They sit together, legs slung over the edge of a deep and ancient crack in the glacier. She has her arms wrapped around her torso against the cruel chill, which seeps through the layers of feathers and settles deep in her hollow bones. Jack is very literally in his element, and the biting wind around them does not touch him. She wants to lean in, to let her head rest on his shoulder, but she is not sure it would be prudent. He looks lost in thought, and she allows him the small comfort of her silent company. She smiles wistfully to herself and lets the minutes roll by.
"Tooth," he says finally; his voice is uncertain, and she waits. "Just... thanks. For everything." He turns to look at her, and she can tell he's sincere. There is a desperate, searching look in his eyes, and she smiles.
"No need to thank me. You're my friend, Jack. It's just what friends do." She's not sure it is, not sure at all, but she leaves that thought unsaid. He relaxes and returns her smile.
"I guess, but still. Really. If there's anything I can do, just let me know, okay?" There is a pause, and then she cocks a feathered brow.
"Well," she intones, drawing out the syllable. "There is one thing..."
"Okay," he says. "What is it?" She leans in and smiles impishly, fingers flexing.
"Open wide." For a second he looks lost, but then the other shoe drops and he lets out a breathy laugh. She nudges him gently, and he rolls his eyes and draws his lips back. Her wings unfold, and before she knows it she's hovering in front of him, inches from his face. She coos to herself over the pristine rows of teeth, and tentatively she lets her slim fingers examine them further. Satisfied, she pulls her hands back and nods victoriously.
"Now we're even," she says, and she means it. He watches her for a moment with bright eyes, and then he reaches out and pulls her close. There is a second where nothing happens, and she knows he's giving her an out; an opportunity to politely back off and protect the status quo. She doesn't. Instead she closes the distance between them, and though his lips are cold as ice she feels warmth pour through her body like molten gold.