"Where are you going? Don't you know how much there is to do?"

He paused briefly, glancing out at the sunny morning before donning the black wool cap. His assistant sighed, palming his face. "And all you think about is the snow.." Mr. La Fllaga spent whole days out there on the slopes, often not returning until late in the evening. But he was always smiling, blue eyes alight with a kind of happiness that the younger man had never seen from him - being out there was clearly doing him some good. So it was hard to begrudge him that...except when it stopped him from doing the things he was supposed to be doing. "You know you're supposed to be at a photoshoot today don't you?"

The blonde man rolled his eyes and reached for his jacket. "Stuff's more important."

"You won't get any money if you don't."

"I have enough." Which was true, but still... It was clear Mr. La Fllaga had something else on his mind, whether that be the snow or the chocolate parfait pudding at the shop in the village or both, and Kira knew well enough that once he'd made his mind up about something there would be no stopping him. He'd just have to cancel the shoot and hope his boss was in more of a mood to do it later.

"Whatever. I can't stop you." The older man grinned and picked up his skis, fairly dashing from the room...he was so like a little kid sometimes. Capable of more perception than people would expect, but in the next breath so dense it took your breath away. But he was essentially a good person. Now the only problem was getting the photographers and PA's to accept that.

Airhead...

The day was perfect. Dodging the crowds and the small crowd of squealing girls he escaped up the slope with his skis, strapping them on and setting off into the cold morning air, laughing as he went. Let the photo guys wait. Let everyone wait. He had something more important to do. He'd visited the tiny cabin on the slope every day this week, heart always jumping when he saw her smile. To his delight she seemed to be getting stronger, each day finding her a little better than the last, and today was no exception. As he rounded the corner he caught sight of her standing on the porch of her cabin using a broom to sweep away the piled snow. She was wrapped up warm in a thick black coat, the cold air and red fabric of her hat, scarf and mittens bringing colour to her cheeks, and she was even humming to herself. For a moment he just watched her.

She has no idea how beautiful she is, has she? As he watched she tipped her head back, closing dark eyes and smiling gently, the expression almost taking his breath away. He was all for just standing here and not letting on he was here, but before he could finish that thought she opened her eyes and saw him, that stunning smile brightening further. "I thought you weren't coming. Breakfast's been ready half-an-hour."

Mwu shook his head slightly to clear the fog that smile had left behind. "Sorry. You didn't have to do that.."

"No, I didn't," she admitted cheerfully. "But never mind. Come on.." Breakfast turned out to be egg and bacon with all the trimmings, including sausages, beans, toast and tomatoes. Impressed (and hungry) he whistled, causing her smile to become one of unmistakeable pride. The kid had left what he'd supposed had been breakfast on the side table outside his room, a dainty cup of coffee and croissant. What the hell kind of meal was that? But this...This was much more like it. He ate everything that was put in front of him with gusto and leaned back with a sigh when it was finished, about as content as he'd ever been.

"I'll go down to the village later and get you some more stuff - I must have eaten half of what was in the cupboards.." She waved a fork, busy with her own breakfast.

"We can both go. I haven't been much further than the porch yet, and some fresh air will do me good."

"Are you sure? Downhill will be fine, but uphill...it's pretty steep.."

"I won't get stronger if I don't try." Finishing her meal Murrue took the plates to the little sink and ran some hot water. "Don't fuss."

She's a stubborn one, isn't she? I suppose no-one can be perfect... But oddly enough, that little imperfection only added to her charms. She wasn't an angel though she looked like one...she had flaws and hiccups like everyone else. "If milady insists."

"She does." She turned around from the sink with a little smile. "Milady doesn't want to have people running around after her all the time."

"Not even if they want to?"

"Not even if they want to. I'm used to looking after myself."

Mwu smiled. "Would letting someone help be so bad? You might not need it, but someone might want to." His companion was quiet for a moment, then, to his not so hidden delight she blushed. He knew there was some kind of connection between them - there had been since the day they'd met. He knew she likely had an idea he was attracted to her, after all the first time he'd seen her he'd tripped over his own feet, and by her blush it seemed (just maybe) that the attraction went both ways. I'd look after you. Just give me a chance to prove it...

She'd forgotten how much fun snow could be. She didn't own a pair of skis or skiboots like his, but her gumboots would work just fine as long as she didn't jump into any drifts. And besides, the day was beautiful. Feeling full of energy she spun around under the blue sky with a laugh. This trip had been the right idea. Fresh air, snow and good company - what more could she ask for?

"Someone feels better today.."

"Is that bad?"

"Not at all." Mwu pointed down the slope to a small building on the outskirts of the village. "That cafe there does some good cake. Chocolate parfait and some others. Want to try them?"

"Cake?" Intrigued by the prospect she smiled, accepting his help to clamber over a large pile of snow. "That sounds nice. But I'll buy this time. You always spring for dinner."

"I can afford it."

She huffed, hands on hips. "I don't care."

"Are you going to be stubborn about this?"

"Damn straight." Setting her sights on the village she strode down the slope, almost tripping in the deep snowdrifts more than once but refusing his help. She was aware of his grin but ignored it. He was a good friend and a good person, and deep down she really didn't mind him looking out for her...but she did mind having everything done for her. He hadn't let her pay for dinner the few times he'd gone for takeout, not even when she'd insisted, and it irritated her immensely. I'm ill, not penniless... When they finally reached the village she was momentarily confused when he tugged down his hat and adjusted the mirror goggles he wore so his features could hardly be seen. She watched him with a small frown but said nothing, just pushed open the cafe door.

The cake was excellent, the filling creamy and sweet but she found it hard to enjoy it when he sat eating silently, still in the ski hat and glasses. People around were pointing and whispering, which wasn't surprising given his attitude. Finally she rolled her eyes and set down her spoon, walking to the counter and conversing with the girl behind the counter before receiving a small bag and departing, leaving a very confused Mwu still sitting at the table - but not for long.

"Murrue! C'mon Murrue, wait up!"

She refused to turn around, hoping he'd get the hint and stop following her...but as she'd expected he wouldn't, running easily up the slope to catch up with her. Annoyed she increased her pace, not caring about the snow in her gumboots or the cold wind that had picked up. Jerk.

She'd gotten almost halfway up the slope before she doubled over with hacking coughs, on hands and knees struggling for breath. Blood running cold he fairly sprinted up the hill, not knowing what he could do save for placing a hand on the small of her back in an attempt at reassurance. Her glare could have iced over a volcano - he had to steel himself not to back off. "Go away."

"And leave you out here like this? I don't think so."

"I'll be fine."

"No you won't." She scowled again, the expression looking out of place on her delicate features, and he held up his hands in surrender. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to make you angry.." At first he'd been confused as to why she'd stormed out like that. I hadn't done anything wrong, or said anything to upset her...then I realised. I hadn't said anything at all. I'd sat there in silence hidden from everyone, and she had no idea why...she might even have thought I didn't want to spend time with her after all. "Things...are complicated. Without going into too many details, I'm pretty well known. I wore the hat and the goggles so people wouldn't notice me...I wanted it to be just us."

Murrue blinked in surprise, obviously having not expected that answer. Without saying a word she reached out and pushed up his goggles, gloved fingers tracing his features. "Why didn't you just tell me?" she asked softly, pain in her voice. "It wouldn't have made a difference to me.."

"It would have to me. Being with you gives me a chance to be a regular guy for a change, and I don't want anything to ruin that, or to draw attention to you that you don't need. You only came here to get well.."

She shook her head but smiled, letting him help her to her feet. She was very pale, the coughing fit having drained all the colour from her face...so before she could start walking again he turned around and gestured for her to climb on his back. She hesitated for a moment, then did as asked, winding her arms around his shoulders as he began to carry her back to the cabin. He had no idea if she'd forgiven him, but he wasn't about to give up on this. She was too important.

"Now tell me. What is it you do?"

Mwu sighed, gazing at the wood-panelled ceiling of the sitting room before speaking up. "Winter sports. I'm a snowboarder."

"And you're famous for that? But I thought..."

He chuckled quietly. "Because I tripped over like that? Do you blame me? There I was out on the slope making the most of the time I had to myself, when all of a sudden I catch sight of the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. Any guy would trip.." She glanced down at her lap and the cocoa he'd made her, face feeling like it was burning. He'd never tried to hide his interest in her - rather the opposite, but...

"How...how famous are you exactly?"

"I've won a couple of medals and stuff. A while back some guys thought it'd be worthwhile having me film a few ads and now I get followed around by girls.." He sounded so annoyed by this that Murrue couldn't help smiling. He was most likely the envy of several men yet to him it had become tiresome, something irritating rather than enjoyable. But fame...that was something she hadn't expected. Such a clumsy goofball was not only famous, but widely famous? And where does that leave me? Was I better off not knowing? Before, he'd still been an idiot, but he'd been an everyday idiot. With a little sigh she leaned back on the sofa.

"Do you wish I hadn't told you?"

"No, I'm glad you did. Friends shouldn't keep secrets from each other.." He seemed to appreciate that, a weight of some sort gone from his shoulders. "I do have one request though. Two, actually."

"Oh?"

"The first one is that you don't do again what you did today, whether you wanted it to be just us or not. Because it really hurt. Okay?" He nodded without a word. "Good. The second request is that one day we go out for dinner again."

Mwu grinned. "Are you asking me out, Miss Ramius?"

"Perhaps. Would you accept?"

"Certainly I would."

( not quite how I'd planned, but then again my stories rarely are lol

please read and review anyway lol )