The Longest Night

The bitter snowstorm ripped wildly through the air. The Winter Solstice is considered the longest night in the month of December on the 21st. And that's exactly what tonight was.

The lonely Manx cat stood at the doorway, staring out into the pitch-black coldness that was in front of him. Tears stung his eyes as he closed his hands together and held them close to his chest.

"Stimpy…" Ren said softly as he stepped out from behind him. "You've been out here for almost a week! Come inside, Stimpy! You're really starting to worry me." Ren begged as he stared at Stimpy worryingly.

Stimpy turned away and tried to ignore his pal.

Ren stood next to him and looked around. He smiled as he came up with an idea. "I'll let you string those popcorn necklaces you love so much!" He said trying to sound enthusiastic about it. "Huh, huh?" He gently elbowed Stimpy's side then leaned against him.

Stimpy groaned, unimpressed with Ren's attempt to make him happy. He continued looking out in the distance as tears slid down his face.

After a long silence, Ren looked up at Stimpy. Crap I knew that wouldn't have worked… He thought as his smile faded. He looked up, trying to think of something else. What else can I do? I mean… I'm trying to be as nice as I possibly can, but—He stopped as he realized just what he was looking at. A mistletoe, hanging from the doorway. That's it! His ears perked up and he smiled wide as an even better idea struck him.

"Hey Stimpy!" He said excitedly.

Stimpy looked over at him.

Ren pointed up at the dangling mistletoe. Stimpy stared at it, then looked back into the darkness.

Ren bit his lip and smiled, his eyes were half lidded as he stared at Stimpy, waiting for him to realize what it meant.

Stimpy tried to think about it as he stared blankly. It's just a mistletoe… nothing special. He's just not trying his absolute best now…unless… wait… His eyes got wide once he came to a slight noticing. He finally realized what Ren was pulling him into. His ears went up and he looked over at him.

Ren giggled slightly and looked away. "Well?"

Stimpy looked over at him, unsure of what to tell him.

Ren turned closer to him and leaned in.

Stimpy turned away.

Ren's ears went down. "Please, Stimpy…" He held Stimpy's hand. "Please don't pull away… I know you need this… I mean… I hardly show it…" Ren said softly. He stared at him then looked away.

Stimpy was silent.

Ren turned him so that they were completely face-to-face. He stared at him, then took Stimpy's other hand and held it tightly. He slowly leaned in and closed his eyes. He pulled Stimpy in and softly kissed him.

Stimpy stared at him for a while, unsure of what to do. The warmth from Ren's kiss instantly making his body warm. He blushed darkly and closed his eyes and kissed him back.

They stood there in the cold snow, kissing. Stimpy was waiting for this moment and to just seize it. To never let it go. And deep down, Ren wanted it as well.