I'm back with some more fluffiness. This is a sequel to the last chapter. Thanks for the reviews. Hope everyone is doing okay, and hope you all enjoy this. Please read and review.
The oppressive heat of the late afternoon summer sun radiated down upon the tiny island nation of Orb, the only relief coming from a sea breeze blowing lightly . A few fluffy white clouds dotted the bright blue sky as the residents of the city went about their business. Chatter filled the air as a couple explored the bustling zoo, their hands entwined, their eyes taking in the many sights all around them.
"It's so hot out here today," Murrue glanced over to right, her marigold eyes focused on Mwu's scarred, handsome face. "The ice cream was a good idea. And it didn't hurt that it was delicious. Probably the best ice cream I've ever had," she smiled warmly as they continued walking along a pathway lined with various plants and flowers.
The tall blonde chuckled, his blonde locks blowing slightly in the breeze. "Yep, that's right. It was a good idea. And it was delicious, but, I think I could do better," he winked playfully at the confused woman.
Murrue's eyes widened in shock as they suddenly stopped walking. "What? You who can't even cook eggs without burning them could make better ice cream than that?" Her head tilted in bewilderment, she attempted to stop herself from laughing, but found that a losing battle.
Mwu's grin grew wider. "Yep, that's what I said. "I could do way better than that."
Rolling her eyes, Murrue shook her head in disbelief. "And just where did you learn to make ice cream?" The two stopped under the welcoming shade of a towering tree along the side of the cement walkway.
Mwu laughed, a fake pout plastered across his tanned face. "Aw, Murrue, I'm hurt you think I can't cook," his azure eyes dancing with laughter. "My roommate from the academy taught me. And it's the best ice cream ever," he boasted. "We even used to put a little something extra in it," he chuckled. "Used to have it all the time at parties."
"Is that so? And just what is the 'little something extra' you put in it?" Murrue laughed, her hands on her hips, leaning against the rock wall that lined the pathway.
"What do you think?" He teased his auburn haired fiancee playfully. "Here's a hint. It's something you like," he rested his back against the wall, enjoying the coolness of the shade.
"If I know you it's something that shouldn't be in ice cream," Murrue thought, her eyes widening as she realized Mwu's secret ingredient. "Oh, Mwu you didn't? Alcohol?"
"You're too smart for your own good," the tall man sighed. "But yeah, that's it. Vodka usually, but other stuff too. Vodka and chocolate was the best," he grinned, wrapping a strong arm around her petite shoulder. "I'll have to make some for you some time," he teased as they began walking down the walkway once again.
Murrue laughed, her topaz eyes shining brightly in the late afternoon sunlight. "Yeah, you sure will," she squeezed his hand tightly, her long, chocolate hair flowing in the light wind, her diamond ring sparkling brilliantly in a rainbow of colors.
"Mwu, come over here," Murrue waved him over to her, her tawny eyes fixated on an array of bright flowers across from the vast aviary that housed the tropical birds. She slowly reached out her fingers, grasping on of the long stems. The flower petals were bright yellow, with a couple of oddly placed bright blue ones. "They're beautiful...," she whispered under her breath.
"Whatcha looking at?" Mwu walked over from the aviary, peeking over her shoulder.
"They're called Birds of Paradise," Murrue read from a small sign on the rock wall. "It says they're called that because they look like the real birds. It also says that they're pollinated by sunbirds," she continued, glancing up at the flowers. Her marigold eyes grew large as she spotted one of the tiny creatures perched on one of the flowers. "Look Mwu, there's one now," she pointed in the direction of the small bird.
"Oh, I see him. He's so tiny," Mwu caught sight of the bird shining in bright hues of iridescent, metallic colors of purple, green and yellow. "Looks like a hummingbird."
"Yeah. Aren't they beautiful?" Murrue stared, a smile playing on her carnation pink lips as the tiny bird sat there perched on the bright flower.
"They sure are," Mwu wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. He leaned over her shoulder, his breath tickling her neck. "But, I think there's something even more beautiful here," he whispered in her ear, his mouth planting light kisses on the side of her neck.
"Mwu!" Murrue gasped, turning around in his arms. "This..this," she stammered, her cheeks stained bright pink. "We're in public...it's not the right time for that," she stated firmly, attempting to hide her obvious embarrassment.
"Aw, but Murrue," the blonde pouted. "No one's even here," he pointed out the deserted area, his arms still wrapped firmly around her waist. He traced the outline of her cheeks softly with his fingertips. "Please," his azure eyes gazed into her dark eyes. "I didn't mean to embarrass you."
Murrue sighed softly. "I'm sorry. It's just that," her voice trailed off as she stared down at her white flip flop sandals.
"It's okay Murrue," Mwu gently stroked the back of her head. "Is something bothering you?"
Murrue raised her head, her hands resting on the soft blue fabric against his chest. "It's just that...this peace is still so hard to get used to. I sometimes don't know how I should act. Like I can't stop being a soldier or something."
"I know how you feel," Mwu pulled her closer, her warmth radiating over him as he breathed in her flowery scent. "We can learn together, okay?"
"Okay," the brunette woman nodded. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she brought his head down to hers, their lips meeting in a brief kiss.
"Here ya go," Mwu offered a large soda to his new fiancee after making his way from the busy concession stand. "I bet you're thirsty. I know I am," he took a gulp from his own large cup, the cold beverage offering relief from the stifling heat and humidity.
"Yes, thank you," the brunette smiled, taking a sip of the sweet drink. "So, where to now?" She stood up from the bench she had been sitting at while Mwu stood in the long line.
"I don't know. I think we've seen all the animals. Hey, how 'bout we go see the tigers again?" Mwu suggested. "It's not every day you get to see tiger cubs."
"Sounds good to me," Murrue smiled. "They were cute, weren't they?"
"Look Mwu," Murrue smiled as they stood together in front of the large pane of glass, their hands joined. "They're all asleep," she stared at the family of tigers, the two adults laying side by side, and the smaller cubs cuddled all around them, their golden eyes shut tightly. "They're adorable."
"Yeah," Mwu smiled. "They're so peaceful. You think we can have that someday?" He turned his head, gazing into her marigold orbs, beginning to reflect the brilliant colors of the setting sun.
"I...uh...um," she blushed, muttering incoherently. "That..would...nice," she turned her head away, trying hard to hide her embarrassment.
Mwu laughed at her reaction, ocean blue eyes sparkling. "You are so adorable when you get embarrassed, you know that?" Running his fingers through her chocolate locks, he whispered softly in her ear. "You'll make a great mother," he smiled. Glancing at his watch, his eyes widened at the time. "Looks like it's getting late. We should probably head home."
"Um, yeah," Murrue replied quietly. She could still feel the warmth on her cheeks as they walked together through the huge parking lot as the sun began to sink lower in the sky.
"So, what do you want to eat for dinner?" Mwu opened the door to their beach side house, a cool evening breeze blowing as he opened up some of the windows.
"I don't know," Murrue turned on the television, the news just starting. "I hadn't really thought about it," she sat down on the plush cushions of the sofa.
"Hm, how 'bout we call for some pizza?" Mwu suggested as he joined her on the couch. "We haven't had some in a long time." He smiled as she snuggled close against him.
"Sounds good to me," she sighed, a content smile playing on her lips as he gently stroked her back. "Mmm, that feels good."
"Does it now?" He teased, his hands continuing their attentions. "Can we have Hawaiian pizza?" He looked down at her as the news anchor reported the many events of the day.
"Hawaiian pizza?" Murrue lifted her head from his shoulder. "Oh Mwu...," she sighed lightly, resting it once again on him.
"Please," he begged. "It's my favorite."
"I guess. You know I find it impossible to resist you," she closed her eyes as he ran his fingers through her silky hair.
"Yep, I know," he winked, standing up to go grab the phone. "Guess I should call. I'm starving."
"You and your appetite," Murrue laughed. "You're insatiable," she rested her head against the soft, tan cushion.
Mwu laughed as he began to dial. "That's me."
The two lovers spent the rest of the evening snuggled close on the couch as they enjoyed the steaming hot pizza, a soccer game playing on the television.
"Thank you for today, Mwu," Murrue lightly kissed his cheek. "It was wonderful," she grinned.
"I'm glad you liked it. And we still have the weekend," he reminded her, kissing the top of her forehead. "How 'bout I make you some of that ice cream tomorrow?"
"Sounds great," she sighed blissfully, resting her head in his lap as the soccer game unfolded on the bright televison.
A/N: I think I'm gonna die from a fluff overdose or something. Hope you all enjoyed that, and please review.