Chapter 21
This chapter is basically Maiko fluff XD
Also tension between Mai and Toph because I never imagined they would get on that well.
-oOo-
"The temperature in this place could stand to go up a few degrees." having not been to the South Pole before, Mai had decided that she never should have come. She'd been warned it was cold, but no one could describe to her how it actually felt. Zuko shed his furs and wrapped them around Mai's shoulders. She accepted gratefully, but worried about her boyfriend's lack of layers. "Won't you be cold?" in response, the firebender put his hands together and breathed deeply. Smoke issued from his ears and nose. Smirking, Mai said "I guess that answers my question."
The group consisted of Joy, Mai Zuko and Toph- Iroh had insisted on going straight back to The Jasmine Dragon. The village was about a mile off and compared to the eel-hounds they were used to, the pace was slow.
Toph was reminded of the time in the dessert months ago. The tension was high and everyone was shivering an irritable. She had to wear shoes so everything was faded and every lump of snow made her stumble. This was Toph's second time to the South Pole and it wasn't any better than the first one. Mai didn't help with Toph's mood, constantly complaining about everything. Couldn't she get a grip? She gritted her teeth to stop herself from retorting against the other girl's monotone protests against the landscape.
Zuko could feel an argument brewing. His tendency for hot-headed outbursts meant he had a good sense of when one was about to happen. Something about the looks Toph and Mai were exchanging made him take the latter's hand and lead her away from the others. He addressed the sisters "We'll meet you at the village." A confused Mai dragged along, muttering that she just wanted to get somewhere warm. "You will. I promise." an icy cave was only a few feet away. Zuko had spotted it, and took his chance.
"Zuko, what...?"
The interior of the cave was clear of ice and snow, smooth stone walls with small boulders littered around. Mai perched shakily on one of them and looked around glumly. In their bags, they had bedding, food and kindling. All they needed. Zuko lit a fire and then began to arrange blankets in a little alcove in the wall. They had packed enough bedding between them to create a cosy nest.
The couple was huddled under blanket after blanket, but cosy and sheltered from the wind. Despite the roaring gale outside, the atmosphere felt peaceful and gentle. Zuko placed a kiss on his sleepy girlfriends head and admitted. "I've missed this. Spending time together." Mai's dark eyes shone with the fire.
"Me too Zuko. You should take a break from being Fire Lord more often."
As the light outside dwindled, the two lovers drifted into a content sleep, unaware of what they had caused by leaving.
-oOo-
Oook that was pretty short I know I think I'm having another uninspired phase but hopefull that won't last long.