the snow, removing a glove to touch it with her bare hands. Carleigh felt the light snow between her fingertips, which became cold in response. Wiping off her fingers on her pants, Carleigh nodded, pretending to know what River was talking about. She didn't exactly grow up in a wintery climate and seldom saw snow. When River made the motion to throw a snowball, she winced in preparation. Much to her relief, he was joking. "If you actually threw that, I would have screamed. Then hit back in retaliation." Carleigh grinned.

A flush of pink rose to Carleigh's cheeks. Was it from the cold or being called sweetheart? Who knew. She nodded in agreement and smiled at River.

"I'd love more hot chocolate. So I will hold that promise against you." In fact, she would need it. "I probably have like, three or four cups a day." Carleigh admitted sheepishly. And that was on top of her coffee consumption. She bit her lip, narrowing her eyes in concentration. There were faint, fleeting memories of herself playing in the Vermont snow, but nothing stood out. She remembered one occasion, when she was thirteen and new here. Her snowman was... well, pathetic. It crumbled and fell apart after the young girl had built it. Ever since then, she didn't play in the snow.

"Don't be weirded out... but I can't even remember building a successful snowman. So I'll probably need help." Carleigh admitted again. "I'm from California, snow isn't exactly common." she said with a sheepish laugh. But, she would try. And if all failed, at least River seemed knowledgeable in the snowman making world. Kneeling down, Carleigh began to mold a small snowball to begin the head.

[River Tseung]

"Summer is pretty great too," River agreed, bobbing his head. "Not to mention all the food..." It wasn't a secret that the boy was a food junkie, especially with sweets. If it wasn't for his swimming and running, he'd likely show his eating habits more. As it was, he managed to stay pretty lanky.

River grinned and giggled at Carleigh's reaction to his pretend throw, holding his hands up good-naturedly. "And I totally would have let you," he laughed, cheeks dimpling. "It's not nice to hit pretty young women!" Unlike a lot of boys his age, River's compliments and sweet nicknames came automatically - there was no sense of ill intent or expectation behind them, just genuine compliments and friendliness. It was just how the Canadian was.

"Trust me, I keep my promises," he assured her, rubbing his hands together to keep them warm. "And... That sounds like me," he admitted right back with another grin. "Sweet things are my kryptonite. Pastries, drinks, ice cream, candy... Ugh, I can't get enough!" If his mother knew about his eating habits, she'd have a heart attack. No wonder he was such a sweet boy - he was full of the stuff!

He peeked back at Carleigh's admittance, shaking his head to reassure her he wouldn't be 'weirded out'. "Don't worry about it!" River told her, watching the blonde girl at work as he continued rolling his ball of snow around. "California, huh? I've never been there. Is it as nice as I hear?" Warm, sunny, loads of people... Sounded great to him. "That's looking good, he told her, pointing to the little sphere she was forming. "Now you just set it in the snow like this and roll it around, and it will get bigger!" he explained, finishing off his own piece. Grunting, he lifted it up onto the base and settled it there, nodding approvingly. "Alright, just the head now, Carleigh!" he encouraged. "Then we can go in for hot chocolate."

[Carleigh Davidson]

When River mentioned food, Carleigh licked her lips. Mmm. Summer foods, like ice cream and delicious iced drinks. Cooking food on an open fire, laughing. S'mores. She could go on and on, but instead nodded in agreement. "Summer needs to come sooner. I'd love to organize a barbecue night here." she beamed. Granted, a lot of kids went back home for summer holidays but Carleigh preferred to stay on campus.

River was a total sweetheart. Carleigh loved the kid already. She grinned, a good natured, genuine smile, laughing in response. "Don't worry... the snowball would have fallen apart mid flight." She said with a small shrug, joking about her lack of winter experience. "I see everyone participating in snowball fights and I always wonder... why? It doesn't seem fun, being impaled by snow." Carleigh gestured towards a group of students some distance away, throwing snow at each other with faint giggles.

"Me too. I have a killer sweet tooth." Carleigh loved to top her hot chocolate with whipped cream and little colourful sprinkles. Mmm. The thought made her want to take River by the hand and drag him inside right now. But, he promised. So, Carleigh would wait patiently for her hot chocolate.

She continued to slowly and meticiously mold the head into a perfect sphere. Carleigh didn't want no lopsided, half attempt of a snowman head. She nodded, a small smile on her face. Most people weren't surprised to hear that the sunny blonde was from California. "Yeah, it's beautiful." she gushed, her grin widening. "You should go! I love it." Sure, it had some parts that weren't as nice and were struck with poverty... but it was like that for any town or state.

She carefully set her ball down, rolling it around carefully. "I'm guessing you're from somewhere where it snows quite a bit?" Carleigh asked, looking up while continuing to expand her sphere. She got up off the ground, pushing the little ball through the snow. It got bigger, and she looked at River with a satisfied grin. "This a good size?" she asked.

[River Tseung]

"Oh, man, a summer barbecue!" River repeated giddily, pointing at Carleigh like she was a genius. "Let's make that happen. We're gonna make that happen." It sounded like the best thing in the world to him - maybe it could be a sort of graduation party for him leaving Hammel? Aww.... Thinking about that made him sad.

But nope... No sadness now! "Why are snowball fights fun?" he mused with her, genuinely pondering over this. ".... I dunno! I guess as long as no one gets hurt it's just like a water balloon fight... With frozen water? Just the thrill of seeing who wins?" He grinned, shrugging, and in the process nearly tripped and fell in the snow because he wasn't looking where he was going. Oops.

He made up for his slip by giving his best, biggest smile as Carleigh spoke of her home state, nodding eagerly in agreement. "Aw, man, if I get the chance, I'd totally go," he agreed. "I hear the west coast in general is super nice, like, up in Oregon and Washington too. Maybe I'll need to just take a road trip sometime!" That sounded fun... Maybe it could be something else he did this summer? Hmmm...

"Oh, yeah!" he chirped, snapping back to the present as he patted down some uneven parts of his snowman. "Canada, actually." He pointed towards the north. "Totally different from Cali, if what I hear is accurate." Another smile, and he turned to look at her snowball, or, rather, head of snow. "That's perfect!" he agreed, bobbing his head like a goof. "You want to do the honors, or shall I?" He didn't want to take away the proud moment of putting the head onto the snowman if Carleigh so wished. In the meantime, he grabbed a couple sticks and placed them into the torso as arms, and prepared a couple of rocks for the eyes, nose, and mouth.

[Carleigh Davidson]

"Yes! We can totally organize one with delicious, summery foods." Carleigh gushed. It would be a fun little event. Maybe they could even do it on the last day of school so the entire school would be able to enjoy the barbecue. "I'll hold you to that promise!" she exclaimed with a bubbly smile.

The blonde nodded thoughtfully. Her thoughts on snow were beginning to change. Only took a few years of living in Vermont and being around kids who enjoyed the weather, like River. A smile appeared on Carleigh's face again. "Yeah, I can see that. Like a water balloon fight." She repeated. Those were refreshing in the summer. The more she thought about it, the more Carleigh missed the sun and everything in general that came with summer. "Yeah, I imagine getting a face full of snow wouldn't be a nice feeling." She said with a giggle.

Canada. Definitely explained River's love for the snow, if the stereotype was true. "Definitely! I think a road trip across the States would be fun!" She exclaimed with a grin. Just herself and a bunch of friends travelling across the country. What could be more fun than that? "Been up to Oregon once or twice, it's pretty nice. I'd love to go again though." Was it weird to suggest to someone she just met that they go together? Probably. She kept the idea in mind for when the two got closer, cause it would happen. Carleigh liked River.

"Yay!" The blonde grinned down at her little sphere. "Might as well do in my snow virginity all the way." She added with a giggle. Bending down, Carleigh wrapped her arms around the snow head carefully, bringing it up to the other parts. She placed it on top of River's sphere. Who knew making a snowman could be so fun?

[River Tseung]

"Ohmygosh let's do it," River gushed, nodding energetically. Definitely a promise he would keep. He made enough working at Honest Abe's, he'd be able to splurge on some goodies and such, and just ask other people to chip in. Perfect!

"Yeahhh, that's why I usually prefer building stuff with the snow over throwing it at people," River giggled. Nope, he was not a competitive person by nature, and what if he did accidentally hurt someone? Yikes! "Although... We could totally have a water balloon fight or toss or something at our barbecue," he determined with a nod. That idea was just getting better and better.

River grinned as Carleigh agreed with his idea, bouncing a little on the balls of his feet with excitement. "I'm graduating this year, so maybe that's what I can do for my... Pre-college act of rebelliousness, or whatever," he laughed. It wasn't really rebellious, but it sounded like an awesome adventure waiting to happen. "Maybe we can find a group and head on over there, then," he suggested with a wink. Nope, totally not weird to suggest such a thing. River had the basic mindset that every stranger was a potential friend, and that meant anyone knew that he met and clicked with were on his awesome list. And that awesome list came with his wholehearted dedication and loyalty. It wasn't the most rational ways of thinking, but he hadn't been hurt from it yet.

River blinked and jolted a little at the 'v-word', but it quickly melted away as his bright smile reappeared. Poor innocent-minded boy, those sorts of things just threw him off a little. "Go for it," he encouraged, and watched as Carleigh placed it perfectly on the rest of the body. "Look at you! You're a pro already, sweetheart," he beamed. "Wanna put on the face?" He handed her a couple rocks and went to work putting the ones in place for the smile, letting his new friend do the eyes. Once complete, he stepped back and admired their work. "I think that's a job well done, yeah?" he grinned, lifting a hand for a high-five. "Now, how about that hot chocolate?"

[Carleigh Davidson]

Carleigh held her pinky out for a second, as a sort of quick pinky promise. Grinning at River, she could imagine the barbecue right now. Hot dogs and hamburgers grilling, ice cold beverages... candy, of course. It was a fantasy land come true. "Exactly! I love water balloon fights." She gushed. It made more sense that way! The weather in the summer was hotter, and water balloon fights were refreshing. In the winter, cold weather and playing with cold snow... not a good idea. "We will totally blend everything wonderful and perfect about summer and make the greatest barbecue known to mankind!" She was confident about her and River's combined efforts and enthusiasm.

... though River graduating next year was a bit of a damper. Shame she didn't meet the gentle, sweet boy earlier during their stay at Hammel. "Totallly, you can count me in!" Carleigh beamed, laughing afterwards. Rebellious? Not so much. But definitely cute. Clapping, she grinned at River. "Yeah! We can all pile into a few different vehicles and travel together. Roof down, sun out..." She giggled when River winked, turning a little pink in response. "I'd love an adventure!"

Taking a step back, Carleigh admired their hard work with a cheerful smile. The blonde never expected to have so much fun in the snow! Beaming again, she turned to face River. "I wouldn't say pro, but you definitely helped out a lot." She replied, still smiling. Part of her wanted to take a picture with the snowman and send it back home. Then again, Carleigh didn't really speak to anyone there... she let the bitter thought float to the back of her mind, focusing on River and their snowman. "Sure!" Taking the rocks, placing them as eyes. Perfect. "Cute lil fellow." She grinned, high-fiving River.

Oh right, the hot chocolate! Licking her lips, Carleigh involuntarily smiled. Yumm. "Can't wait! I'd love some hot chocolate."

[River Tseung]

River beamed at the offered pinky and quickly intertwined it with his own, curling them together with a nod. There, it was a done deal, totally going to happen. "Yess," he gushed, closing his eyes with nostalgia from past water balloon fights. He wasn't extremely tolerant to heat anyway, so being doused in water sounded lovely for the warmer months. "We're gonna do it," he determined, his face going strictly serious for a brief moment. Then he burst into giggles a moment later.

Knowing River, he'd likely visit Hammel on a regular basis to visit friends, so he would still be around, at least. "Awesome," he grinned, chest thrumming with excitement. This was sounding like it was going to be one of the best summers ever. He let out a dreamy sigh and closed his eyes as Carleigh talked, imagining it all now. "I don't have a car, but I can drive, so we'll figure something out," he agreed, practically bouncing. "I'll start planning the trip now so we know what stops we should make along the way!" There were surely several places they could hit on their trip to the west coast.

He giggled as they high-fived, throwing a friendly arm over Carleigh's shoulder as they took a moment to admire their work before turning to go inside. "I'm really glad you stopped to join me," he told her happily, giving a glance back as they walked. "It's more fun than to do it alone." River couldn't stop smiling as they reached the warmth of the building; he shed off his coat, gloves, and snow boots, pausing as he considered the best plan. "I have some hot chocolate mix in my room, actually... Would you like to go up there?" he asked. "I should hang these damp clothes up so they can dry," he explained with a slightly embarrassed grin.

[Carleigh Davidson]

"Of course we are, we pinky promised." Carleigh reminded him with a grin, laughing at his super serious expression. It seemed out of place on the gentle, carefree boy. Then, after the barbecue they could go off on the cross country road trip. Something about travelling across the country with a bunch of friends... seemed like a lot of fun! Maybe the movies romanticized the whole concept but Carleigh still wanted to do it before going off to university. "We could borrow a car somewhere. Lease it for a couple months or something." She said with a shrug. Money wasn't going to stop the fun from happening, not with Carleigh there.

"Every big city in the US!" Carleigh exclaimed, grinning. "Then, when we're travelling between them, we get to see the countryside and whatnot." She started thinking of the journey and how fun it would be.

Carleigh looked at their snowman, nodding. Surprisingly, it was a lot of fun! She had to give it to River, it made the sunny blonde forget all about the cold weather and unpleasantries of winter. "I'm glad I did too." Carleigh smiled at River, pausing to admire their hard work with a blush as his arm went around her. "You made me not hate winter so much." She admitted with a giggle, as they walked inside the warm building. Carleigh slipped off her gloves and extra layers, sighing happily. Ahhh warmth.

"Sure!" Carleigh exclaimed, still smiling. "Doesn't matter where we go as long as I get my hot chocolate." She said, teasing River. She could already taste the sweet taste of chocolate on her tongue. "Then I can dry my clothes up there too."

[River Tseung]

River snapped his fingers and pointed at Carleigh, his expression clearly showing how genius he thought she was. "That sounds awesome. I should have some cash saved up from working, so as long as some other people pitch in, we could totally do that." Nope, nothing was going to stay in the way of this trip happening. He'd make it work.

"Every one?" he laughed, trying to imagine it. "Yeah, why not? Might as well see all that we can while we're at it," he beamed. New York City, Nashville, Los Angeles... Yep, it would be the best. "Ohmygosh, I can't wait," he gushed with a flurry of giggles. It was just... So exciting!

He grinned as Carleigh spoke again, giddy to hear her say such nice things. "Then my day is made," River told her. "Anything to make anyone like something a little more!" It was his goal in life to make as many people happy as he could, so this was a great success in his book.

"Alright, awesome," he giggled, bouncing as he led the way up to the co-eds. "Don't worry, you'll get it, I promise!" River assured her, taking the steps up two at a time until they reached the floor. He stopped in front of 211 and popped inside, making a beeline for the cupboards to pull out the hot chocolate mix, singing quietly to himself all the while. "You can just lay your damp clothes on the couch," he told her, where he had placed his coat and gloves. "I'll have this ready in no time!" He darted around like a kid on too much sugar, quickly getting everything prepared. River even pulled out a bag of mini marshmallows with a wide grin. "Want some?" he asked, holding out the open container.